Archers from across Britain gathered at Mark College, near Burnham-On-Sea, on Saturday (August 1st) to compete in a longbow tournament.
Hosted by the Coastal Archers, the tournament was a two-way western event, involving the release of 96 arrows by each of the 34 competitors over distances of 60 and 80 yards.
There were no bowsights, stabilizer weights, carbon fibre arrows, or any of the other Olympic-style equipment generally seen at Coastal’s competitions, since the archers were testing their skills with a ‘stick and string’ unchanged in essence since Mediaeval times.
The rain, which had drifted in across Mark College’s playing fields during the morning’s preparations, lessened during the afternoon.
Mrs Creaser, the day’s Lady Paramount, presented trophies to visitors from as near as Wells and Burnham, as well as throughout England and Wales.
Trophy winners included Maureen Read – Moorhall Bowmen, David Williams – N.P.A., Aaron Pearce – Deer Park Archers, Tom Green – Burnham Company of Archers, John Bedford – Newbury and Thatcham, and David O’Carroll – Bowmen of Gower. Local winners were Richard Tunstall, Dot Rockett and Club Chair Elaine Coward.
Dot Rockett told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We owe a debt of gratitude to Mark College for the use of their excellent grounds and to the gracious participation of our Lady Paramount, Mrs Creaser, as well as to our judge, Alex Kirby.”
Dot added: “It is also a tribute to longbow archers that so many braved the rain and difficult motorway conditions to take part.”
Tournament Organizer Dot Rockett, Lady Paramount Mrs Creaser, Coastal Chair Elaine Coward, Tournament Judge Alex Kirby.
