Held on 12th October 2008 to commemorate 500 years of the Fraternity of St George.Over 200 longbow archers gathered from all over Europe to celebrate this special anniversary, starting in St Lawrence Church, Guildhall in the City of London and, following the route archers took to battle, marched behind mounted police and a military band to Finsbury.
Carole Tidd and Brian Hills (carrying our Bournemouth gonfalong) took part and the parade was challenged by musketeers on entering the Honourable Artillery Company. (HAC) The dignitaries from the Army charities benefiting from this day were clearly nervous and amused. - £3,800 was donated altogether
Shooting took place till we all partook of a traditional army curry lunch and then resumed as a speed shoot in the afternoon.
Space was limited so this is more of a clout then a rove. Heavy bows shoot first, then the lighter bows, then ultra-lights (children) and we claim our arrows from the scorers.The HAC garden [1] is the last remnant of the Finsbury fields where archers gathered to practice and go off to battle. [2]The last remaining mark is called Scarlet [3] and we have been lucky enough to see it near the Long Room where the Queen still presents medals to the Artillery men and where we ate cake! [4]
 |
| 1. |
 |
| 2. |
 |
| 4. |
 |
| 3. |
A proud and exciting day, when we started archery at Bournemouth 26 years ago never imagined it could lead to this!
Thanks for reading this - hope you enjoyed it - Carole Tidd
