Mediaeval Windsor

Today was City of Cambridge Bowmen’s (CCB) 17th Open Windsor. CCB is the archery club I shoot with – and a Windsor is one of several possible archery rounds. It consists of shooting at total of 9 dozen arrows – 3 dozen at 60 yards, then a further 3 dozen at 50 yards and the final 3 dozen at 40 yards.

Shooting starts at noon – and finishes around 5pm.

A splendid day – totally dry (a real surprise after recent weather) and almost totally still – no wind to speak of. Ideal archery weather.

The “Record Status” part of the shoot takes place on normal targets:

Targets & Arrows

but the Mediaeval round takes place on a different, simpler target:

Mediaeval targets & arrows

Longbow archers aren’t all in the Robin Hood league – and therefore some arrows fall short, and others go long.

Medals won

CCB isn’t a strong longbow club, though a number do practice the art. Others are far stronger – so we were fortunate to get a 4th (myself) in the individual (men’s) competition, and a 3rd for the team, myself, Vic Todman (also an Impington archer) and Alan Norton.

CCB’s recurve team did well – coming first, though archers from Ely Archers & Cambridge University Bowmen took the individual top places.

Numbers were down on last year – a pity – its a great way to spend a day in the fresh air, enjoying a sport and having fun. According to Graham Harris from Clickers, who is a regular with his mobile shop, this drop off is happening at all tournaments.

As with the Olympics in 2004, perhaps further successes from our archers will prompt a renewal of interest!