Stringing Session

The weather was awful but the atmosphere was full of warmth and laughter at the stringing session held by Keith Calder, after Pip Bickerstaffs visit to the club.

As you can see, once J.R. had preened Keith ready for his debut, the session got into full swing. With our new member Greg getting to grips straight away with the equipment and making his own string for his hungarian barebow.

There was plenty of participation by everyone and no excuses now for tatty strings on bows in the future

Tina :)

Bickerstaffe Seminar

On Sunday 18th October (apologies for wrong day / right date initially advertised) we were treated to a seminar by Pip Bickerstaffe.

Pip has been shooting since the 60's and has made over 1500 longbows, his interest and enthusiasm for wood is phenomenal.

The first part of his talk was about the history of archers, about the myths and what probably happened!

He showed us the different parts of trees, where they grow and how the wood is selected and how to decide where it is to be cut. Also how the bowyer gets the shape to get maximum energy out of the bow

Shooting techniques were then discussed and tried, again mainly to get the best performance out of the wood. A bit of a problem when on a close shooting line as needs more space* .
We finished with a lively question and answer session, although a bit disappointing some missed out on this informative ending part. Hope the coaches were able to take some positive tips away from the day, as longbows are making a comeback and we will certainly appreciate their help.

Thank you - Carole

*tried it outside the next day and with a bit of adapting certainly helps to get more power / distance

Lychett Clout 2009

The weather was damp, the wind cold. But this didn't deter a few hardy BAC archers from attacking the 140 and 180 yds that was the Lychett Clout shoot on Sunday 11th October.

Well done team bournemouth, the flags we were aiming for may have been a dot on the horizon but the determination was well rewarded, a great atmosphere, great company and lots of fun had by all.