New Features Shoot Reports 5 “Heroes of Archery - An Unfortunate 10-11 Whitefriars Bowmen 09.10.16 Incident” by Ted Vandebint 20-21 Thornbury Field & Roving Archers 30.10.16 9 Fun Shoot for Charity by Carol Edwards 28-30 Artemis Archers 30.10.16 14-15 FAN UK’s “Meet the Club” Introduces … 36-37 HNA 01 & 02.10.16 NA LAOCH DALL 41 Foxhill Bowmen 02.10.16 24 Club Update: Muttley Crew Archers 44-45 Company of 60 23.10.16 by Geoff Weldon 51-53 Mayo Archery Club 25.09.16 26-27 “Sun, Sangria and Archery!” by Allan Crocker 57-61 The 2016 South West Crown 09.10.16 38 “PERSPECTIVES” 68-69 Oakwood Bowmen 06.11.16 40 “ARCHERY ON THE BIG SCREEN” 71-73 Avalon Archers 30.10.16 by David 1066 75 Mini-report, Broadland Bowmen 16.10.16 43 “Toxophilia Poetica” by Barry Johnson 48-49 “String Making” by Andy Flint Regulars 64-66 FAN UK’s “Getting to Know” … 6-7 Del the Cat’s “Bowyer’s Diary”: Flight Bows Keith of English War Bows New Zealand by Derek Hutchison 8 A Festive Cartoon for You! Shoot Info/Entry Forms 32-34 “A Journey in Archery” by Mitch Vaughan 4 Aurora FAC New Year Shoot 42 A Cartoon or Two for You! 16-17 South West Challenge 2017 77 HOODS AND MAIDS 79-81 Scottish 3D Championships 2017 Updates Reviews/Supplier Features 22 Stacey’s Mountain Trike 2016 74-75 Multiprint + Embroidery 66-67 The Azincourt 600 Archers Tribute 76 Clear View Feather Templates: Fairbow by OH Boyd Reviewed by Peter Barclay Photography Quizzes & Comps! 12 PAUL WILLIAMS 31 Answers to Oct/Nov Quizzes 25 JASON QUINN 50 Competition Winner Update! 31 PAUL HARRISON 62 Word Search 87 PAUL HARRISON 82 Anagrams 88 PAUL WILLIAMS 2
Welcome / welcome back, to FAN UK magazine! For those of you new to Field Archery News UK - welcome! For those of you returning … hello & thank you for your ongoing support!! This is your online magazine dedicated to covering all aspects of field archery in all its forms with the intention of bringing together in one place all individuals, clubs, archery societies & associations, fans, suppliers, products and more to celebrate our wonderful sport! It is also the intention of FAN UK to include as many varieties of archery as humanly possible to enable all of us interested in archery as well as shooting to see and gain some knowledge about traditional and modern versions of our sport - perhaps to the point that we might give them a go! I would like to wish you all a VERY HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON!! As we have had such a large number of submissions for this Christmas & New Year Special edition we decided to split the issue into two volumes so as not to miss anyone out … please rest assured, IF your submission is not in this volume IT WILL BE in Volume Two :-) :-) To all of you lovely readers & contributors, I would like to say a MOST MAHOOSIVE THANK YOU - without you I would not be continuing to do this so again I thank you for making my en- deavours worthwhile AND for sharing your wonderful knowledge, images and experience with us all - you’re all so important and we cannot thank you enough :-) Please continue to share what I am trying to achieve with as many interested parties as you can - that way we can continue to grow the archery family across the board and share as much with each other as possible without excluding anyone :-) Don’t forget! If YOU would like to contribute - be it shoot reports, club contacts, photos, event calendar inclusions or other articles - we would be delighted to hear from you! Please email: [email protected] to do so. For the love of archery, field and all!, and the wider archery family & community :-) Thank you & I do hope that you enjoy this & every issue - Hels, Creator & Editor. The Editor reserves the right to edit any submissions received. 3
4
Heroes of Archery - An Unfortunate Incident (As told to Ted by Glenn Martin) Not so long long ago in a woodland not too far far away, a field archery competition was taking place, hosted by that wonderful team of folks at the Company of Sixty. Our hero, Terry, was shooting his usual longbow and it being a fine day and things going well, he came to a long distance target of about 65 yards. Now this was not your usual 3D target but a rather large two dimensional rendition of a Rhinoceros thundering toward the archer. Terry stepped up to the peg and taking account of the estimated distance, the wind speed and rotation of the Earth, he made his shot. The arrow soared through the air and landed within the body of the target with a satisfying “Thunk!”. Cheers arose from his colleagues and Terry was most pleased; however, upon approaching the target the dismal truth became apparent to all. Between the crossed limbs of the animal the artist had left the smallest spot of green where the legs did not meet. The space was barely large enough to accommodate an arrow, except for one placed exactly in its dead centre and not touching the sides…exactly where Terry’s arrow now lodged. Of course this meant that the arrow was a “miss” and Terry had the embarrassment of the “walk of shame” back to the next peg to take another shot. But all was not lost because the tale of the event has spread far and wide and gained much acclaim by any archer who finds their arrow in a miserable gap they were not expecting. “It’s a Terry Cramp!” they declare with glee; it has even become a verb: “You’ve Terrycramped” (not admitted yet to the OED)... And so it has come to pass that many a target artist will deliberately include strategically placed “non-wound” zones in unexpected places to catch the unwary archer aiming for the middle of a large animal. It just makes that 16 score need a little more precision and it raises a smile when the trap is sprung. I have to confess that one or two (more!) of my targets provide the opportunity for a Terry Cramp. I really enjoy producing targets this way and I hope that archers will enjoy shooting them. If you are interested in some great value 2Ds for your club or at home in the garden, please contact me, I’m sure I can deliver what you need. Ted Vandebint (Ted’s Targets) 5
Del The Cat’s “Bowyer’s Diary” - Flight Bows: by Derek Hutchison (AKA Del the Cat on various archery forums!) We are getting round to winter when there is plenty of wood to be harvested by joining local conservation volunteer groups and the like; but what are the alternatives for anyone fancying a go at making a bow but without the access to grown timber or the patience to season it? Buying timber is a risky business unless you can actually select it yourself; even then you need to check for nice straight grain running parallel to the edges of the board with little or no “run off”. Not many timber merchants will stock suitable timber and there is the question of what species to use; but all is not lost - there are specialist archery suppliers and auction sites selling wood or glued up staves, this can be a good way to have a go and progress rapidly to the tillering process. Like most things simplicity is a good watchword and there are some tried and trusted combinations of timber. Personally I’d avoid fancy multiple laminations, ok, a lamination of Purple heart looks very nice in the centre of the triple laminate, but does it serve any useful purpose for the relative newbie? A hickory backed lemonwood stave is a good bet to have a go with. By the way, lemonwood has nothing to do with the fruit which you slice up to put in Gin & Tonic, it’s an exotic hardwood with little visible grain which is relatively easy working and a fair to good performance. The problem with backings and laminations is getting timbers which match up in terms of strength, a backing which is very strong like Bamboo can overpower a belly made of a weaker wood like Ash. That’s why it’s sensible to go for a well proven combination. By the way, most woods are stronger in tension than in compression. Making a bow from a laminated stave is a bit easier as you are starting with something that’s straight, knot free and free from twist. There are plenty of plans giving dimensions for longbows (English and American) on the internet and in books. My word of warning is to avoid trying to get too close to finished dimensions when roughing out, also err on the side of slightly wide especially at the tips, as a wider bow will be less likely to twist. It can be narrowed once it’s pulling back nicely to about 20 inches. If it’s a bow with a grip and a cut away arrow pass, don’t cut them out until the bow is finished. Laminating or backing is a good way to utilise bits of timber which would otherwise be too small. Yew with sapwood that has been ripped up by a chainsaw or a Deer’s antlers can have the heartwood used backed with Bamboo, Hickory, Ash or Maple. Shorter lengths of wood can be spliced together as billets and then a continuous backing strip added, that’s a brilliant way of ensuring the splice won’t fail as the join is now all in compression. I’ve had a simple splice fail at full draw, fortunately the leather grip held it together so it just hinged in my hand. I managed to repair it, losing about an inch of length, re-splicing and putting a nice long strip of sapwood over the splice on the back as a “belt and braces” reinforcement. Over this summer I built a couple of flight bows, one from a length of Hickory (from a timber merchant) that one of my bowyer friends gave me, it was about 6’ long and 2 x 2”. I cut it out with the growth rings running from belly to back. Hickory is pretty forgiving wood, but likes to be good and dry. I like to try new things, so this bow had a shoot through hole for the arrow pass. It was a bit of a disaster, smashing two arrows and bruising my arm! It kicked like a mule and was scary as hell. It was too close to centre shot, but once I’d added some bristles to line the hole it damped down the arrow’s waggling, (like a primitive plunger button made of natural materials) it almost got me the 300 yards I was searching for. Below: Hickory flight bow with a shoot through hole for the arrow. I further tuned the bow up, taking weight off the tips, and increasing the draw another inch, but I’d reached the limitations of the wood and the distances started to drop off as fine chrysals (a transverse line of crushed fibres in the belly of an archery bow beginning as a pinch, AKA fret) appeared on the belly. Not to be discouraged I reached for a length of Osage which I’d brought back from Tennessee when I’d been over a few years back. “Osage Outlaw” from the Primitive Archer forum gave it to me. It was from a monster Osage tree that was about 2’ diameter and yielded 4 lengths each of 6
about 6’. The Osage bow had a bit of deflex just out from the grip and slightly reflexed tips to bring them pretty much back in line with the grip. It got me past the 300 yards with about 70# at 24”. Flight bows are tricky beasts and to some extent counterintuitive. It would be easy to think you want a long draw to let you put a lot of power in, but a long draw means long limbs and long limbs mean inertia. Remember twanging a wooden ruler held on your school desk? The longer the amount sticking over the desk the lower the note and the slower the rule was moving. Same with a bow limb, you need a short limb to recover fast, you want plenty of draw weight, but if you add too much reflex to increase early draw weight you are then sacrificing draw length. It’s all a series of trade-offs. It’s hard to make a warbow that will shoot a long way pound for pound as it’s long heavy limbs are suited to throwing a heavy arrow to deliver maximum energy to the target. So a 70# Osage bow 57” long with a 24” draw may shoot a light flight arrow further than a 100# Warbow 78” long with a 32” draw. Once you change to a heavy war arrow with a 3/8 or 1/2” shaft and a heavy steel head the warbow wins out. Most Olympic recurves will throw a carbon fibre arrow over ¼ mile, and compounds will easily beat that. For me flight shooting is the whole package of the skill of the bowyer, The 3 Osage bows above are a short Native arrow smith and archer, so I shoot on a farmer’s field American style made from an off-cut which is (with his permission) and measure my distances with a laser good for demo's. The flight bow in the middle range finder. It’s a bit esoteric as a flight bow isn’t much shows a subtle deflex reflex and a more Bamboo, Hickory, Ash or Maple. Shorter lengths of wood can be spliced together as billets and then a use for anything else, I did take one to a field shoot and conventional American style longbow with flipped performed abysmally. tips (but no cut out for the arrow). There are If you make a bow you are always going to wonder how far 2 flight arrows and 2 of my regular arrows which gives a nice comparison. it shoots, you may then get drawn into making lightweight arrows matched to the bow and some of the lessons learned from flight arrows can be applied to clout shooting. Making flight arrows really makes you think about arrow spine and the physics of it. We tend to equate arrow spine to bow poundage, which is ok as a quick from belly to back. Hickory is pretty forgiving wood, but likes to be good and dry. I like to try new things, guide, but no good for flight bows. Consider the warbow and the Osage flight bow again, they throw a flight arrow a similar distance and thus the arrows were going a similar speed, yet one was 70# at 24” and the other 100# at 32”. From the 70# bow the arrow gets up to speed in just 18” (24” minus brace height) so it is accelerating much harder than the arrow from the warbow which has a full 26” (32” minus brace height) to get up to speed. So the force on the arrow is actually much greater from the 70# bow! I’ve had flight arrows down to 50# spine shot from a 120# warbow, but of course they have a very light point. If you stuck a heavy medieval point on the end they would snap due to the huge inertia of the head, it would be like shooting them into a brick wall! That’s all part of the fun of flight bows and their arrows, it makes you think outside the fibres in the belly of an archery bow norms, even if we can’t do the maths and physics we have to find some way of rationalising it and understanding it. So if you make a wooden bow and you can find somewhere safe to shoot it, see how far you can lob an arrow. Pictured right: the repaired spliced bow at full draw. 7
8
Fun Shoot for Charity Longbow Heritage and the Society for the Promotion of Traditional Archery (SPTA) held a fun shoot on th Sunday 9 October 2016 in aid of the Nepalese Earthquake Disaster. This is the second year we have done this and this year we raised £1200 (last year we raised £2,200 through the shoot and donations). The shoot included a popinjay mast, speed shoot, Nepalese target, Mongolian target, a clout shoot and a short field course in our valley at Shackleford. Several members of Everest Archers came to support us as well - they are the Ghurkhas from Aldershot barracks. The weather was glorious and the archers generous - THANKS. Anyone who'd like to donate to this cause can get in touch with Hilary Greenland on: [email protected] by Carol Edwards. 9
Whitefriars Bowmen th Shoot Report 9 October 2016 We managed a largely dry shoot with only a short shower which did not dampen our spirits. Thanks to all archers for attending our shoot. We had 13 late cancellations and one no show. Archers gave plenty of compliments on the challenging course made more so for low poundage bows due to the overnight rain which dragged branches lower. Catering was managed again by Megan Edwards and her friend Jenny who provided warm smiles and conversation along with excellent food including fresh baked cakes. This helped to keep the shoot moving well along with Sandy Goodings and Peter Whittaker acting as marshals. I would like to take this opportunity once again to thank all the archers who supported our shoot. We hope to welcome them all back again at a future shoot. th Our next 3D shoot is on the 11 December 2016 so if you would like to take part then please contact Bob Bruce at [email protected] or ring on 07802 758211. Results (over 40 targets): Hunting Tackle Gents Club Score Ben Hearne Excaliber 570 Tony Smith Kings Forest 436 Phil Smith Kings Forest 414 Kevin Cook Oakwood 402 Del Newman Oakwood 340 Matthew Cook Oakwood 262 Ladies Club Score Christine Smith Kings Forest 498 Jan Beckham Tendring 336 Mel Horne Oakwood 330 Patricia Seaman Tendring Retired American Flatbow Gents Club Score Mark Jones Independent 648 Alan Alstin Oakwood 444 Mark Oakes Oakwood 404 Richard Davies Aurora 496 Ladies Club Score Pennie Grew Tendring 408 Theresa Hearne Excaliber 204 Mary Narey Oakwood 170 10
Longbow Gents Club Score Kevin Button Priory 568 Mark Allen Tendring 494 Roger Grew Tendring 376 Dave Allen Broadland 300 Luke Martin Oakwood 272 Shaun Beckham Tendring 240 Ladies Club Score Rosie Potter Kings Forest 338 Josie Allen Tendring 218 Barebow Gents Club Score Richard Narey Oakwood 716 Ian Martin Oakwood 464 December 2016 so if you would like to take part then Bowhunter Gents Club Score Dave Arnold Rose & Arrows 632 Colin Markham-Lee Panther 278 Compound Limited Gents Club Score Duanne Williams Totem 758 Unlimited Gents Club Score Barry Rampling Kings Forest 832 Bob Bruce Whitefriars 818 (Set Course) Dale Wallace Broadland 806 Lofty Rooke Broadland 802 Gary Harvey Kings Forest 798 Richard Morgan Broadland 786 Ron Potter Kings Forest 762 Graham Birch Totem 702 Rob Marrison Whitefriars 680 John Clarke Whitefriars 662 Ian Harris Kings Forest 632 John Heeley Whitefriars 626 Dave Morgan Broadland 626 Jnr Boy Club Score Alan Konno Whitefriars 508 Freestyle Gents Club Score Richard Green Independent 814 Richard Power Aurora 418 Ladies Club Score Karen Howard Independent 624 11
Photo: Paul Williams Pictured: Toad Hollow Archers’ 2016 August Bank Holiday two-day shoot
FAN UK’s “meet the club” introduces … Recently FAN UK were lucky enough to get in touch with Thomas Colclough of Na Laoch Dall Archery - he kindly agreed to introduce us to the club and help us to get to know them. Here is what he had to say: Who are you and where are you based? EBHC 2010 was infectious so I wanted to share this with as many others and infect them with the We are Na Laoch Dall Archery Club, based in Waterford City in the South East of Ireland. feeling. So with the help of a good friend, same We have a membership of about 60 people. We are Martin Murphy, we agreed to start a club in a mixed (up) group from many different walks of Waterford. My previous Archery history was life. Our members are from Ireland, England, FITA Target. Hungary, South Africa, the Netherlands and Founding members Germany - one great big melting pot of different Martin Murphy & Thomas Colclough cultures and languages with the same passion. Our members range from 8 yrs to 78 yrs … not too sure which are the children! We have a full spectrum of Archers from Historical to Freestyle Compound. Our club is Affiliated to the IFAA (International Field Archery Association). We shoot Field & Hunter 3D and indoor rounds. What are the club’s origins? I came up with the idea of starting a Field Archery Club in Waterford back in 2010. I was attending the EBHC 2010 in Austria, and - like most good ideas - this one was fuelled by alcohol; actually I was in a restaurant having dinner with a very nice Red. It was my first time shooting outside Ireland and the atmosphere of Where did the name come from? Our name is Irish for \"The Blind Warriors\". The reason behind this is that I was shooting BHR (Bow Hunter Recurve) - this style is very popular in many countries but maybe under different names, e.g. Hunting Tackle, Barebow, etc. EBHC 2010, So, because I was shooting BHR and shooting Austria without a \"sight\" on my bow, I was \"Sightless\" = Blind … hence the birth of \"The Blind Warriors\" = Na Laoch Dall. 14
What makes your club so special? What is the I think what makes our club is special is the best thing about \"Family attitude\". This is evident when the Na Laoch Dall? children make requests (as children do in most Simply it’s members. families). A typical example is that they asked When is your for their own shooting area in the club hall - next shoot? with table and chairs and fully stocked fridge … Request Granted. I believe when children leave Our next shoot is at the end of the night and say \"See you on \"The Passberger Cup\" which will be held on Tuesday\" we are doing something right. November 19th & 20th 2016. This will be an Indoor competition with 120 archers per day. Every new member is A Real Family Club told: \"Everyone here We have been running this for 4 years and is useless, but we are every year it gets more popular, generally all equally useless\". being booked out months in advance, with archers from all parts of Ireland travelling to We try our very best Waterford for that weekend. to make our members feel at home and make But the competition will be a Test of them feel wanted and Determination, Concentration and Bow welcome each time Fitness, which will be closely followed with Martin Murphy, we agreed to start a club in they come through the some Good Food and \"Refreshments\" in one of Waterford. My previous Archery history was door. the Local Hotels. This is where All will be happy, tired Archers with stories and \"lies\" of What about you, can you tell us a bit about how the arrow was deflected out of the SPOT! yourself Thomas? Where do you train? So, on a Serious note, I am a Level 4 Master We had our first indoor venue for 3 years instructor with the IFAA and Level 3 USA Archery Coach. As such I am responsible before it was sold; we have another venue for training. Training NEVER ENDS. Those who now for Training and beginners. Recently the City Mayor attended the Official opening. want to compete make lots of sacrifices and I make sure they are training harder then they compete. However, we also have other types of training - automatic moving 3D Targets (this is really good fun); Drive-By Shooting - i.e. the Archer sits on a chair with wheels then is pushed along the shooting line and is required to hit the Balloon; and “Lights out” = we set a lit candle at 20 yds, then the object is to extinguish the flame How can people get in without hitting the candle. touch? For me, as the only existing founding member, Our website is: http://www.nalaochdall.ie/ NLD is now a part of my Daily Life - like an extension to my family … but now my family We also have a Facebook page: is much bigger with all the ups and downs of https://www.facebook.com/nalaochdall/ Family Life. NLD touches the lives each member in different ways - hopefully in all good ways. Our name is Irish for \"The Blind Warriors\". What do you like the most about Field The reason behind this is that I was shooting Archery? popular in many countries but maybe under I suppose the Family feeling. There are not too many sports that a child, parent and So, because I was shooting BHR and shooting grandparent can take part in together in the same Field/Wood on the same day. Also, IFAA has so many different Bow styles which facilitates many different interests and abilities. 15
16
17
THORNBURY FIELD AND ROVING ARCHERS TH SUNDAY 30 OCTOBER SHOOT by Allan Crocker. If you have ever shot at our ground you will be well aware of the problems we face when it comes to setting up a course. The constraints of a main road on one side and a golf course on the other - and only having around 14 acres of wood to play in - leaves us very little room for any shots of 40 yards or over (40 yds?? Job to see the target at that distance let alone the kill. Spot what spot??) The woods themselves are set on a fairly gentle hillside and by using the slope, the tree stands and the ditches which crisscross the course, we can make something that is: 1. Challenging 2. Fun 3. Interesting And 4. SAFE. As the woods are so compact (at least you are never far from a bacon sandwich), we make sure the targets are heavily backstopped. This autumn we were fortunate to have a donation of a number of pre-owned backstop nets which means we can replace some of the more unsightly ones we have been using. We keep the club members on their mettle by swopping faces and 3Ds around and ‘tweaking’ peg positions, anything to stop complacency setting in and keeping them guessing. HOWEVER, when it comes to an open shoot we really want people to have value for money so, without moving the course around too much, a lot of thought and effort gets put into target placement. Records from previous shoots are checked, stock of 3Ds and faces looked at and new ones ordered well in advance if needed. Then walk the course checking distances and allocate targets as required. We try not to repeat target placement from previous shoots (one archer said to me on Sunday when his arrow dropped short; ‘I would have hit the crocodile if you had put it there again’). Although some of the shots looked deceptively easy I can’t recall a maximum score ever being recorded. On occasion we have included shots in the field adjacent to the club and this year a couple of members came up with a cunning owl shot. Shooting from inside the wood out into open ground at a large eagle owl on a post. The course was 36 shots, the majority being 3Ds, with some faces supplied by Broken Pencil Archery as well as a couple from Paul Summerfield. Compared with lots of shoot grounds we have very few long shots but try to compensate by use of terrain and tree stands. There are always comments along the lines of: “Sneaky b****r, this course layer.” “How can I hit that?” “Are you having a laugh!!” Hopefully guests will remember the owl on the post and the cheetah/deer predator/prey shot from this Autumn shoot. We would like to say thanks to all the club members who helped to set up and dismantle the course. A very big thank you to Roy Cashley and Bernie Crocombe who manned the kitchen and kept everyone fed with the traditional bacon and sausage sandwiches and lashings of tea and coffee. As usual Kirsty, club secretary, handled bookings and registration with her usual flair, tact and sense of humour. 20
AFB Gents BH Gents Jason Peach Severn Valley 554 Trevor Walters Elmtree 686 Chris Haywood Bowmen of Bude 542 Tony Young South Hams 600 Scott Dingley Druids 548 CL Ladies AFB Ladies Lesley Wason Independent 624 Lise-Marie Reed Druids 452 PV Gents BB Gents Albert Hibbert Independent 490 Jim Berry Druids 634 Dave Berry Ballands 602 PV Ladies Rob Gilbert Ballands 600 Morwenna Dunstan Westcombe 416 BB Ladies Marleen Toomer Ballands 600 Mandy Price Druids 424 Kate Howat Bowmen of Warminster 412 BB Cub Boy Harry Jeffery Ballands 634 Joseph Rigler Ballands 560 As the woods are so compact (at least you are never far from a bacon sandwich), we make sure the FS Gents David Howell Independent 694 Andrew Rycroft Independent 650 Phil Wilson Severn Valley 490 been using. We keep the club members on their mettle by swopping faces and 3Ds around FS Ladies Penny Kennedy Lamberts Castle 708 Sonya Ward Ballands 648 Linda Keen Independent 570 much, a lot of thought and effort gets put into target placement. HT Gents Steve Hipgrave South Hams 612 George Davies Severn Valley 580 the course checking distances and allocate targets as required. Nigel Suthard Severn Valley 552 We try not to repeat target placement from previous shoots HT Ladies (one archer said to me on Sunday when his arrow dropped short; Anita Gibson Arms of Old 500 ‘I would have hit the crocodile if you had put it there again’). Gail Sullivan Independent 490 Although some of the shots looked deceptively easy I can’t recall Debbie Suthard Severn Valley 448 HT Junior Boy Hector Dunstan Westcombe 506 Tomas Hart Independent 368 LB Gents LB Ladies David Holt South Wilts 590 Janet Bradshaw Independent 456 with some faces supplied by Broken Pencil Archery as well as a Steve Blake South Wilts 550 Pauline Wells Ballands 352 Patrick Hutchinson NSFA 528 Ruth Pitchen Independent 240 UL Gents David Hoppins Westcombe 748 Trevor Vanstone Elmtree 728 Hopefully guests will remember the owl on the post and the cheetah/deer predator/prey shot from Andrew Middleton Westcombe 726 this Autumn shoot. We would like to say thanks to all the club members who helped to set up and XB Gents Simon Wright Arms of Old 804 kitchen and kept everyone fed with the traditional bacon and sausage sandwiches and lashings of James Rigler Ballands 788 tea and coffee. As usual Kirsty, club secretary, handled bookings and registration with her usual flair, Colin Pearson Severn Valley 774 21
As of mid-November, FAN UK are proud to report that the mountain trike for Stacey is currently in the final construction stages before she she can finally take possession and start using it! The trike arrived at company Liquid Grafix for hydrodipping on 16th November 2016. It was due to be dipped in “Muddy Girl camo” week commencing 21st November; it will then be returned to Mountain Trike for assembly. Hopefully then Stacey and Mark will be able to pick it up in December. The trike components being In the meantime, Liquid Grafix also treated Stacey to an unpacked at Liquid Grafix. early Christmas present … Stacey explained - “My release aid has also been sent to the hydrodipping people and they have kindly coated that in Muddy Girl Camo.” These pictures of Stacey’s release aid show you the colour and pattern that her final Mountain Trike will be, as opposed to the orange colour in the picture to the right. It is the same model as Stacey’s - I think we can all agree that it will look pretty splendid once it’s finished! Thanks go again to EVERYONE who has donated their time, items for auction & their pennies; raised funds and raised awareness of this fundraising event to enable Stacey to have the equipment she so desperately needs to be able to fully participate in her favourite sport - you’re all simply amazing! :-) 22
Muttley Crew Archers were requested to vacate their first wood due to developments by their landlord in January 2016. We were given until March 2016 to complete shooting and to start with the woods clearance. Hard to believe how many materials you can use in a 20 course shoot, wonder where we got them from!!! It took a full week to get everything into the storage container and fortunately our landlord allowed it to remain on site until we found a new home. Finding a new wood was quite a task, we spoke and met in the region of 20 different landlords from Lord Derby to farmer ted. Eventually our chairman happened upon 2 local business men who had recently bought 22 acres from a local farmer, and they were very keen to know more of our sport, after a little persuasion the deal was done and we are now insitu in 5 acres of the wood with the remainder for using for open shoots. The next bit of good news was that an adjacent cricket club to the wood had work related links with one of our members, and the scene was set for the use of their facilities when holding an open shoot, so toilets and catering sorted in one hit. So in late September we moved all our materials and equipment to the new location and by the end of October we had completed the first course of 20 targets, along with bridges, steps and ground clearance. This was done thanks to the commitment of the club members and the hospitality of the cricket club and our new landlords. We are currently negotiating another area of the wood to set a further 16 targets to give us a 36 target option. Shoot dates for 2017 are yet to be arranged, along with dates for the Lancashire league shoots and we will be advising of those in the near future. We hope to see you all soon. Geoff Weldon, Muttley’s Field Officer. 24
Photo by Jason Quinn Pictured: 2016 South West Challenge @ Dunkery Field Bowmen Muttley Crew Archers were requested to vacate their first wood due to developments by their landlord clearance. Hard to believe how many materials you can use in a 20 course shoot, wonder where we Finding a new wood was quite a task, we spoke and met in the region of 20 different landlords from Lord Derby to farmer ted. Eventually our chairman happened upon 2 local business men who had recently bought 22 acres from a local farmer, and they were very keen to know more of our sport, after a little persuasion the deal was done and we are now insitu in 5 acres of the wood with the So in late September we moved all our materials and equipment to the new location and by the end Shoot dates for 2017 are yet to be arranged, along with dates for the Lancashire league shoots and
SUN, SANGRIA AND ARCHERY! In 2004, needing some winter warmth, we booked a holiday in Lanzarote. Wanting to stay away from the large tourist hotspots, and after the usual internet search, we found a 1 bedroom accommodation in the village of Macher. The added bonus was a private heated swimming pool. We picked up the hire car at the airport and 15 minutes later Stefan, the owner, was showing us through the studio apartment. Wet room and small kitchen at one end, dining area and easy chairs in the middle and double bed on raised area at the other. Sliding open the patio doors out onto terrace with pergola there were two steps up to the heated pool. There was a good supermarket across the road gave us the fresh rolls each morning and good wine to drink by the pool. Anyway that covers the sun and sangria, now for the archery… Walking out to where the car was parked my wife spotted a small pile of shot out GNAS roundels (pointing this out to me was, perhaps, a mistake on her part) and we could hear the distinctive ‘whoosh, thud’ of arrows hitting a target. Propped up against the lava stone wall (backstop, what backstop?) was a large straw boss. Stefan was stood about 10 yards away and had just finished emptying his quiver at the target. The ground in front of the target was littered in broken wooden shafts … my wife turned to me and said “I’ll get my book and see you later”. Walking round into the field the conversation went something like this: ME - “This looks fun, what are you doing?” STEFAN - “I have taken up archery and want to be a bow shooter.” ME - “Can I have a go?” STEFAN - “Certainly, hold the bow like this, put the arrow on and aim at the target.” Well, at 10yds, any field archer worth their salt should be able to hit a 6 inch circle. 6 arrows in the gold later and I had to own up that I had been doing it for a while... On our return that evening, after a meal out, there was a knock on the door. Stefan was stood there with a bow in each hand! That was the pattern for the rest of the week, any spare time was spent out the practice butt taking Stefan and a few others through a basic archery course. Fast forward 12 months and, on our return for another visit, we find a fledgling target club with 20 members. They had constructed a practice range set up in an old water storage tank on some waste land across from the villa. Stefan had qualified as a coach through FITA and was encouraging the club members to compete in competitions held across the Canary Isles. 26
When we returned the next year the club had moved above ground and had a purpose built range with 6 shooting lanes up to 60 yards. Club membership had grown to around 60 with a mix of British and German expats and native Canarians. Stefan had contacted me before the holiday and wanted to know if I was In 2004, needing some winter warmth, we booked a holiday in Lanzarote. Wanting to stay away from bringing a bow as the club were putting a ‘field’ shoot on the weekend. Bearing in mind the lack of trees or ground cover, I was looking forward to seeing what they could come up with. The entrance fee was 10 Euros, which covered chilled beer and filled rolls at lunch, and muster was at 09:30. Pitching up on time I stood at the back and listened to the usual pre-shoot talk, first in Spanish and then in German … at the end of which I, very sheepishly, raised my hand and asked for an English translation. The course was laid out using 30 3Ds and made good use of the gullies and dead this out to me was, perhaps, a mistake on her part) and we could hear the distinctive ‘whoosh, thud’ of ground and was set on and around the slopes of a, thankfully, dormant volcano. boss. Stefan was stood about 10 yards away and had just finished emptying his quiver at the target. The biggest obstacles were the wind and The ground in front of the target was littered in broken wooden shafts … my wife turned to me and said shots being out in the open. We don’t have that many treeless shots at Thornbury! Whilst not picking up any medals that day (nothing unusual there) it was a great day which ended Fast forward 12 months and, on our return for another visit, we find a fledgling target club with with a BBQ and, as what seems to be the norm, copious amounts of beer. There was a great deal of interest in my bow, a takedown flatbow from Steve Turey at Northern Mist, which can be fitted inside an arrow tube. We try to holiday on Lanzarote twice a year and always make a point of dropping in when it’s a club night. If anyone is thinking of some winter warmth, and maybe a bit of archery, I can certainly recommend a trip to Macher. The club website is http://www.lanzarote.fr/lanzarote/deportes/ archery_club_la_flecha.htm and well worth a look. BY ALLAN CROCKER, THORNBURY FIELD AND ROVING ARCHERS. 27
Artemis Archers th NFAS Open Shoot 30 October 2016 Putting on a shoot is a lot like getting married. You spend months planning it, the day itself goes by in a blur, the photographs depend on the weather and it’s all done out of love !! Holding the shoot at the end of October always makes it more interesting too, the clocks have gone back the night before so it will be getting dark in the woods from mid-afternoon and if the weather’s wet, it’s going to be cold too. We woke up to a fine morning, cloudy but not threatening rain, so we knew we were in for a good day. The course layers had spent a month of Saturdays at the wood, putting in the kind of shots we’d like to shoot ourselves and in the case of Mark and Stan, building a shelter for people to have a seat and get their breath back at the top of ‘cardiac hill’. We kept Ollie, the flying owl, which is one of the rare moving targets that comes toward you, as it’s a classic which will take some years yet before we get bored with it. Kay and Helen added some challenge to our longest shot by inviting the archers to shoot a magpie stood on the back of the moose for extra points. Mark and Stan put a lot of work into placing a big cat in a fallen tree, and setting it to look like it was stalking a bird. The hog roast turned out to be a more tricky shot than expected, and Andy and Martyn did justice to the stream section while laying a course for the first time. Around 140 archers arrived and we duly kicked the shoot off just after 10 o’clock. Unfortunately we lost an archer on the walk out after a fall, but had no further injuries or mishaps during the day. Despite the white and blue pegs seeing a lot of action during the day, all of the groups got around the course without any major hold ups and the first groups were finished before 3 o’clock. Just a like a wedding, the day didn’t go perfectly to plan, some of the details went slightly askew and I hope we’re forgiven for the blue ticket/green ticket mix up in the raffle during which I was wondering why no-one came forward to claim their prize!! We also made some good memories - getting Em to stand on my shoulders to retrieve an arrow from a tree was entertaining for those lucky enough to witness it. As I said earlier, we put on a course that we would enjoy shooting ourselves and will be challenging, from the comments we have had on the day and over social media, a lot of archers are in agreement with us. The scores were generally high, with some impressive scores in all classes of bow too, maybe we should make it more of a challenge next time!! I’m pleased to report that we had a great honeymoon too, returning on the next Saturday with club members and some friends for a friendly shoot round which was enjoyed by all, except the magpie. by Ian & Emma Whitty. 28
Gents - AFB Rob Jones SVYF 586 4 Nigel Downs Salamander 556 3 Roly Bee Phoenix FA 526 3 Steve Hall Phoenix FA 504 3 Chris Moon RH Longbow 476 5 John Dawkins Hanson 466 1 Steve Brown Woodend 278 0 afternoon and if the weather’s wet, it’s going to be cold too. We woke up to a fine morning, cloudy but not Ladies - AFB Kim Armitage Ind 576 3 Sharon Jones SVYF 574 3 Vanessa Earith Centaura 514 2 Lana Lensselink Albion 314 2 U16B - BB yet before we get bored with it. Kay and Helen added some challenge to our longest shot by Joe Carr Harlequin 490 3 Jack Broster Centaura 438 2 Jack Carr Harlequin 432 1 U12G - BB Holly Cooke Harlequin 420 3 Gents - BB Rob Cook LVA 698 8 Robin Martin SVYF 656 7 Ian Desforges Kings Lynn 654 7 and I hope we’re forgiven for the blue ticket/green ticket mix up in the raffle during which I was 638 6 Wayne Furness Centaura Roger Hands LEFA 616 2 Rob West Pines Park 598 1 John Turnock Wolverine 598 6 Phil King Paget de Vesey 594 4 Ladies- BB As I said earlier, we put on a course that we would enjoy shooting ourselves and will be Mike Smith Harlequin 588 3 Gayle Spencer Harlequin 530 5 Dylan Hopwood FOA 586 4 Nicky Desforges Kings Lynn 522 4 Andy Martin Duvelle 558 4 Maureen West Pines Park 434 2 Phil Johnson Centaura 558 4 Vikki Harrison Frankley Bowmen 396 1 I’m pleased to report that we had a great honeymoon too, returning on the next Saturday Dave West Pines Park 556 2 Jacqui Johnson Centaura 360 0 Paul Shaw with club members and some friends for a friendly shoot round which was enjoyed by all, LEFA 548 2 Martin Greenway FOA 540 4 Chloe McCourt Clayton 330 3 Gary Cooke Harlequin 510 3 Bradley Hunt FOA 508 2 Anthony Clowes Clayton 460 2 Neil Davies Wasp 444 0 Maurice Millard Ind 428 2 Nick Broster Centaura 426 3 Mick Unwin Clayton 418 1 Josh Earith Centaura 410 2 Ady Carr Harlequin 340 0 Brian Nash Wasp 340 2 29
Gents - BH Ladies - BH Steve Jenkinson Wasp 604 2 Kiki Sessions Harlequin 566 3 Trevor Borrington Hanson 594 4 Sam Haynes Harlequin 494 2 David Clowes Clayton 572 4 U12B - BH Dean Markham Hanson 544 6 Flynn Smith Wasp 488 3 Matthew Jenenns Wasp 516 3 U16G - BH Joe Ward Albion 486 0 Chloe Nash Wasp 654 5 Trevor Hunt Clayton 476 1 Laura Haynes Harlequin 438 1 Gents - CL Ladies - CL Mick Anderson Frankley Bowmen 784 21 Shirley Donald SOS 592 2 Scott Ball Albion 674 7 U16G - CL Shane Barrett Harlequin 660 11 Amy Gardecki Black Sheep 660 8 Martin Barrett Harlequin 584 4 Gents - FS Victor Thomas Harlequin 582 4 Richard Thompson Miller Bowmen 614 6 Chris Shaw Harlequin 580 5 Ladies - HT Sam Ward Albion 442 0 Sue Walker Harlequin 498 4 Gents - HT Karen Watkins Frankley Bowmen 386 3 Chris Jinks Ind 552 1 Julie Bacon Harlequin 320 1 Kris Babb 100 yd Club 546 4 Anne Moon Ind 298 1 Mel Mayer Clayton 530 1 U16B - HT David Barker Duvelle 510 2 Aaron Burley Phoenix FA 222 0 David Wilde Pines Park 494 2 Gents - LB Tony Hart Forest Bowmen 486 4 Richard Davies KNTA 588 4 Pete Whieldon Harlequin 456 3 Neil Borrington Hanson 472 2 Alisdair Constance Phoenix FA 402 1 Richard Waters Albion 468 1 Garry Thompson Albion 380 9 Pete Evans Paget de Vesey 464 2 Philip Burley Phoenix FA 336 0 Dave Harrow Albion 448 3 Alan Paver Woodend 332 1 Dave Wood Longbow 438 2 Paul Evans Paget de Vesey 300 0 Grot Ind 416 1 Ladies - HT Cliff Davies KNTA 414 1 Sue Fenyn Albion 480 2 Stewart Bigrigg Albion 402 2 Jayne Fletcher Pines Park 464 5 Ian Robinson Cheshire Oak 376 0 Alex Williams KNTA 318 1 William Lees Pines Park 338 1 Gents - PV Graham Baker Longbow 326 0 Paul Bailey Albion 522 1 Ladies - UL Rob Hickey Pride Park 458 1 Kay Farnham Merlin 674 9 Pat Morrow Pride Park 406 1 Gents - XB Cliff Kirkham Harlequin 332 2 John Anness Ind 756 17 Gents - UL John Thompson Miller Bowmen 674 5 Matt Farnham Merlin 824 22 Richard Cope Frankley Bowmen 602 2 Lee Gardecki Black Sheep 794 18 John Killeen Wasp 582 David Palmer Ind 736 11 Brian Taylor Wasp 330 1 Richard Glossop LEFA 732 14 Ladies - XB Tim Chatfield Audley Parish 716 10 Tracy Robinson Cheshire Oak 504 0 Steve Ayscough Harlequin 708 7 Trevor North Pines Park 670 10 Mark Clowes Clayton 656 7 Dan Owen Audley Parish 652 7 Pete Forrester Ind 632 7 Nick Yates Duvelle 598 4 Mick Spencer Clayton 582 6 Jon Hindley Paget de Vesey 544 4 30
Photo by Paul Harrison Pictured: Shot across the water @ Tavistock
Field Archery - Deeper Involvement Part 2 by Mitch Vaughan, Billericay, Essex. Even though I was no longer Tournaments Officer for the EFAA, being Hon Sec. at Panther provided me with plenty of work, as besides the regular monthly EFAA “Classifications”, we organised at least a couple of NFAS shoots during the year and the fun shoot described in the last article. For many years we had been organising the Southern Counties Bowhunter Championships in the spring and another shoot in the autumn. We also frequently put on EFAA National competitions, so we The only hitch was a little difficulty red, white and blue outfits and were a very active club at putting finding the right exit from the waving the flag of St. George made on shoots for archers within the Brussels ring road. Nevertheless we up the largest identifiable group. arrived at our lodgings for the week, club and from outside clubs. On arrival, ceremonies commenced In 1995 however, some of us had a small hotel called the “Tannen with a parachute team dropping in, our eyes on a more prestigious Baum”, in the town of Neustadt, using a large field target as their competition outside of our own close to the competition venue. aiming point. There was just enough club, the EFAC (European Field We were made very welcome by the time for some liquid refreshments, Archery Championships), to be held genial owner and he rather amused (it was a very hot day), before assembling in the theatre for the at a place called St. Leon-Rot, near us by wishing us “Bon Appetite”, Heidelberg in Germany. There were after every meal we had there. rest of the reception. This consisted of entertainment from local karate, fewer takers than for WEFAC the Once we had sorted out our keep-fit and drama groups and previous year, but Dennis Burrow, accommodation for the week, Roger Dawes and myself, who had we went off to locate the shooting speeches by local political dignitaries and archery officials. The all shot at WEFAC, decided to join grounds. We found this was in forces and make the journey. From extensive woodland, just outside the ceremony concluded with the Vice my point of view this worked out town, on the banks of the river President of the International Field Archery Association (IFAA), our own very well, as Dennis proved to be a Rhine. The ground was shared with great organiser and booked our a gun club and included an attractive Dot Southgate, declaring the entry, lodgings and travel itinerary log-cabin style club hut, containing, ‘Championships officially open’. for July and August. My wife was amongst other things, very good We were then bussed out to the unable to join us this time, so the kitchen facilities. St. Leon-Rot sports stadium for a three of us managed to pack all our To explain the bulk of our week’s wine reception. This was where gear in Dennis’s Rover saloon for experience, I would like to quote the hosting club had their base, the journey. We planned to use the from the report I wrote for the a luxurious log-cabin. A large ferry from Folkestone to Ostend Field Archer in October of that year:- marquee had been erected on the and Dennis lived in Gravesend, so “Archers from all over Europe (and car park and would be the centre on the night before departure, South Africa) were welcomed to the of activities during the coming week. Roger and I drove to his house, to twin towns of St Leon and Rot, for This ceremony had shown us snatch a couple of hours sleep the enthusiasm and strong sense this year’s Championships. On the before setting off on our journey Sunday they were invited to join in a of community in this small corner of early the next morning. Germany, both local residents and procession through the street to a The ferry crossing went well, archers alike. The St. Leon-Rot Field sports and theatre complex linking fortunately a calm day and our drive the towns. This was headed by the Archery Club and particularly the across Belgium and through cooks, were to further demonstrate Town’s Marching Band in all its finery Germany was largely uneventful. their dedication to the welfare of but the England contingent in their 32
visitors, by the provision of hot and cold meals and liquid refreshments every day, from before 7-00 am till turned 10-00 pm, in temperatures well into the 80s (30s C). Heat and humidity were to be a feature of the Championships, even in the shelter of the woods this was a major concern. Poor Malcolm had to retire from a good position in the FU class at the end of the third day because of heat-stroke. The regular feeding stations proved inadequate, even though they were well sited and stocked and most archers would pass at least two or three in around the assembly area, awaiting in Australia. She found that no other ladies had the course of a day’s shooting. publication of the collated results, as come forward to Eventually the organisers had to the competition for the top placings challenge her, so had to be content with improving her own personal provide sub-depots of bottles of matched the ambient temperature. best scores and setting new records, water in crates of ice around the This was particularly so in the including a storming 540 on the courses. Gents Unlimited division, where the Jones ‘clan’ - Dave, Ben and Marked Big Game. Fortunately, the three courses used All in all this turned out to be a most were well laid out for access, if a Chris - were battling with Chris enjoyable week’s shooting and the little tiring for the participants. The Mozolowski from Finland. Here a missed ‘spot’ could drop you contingent can be more land was flat and a grid of England than satisfied with the final statistics: down a place and a ‘miss’ would service roads divided woods into 56 entrants (the largest after the drop you from 1st to 3rd or 4th. In a series of squares, with most targets being shot inwards from the the end, Ben was victorious followed host country), 15 individual Golds, 6 Silvers and 7 Bronzes, plus a host of Team medals, and a new (it was a very hot day), before Bowhunter award put up by the South African association. The thanks of all the contestants must be extended to Lorenz Kachler, speeches by local political President of the St. Leon-Rot Field Archery Club and his team of dedicated helpers, including ‘Walter’, who did so much to make us welcome. This even extended to an Indian war dance and fire-eating display on the Friday evening, with long-suffering ‘Walter’ tied to the Totem Pole in celebration of his birthday. wine reception. This was where the hosting club had their base, The event closed on the Saturday cabin. A large road. This made it easy to find the night with a Banquet and by Dave, Chris Mozolowski and Chris start point each morning and also Jones (Ben’s Dad). Brad Marshall, in presentation of awards in the allowed non-shooting spectators the Barebow Compound division, theatre where the opening ceremony had taken place. And still and photographers safe access to also had to fight hard to beat Stefan the action. If ever field archery is no rain!” Wengander of Sweden for his Gold medal. Perhaps he was still ‘jet the enthusiasm and strong sense to be promoted as a spectator Something that I did not include sport, this layout would make a lagged’ after his trip to the States to in that report, to save any good starting point. With the take the US championship. At the embarrassment to the person concerned, was that on the first courses being so flat, high scoring other extreme was Terri Boyce, became the order of the day and recent winner of the Gold medal in day of shooting, one of our lady many new records were established. the Bowhunter Limited division at compounders had a string/cable their dedication to the welfare of Every evening contestants hung the World Bowhunter Championship break after she had only shot two 33
This gave just over with over the winter season. 50 points extra over Following on from my experience 5 days’ shooting in Germany, rather than trade in or which was positive, if sell our old bows we kept them not spectacular, and as back-up for future competitions. roughly comparable This is something I always do these with the results for days and impress the same thing on my companions. Not my students and other new archers. sure if this was The archery year was not yet over equipment related, a however, as I still had to organise small improvement our regular open NFAS shoot. This in shooting skill or year it was decided to dedicate it to greater competition experience. But, further our late Chairman, Roy Winkfield. or three targets. No one close by analysis would have to wait a while Very fortunately, at that time we had could help her and she didn’t have because in September were the EFAA an enthusiastic and competent a spare bow anyway. She had group of NFAS members who did no option but to come off the Nationals, hosted by Kings Forest, at most of the work, so the new Culford School, the venue for the course and hope she could get Chairman and I found it a much less previous year’s WEFAC. the bow repaired overnight. stressful exercise to plan and Fortunately, Chris Jones, owner of This time my wife joined us again, organise. In the event, this turned Merlin Archery, was one of the together with several others from out to be well supported and as England Team and he managed to Panther who had not been able to successful as our previous ones. repair the bow for her. Over the attend EFAC. On a club and personal We were therefore able to make a good donation to a charity of Pat’s next four days she set the highest basis this was a very successful scores in her division and would outing, as a number of Panther choosing, in memory of her late surely have won the Gold medal, Archers gained medals, the club won husband. had she put in a representative the award for “Club with Highest It was now barely six years since my score on that first day. I, and many Numbers of Shooters”, 17 members first archery lessons and I found others I am sure, learned the hard in total, which was enough to allow myself involved in so many aspects lesson from this, that when going us to share the prize, with the host of the sport. I was shooting in both club. On top of this, Astrid and away to a major competition, Field and Target Archery, with two one should always have a spare I both claimed “B” Class awards in clubs, Panther, EFAA and Mayflower, our respective divisions, our best bow with you. This was something GNAS. I was Club Coach in both and results to date. Astrid and I now I intended to correct as soon as Hon. Sec at Panther. I was also a possible once I returned home. decided to review our equipment, member of the local, Essex Guild of after all the experience we had As stated in my report, we were Archery Coaches – GNAS. This was a gained over the last 18 months or very impressed with the hospitality steep learning curve and there was much to take in. Some parts of it shown to us whilst in Germany, so. We decided new bows and upgraded arrows would be required were more difficult than others. both while shooting and at other for next season. Astrid quickly times. We were also very impressed Having an Engineering background, the technology with how many of the archers and decided on the new, ladies side was of locals spoke a good standard of orientated “Sapphire” bow, from particular interest as development Merlin Archery. For myself, I paid English. A good job we didn’t have a visit to a new pro-shop which had of bows and arrows was speeding to try to get by with our limited up at this time. Also, as part of my work, I had frequently been involved German! After the competition one recently opened up nearby. They had taken on the agency for Martin of the German archers we had with committees of various types, bows, so I ended up buying a new got to know during the week, came usually more formal than those I was Martin “Ocelot”, compound to work with us to explore the town of now part of, so didn’t find this too Heidelberg and its historic castle. much of a burden, but it could be This rounded off a most enjoyable time consuming at times attending trip and the sun continued to shine. so many meetings. Coaching and So now it was back to Essex and to working with a range of people: reflect on our experiences. young, old, male & female, this was more of a novelty. Overall however, A quick review showed that I had personally improved my scores by I was enjoying the experience, about 10 points each day compared but could I carry on with this level of involvement in the future? to WEFAC the previous year. 34
* Quiz Answers from Oct/Nov edition * Following on from my experience Word Search: types of shoot, rounds shot and target types! sell our old bows we kept them H G N S I A N A I S S E H O M T P E R F A C E T Y U D P A E A P O L D E K R A M N U N A S T R B K V E D L E I F A T I F O J K U S A B I G G A M E M E N I F E O W M G S E F A R B U Q D O O D P stressful exercise to plan and O E L N K R A M G N I V O R U S R B U N N I E S I S A B R E L G R U S D T H I A W E K R L S B A A S P E E D S H O O T O O T U D E H S E K C E R T B A W X E I N L M Y R P D L E I F A R H R Z A G A I H A B R O E L A E Q U P W N N G T M N E A U R T N I L F S I O H W S A O P H T G E J O U E the technology side was of S A E B P L A M I N A R O I K Q Anagrams: types of detailed 3D targets! 1. Yegg Roe So = Grey Goose 6. Borax Hinge = Boxing Hare 2. Peahen Rail = Alpine Hare 7. Wale Loge = Eagle Owl 3. Cox If Trac = Arctic Fox 8. Nick Dug Fly = Flying Duck 4. Deb Bed Ed X I = Bedded Ibex 9. Flagon Mi = Flamingo I was enjoying the experience, but could I carry on with this level 5. Ricotta Broncos = Boa Constrictor 10. Bowleg Inflow Mirth = Howling Timberwolf 35
HNA Shoot Results 1st and 2nd October 2016 by Steve Potts, Secretary. HNA’s annual October two-day shoot was a big success this year. The weather was a little mixed on the first day but this didn’t dampen the competitive spirit of the 65+ archers who turned up to shoot. The second day brightened up considerably giving over 80 archers some great shooting weather for the competition. Our guests kept the catering team busy throughout the two days and many left with a raffle prize – or two! It was a great weekend of archery. HNA want to say thanks to our club members who worked so hard to make it a success, and we also want to say thank you to all our guests from around the area who came out to our Essex woods for two days of fun and friendship. American Flatbow Gents Score Spots Mark Jones 1364 12 Martin Langford 1144 6 Kevin Button 1140 7 Charlie Hitching 1112 2 Barry Cooper 992 3 Curly Fulton 982 1 Phil Marr 822 1 Mick Maxen 538 3 Ladies Niki Marr 936 5 Alison Law 906 - Barebow Theresa Hearne 680 - Gents Score Spots John Barcroft 1424 9 Compound Limited Alan Dullage 1360 9 Gents Score Spots Gerry Tierney 1260 5 Duane Williams 1498 16 Roger Blake 1192 2 Andrew Knott 1306 8 Al Morrow 638 1 Craig Jones 612 3 Crossbow Alistair Wren 552 2 Gents Score Spots Tom Rushmore 496 1 Mike Pearce 1286 4 Peter Kwiczala 482 - Ladies Ladies Margaret Rickard 1390 15 Kathy Jone 580 1 Vicky Morchman 364 - Bowhunter Gents Score Spots Tony Young 1384 - Phil Maher 1368 - Anthony Fuller 1352 - Carl Tagg 1138 - Freestyle Ladies Score Spots Lisa Fowler 1262 12 Lisa Lord 332 1 36
Freestyle Gents Score Spots Lawrence Goodall 1392 9 Steve Munnings 1242 8 Mitch Hill 646 7 John Smith 598 2 Hunting Tackle Gents Score Spots the competitive spirit of the 65+ archers who turned up to shoot. The second day brightened up Kelly Lake 1246 3 Steve Hipgrave 1244 6 Ben Hearne 1084 2 weekend of archery. HNA want to say thanks to our club members who worked so hard to make it a David Camish 1018 4 Andy Lehane 978 2 Stephan Purdy 880 1 Mick Hitching 852 - Hunting Tackle Stuart Stevenson 832 6 Ladies Score Spots Rob Halliwell 568 4 Linda Lehane 976 2 Roy Easton 494 3 Claire Parfitt 762 3 Don Maynard 474 - Stephanie Davies 690 - Mandy Rainer 286 - Juniors Ashley Cammish 838 1 Shaun Lake 728 1 Longbow Gents Score Spots Alberto Martinelli 1132 5 Adam Browning 1098 5 Rob Slater 1098 4 Mick Bailey 1082 3 Colin Rose 1022 2 Phil Stratton 1020 5 Primitive Vince Clarkson 940 2 Gents Score Spots Mark Allen 748 3 Mike Ashington 916 3 Martin Sutton 734 2 Andy Neville 868 2 Martin Watson 560 1 Stuart Fuller 802 3 Ladies Ladies Alex Tyler 1038 4 Carolyne Neville 810 1 Carol Pearce 1010 3 Monique Purdy 902 2 Unlimited Julie Hawke 860 3 Gents Score Spots Olivia Morgan 758 1 Stuart Fenwick 1452 12 Wai-King Cammish 754 2 Anita Sutton 296 - Don't forget, our next open shoot is on 29th and 30th April 2017. For more information, go to Havering NALGO Archers at Website: http://www.haveringnalgoarchers.co.uk/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/haveringnalgoarchers 37
“Perspectives” I asked some fellow archers the elusive question: could they try to explain just what our amazing sport means to them? Here are a couple of their replies ... “Whenever anyone asks me what field archery is, my answer is always as follows … a ramble through some woodland with a group of like-minded people, doing a lot of nattering and every now and then stopping to pop off a few arrows of have a drink and cake.” Scott Dingley, Druids Field Archers . \"What does archery mean to me\"???? Hmmmm, that’s a tough question as I'm not sure I can pin it down to one thing. I come from a martial arts background and I'm ex-forces so is it the macho thing? NO. I'm also into my history/historical weapons could it be that? NO. Is it the social thing or the competitiveness ? NO. For me it's about escaping from all the negativity in my life!! Pain, stress, depression, PTSD, money and the lack of it etc. It's about those seconds when you’re listening to your heart beat, the wind in the trees, the tension in my bow as I draw the string back to the side of my jaw, watching as the wind rustles the bushes as I wait for that perfect moment to loose and TWANG. Whoosh as the arrow flies towards the target and hopefully that resounding thump as the arrow hits the target and the ' relief' - if I can call it - that not just for hitting the target but the release of all those ‘perfect seconds’ taking me to that perfect place that only archery can find for me. That about sums up what our much loved sport/hobby means to me!!! What does it mean to you or am I just a fruit loop?” Paul “Skippy” Hammond, N.A.D.A. (National Association of Disabled Archers) founder, Q and Disability Officer @ King’s Lynn Field Archers. 38
I asked some fellow archers the elusive question: https://twitter.com/NewsukField could they try to explain just what our https://www.facebook.com/FieldArcheryNewsUK/ Don’t forget to visit the FAN UK website too for updates, shoot dates & photographs: http://fieldarcherynewsuk.wix.com/fanuk forces so is it the macho thing? NO. N.A.D.A. (National Association of Disabled Archers) founder, 39
NEW FEATURE: \"ARCHERY ON THE BIG SCREEN\" Throughout the decades, Hollywood has had more than just a passing interest in archery. The studios have churned out hundreds of films (some good and some quite forgettable) featuring bows and arrows in some form or other. In the future issues of FAN UK we will be reminding you of some of these, while also dredging up some you will have definitely never heard of! \"ARCHERY ON THE BIG SCREEN\" No. 2 \"DELIVERANCE\" (Warner Bros. 1972) Starring: Burt Reynolds, John Voight, Ned Beatty and Ronnie Cox Director: John Boorman John Boorman's powerful and disturbing adult adventure, Deliverance, charted the traumatic course of four city dwelling buddies from Atlanta who take time off to spend a weekend canoeing in the rugged Appalachians. However, their initial harmless encounter with the forces of nature turns sour with the arrival of some local hillbillies. The drama unfolds as the quartet of intrepid canoeists battle the rapids and scale the canyon in an attempt to shake off the sinister hillbillies. Boorman extracted as much suspense from the situation as he could, using man's frightening predicament to make a broader statement about urban man's rape of the wilderness and his inability to understand his own nature until pushed to the limits. It is a movie of stunning cinematic force. It can be seen these days on TV and satellite channels and is a film, which all field archers must see! Academy award for Best Picture went to John Boorman. By David 1066, Delamere Field Archers, Cheshire. 40
Foxhill Bowmen \"ARCHERY ON THE Sunday 2nd October 2016 by Helen Watson, Club Secretary. Many thanks to the 70+ archers who came to our shoot. The weather was bright, a bit breezy but thankfully the rain stayed away. Thank you to Richard for the course and all Foxhill members who helped on Saturday and Sunday. A big thanks to Mark and Chris for the bacon butties and to Val for her big pan of stew - which went down a treat; and also to Judith’s Aunt for once again making some lovely parkin and ginger biscuits. Our Raffle, which was in aid of Rossendale Hospice, raised a total of £453.67 (including the bucket which Rodney took round). Many thanks to you all for your generosity. If you wish to get in touch with us here are the details that you need: Foxhill Bowmen Archery Club - based at Hookcliffe Plantation, Downham nr. Clitheroe, Lancashire Secretary: Helen Watson Shoot Contact Tel: 01254 493034 or [email protected] GENTS U/12 BOY AFB AFB AFB Paul Meeson Artemis 634 James McGiffen Sabden Fold 292 Alan Carruthers N. Lakes 506 Duncan Jaques Tumulus 470 LADIES HT GENTS Elsa Tweedale Storm 382 HT Peter Plunkett Derwynd 562 LADIES Jo Wood Hollywood 530 COM U/LTD Mike Thomson N. Lakes 524 Janet Allen Firebird 610 GENTS GENTS U/12 Boy BAREBOW COM U/LTD COM U/LTD Kieron Goulding Riggwelter 624 Steve May Oakleaf 768 Harry Smith Gawthorpe 458 Leroy Smy Clayton 530 Ian Dawes Firebird 692 Chris Sharp Ind. 528 Mark Clowes Clayton 644 GENTS FREESTYLE LADIES U/14 Boy Nathan Smith Gawthorpe 638 BAREBOW BAREBOW Chloe McCourt Clayton 430 Alfie Jarvis N. Lakes 306 Karolina Worjcik Ind. 390 Lynne Roe Ye Olde Delph 280 GENTS LONGBOW GENTS Alan Beatty N. Lakes 508 BH Michael Parker Lakeland 454 Michael Devine Storm 606 Graham Percival N. Lakes 410 Craig Smith Storm 602 LADIES It can be seen these days on TV and satellite channels and is a film, LADIES LONGBOW BH Jan Slater Ye OIde Delph 454 Kath Harrison Pride Park 476 Sarah Taylor Oakleaf 344 U/16 Girl BH Isabel Feather Foxhill 426 Our next shoot is our Boxing Day Novelty Shoot on 26th December 2016. 41
42
“Toxophilia Poetica” (A collection of what would have been if an archer had written some of the great works of poetry.) by Barry Johnson, Scarborian Field Archers. “I wandered lonely as a Longbowman Searching for arrows wherever I can I don’t know where my arrows are laid Luckily I’ve got another batch already made.” ---------------------------------------------------------- “Ask me no more where my arrow lays It hit a branch and went off over there A breeze blew hard as I shot I swear! I’ll never find it in this bloody garlic maze Ask me no more Ask me no more what can I tell you? I have to shoot using my bad eye The shot looked good but was really high Oh no, I’ve just stood in some badger poo! Ask me no more Ask me no more my fate is sealed The score for this target is 3 and zero I’m not like that Robin Hood hero I think my arrow is in that farmer’s field! Ask me no more.” ------------------------------------------------------- “Flat bow, Flat bow, burning bright ‘Er indoors threw it on the fire earlier tonight She’d said to me “It’s me or the bow” I never should have let my true feelings show.” ------------------------------------------------------------- 43
Company of 60, Shoot Report & Results Prince of Wales shoot, 23rd October 2016 The day started with fog but it soon cleared to be a beautiful sunny autumn day, the multi-colours of the leaves at their best is the sunlight. We had a mix of 3Ds, 2Ds and hessians ready and for this shoot we used our Christmas tree plantation and our Creek course (regulars will know that we have 4 courses of 20 shots and use 2 for our Opens). The archers were keen with the majority registered a good while before assembly was due, but with breakfast in the hut no-one was in a rush to get started. With the shoot underway there was time to get the fire lit so it was ready for those keen for an early lunch, as the shoot progressed we started to get feedback from the archers that they were enjoying the course but in particular our new 3D dragon was definitely a resounding success (thank you Volker). As the day progressed more archers arrived for lunch in the sunshine and time for a welcome catch-up with friends over a cuppa and a homemade cake. The majority of groups came it at much the same time and so we were able to get the results out with the minimum of delay. Thanks to our Lady Paramount Jan Seed for generously giving out hugs and kisses along with medals; as well as thanks to our catering team, course layers, work party and everyone who contributed to make our shoot a success. Our next shoot is our Mince Pie on Sunday 11th December. This is a friendly with a rolling start; all 4 courses will be available (80 targets in total) and we will have breakfast, soup and bread for lunch and loads of mince pies - we hope that you can join us. Andrea Beddard-Smith, Company of Sixty Events Officer. Ladies Primitive Gentlemen Primitive Susan Blunsden Windrush 470 John Burthom Independent 482 Maureen Burthom Independent 286 Bob Miles Dragonfly 430 Cub Boy Primitive Ant Johnson Dragonfly 412 Luke Johnson Dragonfly 320 Fred Wentworth Westcott Archers 392 Ladies Longbow Robert Taylor Holmbush 344 Lorraine Miles Fleet Ibex 388 Gentlemen Longbow Sue Bint Longbow Heritage 292 David Holt South Wilts 614 Gentlemen Crossbow Stuart Stevenson Magic Dragon 604 Paul Provins Hartspring 838 Steve Blake South Wilts 572 Ken Scott Raven 698 Rob Slatem Celtic Harmony 548 Ladies Hunting Tackle Chris Hurst Longbow Heritage 526 Jan Seed Invicta 510 Phil Budgen Magic Dragon 520 Bev Cooke Invicta 292 Andy Doyle Invicta 516 Sheila Provins Hartspring 212 Patrick Hutchinson North Somerset 496 Junior Boy Hunting Tackle Ben Knight Copra 474 Jack Massey Archers of Battle 598 Lawrence Wiles Cloth of Gold 470 Philip Faithful Magic Dragon 456 Simon Banks Magna Carta 452 Matthew Fouracre Magna Carta 368 Nick Gentle Copra 324 Gentlemen Hunting Tackle Mike List South Wilts 622 Jed Cullen Raven 578 David Curwen Independent 566 Alan White South Wilts 552 Steve Dixon Invicta 548 Tim Seed Invicta 528 Paul Harding Fleet Ibex 526 Ken Whitiker Raven 522 44
Gentlemen Hunting Tackle (continued) Ladies American Flat Bow Gary Snook Ratpack 486 Joyce Morgan Cloth of Gold 412 Martin Shadbolt Magna Carta 450 Gentlemen American Flat Bow Laszlo Varga Independent 446 Obind Pun Independent 520 Brian Grindall Independent 442 Mick Maxen Cloth of Gold 504 Ian Blunsdon Windrush 416 David Bennett Fleet Ibex 482 Richard Haslam Fleet Ibex 360 Barry Cooper Whitemark 476 Jacint Bagoli Independent 298 Nicholas Mitchell Belvedere 464 Charles Liston Independent 278 Andy Miles Fleet Ibex 406 Simon Cucksey Fleet Ibex 400 Alan Puddick Ratpack 334 Gentlemen Barebow Paul Skippins Copra 698 Roger Massey Archers of Battle 692 John Barcroft Archers of Battle 678 Jason Budden South Wilts 668 course but in particular our new 3D dragon was definitely a resounding success (thank Brett Field South Wilts 626 you Volker). As the day progressed more archers arrived for lunch in the sunshine and time for Terry Stevens Invicta 592 Bob Moore Bridgewoods 586 Dave Andrews Aquarius 576 Steve Lee Invicta 518 Mark Svensson Independent 470 Ladies Free Style Gentlemen Free Style Patricia Vince Raven 290 Glenn Martin Fleet Ibex 714 Gentlemen Compound Unlimited Terry Wentworth Westcott Archers 696 Stan Bartosz Fleet Ibex 812 Steve Munnings Independent 656 Stewart Fenwick Archers of Battle 796 Roy Luff Raven 620 Aaron Patterson HNA 774 Gentlemen Bow Hunter Mike Davidson Fleet Ibex 770 Phil Maher Independent 720 Trevor Barker Archers of Battle 766 Tony Young South Hams 714 Mick Lee Hartspring 752 Tony Fuller Senlac 684 Kevin Rowett South Wilks 748 Matthew Searle Independent 660 Nigel Sheffield Fleet Ibex 746 Ian Clothier Independent 740 Stone Hennriksen Independent 704 Nick Hearn Hartspring 684 Richard Searle Independent 674 Club Handicap Competition Cub Boy Lady Gent Seb Stockton Sylvia Marshall Simon Willard Club Results Ladies Longbow Gentlemen Longbow Sylvia Marshall 482 Patrick Bishop 498 Freda Marshall 428 Richard Stafford 484 Meltem Raven 420 Bob Dysart 360 Lucie Cramp 358 Peter Briggs 342 Helene Holloway 298 Gentlemen Barebow Gentlemen Compound Unlimited Mark Stockton 624 Simon Willard 842 Paul Brewer 578 Jon Holland 784 James Hawkins 466 Gentlemen American Flat Bow Paul Wilson 366 Christopher Harwood 370 Gentlemen Hunting Tackle Gentlemen Free Style Terry Cramp 544 Chris Hutchins 592 Cub Boy Bow Hunter Seb Stockton 682 45
So some time ago I was asked if I would write * A tape measure a few words on string making for this * Some string wax (I use a mix of pure magazine ... and then life got in the way and I never really got round to it - until now! bees wax and rosin) to hold the fibres together whilst twisting it up. I’ve been twisting my own strings - and strings for friends - for a few years now * Serving thread and a jig to add the centre and there is really something satisfying in serving. making your own strings or making them for somebody else. I suppose it’s a bit like * A pen and some paper, for making notes. when you first learn to make arrows or your own bow there is a pride element involved. Now we have all our bits together it’s time Today I got chance to make a string for the to make a start. first time in a few weeks and so I decided it First off, work out what length string you want to make and measure out two bundles of would be a good idea to take a few notes as string on your jig. I tend to use ten strands for I went along and take a few photos for this article. It also gave me a chance to try out most of my personal strings and pad out the some samples I have been sent of the new end loops out with extra strands to 16 strands. Bearpaw Speed Flight Yarn, as I normally use BCY D97 or D10 for my strings as it has minimal stretch and is a nice material to work, with so this will be a nice change. OK, so what do you need to make a String? Well the strings I make are twin or triple bundle Flemish twist strings so the answer to the question above is not much really. SO: first off we need to measure out the * A string board - which can be something two bundles of fibres to make our string. as simple as a plank of wood with a I’m looking for a 59” string for one of couple of nails hammered into it through my bows and I know that to get that length or a shop bought fully adjustable jig - and there are plenty of plans available on on my jig I need to the internet for you to download if you fancy use peg number 61; building your own. and - since it’s going to be a 10 strand * A sharp knife - I use an Opinel number 7 string - I’ll need two as they hold a really sharp bundles of 5 strands edge and are lockable. and some additional short strands to pad * Some string material - out the loops to two different colours is 16 strands. easiest when you are starting out. In this case it is Bearpaw speed flight yarn in green and brown. 48
Now that we have our two bundles we you need to do to stop this happening What is add add the additional short strands to the counter twists to the string before ends and hold them in place with some wax you make the other end loop to the string. then we can measure of the length for the To do this we twist the string bundles end loop wrap it on a peg and start on our (I use a mix of pure clockwise approximately 16-18 times which twists. I use around 8-9 inches for the loops. is about the number of twists that go into the end loop, the idea is that when you make the end loop you will unwind the twists so both bundles of fibres lie flat and can be formed into one nice round bundle. Now we have the twists in the string we can check the length of on our tape measure and at the correct length mark of the start Now we have all our bits together it’s time of the second loop. Taking each bundle in hand we need to twist Now we can start the second loop... the bundle in one direction (I twist clockwise) You build this loop exactly the same way and then wrap it over the other bundle in the as you build the first one, tying off the other direction (so In my case anti-clockwise). tails and twisting up a length to form the loop. Once we get enough twists to make the first Once you have both ends twisted you can of the end loops which in this case is around 2 inches we can remove it from the jig and pull the string tight and add the main twists marry up each “Tail” with the corresponding to get a nice round string. bundle so they behave as one string. I stretch all my strings overnight before I put them on a bow or add Looping the end loop back over a the centre serving as I find if I do this peg, continue to there is very little creep when the string twist the bundles is used and very little adjustment is up until all the needed to maintain the chosen brace height. SO: first off we need to measure out the tail is gone. This Once the string is stretched you can add two bundles of fibres to make our string. usually means that you end up with a twisted the centre serving in the usual manner, loop of around 8 inches. At this point I like to I’m looking for a 59” string for one of making sure that you wind serve it in tie a bit of string around the end of the tail just the same direction as you twisted the body to stop it coming undone. of the string to prevent it unwinding. use peg number 61; Now, there is a step that if you get it wrong you will end up with a cabling effect where And that’s about it really … the two bundles twist round each other rather Once it’s served, string your bow and go than forming one nice round string (see below and shoot it - since it’s pre-stretched it for example): should move very little. out the loops to Here is a link to a video I recommend to anyone wanting to try string making. It’s from Bearpaw and really explains things very well: Youtube Video on how to make strings - Andy Flint. 49
Our winner - David Bennett - kindly sent us these pictures of his prize and it appears that Robin Hood mouse is settling in very nicely indeed! David told us that Robin is assured a proud display place once the decorating of his lounge finishes. In the meantime Robin has been ‘out and about’ like a true field (mouse!) archer, acting as a lucky mascot at practice and open shoots :-) ANOTHER MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS COMPETITION SPONSOR: Trevor of Shire Archery! 50
Search
