In a rash moment of bonhomie during the club initial shoot, our chairman, Paul Maines, said that the first adult to take out the 'x' at 60 or 50 yards would win a bottle of champagne. Mike Solomon managed to take this record a few months ago and earned his bottle of champagne, so well done Mike!
On 1st January 2008 we finally managed to hold our club championship. Thankfully the weather was good (although colder than is comfortable for some of us!) and we had an impressive turn out. After a good day of competative shooting, the champions were as follows:
Julian Kearsley (senior gents), Nicky Solomon (senior ladies), Chris Maines (gents U18), Charles Rigby (Burntwood round), Paul Maines (best unadjusted score).
We were unable to compete in the Junior Ladies category as only one competitor was present. A huge thank you to all who made this contest possible, in particular Paul Maines, our chairman and coach, and Dave Nicholson, who is also a coach. Many thanks also go to all who participated, supported, watched or helped organise the event, it really was an enjoyable day!
On 6 August, many of our club members enjoyed a sunny day of competitive shooting. The winners were as follows: Gents - Ash Hopkins, Ladies - Ginnene Pegg, Gents U18 - Chris Maines, Ladies U18 - Amy Pegg, Best Unadjusted Score - Max Nicholson, Chairman's Award - Denise Burgess. Thank you to all those who took part and helped organise the shooting and barbeque.
Considerable thanks go to:
Lady Paramount, Sharon Nicholson, who presented the trophies.
Paul Maines and Nick Purdy, who have both work very hard for the club with their continuous support and their excellent coaching.
The conditions were ideal for our first club championship, with bright sunshine, little breeze and plenty of shade available. We have a high proportion of very young members, and their sportsmanship, conduct and observance of etiquette and safety rules was a credit to themselves and the Club.
All archers shot recurve bows. The rounds shot were Nationals (6 dozen arrows). However, our very young members, who could not yet manage to shoot 20 yards, shot a Burntwood Junior National instead. Full results (PDF: 35.2 kb).
The shield
for Best Unadjusted Score was awarded to Paul Maines, with a score of 461.
The award for the junior member who is most true to the GNAS' motto of 'Union, Trueheart and Courtesie' was presented to eleven-year-old Hannah Porter, who personifies this motto. The winner is decided by the club committee, who were unanimous in their decision. Hannah's impeccable conduct both on and off the shooting line, her willingness to 'dig in', her unfailing cheerfulness and her undoubtedly considerable talent as an archer are a credit to herself, her parents and the club. Well done, Hannah.
Many thanks are due to:
All members and participants of our beginners' courses were invited to join us on a fun Christmas shoot/party with American supper. We met in the Sports Hall at 2.00 pm prompt because there was basic safety instructions first.
Competition - Six trial arrows at a normal target (known as 'sighters') and then six arrows in each of three different 'fun' targets. Every entrant will win a 'medal' and the winners of each category will win a trophy.
Lady Paramount (that's the person who gives out the prizes) - Mrs Gerry Maines.
Party - If there is time after the shoot, we can have a short party, so please bring any CDs or tapes with you, don't leave it to me, or we'll all be doing the Birdie Song (joke)!
Don't forget the food and something to drink. For those who don't know, an American Supper is where each person brings a plate of food which is added to the communal table and everyone digs into everything, so don't all bring turkey sandwiches. You can eat when you are not shooting, so don't have too big a lunch.
Other family members are welcome to come and watch, share the food and maybe even have a go, however, please be aware that younger children need to be supervised at all times for safety reasons. Several experienced archers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and a spare target will be set up where you can try out different types of bow.
A good chance to try out that new equipment that Santa brought you!
Created: 22 November 2004
Updated: 23 September 2006