|
Frequently: Middle English, ample, profuse, from Old French, from Latin frequēns. Asked:Middle English asken, from Old English ācsian, āscian. Questions:Middle English, from Old French, legal inquiry, from Latin quaestiō, quaestiōn-, from quaestus, obsolete past participle of quaerere, to ask, seek. |
|
Archery, medieval style. |
|
Frequently Asked Questions |
|
How are you different from other archery clubs & how is your archery 'medieval'?
We at Companions of the Longbow offer our club members a range of opportunities to practice and become proficient with their bows in various ways. We try to model our activities on the endeavours of the medieval archer who might have served in the English armies from The Hundred Years War (1337 to 1456). This means that we do not constrain ourselves to shooting and scoring target faces over set proscribed distances but try to work in games and activities that replicate the actions of the medieval archer, whether it be hunting or at war.
Also as the accomplishments of the archers in the English armies during this period weren’t solely due to the skill of an individual but the skills of many archers acting together, we also try to incorporate team activities into our shoots. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Why do you choose to shoot primarily longbow, rather than modern "take-down" and compound bows?
Yes these modern bows are easier to shoot, are more accurate, are more durable and are more forgiving in extremes of temperature. But here in lies the challenge and we think the fun of shooting a wooden longbow. Also we draw from history during our club activities and although not blinkered into missing what’s great about modern archery we’re trying to specialise and hone our own unique historical style. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
So, do you just shoot English longbows then?
Although geared towards the longbow we accept and welcome where practicable any medieval archery techniques and equipment, bar crossbows. For example Mongol bows were around during the medieval period and we’d welcome anyone who wants to shoot one. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can I bring my crossbow?
If you can bring a medieval operated wooden crossbow complete with hemp string and a buddy to act as your pavisier, we’ll gladly let you come down to our shoots. As medieval longbow men we will of course be shooting at you ... Seriously though, no crossbows. They may be medieval kit but they're too easy to accidentally shoot. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can I bring my compound bow?
Sorry, where practicable we shoot using medieval equipment. No compound bows allowed. If the Club President finds you shooting a compound bow you will be official declared a “moving target”. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I've never done archery before, where can I learn to shoot?
At the time of writing all of our archers were taught by Bob Bannister at Swindon New College. Swindon New College offers beginners and advanced archery courses. For a link to their web site click here. Other archery courses are available by searching online. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can I borrow bows and arrows or will I have to bring my own?
Currently the club cannot officially lend equipment. However individual members if you are very, very nice to them may allow you to borrow their equipment on an ad hoc basis until you get your own. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How dangerous is archery?
In the past archery was an activity specifically designed to kill and maim. Nowadays it's a sport and as such is something that's fun and enjoyable for participants and spectators alike. As "fun" and "an arrow through the chest" make uneasy bedfellows steps are always taken to ensure shooting is safe during club activities. Statistically you are ten times more likely to be injured playing football than during an archery session [Source TSAA]. The most common archery related injuries are blisters and strained muscles. For those with specific concerns The Companions of the Longbow Safety Case can be requested by e-mailing Mark at webadmin@companionsofthelongbow.co.uk. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Where do you shoot?
We currently shoot at Roves Farm. A location map can be found in Locations and Maps.We sometimes arrange excursions to Wye Valley Archery, currently a big favourite with the club. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
When do you shoot?
We shoot every Saturday morning at 10:00am. Shoots usually last for 2-3 hours depending on the weather. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you do re-enactments or displays?
To date we have done a couple of displays and run a few have-a-go archery sessions. (Click here to go to the Gallery where you can see some shots of the Sherwood Forest shoot that took place in August 2007). These are run on an ad-hoc basis and while not a core Companions activity (we’re not a re-enactment society) there may be occasions where our members don hose and fancy dress to give a display. If members want to join in they can, while those that don’t, don’t have to. If you’re interested in contacting us to talk about arranging a display or have-a-go archery, e-mail Jane on president@companionsofthelongbow.co.uk __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can I visit before deciding to join?
We would welcome a visit from anyone who's thinking about joining. Visits can be arranged by e-mailing Mark at webadmin@companionsofthelongbow.co.uk. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
This all sound great, how do I join?
Either come along for a chat and pick up an application pack or E-mail Helen at secretary@companionsofthelongbow.co.uk and she'll send you an application pack. The rules on membership can also be read on the Membership page. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How much is it?
Membership is £50 for a year although there are various memberships available (see Membership page under fees). Where an adult member has children under 16 who wish to become members the fees are £35 for the first child, and £25 for any subsequent children. For adult non-members who have children who want to join the adult must first become the member and then the child is allowed to "shoot the ticket" (See also "My child wishes to join but I don't. Is this possible?" below).
For insurances purposes all our members become members of the National Field Archer Society. This cost is included in the Companions of the Longbow membership fee. The benefits for the club, in addition to the insurance, is that as we are affiliated we can arrange shoots at other clubs as well as host other club shoots. Also it enables our archers can enter shooting competitions like the 2007 Colchester's Medieval Oyster Fayre's Archery Contest
There's also an on the day shooting cost of £4.00 per member to cover the replacement of destroyed target faces and bosses. Fees can also be read on the Membership page. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My child wishes to join but I don't. Is this possible?
Children can join on agreement from the committee and if they have a responsible adult at the shoot prepared to take responsibility for them. For costs and fees please see "How much is it?" above.
|
|
© Companions of the Longbow |
