I will shortly be posting the club diary for 2012 on the front page of the Calendar tab.
Mark Lawrence has submitted the following article
on behalf of Sharon and himself
Our first year in archery
Well we have both now completed our first full year in archery, and what a year we have had. We would both like to take this opportunity to thank all the club members for making us so welcome and we really feel a part of the Pilgrim family. Sharon had already been shooting for about 6 months before I started so she had a good head start and over last winter had already entered a few external competitions. Not doing too badly, well, not coming last anyway. During the start of the outdoor season we really enjoyed the evening sessions, shooting a Short Warwick then, as light permitted, moving to a Short National With such regular shooting our scores shot up quickly, proving that you can never have too much practice.
As the year went on we entered a couple of external competitions, being the Grays Open Western, where we both had a great result; me with a bronze and Sharon (doing one better as usual) with a silver and also the Hatfield Memorial Double American where we got the Married Couples silver. What a long day that was; 15 dozen arrows does get you after a while, was great fun though and a really nice bunch of people.
When the weather started to turn and competitions moved indoors, we entered a few and have not been doing too badly, Sharon much better than me as usual, her best result being gold at the West Essex Bowmen's Portsmouth. Along with the pair of us showing well in the Married Couples at a few competitions.
So that was our first full year at other clubs competitions and our only regret is that we hadn't discovered archery many years ago as we have both really been taken with the sport and the lovely people involved. As we now continue our quest for the perfect score why not join us at some outside competitions. They are a great way to meet new people in our sport and a really big help to improve your scores, and no one bites, honest, we have found everyone to be really nice and helpful. Also, if we have four enter, we have a chance of a team medal.
Lastly, before you fall asleep reading this, as I didn't realise I had gone on so long, a big thank you to Tom and Iris who have got us to where we are at the moment, a real asset to archery and we are very lucky to have them.
Mark and Sharon 4th December, 2011
The London Archery Classic Sunday 9th October The run down towards the 2012 Olympics continues with the Archery practice event.The end of the cricket season and the chosen Archery venue is available and booked many of the Nations who will be entering the event send their athletes to London to gain experience, in the auspices of a full event trophy -- THE LONDON ARCHERY CLASSIC 2011. The club had members attending on both days of the weekend.
The weather was fair the heatwave of the week earlier has now passed but it is a mild but cloudy day with little wind but on the cricket square you can see windsocks and the electronic gauge show the twisting gentle eddies the contestants face. Today we went to see the Ladies finals session. In particular the quarters, to the winners awards ceremony. Of the eight ladies I believe they consisted of 3 Europeans 4 Asians and an American. The British ladies did not make it. A bit about Lords, I have been several times to watch cricket events and was pleased to see a few hundred fans in the stands at the main Pavilion end of the ground shooting towards the space like media centre that stands high at the Nursery end. The facilities are good and I imagine for the sold-out Olympics will be further enhanced with a larger noisy (within reason) crowd and presumably a more archery specific retail experience. The cafe facilities on this day were fair with a pint at a little over £3 and hot drinks at £1-20 for Tea Coffee or Chocolate. 
This was my first live experience of watching a competition with the set system used making each match last up to about 15 minutes. The archers shoot 3 arrows alternately each and the highest scorer wins the set (max 30pts). The winner of the best of 5 sets progressing. With music (like in 20/20 cricket) filling the gaps between matches. I was not expecting that but it was fun. In the stands we sat about 50yards from the shooting line and the target length was 70m, making the targets about 100yds away, but no need for the binoculars as the large screens used at cricket matches gave close ups of both the archers poise and action followed by a large real display of the target face, with a gentle commentary given explaining all. The electronic boards display many stats for the attendees. At the awards ceremony was the inclusion of a miniature cricket bat – a nice touch from the most famous cricket venue in the world. 1st and 3rd Korea, 2nd Poland and 4th Japan. (their names not simple so nationalities will suffice.) Marks for a day out 8/10 could have been higher with a few more supporters. Will look to go again. 
by Graham David and Andy
Main targets in centre (right) and to the left a practice range. The arena will for the Olympics have stands on the cricket pitch, I was told by one of the stewards.
Post script by Iris: See article on OCTOBER page on what resulted from their and Sharon and Mark's visit to Lords.... |
The club held its AGM on 9th January, 2011 and I have posted some photographs of our presentations which you can see if you click on this link to the January page.
We also held the club Luncheon on Sunday, 23rd January, which Janet organised for us, and here is a short slide show of photographs taken by Tom and me.
Pilgrim's Luncheon on 23rd January, 2011
We held our Clout practice on Sunday, 3rd April and if you click here Practice Clout you can see a short slide show.
You can see a short slideshow of our recent bow tuning session if you go to the "JUNE" tab on the Calendar. After Sharon bought a new bow and arrows she and Mark decided to do another bow tuning session at home. The picture below shows what a clean entry the arrow made!
Since the last equipment tuning session on 5th June, 2011, Sharon, Mark and Graham have bought new risers/bows/arrows, so they decided to have another tuning session on Sunday,16th October, 2011. This included a walk back test and a paper tune. At the end of the session they were satisfied with the results. The arrows of all three of them stayed within the tuning guidelines and in fact most of the arrows ran down the middle line. Mark's last arrow at 30 metres hit the 2" aiming spot.
David had a coaching session with Iris and showed good progress. Jean, Andy and Paul practiced at 30 metres ready for the "Thelma Davison" Winter League. The weather conditions were warm and sunny with no wind. A very productive day! (Article posted 20th October, 2011)
Equipment tuning session on 16th October, 2011
With the evening light fading so early (mid-September) we have now had to discontinue our mid-week evening sessions. From the "Results" tab you can select the "Mid-Week" tab to see the final results for the Challenge Trophy.
On 23rd October we re-commence shooting in the Sports Hall when we will shoot our first "Andy Harris" match. Thanks to all those members who responded promptly to my circular about this (and your money!). Don't forget we assemble at 9.30 am to set out the hall.
As always, my very best wishes - Iris
26th September, 2011