Penrith 2008
Tracey, was still on a high from winning at the previous weeks British Longbow Society’s 'Eccles' shoot at Preston Grasshoppers grounds, and was determined to win another medal to add to her already sizeable, and rapidly growing collection. The Eagle Bowmen two-day clout shoot held at Penrith gave her the opportunity to do so.
Saturdays double one-way clout shoot was held in extremely hot, and humid conditions with the threat of the dark sky’s turning to rain (they did eventually). Jack was using his compound bow, which was not suited to the hard ground and he lost many points as the arrows hit the gold then skidded off to outside of the scoring zone. Alf (Longbow) was still chasing the ever-elusive white tassel award, losing out by just a couple of points in previous clout shoots. Ian (Longbow) as always, regarded the
clout flag (as with any other target) as an advancing French army during medieval times, with his shooting speed equivalent to that of a Gattling gun.
Tracey won the medal she set out to get plus a Trophy for coming first. Jack also came first despite the concrete like ground.
After the shoot, it was back to the Scott’s caravan where Tracey and Ian prepared a much-appreciated barbequed evening meal.
Sundays double two-way clout shoot, was held in glorious sunshine. Jack was still having trouble trying to stop his arrows skidding out of the scoring zone even though he reverted back to his Recurve bow with lower poundage limbs. The relentless heat was getting to all the archers, particularly as they had to carry their equipment from one end of the field to the other after each end. This time Tracey won second place, gaining another medal, being beaten by just a couple of points (possibly something to do with the alcohol from the previous nights barbeque)! Jack came first (he’s too young to drink alcohol), and Alf had a grin on his face as he signed his White Tassel claim form
High Elm Archers
