A bright September Saturday morning recently saw Wrexham Bowmen hold a roving clout shoot at a venue near Overton.
As a mixed company of archers – gentlemen and ladies, of varying ages and experience – stood abreast on the line, arrows nocked and ready to loose the first volley of the day, a few spots of precipitation were felt and were quickly dispelled by a warming sun which remained for the entire shoot.
A shoot including distances of up to the “Kings Distance” of 220 yards was set out. A “wand” shot, along with shots over ditches, uphill, downhill and over large oak trees were included to add variety to the day.
An occasional light breeze coming in from the north west made for some interesting shots. There was some noticeable drift on some of the longer distances!
Concessionary distances were available for lighter bow weights unable to make the full distance.
Traditional wood and feather fletched arrows were used, combined with longbow, American flat bow, field recurve and recurve barebow.
Results:
Heavy weight (above 40lb) – Oliver Keane
Middle weight (30 to 40 lb) – Graham Jones
Light weight (up to 30 lb) – Audrey Roberts
Although prize tassles were awarded to the winners of the three bow weight categories, in truth we were all winners on the day – we were fortunate to participate in a fantastically well organised shoot which was lots of fun and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
If you have never shot clout archery before – DO IT!
It is a wonderfully different form of archery and lots of fun.
A special mention of heartfelt thanks must go to Kevin and Wanda Emm who organised the day with great success, and – of course not forgetting our great pal Medwyn Edwards who owns the field for letting us on it in the first place – Nice One Medwyn !!