On September 9^th, a formidable group of longbowmen, under the watchful eye of Keith Shooter, gathered at the club to shoot the 40^th “Bowmen of Wharfedale” longbow tournament. The round was a 2-way Western, under BLBS rules – so no sights or sighters. It is remarkable to anyone not versed in the way of the longbow how anyone manages to hit the target at all (though not all arrows did). Conditions were not perfect, with little sunshine, scurries of rain and a gusting breeze, but the archers cheerfully shot on. Lunchtime saw them provided with pie and peas and fruit tart, all of which drew compliments from many. Lunchtime also saw the only prolonged period of breezeless sun, and the morning conditions returned to welcome the archers back.

The club had many members participating. Not least Carol Wood, who briefly left slaving in the kitchens behind to serve elegantly as Lady Paramount. We also had two awards – Steffi Hermanski took the prize for Ladies – Most Hits, while Alex Hermanski was delighted to receive the “Do it yourself longbow kit” for most greens.

A surprise award was made at the end, as the BLBS presented David Aikin with an engraved tankard for organising the tournament these many years, and keeping the flame of BLBS archery alive. Well-deserved indeed!

Next year’s tournament is booked for September 8^th – get your entries in now!

Photos of the day’s events can be found here.

Well, what a day!

Great weather, great company and some good shooting too, what more could you ask for the first weekend in September.  I’d like to thank everyone involved with making the day such a success.  All those members who came to help out be it for half an hour to all day.  As they say, every little helps and was greatly appreciated.  Louise, thank you for being Judge and Nicky for accepting the role of Lady Paramount.  Also thanks to all our own club members who took part in the actual tournament as without the boost in numbers we were very close to calling the day off.  We even won some stuff too so congratulations.  For a few of you, I know it was your first time in a “proper” tournament so well done to you all.

If you enjoyed the day tell your club mates and bring them along next year.

The final results can be found here.

Photos from the day can be found here.

Darren

Chairman Bowmen of Adel

On Monday August 27^th, 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.