George's Monthly Update - May 2010

The first round of the County Summer League was held on our field in May. Twenty-six targets and a hundred archers made an impressive sight and the weather was ideal.No results are announced until all three rounds have been completed,later in the summer.This shoot also served as the first leg of the annual postal challenge match against the archers of Oregon,USA. After the second leg in June, the teams will be announced, based on the accumulated scores, and the results sent off to America.
This is the first time that the Oregon Challenge has been shot outside Nottingham in its 52 years' history. Similarly,the Lord Mayor of Nottingham's annual Golden Arrow Tournament is to be held on our field in June - the first time out of Nottingham in 61 years. We are proud to have the honour of hosting these two important County events in Southwell.
The first of this year's selection shoots for the County team was held at Wilford Bowmen's ground. Our members had a really good day,in spite of the very hot sun: Susan Stankovic 1st Lady Compound; Julie Bancroft 2nd Lady Recurve;  Megan King  1st Jnr Lady Recurve;  George Smith  2nd Jnr Gent Recurve;  Ashley Buckland  1st Jnr Lady Compound and Rose Award; Robert Burton  Compound Rose Award.  The Rose Awards are for reaching qualifying scores at York Rounds of 12 dozen arrows, and are not easily won!  Well done,everyone.
This year the Society of Archers' annual tournament for The Antient Scorton Silver Arrow was held at Bedale,North Yorkshire.This is the 302nd recorded meeting in the society's 338th year:one of  the oldest sporting events in the country.George Brown won the trophy for best score by a longbowman,
We are now moving into the busiest part of the season, so I hope to have news of more good results next month. In the meantime we hope that you will try your hand [and eye] at our Have-a-Go sessions at local events.

George Brown
Club President