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Club Annual Championships

On Monday August 27th, 19 archers assembled, despite the weather, to contest the annual Club Championships. Yes, sighters were meant to be at 10:30, but there were delays, and other delays so it was nearer 11 when the action started. Almost at once the fussier archers decided they needed a new face on their boss. But the rhythm of shooting soon picked up. The ladies’ Best Gold was settled early on – there was only one candidate, and so long as she got a gold the trophy was hers. The competition for the Junior best Gold – with two candidates, each recording the best shot at least once. The gents’ competition was a tenser tussle, with the lead passing between three of the four candidates at least once. But it was all settled by the lunch break.

The usual lunch – chilli, curry, rice, savoury snacks, cakes, crispy things and tiramisu – was devoured. And we were joined for the afternoon by Steffi (who, as usual, refused to score) and Tony. Overall a good turnout. The Worst White was won in perfect fashion, with an arrow tangential to the outer ring of the white, the sort of WW you dream of.

Perhaps the archer of the day was young William Clancy, who brought along his own bow for practice behind the line as others shot. It was lovely to see him awe-struck by the skill and finesse with which his father performed actual big boys’ shooting. And Daddy won the biggest trophy of the lot (though not the longed for Wooden Spoon).

More cake, tea and tiramisu, and we rounded off the day, tired and satisfied.

Strawberry Shoot, the results

Quiz question. What archery competition contains instruction on eating three different kinds of cheese, requires knowledge of when Hornsea pottery was founded – and gives a starring role in Jurassic Park to Godzilla? Of course, regular readers know the answer. It is the annual “Strawberry Shoot”, which played out on Sunday 22nd in baking heat. All the old friends were there – shooting the pig, the snake and the zombie, a small clout, forfeits (some slightly off the wall – see above) and the wrong-handed target. This year’s topical target was based on the year 1948 – of course. Added spice came from the presence of archers from Bronte, for the return fixture after we took all their chocolate rabbits at Easter. The shooting was rounded off with Darren’s moving target, hauled across the field in an act of sadism by the two smallest young lady archers. Who can forget the sight of certain archers shuffling safely behind the shooting line to catch up with the target? Scores fluctuated wildly, thanks to the random effect of forfeits, strawberries and polo mints (on the toss of a coin).

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Food was, as usual, massively provided, and greatly enjoyed. Results? The least important part but anyway: 4th place (winning Strawberry Pencils) Bessy, Sue, and Joe (Bronte); 3rd place (winning a Strawberry jelly) Myah (Bronte), Nicky and Clifford (Bronte); 2nd place (Winning a 4-pack of Strawberry Chewits) Jude, Deborah (Bronte) and Darren; 1st place (Winning a jar of Tiptree Strawberry Jam) Max, Kirsty (Bronte) and Vish. The team result was scrupulously calculated, so, of course, Adel won, and, as there were eight prizes, there were eight team members (including Carol, David and Anthony) who each received a packet of Wagon Wheels (first introduced in – 1948)

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A state of happy exhaustion reigned afterwards.