would travel at an identical speed to that of my previous apparatus that ran down the How Effective is an Arrow Against aerial rope way. For the steering mechanism I salvaged a windscreen wiper motor, which was connected to a screw thread, and this then operated the steering linkage to turn the wheels. This was controlled by a system of micro-switches, which was switched on and off Can an arrow from a Warbow really pierce armour? How effective was by standard model aeroplane type servo-motors. To work the throttle, I used another Brigandine against arrows? Can the arrows kill an armoured Knight with set of servo-motors, and the whole system was then governed by a standard radio control transmitter. These are just a few of the questions that Mark Stretton wanted to find definitive The rig was then fitted out with plywood, expanded foam insulation board and a Danage target boss. This was to protect the vital areas (such as the battery and the fuel tank) from stray arrows, and it also minimised arrow breakages on the steel frame itself, which meant more testing could be done in the time that was available to me. So that my tests with this new apparatus were a direct comparison to my previous The following article is a particularly exciting account of him shooting at a remote experiments, I wanted to use the same armour that had been used before. This, as mentioned in Part 11, was a piece of medium carbon steel plate armour of around 1.6mm to 1.7mm in thickness, and once again it was fitted around a bag of dried beans – as detailed and used in my previous penetration tests. However, there was one problem that I needed to address, and that was obviously that there were holes in the plate from the last set of experiments. So I had to carefully close them up, and this was done by cold forging the splits of the aperture back to being a flat surface. I did this operation cold, so as to not alter the temper of the plate, and of course this would keep all the variables of the test to a minimum. Also, the shots taken at the armour when it was at 80 yds were all at an elevated The Tests began… I decided that the first test would be for the apparatus to be driven at me at full speed. I would then shoot an arrow at the plate, when the rig was less than 20 yards away, propelled, with the same bow I used in the previous tests. This meant I would get a direct comparison of the perfect for what I wanted to make. All that needed to be done was for me to rebuild it into the apparatus that I required, and then make it totally remote controlled effectiveness of the new rig against the previous one, and in particular I would be able to tell if the results were the same on how the arrow penetrated the armour. The velocity of the rig was now tested, by timing it between two known points of distance, and as I had both calculated and hoped for – it travelled at a constant 20 m.p.h. 51
This photo shows me getting ready to shoot as the rig approaches at full speed. However, it is again worth pointing out at this stage that a velocity is in fact 30 ft/sec or 10yds/sec. This does not seem much, but I must say that it is quite disorientating to shoot at a moving target if you are not used to it, and let’s be honest – this type of shot is not taken in normal everyday archery! Needless to say my first shot went high, although it did stick into the plate; but it was in a thinner section of the armour and I wanted to hit the same area that we had done in my previous tests. It was also very near to where I had closed up one of the previous holes, so this shot was discounted. The main problem had been that the rig had come onto me before I was really ready to take the shot, and this distraction had actually made me rush. So I decided to start again, but this time I would be in position to shoot at the plate much earlier. This shows the rig approaching again, but this time I have drawn the bow – ready to take the shot. The arrow hit the centre of the armour when the rig was at approximately 15 yards away, but this time it sunk very deep into the plate with a harsh sound of metal upon metal. Here is a close up of the plate with the arrow protruding, and it can be seen that there is less than ½” of the socket on the arrowhead sticking out from the surface of the plate. The head I used on this test was the improved lozenge-shaped, which was detailed in and had been very successful on the Brigandine in my Practical Tests that are featured in Part 9. This type of head was 4” in length, from the tip to the end of the socket, and so the result of this shot meant that the head had penetrated through the hardened surface to a depth of over 3½”, which I felt was very impressive. Comparison Tests For comparison, I then took an arrow which was identical in weight and shape to the previous one, and shot it into the plate whilst the rig was static. This was taken from the same distance that my previous arrow had engaged the moving target, and it was instantly noticeable that when the arrow struck the plate, the harsh sound caused by the impact was far less than before. This second arrow had hit the plate within an inch of where the first arrow was, which meant that it had penetrated into the same thickness of the plate, and it was now a direct comparison. When the armour was thoroughly examined, it was clear that the arrow had not penetrated into the plate as far this time and it was at least ½” less than the previous arrow that was shot when the rig was moving. 52
This photo shows me getting ready to shoot as the rig approaches at full speed. Whilst the rig was stationary I decided to try another experiment; and that was to shoot the very heavy plate cutting bodkin arrow that I shot at the dead pig carcase and the Brigandine tests, which are detailed in my Practical Tests part 2 and 3. This massive arrow had a total weight of 125g (1925gn), and was a truly formidable arrow in my earlier tests, but I wanted to know how this would perform on this particular piece of armour. When I shot it at the armour, the heavy arrow struck with an enormous crack, and it in my previous tests. It was also very near to where I had closed up one of the surprisingly bounced off the plate. I tried again and a similar result was obtained. When I later examined the plate, there were deep diamond shape holes cut into the surface, but they were not quite big enough for the point of the head to slide through onto the tapering waist section of the arrowhead. If it had done so, then the head would have probably passed through the plate, which means that the arrow would have also been driven deep into the bag of beans. However, it must not be forgotten that the blunt trauma caused from such an impact (with an arrow of such a large weight) would be colossal, and as featured in Part 10 – this may then later turn in to a very nasty or even a fatal wound. It was interesting that this particular arrowhead, when used on the softer lower carbon steel breastplate, had penetrated clean through the plate, and was stuck deep into the chest cavity of the pig carcase. However, what I wanted to test next was could this heavier head penetrate through the tougher plate, by simply having the armour move towards the archer? The head I used on this test was the improved The answer to this question will be detailed in my next article which will be posted on my Blog very soon. You can register to receive these updates by email as soon as they are posted by visiting www.markstretton.blogspot.com . This type of head was 4” in length, from the tip to the end of the socket, and so the result of 53
A true custom built layer by layer after your wishes and choice of your favourite wood are selected for look or performance, just in case the super-core bamboo is just not enough for you. And it delivers a smooth draw and speed without hand-shock; and power - I shoot it in the rain with a wet string and 500 grain wooden arrows with turkey feather, which went flat and still had my same aiming point at 30 metres. The riser feels solid and stable, coated in the special varnish which enhances the beauty and feel of the wood if you’re not into leather grips etc. I selected some heavy wood types but the weight of the bow came in at around 750 grams, light enough to shoot all day. A forgiving brace height up to 8 inches is a great advantage if you have some meat on your arms. It comes with a bow sock, stringer, arrow rest material and FF string without a nocking point and the excellent service and advice from Mr Klomp from conception, throughout the build and post-delivery. It was also made and delivered much faster than the posted time slot in the web shop . But what is this sure grip coating? It’s a grainy textured layer to prevent slipping, but it wears down too fast if you shoot a lot or change your grip while aiming so if you don’t like to use gloves order a can on the side. Is it worth the price? YES!, tailored to your wishes from draw weight to poundage and any type of grip there is. More wood types to choose from than any other supplier, even with fibreglass, and the same price no matter what rare or exotic wood you choose in endless combinations to make a bow that's truly your own - one of a kind. Review by: Morten Jacobsen 54
The South West Crown was conceived six or seven years ago as a result of the worry, within the NFAS, that the cost of holding the Champs was rising and the number of entries was falling. There were appeals for the membership to come up with some ideas. I shoot it in the rain with a wet string and Toad Hollow and Muscovy put their heads together and our conclusion was that only a small 500 grain wooden arrows with turkey feather, which went flat and still had my same aiming point at proportion of the membership are in a position to attend champs events far from home. Because the peninsula of Devon and Cornwall is so long, many of us have to add an extra hour or two’s travelling to an event in the Midlands or the North. We floated the idea of a series of six regional championships, held by different clubs each came in at around 750 grams, light enough to shoot all day. A forgiving brace height up to 8 inches is year within their catchment area. The winners of each regional round could compete in a smaller and less expensive championship round. This could also have been held by any club which had enough ground to put on two courses simultaneously. The cost, to the NFAS, of the entire championship would have been zero and the profits would have gone to the hosting delivery. club for all their hard work. The benefit to all NFAS archers would have been that every single member would have been able to attend a championship standard event without the need for B & B, camping or days off work. I still have the postcode map of the UK with all of the clubs, shoot-hosting and non shoot-hosting, divided into six regions, within which nobody has to travel more than daily driving distance to get to their local event. The idea generated a long discussion on the NFAS Forum and it became apparent that the feelings of the majority (of the tiny percentage of members that actually post comments on the forum) found it elitist. The basic ethos of the NFAS has always been that anyone with a certain number of signed shoot cards can go to a Champs event and this system would exclude them from the “big event”. Our feeling was the opposite – the best archers will ultimately win the trophies just as before but, in the meantime, 5000 archers would have had the chance to shoot on a championship standard course and compare their performance with national scores. So, that’s the history lesson over. The first Crown event was held in 2012 by the Toads at the Endsleigh Hotel grounds on the River Tamar. The arboretum in which we shot contained many majestic trees and plants from all over the world. To make it a spectacular event, we combined our 3D targets and made many multiple shots: herds of deer, packs of wolves, families of rats … one of the most memorable shots was 60 yards, from one bank of a stream to the other, over a forest of six foot gunnera plants. A man-sized gorilla, just visible, beyond a forest of giant, spiny rhubarb - it was quite surreal. The following year’s Crown was held at Muscovy’s ground near Liskeard; then Toad’s circumstances changed and the shoot calendar left no window for the Crown. We had always intended that the Crown should move around the South West so that travelling distances were shared equally over the years. However, the concept was still being proved and there were no offers. 5 55 5
2014 and 2015 saw the Crown held at Muscovy again, as a November shoot, but with a collapsed round of 2 x 15 predator and prey targets. Entries were modest, about sixty archers shooting on the day, reflecting how far South we were and the distance that archers had to travel to shoot with us. This two-round format does not suit everyone but it made sense to keep groups on all of the targets and much easier to empty the course in the dark. The Crown functions as any other open shoot, for the most part. The original, regional championship idea was based in postcodes, rather than counties. This enabled us to achieve the same number of clubs in each region. We used these postcodes to define our South West catchment area but, recognising that there might be entrants who did not live in these codes, we included a class for “visiting archers”. There are two special features of the South West Crown: the first is that the class winners go forward to win the Antler Crown; the second is the team shoot, where archers form groups of six, shooting any style. These extra features are achieved by applying a sophisticated handicapping system. This uses data, built up over years from many shoots, where all classes shoot the same course. The handicap figures are accurate to a couple of decimal places and these are applied to all scores. The class winners have their handicaps added to their scores and the highest score wins the Crown. This is a cluster of Roe deer antlers set on a turned, oak base. The trophy has been won by an archer shooting in a different class each year, so far. Only a few points separate the final scores. You will need a big mantelpiece for this one! The teams have their, multi-style, handicaps added together and the highest total wins. Each of the members of the three winning teams receives a trophy or medal. The “Visitors class” (all styles shooting together) is won by the highest score, after handicaps have been added, and there are trophies and medals for this class too. Historically we have increased the entry fee a little to cater for the increased cost of the awards. The laser produced, acrylic trophies are unique. They are cut in the silhouette of a group of deer and bear the logo of the hosting club. At last the competition has become a genuine favourite and this year the competition is being hosted by the Bowmen of Bude. In 2017, it will move to South Devon where the South Hams team will be the hosts. By Nick Hawken. 56
2014 and 2015 saw the Crown held at Muscovy again, as a shooting on the day, reflecting how far South we were and the distance that archers had to travel to shoot with us. Crown: the first is that the class winners go forward to win the Antler Crown; the second is the team shoot, where archers form groups of six, shooting any style. many shoots, where all classes shoot the same course. 57
Photo: Paul Harrison Pictured: Home made targets @ Rebellion 58
* Word Search * Hint: you are searching for types woodland creature! E L A D Y B I R D C I O R T Y W F G D Q A K R C X S E S L P O A D E E R E N R S O Q U R R E L D P A T E U O W K J U D E M F I K S T I G W E T B V I L R A K H C W O O D P E C K E R C I D O S A R E T A F C W A I R F B U L D J U B E B E E T L E E H N V A R E S U Q U R R L A S L F T E L O V D T P I N E M A R T E N D I S A R T V T A Z Y L F N O G A R D Y A E M O D S N E I U D Q U I R L Z R J W E A S S E G L B S A G N Z F U L N X O A D B T A O T S E U L F P E R S E N G I K E U A H B Y H O C F Y W O E S O B D O G Creatures to find - good luck! Woodpecker Deer Pine Marten Squirrel Butterfly Stoat Badger Crow Buzzard Vole Weasel Jackdaw Stag Ladybird Beetle Dragonfly
“After the block was glued up and the real heavy bits, I do use a saw For allowed to cure for a while, as seen in sometimes but that is restrictive as it won't easi the last edition of Field Archery News, ly go into awkward corners so for most of the big, the rounding and roughing heavy stuff I use an axe, surgically of the figure begins.” sharp, driven with a lump hammer. Wildly swinging such an axe is a very dangerous practice, so using the hammer gives proper control. Difficulties of using English Yew English yew has a notorious amount of wastage and finding big pieces of sound timber is nearly impossible, on top of that, timber that looks sound may have inclusions that are not apparent in the first instance. “This has caused many problems so far and careful splicing-in of matching timber at crucial detail points has been necessary.” The significance of the figures being made from yew is obvious with the Archer’s connection, and besides, it is the most beautiful of timbers when polished up but it is the very devil to work because of the wastage and unpredictability. It also tends to be a little brittle on detail which can give problems later on in the refining process. Creating a life-like pose Critical to this work is the attitude of the Archer; he has to look as though he is in-tension and drawing a longbow, he has to look as though he means it. Choosing the right tools People ask if it would be easier with a chainsaw or some kind of mechanical aid, but I find that the old-fashioned way of roughing out with a mallet and chisel helps give a proper feel for the timber and the work. The gentle progression gives time to think and plan things out, so to make a mistake I've got to hammer 50 or 60 times to do so. Might not be very good on my legs, but I am used to swinging a heavy mallet all day from a stool and besides, I'm a slow thinker. 60
Careful attention was given to: the length of the draw, position of his anchor point, inclination of the bow, and his body position to convey the power. This has to be achieved For the real heavy bits, I do use a saw at the roughing stage so that when it comes to the detail stage where folds, fingers, bracer are set-in at the final cut; the basic structure is correct and all is in its right place. sharp, driven with a lump hammer. Wildly swinging such an axe is a very Once these are accurately positioned then some refining of the sleeve and arm details can be done in order to link the two, so at last we have have something that looks like an archer drawing his longbow. from yew is obvious with the Archer’s connection, and besides, it is the most wastage and unpredictability. It also tends Attention is next turned to the bow hand and the fingers are set-in accordingly, followed by, and in conjunction with the drawing hand; which technically poses far greater problems. This is because of the massive amount of undercutting and restricted access required, compounded by the fact that most of it is carved through end grain. In the next edition we will be refining the arms and shoulders, cutting in the Archer’s bracer and work will begin on the belt and equipment. Watch live updates on my website: http://www.ohboyd.com/category/news/ and on my brand new Twitter feed: ww.twitter.com/OHBoyd_woodcarv OH Boyd 61
Scarborian Field Archers: the story of our club field trophies. When I set up the two field competitions for club members I said that I would provide the trophies. Problem - I could not find any trophies which were specific to field archery so the first one was a stock 'archer on a marble plinth' which was obviously a target archer, not suitable for a field trophy but had to do for then. I decided to make my own field archery trophy. A bedded stag being sold off at Wilkinsons as left over Christmas ornaments (now wish I had bought their entire stock). A mahogany plinth from an old school award and the engraved plaque obtained from the local shoe repairer, Timpsons. Bit of glue and a hour's work. The result - pictured bottom left. Below right is the monthly trophy being presented to that month's winner, in this case John Naylor (on right) being presented by club member Baz Johnson. By Colin Greenway, Scarborian Field Archers. 62
When I set up the two field competitions for club members I said that I would provide I could not find any trophies which were specific to field archery so the first one was a stock 'archer on a marble plinth' which was obviously a target archer, I decided to make my own field archery trophy. A bedded stag being sold off at Wilkinsons from an old school award and the engraved plaque obtained from the local shoe repairer, Below right is the monthly trophy being presented to that month's winner, in this case
Generously sponsored by Trevor Lilley of Shire! Send us your best caption for the picture on the opposite page for your chance to win! The prize: a limited edition unique Robin Hood Mouse ornament. Hand crafted, hand cast and stained, carved and retaining all of the high quality fine detail of the hand carving originally done by Nick Hunter. Our little mouse is approximately 3 inches tall and he could be YOURS! Just send your entry to Hels, the Editor, giving your email address, name & caption to: [email protected], via the website messaging on the FAN UK website or by Private Message on the FAN UK Facebook page. You must be a site member of the Field Archery News UK website to enter the competition. Closing date: 28th September 2016 The winner will be chosen by the sponsor and editor of FAN UK magazine and will be announced in the October/November 2016 issue of Field Archery News UK magazine. 64
Send us your best caption for the picture Hand crafted, hand cast and stained, carved and retaining all of the high quality fine detail of the hand carving originally done by Nick Hunter. Our little mouse is approximately 3 inches Just send your entry to Hels, the Editor, , Your caption: editor of FAN UK magazine and will be announced in the October/November 2016 65
Open Shoot Open Shoot th th 26 June 2016 26 June 2016 th Well June the 26 started out with a little drizzle and then cleared to give the 83 archers that arrived for our shoot the perfect shooting conditions. The course was deceptive but achievable for all; and we were proud to showcase our new Gamut Grizzly Bear, also known by us as the Hoff or K2. He was shot off the container tree stand, at a distance of over 60 meters and standing at seven and a half feet tall he caused quite a stir. Catering was available all day and the team - made up of Jenny, Keith and Lou - kept us all in coffee, burgers and cake and did a fantastic job. The course layers - Nik, Andy, Gary, Stuart and Ian - did a sterling job and the club will enjoy shooting the course for a few months to come. Admin was overseen by Lee and Karen, who managed to get everyone in and out in good time; and from the comments from all our guests everyone had a great day, which is brilliant - even though we had more mud than we would have liked!! A big thank you also goes out to Jay, who spent the day photographing everyone. All of us were kept in order by Charlie, our chairman, who gave our safety/walk out speech, and then presented our medals with our very own Lady P, Zena. Thank you everyone, in the club for all their support and work in helping us get ready for the day, and to everyone who came to shoot and helped to make it a great day. The raffle raised a massive £100.00 for the Stacey Service Trike Appeal so thank you to all those who bought tickets. See you all next year!! Karen, on behalf of the Magic Dragon Archers. AFB – M Mark Jones 664 3 Barrie Cooper Whitemark Bowmen 530 3 Stefan Purdy 506 0 AFB – F 1 Monique Purdy 592 4 BB – M John Barcroft 686 4 Steve T HNA 660 3 Mark Stockton Company of Sixty 650 1 Andrew Lehane 602 4 John Hillsden Orion 582 0 Roger Blake 578 3 Brian Horne 562 3 Steve Lee Invicta 560 1 Aadin Holnes London Archers 536 2 Steve Joy shooting 68
BB – M (continued) Roy Fisher Bridgewoods 512 1 Robert Moore Bridgewoods 496 3 Alan Roberts HNA 492 1 Glen Bolton Bridgewoods 488 2 Jason Stonier 468 1 Graeme Wilmhurst Senlac 450 1 David Day started out with a little drizzle and then cleared to give the 382 0 BB – F The course was deceptive but achievable for all; and we were proud to showcase HNA 474 1 Debbie Harding our new Gamut Grizzly Bear, also known by us as the Hoff or K2. He was shot off HNA 466 2 Barbara Roberts the container tree stand, at a distance of over 60 meters and standing at seven Elaine Eyres 450 3 Nicola Devane 304 0 BH – M Scott Jones TFA 752 11 did a sterling job and the club Tony Fuller 724 7 Stephen Barker London Archers 680 6 Mark Bloomfield Magna Carta 636 3 The bear from Peter Tricker 274 0 Ret the blue peg! BH – Juniors Josh Bloomfield Magna Carta 596 4 BH – Cubs Sebastian Stockton Co. of Sixty 572 2 XB – M Paul Provins 792 10 FS – M Tiny rats from a tree stand Lawrence Goodall Company of Sixty 710 4 Colin Hills 696 8 Mitch Hill Aurora 678 5 John Smith 662 4 FS – F Lisa Fowler Company of Sixty 652 5 Lisa Lord Aurora 446 2 HT – M Steve Rand 666 6 Roger Massey 654 3 Ian Tillott Invicta 614 2 Dan Gadson 610 2 Tim Seed Invicta 592 4 Roy McKenzie AOB 584 3 Mark Evans Independent 576 0 Shanker Achari 530 3 James Barcroft 498 3 Edward Knight 432 0 Gordon Eyres 400 2 Juan Felipe Invicta 316 1 69
HT – F Booking in, under the Jan Seed 574 5 parachute. Linda Lehane 502 1 Ross Jackson 468 2 HT – Juniors Connor Tillott Invicta 616 4 Callum Lim Invicta 440 0 PV – M Andrew Gilfren 542 1 Bob Miles 432 1 Ant Johnson Dragonfly 370 0 PV – Cubs Luke Johnson Dragonfly 150 0 LB – M Gerry Tierney Longbow Heritage 644 3 Phil Budgen 604 1 Martin Watson Bridgewoods 566 2 Chris Hurst 540 1 Jessee Lim Invicta 524 3 John Evett Bridgewoods 488 3 Sean Haldene 464 1 LB – F Sylvia Marshall Medieval Society Bowmen 462 3 Freda Marshall Medieval Society Bowmen 418 1 Sue Bint 280 0 Wendy Watson Bridgewoods 236 0 UL – M Tom Yates 826 15 Trevor Baker Archers of Battle 798 13 Neil Bonner 776 10 Stewart Fenwick 764 7 Mick Lee 756 3 Matthew Fennel 746 9 UL – F Karen Hillsden 788 11 Carol Spanton Senlac 770 8 UL – Juniors Jack Massey 606 2 70
Booking in,
Photo: Sheron Vowden’s “Spirit of Field Archers” #2 Pictured: Lets dress up for our Halloween shoot they said ... some great outfits, some easier to shoot in than others! Photo: Sheron Vowden’s “Spirit of Field Archers” #3 Pictured: Angie and Graham are determined not to be witnesses to the murder of the course layer (Sheron), who got the better of archer Mike on at least a couple of targets at Ashcombe. 72
Pictured: Lets dress up for our Halloween shoot they said ... Pictured: Angie and Graham are determined not to be witnesses to the murder of the course layer (Sheron), who got the better of archer Mike on at
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Introduction club members. We were then shown of them were committed EFAA the practice butts in the glade and members, mainly older members My Journey in Archery started in 1989, while in my mid-50s. At the taken out onto the 14 target course who had been with the club for in the woodland proper. time I was expecting to be many years. The rest were either NFAS (National Field Archery Society) We had been offered early retirement from my advised to bring our employment as an Automotive or GNAS archers who just wanted bows with us so that we could shoot to move Engineer. I was looking for a hobby some of the targets. We were away from Target environment and be involved in or sport that would stretch me surprised to see the small black and Field shooting. To a beginner like physically but not be too strenuous. white faces, pasted on to cardboard me, this could be very confusing at I saw an advert for evening archery and attached to bales of hay, which times when it came to applying or classes at a local Secondary school, formed the butts. All of us had the less than half a mile away, which usual target equipment, recurve interpreting rules, as each tended to automatically think of and apply struck me as a good way to find out bows with sights and stabilisers, their own organisation’s rules. but the about a sport that could meet my impression we gained was requirements. that serious Field Archers shot However, there was a general open bare bow, i.e. no sights or stabilisers. mindedness, so the club was happy The course was run by a GNAS Nevertheless, to me this seemed an to allow the local GNAS Essex Coach and was a most enjoyable interesting diversion. On top of this introduction to the sport. When County Archery Association to take we learned that the facilities were the course was completed over the club ground for a weekend members of the class were invited open 7 days a week, all year round. (for a small fee) and put on a GNAS to join the Target Archery Club Our Target club, in contrast, was only or FITA (Federation International de based at the school. This had been allowed to use the school field twice Tir A L’Arc) Field competition. These a week in the summer months and formed by a group who had rounds used black and white target completed earlier courses and our the gymnasium one evening a week faces, similar to the EFAA Field. instructor was also the club’s coach. in the winter. This convinced one However, the first one that I shot or two of us to join and we did used faces with a white centre spot This was an invitation I readily so shortly afterwards. However, I and black and grey rings. These accepted. felt that I still had much to learn were not easy to see in the darker Field Archery about archery and continued my areas of the woods, but did add After I had been with the club only membership of the GNAS club a bit of variety. This was not the a short time, our coach was invited as well. current FITA/WA (World Archery) round, but one more aligned to the to bring some members along to my visits to Panther I took For a local Field Archery club for an the sight off my recurve bow, EFAA Field round and called the introduction to this version of the bought some cheap arrows and “Stamp Round”. This was named after a prominent Field Archer of sport. I knew nothing about Field started getting involved, shooting the time. The club also put on a Archery, so was happy to go along classifications and attending the to find out what it was all about. monthly work days. A couple of local regular NFAS shoot each year. The GNAS coaches, husband and wife, preparation for this included making This was an EFAA (English Field our own form of 3D target. This was were persuaded to join the club and Archery Association) club, made by pasting an animal target Panther Bowhunters, based in run a coaching course. I gladly joined onto several layers of cardboard this as I felt I still had much to learn woodland on the south side of pasted together. When this dried, about the art of Field Archery, as well Chelmsford, Essex and only about the animal outline was cut out, using 5 miles from my home. We were as shooting technique. They used to a jig-saw, to provide a free-standing met by a senior member of the talk to us about their experience in animal target. We did not see real club, in a glade at the entrance to competitions and personalities they 3Ds until some members went to about 25 acres of dense woodland. had shot with, or against, arousing shoot at the American Airbase at After brief introductions, we were even more interest in this branch of Lakenheath in Suffolk, where they given a short talk about the club, the sport. had a thriving Field club and the EFAA and experiences of various As I got more involved with the brought in much material and ideas club, I began to realise that there from the USA. were three factions within the membership. There were only about 30 members at this time, but not all 76
introduction at that time. Competitive Interest and On completion of the round I was Getting Involved told that I had set a new National We were by now feeling more record – I was probably the only one shooting FSC that day. When I put in confident as Field archers and my claim however it was rejected as decided to enter some national competitions, to aid our coaching apparently I had failed to renew my EFAA membership in time that year. duties. The first one we chose, This was a disappointment, but I in 1993, was the National Championships in September, held to move away from Target have made sure I keep up my annual membership promptly each year at Silvertree Archers in Lincolnshire. since. This was far enough away to need booking in at a hotel for the 1992 Southern Counties NFAS - weekend. Also, being there for the 4 Musketeers whole weekend gave us the opportunity to get to know many At this time one could go and shoot NFAS competitions without being a archers from around the country. member of the organisation, as the One of the surprises was to find that entry fee included day membership. so many of members of the This made an attractive proposition EFAA committee were not only and both EFAA and GNAS members present, but actually shooting the attended quite a number of shoots competition. This included the put on by local clubs. These were current President, Dot Southgate, which great fun and targets showed a 1992 Southern Counties NFAS - was so different from great deal of originality, as they Taking the Shot 1 members of the GNAS executive, quite often consisted of hand who were so vague and distant. At the end of 1992 I eventually had Another surprise was to find some painted faces of esoteric beasts, to take early retirement from work, members that we knew and looked knights in armour and such, instead which gave me more time to be of the standard animal faces. involved with my archery interests. up to, were picking up “B” Class My own development led me to Although shortly afterwards I did awards, when we thought they must be at least “A” Class. This was, in its consider upgrading my current find a part time job to help out bow. On a visit to a recommended way a comfort, as we realised one areas of the woods, but did add family finances. On the Target side, didn’t need to be an elite archer to archery dealer I was able to try and the club was growing in membership take part in a national competition. then purchase a compound bow, a and I was asked to help out Browning, of which the main selling with coaching. I initially took the point was that draw length changes Community Leader Award and could be made and would not affect shortly afterwards the full Coaching the draw weight. At this time most Certificate, as did my wife, Astrid, Field archers were shooting recurve who had now decided to join me on bows, with or without sights, this Archery Journey and joined both compounds were more of a novelty. Target and Field clubs. Once the EFAA were in many ways ahead of Panther committee learned of this 1993 EFAA Nationals - Medal Display the game, with several divisions This encouraged my competitive they persuaded us to take the covering the use of five pin sights, EFAA Instructor’s Certificate as well. streak and after seeing the moveable sights or no sights and That way I found myself being equipment these (mainly) dedicated with or without release aids. GNAS archers were using I decided to elected Club Coach and shortly and NFAS on the other hand were afterwards, when a vacancy occurred, take my archery more seriously. more restricted in their divisions, This started with an upgrade to a Hon. Secretary. so I decided to go the whole way new bow, a Hoyt SuperSlam and have a moveable sight with Compound and a set of carbon 1992 magnifying scope and a release arrows, Easton ACCs, for outdoor aid, a set-up with which I could Southern shooting. Not sure if it was the meet the requirements of all bow, the arrows or just greater Counties NFAS - 3 organisations. The first time confidence, but my scores did start Taking the Shot 2 I shot this on a classification was to improve and I found greater to shoot an International Round, enjoyment in my shooting. which I believe was a fairly new At this time Panther had two or 77
three members on the EFAA to take away the concerns and fortunately without damage to committee and when a vacancy present them at the next executive archers, targets or itself. It was here arose, I was invited to stand at the meeting. An observation I made, that that I first came to hear of the AGM in November. So, by the end did surprise me, was how well some forerunner to the EFAA, the BFAA, of 1993, I found myself as Major of the archers shot with their Field as the club still had some signs up Tournaments Officer of the EFAA. bows, rather than equipment set up indicating they were a member of for short range indoor shooting. this earlier organisation. With help 1994 turned out to be a very busy from some senior members of the year for my involvement in Field The next tournament that I had to club, the shoot went ahead as Archery. My first task in my new organise was the Spring Shoot and position was to organise the EFAA Team Championships for the May planned and was a success from my Indoor Championships in February. Bank Holiday weekend. This was to point of view and I returned home with a distinct feeling of relief. They were to be hosted by Friskney be held at Pegasus Bowmen in Bowmen in the Festival Pavilion at Wiltshire, quite a stretch. Again I the holiday resort of Skegness. contacted the club secretary about This was quite a challenge, as I had the organisation of the event. This never shot in an EFAA indoor time I was not to be let off the hook tournament, so had to find out what and the background organisation I could as quickly as possible. I would be left to me. Fortunately I found out initially from the rule had help from some of the EFAA book that while it was called the committee members regarding basic Professional Archers Association details, such as rounds to be shot, (PAA) round, it was effectively the Expert Round on the Saturday and well known GNAS Worcester Round, Marked Big Game on the Sunday. I 1994 EFAA Bowhunter Champs - with white and blue coloured faces, also had to come to terms with the Lawton Club house instead of the white and black of EFAA bow divisions for ordering The next shoot to be organised was the Imperial round. I contacted the medals and awards. My reckoning the Bowhunter Championships, Friskney Hon Sec. Dennis Ingham was that there could be 14 different scheduled for Lawton Field Bowmen, and found he had most of the bow styles, with awards for males near Stoke on Trent in Staffordshire, organisation in hand, including and females, juniors and cubs within for early June. As usual, I contacted club officials to see that all was in entry details in the Field Archer these divisions. Adding to the (quarterly magazine of the EFAA). confusion, cubs were restricted to order, which they assured me that it He just required me to organise a fewer styles, not being allowed to was. The awards for this event were few things on behalf of EFAA, such use release aids, for instance. On top simplified, with no class awards for as providing medals for the winners of this were the “B” and “C” class instance, so once again I organised of the various divisions. He was so awards. Fortunately, I had help from the entries and medals, prior to confident that he had everything a newer member at Panther, who setting off for the club. When I under control that he suggested was much more computer literate arrived I found the location was a that instead of just coming along to than me, Roger Daws. He provided a mixture of woodland, scrubland and oversee the start and finish, computer and a suitable programme open meadow close to the M6 we should actually enter the to sort out the results sheets. He also motorway, but with a decent club competition. This we were pleased came along to shoot and to help hut for refreshment, resting and use to do so that we could see an event with checking score cards and data as an office. The rounds specified we had not tried before, from both input, quite a relief. were not familiar to me, being 36 sides. target Big Game rounds. The club When we got to the Pegasus ground itself had been in existence since the All turned out well from the organi- we found it to be based on the steep sation and shooting point of view, bank of a small river. There was only 1950s, but had not previously but I did have to face some contro- limited ground available, so we had hosted a major EFAA championship. versy at the end of the shoot. The to lay out a double butted course. Most of the members seemed to be entry details specified just sighted This was a big contrast to the more familiar with NFAS shooting, and unsighted divisions for the grounds I was familiar with on the so the courses ended up being hybrid EFAA and NFAS ones. I competition, but archers shooting eastern side of the country and bows in various of the multiple provided some challenging uphill therefore ended up negotiating with EFAA bow divisions, complained and downhill shots despite the area some members of the EFAA Exec who were present, as to what was that they should have individual limitations. There was also some required and what was acceptable medals. This was something I could enlivenment on the first day, when not resolve on the day, but agreed a deer charged across the course, under the time constraints. We agreed some minor changes before 78
well as most other facilities a good school could be expected to have, which we would be allowed to use. There were 5 archery courses laid out in the wooded grounds, giving the organisers the opportunity to put groups on a different one each day. The ground was flat, but it was a long walk to some of the courses. There was an area set aside with practice butts, which were soon in use. Also, quite a number of dealers had set up stalls adjacent to the practice area, for us to view, try and purchase the latest equipment. 1994 EFAA Bowhunter Champs - The Big Field This was also useful to buy anything we had forgotten to bring with us or no direct involvement. A big relief! the shoot went ahead but it spares we may need during the nevertheless proved enjoyable to In August came the next event, the all involved. Silver Jubilee WEFAC/EFAC 1994 week. (World and European Field Archery Championships) to be held at Culford School, on the outskirts of Bury St. Edmunds. Thankfully again, I didn’t have to organise this, as the task had already been undertaken by EFAA President, Dot Southgate and her club, Kings Forest Bowmen, who were based close to the selected 1994 IFAA WEFAC Culford - venue. Knowledge of this had been Opening Gathering around for some time and initially On the Sunday came the opening my feeling was that this would be ceremony, on the lawn at the back way above my skill level. Closer to of the house. Some 16 countries were the date, I realised it was worth represented, providing 1994 EFAA Bowhunter Champs - considering entering the event. I was between 500 and 600 archers. Adding the Scores joined by around another dozen Proceedings were initiated with Panther Bowmen, including my wife, welcoming speeches from the At this time the Chairman of Mayor of St. Edmondsbury, IFAA Panther and Secretary to the EFAA, some with a lot, some with very President, Sid Green and EFAA limited, experience. So, we happily Roy Winkfield died after a long President, Dot Southgate. The flags illness. He had been my mentor booked in, most of us taking up of each nation were unfurled and since entering Field Archery, as well the option of residence in the the teams presented. Then the Silver as building up the club. He had school’s dormitory block, with meals Anniversary cake was cut, before provided. Being an International also been very busy working Field Archery Association (IFAA) wine and food was made available on events to celebrate the Silver to all. The weather was kind so we event, there was a category for Jubilee of the IFAA, EFAA and could all sit around in small groups Veterans, over 55. Astrid and I were of Panther Bowhunters, but and get to know each other, take eligible for this, but decided to unfortunately, he was not to see photographs and such. We were the results of his hard work. simply enter as Adults, so that aware from the information packs we would not be isolated into The next major tournament was the a restricted group for the week. provided that there were a group of US Pro. Archers shooting in the UK Championships to be held at the We arrived for registration as beginning of July. For this year, they specified, on the Saturday, signed tournament and an announcement was made that instead of shooting had been allocated to WFAA (Welsh in and had time to check our Field Archery Association) and were accommodation and the school all week as a separate group, as was to be hosted by Aberthaw Archers. premises. This was a private school, the normal procedure, for the first However, the WFAA and the club two days they would be mixed in housed in an old mansion, rather with the Adult CFU groups. This was were doing all of the planning and than just a house. It also had a organising, so this meant that I had a bonus for those lucky enough to swimming pool and tennis courts as 80
so far and of course, we all started Each of the next four days followed questioning Louis for hints and tips. a similar pattern with different This was certainly a good way to rounds being shot. Tuesday was a learn and made a most enjoyable Hunter Round, Wednesday a day’s shooting. I was very pleased Marked Big Game and Field and that I had made the decision to enter Hunter rounds again for the last two in the adult category, rather than as days. The difference was that at a veteran. the end of shooting, the day’s scores were totalled and ranked. The 1994 IFAA WEFAC - Sid Green, Lady At the end of the shooting we Mayor, Dot Southgate returned to the main building, about groups were then made up based on this ranking, so we usually had have one allocated to their group. 3-30 pm then to the dormitory As the week progressed we found and meet up with my wife again, groups made up of different archers that they were all very approachable who had been on a different course. each day. I can’t recall all of those I practice area, for us to view, try The Practice butts were still open shot with that week, apart from and only too pleased to give us tips on our equipment set-up, shooting and some people went over to them Dennis and Roger, but I recall form and such. to check out equipment or shooting shooting with archers from Australia, problems they may have had. For Sweden and Germany. One who On the Monday morning we me, after a wash and general clean stood out was Luit Smit from South assembled in front of the house Africa, proudly carrying their new around 8-30 am to find our groups up, it was off to the dining room for national flag. He later became and to start the competition proper. our evening meal, with some other President of the IFAA. The first day’s shooting was the 28 club members. Here we met up target Field Round and guides were with Louis again and invited him to In the evening after Friday’s provided to get us out onto our join us for the meal. Afterwards the shooting, the Class Awards were allocated courses, to start shooting bar in the main hall of the school made in the main hall, together with was available to us, together with a raffle for items donated by at 9-30 am. facilities such as darts and table supporters of the shoot. Saturday I found that I was in a group with morning and afternoon were free to tennis. Most evenings this became a couple of Panther colleagues, our routine, so that we could have a do as we wished, shopping, looking Dennis Burrow and Roger Daws, drink and sit and discuss with our around the town, but not a lot of another English archer Peter Bell club members and new friends we shooting. In the evening was the and one of the Pros, Louis Van were making each day. Some of the official banquet and presentation of Meyl, from Canada. After the initial visitors however went out to explore awards. I finished way down the list introductions and deciding who was were represented, providing the locality on trips organised by the in my category, but still managed to organisers. On some evenings the between 500 and 600 archers. to be the Target Captain for the finish ahead of quite a few “A” Class day, we soon gelled and started archers, which was very satisfying. Pros organised talks in the evening discussing our backgrounds and the as well. These were very informal, as One of the unluckiest of the English equipment each of us was using. archers was Davey Jones. He was a is the American way, so it was most I was pleased to hear how the member of the GNAS squad which informative to discuss archery topics others were enjoying the experience with them and others attending. had been shooting an International FITA tournament the previous week and was not able to get to Culford until the Monday and missed the first day’s shooting. His scores on the remaining four days topped the list, so an equivalent score on the first day would have made him the Champion. The weather held up well and we all had an interesting and enjoyable week. We decided we must do this again, although the 1996 WEFAC would be in the USA. I, however, would have to look towards organising the Silver Jubilee Nationals at Panther in September. IFAA WEFAC Culford - Archer Gathering By Mitch Vaughan, Billericay, Essex. 81
@ Apollo & Raven Field Archers - Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July by Peter Dixon, photographs by John Kewley. 160 archers turned up to our ground at Watership Down, Kingsclere to support and take part in the very first “Southern Champs”. There were 36 x 3Ds on both days and there was entertainment laid on for the Saturday evening also. The weekend saw very nice weather and the archers shot 2 very nicely set courses. From all of us at Apollo & Raven, thanks to all who attended and for the numerous kind comments - it means a lot to us and we really hope to see you again next year! Now for the results... AFB Gents Spots Score AFB Cub Boy Spots Score MARK JONES INDEPENDENT 16 1284 ARCHIE GILBERT WINDWHISTLE 4 990 DENNIS ALSTON FLEET IBEX 11 1222 IAN EVANS WINDRUSH 13 1220 AFB Ladies GARFIELD THOMAS SPIRIT OF GREEN MAN 8 1218 JUNE CRONK CRANMORE 6 1078 DARREN HAWKINS ALRESFORD BM 8 1128 LISA-MARIE REED DRUIDS 5 978 BOB CRONK CRANMORE 4 1070 MONIQUE PURDY CO. OF SIXTY 3 914 STEPHEN HINTON INDEPENDENT 7 1010 CAROLINE HUNT DRUIDS 3 902 SCOTT DINGLEY DRUIDS 5 1010 SUE KELLY SOUTH WILTS 2 728 STEFAN PURDY CO. OF SIXTY 6 1002 NICHOLAS MITCHELL BELVEDERE 6 990 JEREMY INGLEDEW SOUTH WILTS 3 952 BARRY COOPER WHITEMARK 3 922 MARK TAYLOR ARTEMIS 1 914 PETER HUNT DRUIDS 2 850 BB Cub Girl LACEY HAWKINS BM OF WARMINSTER 2 800 BB Gents PAUL SKIPPINS COPRA 14 1312 DAVE ANDREWS AQUARIUS 7 1300 ROB GILBERT BALLANDS 14 1246 JOHN HILSDEN ORION 10 1222 BRETT FIELD SOUTH WILTS 7 1152 BB Junior Boy MARK STOCKTON CO. OF SIXTY 10 1142 SIMON HAKE BALLANDS 16 1364 TONY BURT BM OF WARMINSTER 9 1140 RICHARD POWELL SOUTH WILTS 11 1136 BB Ladies MICHAEL EVANS FLEET IBEX 5 1042 JO SULLIVAN SOUTH WILTS 9 1188 ANDREW RICHARDS SOUTH HAMS 4 1022 NICOLA MACRAE SOUTH HAMS 3 950 JAMIE RAWSON BALLANDS - - YVONNE MUNROE RAVEN 2 682 DAVID GEARY SOUTH WILTS - - FRANK CLARKSON SOUTH WILTS - - BH Junior Girl BEN RINGSHAW FLEET IBEX - - LARA EVANS FLEET IBEX 7 1156 82
BH Gents Spots Score TONY YOUNG SOUTH HAMS 18 1378 PAUL FARR GREEN MEADOW 11 1292 JOHN JACKSON FLEET IBEX 9 1280 RAY VALAVEC BM OF WARMINSTER 15 1274 BH Ladies HELEN HARRIS ARTEMIS 8 1172 CL Gents PETE BULLOCK SOUTH WILTS 33 1510 PHIL SMITH INDEPENDENT 23 1418 CL Ladies CAROLINE JAMESON FLEET IBEX 15 1354 UL Gents Spots Score 160 archers turned up to our ground at Watership Down, Kingsclere to support and take part in STEVE HOWE ORION 54 1642 OWEN BLACKMORE SOUTH WILTS 51 1640 EDWARD BRITTON FLEET IBEX 49 1614 SHAUN ELDRIDGE THAT A DO 38 1542 HARRY BOYCE NEMESIS 34 1528 SHAUN WEEKS INDEPENDENT 33 1506 MICHAEL LEE HARTSPRING 23 1434 TREVOR BARKER ARCHERS OF BATTLE 23 1432 DONALD MUNROE TAVISTOCK 11 1280 BRIAN BRIGGS RAVEN 14 1204 UL Junior Girl ELLA HAINES WINDRUSH 15 1336 UL Ladies LIZZIE RICHLEY SOUTH WILTS 38 1548 TERRI BOYCE NEMESIS 29 1492 KAREN HILSDEN ORION 24 1448 DEE BROWNLESS FLEET IBEX 8 1204 XB Gents GRAHAM ELDRIDGE THAT A DO 48 1606 SIMON WRIGHT ARMS OF OLD 43 1538 PAUL PROVINS HARTSPRING 30 1460 IAN BLUNSDON WINDRUSH 19 1340 FS Gents SCOTT STANSBURY ARTEMIS 28 1488 ANDY RYCROFT INDEPENDENT 21 1328 ROY LUFF RAVEN 9 952 FS Ladies SONIA WARD BALLANDS 17 1302 LINDA KEEN INDEPENDENT 21 1276 HILARY DEVANEY WINDRUSH 7 1198 ANGELA KEEN INDEPENDENT 7 1000 HT Ladies ANITA GIBSON ARMS OF OLD 5 1080 MANDY RAYNER INDEPENDENT 2 804 HT Cub Boy LUCY GILBERT WINDWHISTLE 2 578 JAY BARTLETT WINDRUSH 11 1132 83
HT Gents Spots Score STEVE HIPGRAVE SOUTH HAMS 16 1222 ROGER MASSEY SENLAC BOWMEN 7 1200 MIKE LIST SOUTH WILTS 8 1178 JED CULLEN RAVEN 10 1174 JOSEPH WILLIS INDEPENDENT 10 1158 DAVID CURWEN INDEPENDENT 9 1140 BRIAN BELLINGER BOWMEN OF BUDE 7 1140 PAUL HARDING FLEET IBEX 8 1132 ALAN WHITE SOUTH WILTS 12 1096 TERRY MILLS FLEET IBEX 12 1092 DON MAYNARD INDEPENDENT 3 1088 TERRY RENDLE MAGNA CARTA - 1078 ALAN TRIMM BALLANDS 10 1062 RAY McKENZIE ARCHERS OF BATTLE 3 936 LB Gents Spots Score DAVID HOLT SOUTH WILTS 7 1180 MICK BAILY LONGBOW HERITAGE 11 1094 DAVID SMITH INDEPENDENT 7 1076 STEVE BLAKE SOUTH WILTS 4 1054 JOHN KEWLEY WINDWHISTLE 3 1028 MATTHEW O'CONNELL WINDRUSH 7 1010 MICHAEL ASHINGTON LONGBOW HERITAGE 3 1002 MARK TEULON THORNBURY 2 1002 JEFF KLUCKERS COPRA - 986 MICHAEL COLLETT RAVEN 5 968 PAUL BRIGGS RAVEN 4 934 PAUL KNIGHT INDEPENDENT 6 928 JOHN THOMAS LONGBOW HERITAGE - 920 LB Junior Boy JASPER KEWLEY WINDWHISTLE 4 968 LB Ladies CAROL PEARCE LONGBOW HERITAGE 6 1038 SYLVIA MARSHALL MEDIEVAL SOCIETY OF BM 5 960 FREDA MARSHALL MEDIEVAL SOCIETY OF BM 4 952 PAULINE WELLS BALLANDS 5 898 MAGGIE BREMNER COMPANY OF SIXTY 4 888 PV Cub Boy LUKE JOHNSON DRAGONFLY 3 724 PV Gents IAN WATKINS WINDRUSH 10 1190 BOB MILES DRAGONFLY 9 1006 MATT HAINES WINDRUSH 5 988 ADAM MOTT WINDRUSH 2 952 ANT JOHNSON DRAGONFLY 6 944 ANDY NEVILLE FLEET IBEX 2 718 ROBERT TAYLOR HOLMBUSH 2 658 PV Ladies SUSAN BLUNSDON WINDRUSH 11 950 REBECCA MOBEY WINDRUSH 1 888 CAROLYN NEVILLE FLEET IBEX 3 782 84
If you’re not familiar with my concept of “Hoods & Maids”, here is the low-down: the original notion was my way of celebrating stunning shots – both jammy and pure skill – that only Robin Hood or Maid Marion themselves would’ve been able to pull off. It was also my way of trying to celebrate the shots we all either dream of hitting or are so lucky that they need scoring before they fall out of the target! We all – no matter what age or ability – seem to rack up a couple of these shots so it was also my way of trying to include more people and show off their shots and give them a mention as stars – albeit having stood in a blob of Hartley’s or just from being a blooming good shot. This edition we are proud to welcome... 1. SPIDER: at 20 yards at Aim archery last year, it was my 1st year shooting! 2. COLIN G. of Scarborian Field Archers: 3. JASON QUINN of Audris-Hart Field Archers: AND 4. PAUL W. from Scarborian Archers. by Hels, Creator & Editor of Field Archery News UK Magazine. 85
Photo: Paul Harrison Pictured: Juliet Harrison
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