Dani the Egghead
3 February 2010
The archery challengers, featuring Danielle Brown, have finally appeared on the BBC's Eggheads programme. This programme can be viewed on BBC iPlayer:
Eggheads versus Archers
News and events
Recent news
Monica Thorley
Freddie Fairfield - 28 January 2010
Monica Thorley, the wife of the late George Thorley, died on the 25th January 2010. Both George and Monica dedicated themselves to archery and served the sport in coaching, administration and in George's case as a respected bowyer. Monica served as Treasurer of the Burton Constable Company of Bowmen for over twenty five years alongside George, who was the Secretary. For many years both were actively involved with the YAA Committee and Monica kept a keen eye on the paperwork that is involved in committee and administrative positions.
For over twenty years the GNAS National Flight Championships and the Yorkshire Northern Flight Championships along with the GNAS National Clout Championships were looked after by the Thorleys, George organising and Monica looking after the paperwork.
Looking through my paperwork of the Flight results during the 1970's, I find that Monica was on numerous occasions the Ladies Flight Champion at County, Regional and National level and when she didn't come first she was usually in second place. A new record for the ladies was established at the National Championships in 1975 when Monica shot a distance of 426yds 2ft 5inches - this was beaten in 1979 by a much younger lady. During her time as a target archer Monica shot well with both a recurve bow and latterly a longbow until retiring from active shooting about fifteen years ago when arthritis in the wrists caused problems with her shooting.
Monica is survived by her son Alan and daughter Allison and their families.
Freddie Fairfield
Yorkshire's first open FITA clout
Mark Hayes - 21 January 2010
Archers of East Riding, a new club based in Driffield, will be hosting the first FITA clout to be held in Yorkshire, on Saturday 29th May. The shoot is Tassel Award status and will be one of the first where archers are able to claim a "6 clout end" award.
The club has excellent facilities on site at Hutton Cranswick Sports Club. Hot and cold food and drinks will be available all day along with refreshments in the bar for the prize giving once the shoot is over.
Please contact tournament organiser Rob Lilley or Mark Hayes should you wish to find out more about the shoot.
Archers of East Riding FITA Open Clout
Mark Hayes
YAA Clout Officer
Spaces at indoor championships
Andrew Neal - 21 January 2010
Anyone wishing to enter the Annual Indoor Championships on Sunday 14th March at Wakefield should get their entries in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Only a few spaces remain for the afternoon session. There is still space for the morning session. Please note that telephone bookings will not be accepted and entries will be accepted on a first come basis through the post.
Andrew Neal
YAA Tournaments Officer
Indoor shooting at Aire Valley Archers
Duncan Brown - 18 January 2010
Recently we invited any member of GNAS to shoot with Aire Valley Archers. Unfortunately due to a misunderstanding by the schools we have missed a couple of weekends, to the frustration of many archers. When archers attended for the Saturday afternoon shoot from 2-5pm, they have found the facility locked.
The problem has now been resolved and access to the facility will be from 2pm (and not before).
For those interested, the mix up was due to us running a beginners course before Christmas. The times for this were 11am-2pm. Hence we had the venue from 11am-5pm. Due to a change of staff at the school, they were unaware that the course had finished and had still been opening the venue at 11am, but when no one turned up assumed the archery was cancelled and hence locked back up. As can be appreciated, they can not leave the building open for security reasons. As stated earlier, this situation has now been resolved.
Details of shooting times and venue
Duncan Brown
Aire Valley Archers
Rachael Smith selected for GB squad
Kath Fitzpatrick - 14 January 2010
Congratulations to Rachael Smith of Barnsley (compound) who joins the GB Junior Archery Squad this month. Good luck to Rachael who, again, has been a stalwart of the county youth squads and who now trains with the senior squad to raise her performance further.
Rachael is the 15th YAA junior selected for national squad having come through the YAA squad system.
Just for interest, here is the roll of honour.
In the period 1991-2000:
Jason Wright
Marcus Firmin
Sarah Jane Wright
Andrew Stones
Peter Hunt (field squad)
Eddie Humphrey
Salli Warnes
Lisa Norfolk
Kris Jackson
Nick Everitt
In the period 2003-10:
Matthew Arnold
Nicole Allan
Danielle Brown (paralympic)
Georgie Brown
Rachael Smith
In addition, seniors involved in the squads who went on to be selected for GB squad include:
Linda Garner (one of the early junior squad coaches)
Sarah Beamish (paralympic)
Of course, not all YAA archers performing at elite levels have had county squad involvement (Amy, Michelle, Linda & Neil Oliver, Chris Parkin to name a few), but it's not a bad record, and we are delighted with this latest addition.
Kath Fitzpatrick
County Coaching Officer
Barnsley indoor shoot still on
Kath Fitzpatrick - 14 January 2010
The Barnsley Indoor shoot will be going ahead this Sunday, 17th January at Holgate School.
Although the heating in the sports hall will be on and we have brought in supplementary heaters, due to the weather conditions it is likely to be less than warm so please dress appropriately. Hot drinks, bacon sandwiches and cakes will be available during the day.
Those shooting in the afternoon session please be considerate to those still shooting if arriving early.
Please note that parking has been arranged at the back of the school and can be accessed by the lane up to Barnsley Rugby Club, our outdoor ground, turning right half way up through the City Learning Centre gates. Disabled archers please use the school entrance on Shaw Lane and drive around the school to the right to reach the sports hall. The car park on the right has an entrance to the building that is level for wheelchairs. Please note that the sports hall has no disabled toilet.
Any problems, please call Kath on 07590 466907.
Thanks
Kath Fitzpatrick
Barnsley Archery Club
www.barnsleyarchers.co.uk
Wakefield indoor shoot cancelled
Rob Jefferies - 6 January 2010
The Wakefield Archers record status indoor shoot Portsmouth round, scheduled for the 10th of January, has been cancelled owing to the adverse weather conditions.
If you have entered the competition you will be refunded your entry fee.
For any questions with regards to this please contact our Tournament Secretary Tony Rollin:
We apologise for any disappointment caused.
Rob Jefferies
The Wakefield Archers
www.thewakefieldarchers.com
Ted Mallett
Bill Spencer - 5 January 2010
It is with great sadness and regret that we have to report the death of our club President Mr Ted Mallett on Saturday the 2nd of January following a lengthy illness.
Ted has been involved in archery since 1972 when he joined Ebor Archers, the Civil Service Club in York, where he shot until 1977. He then joined the Glaxo Club after moving to Barnard Castle with his work. In 1980 when Ted and family moved to Harrogate he became a member of St George's. In his time with us he served the club in several different capacities as a committee member as well as always taking a keen interest in County, Regional and National matters. From 1994 to 2000 Ted was the Flight and Clout Representative on the Yorkshire Archery Association and the Northern Counties Archery Society Committees. He also organised the National Flight and Clout Championships for 5 years.
In 1995 he was asked by the President of FITA to chair a committee to review the rules of Flight Archery along with Ike Hancock of America and Lance Goodall of the Bowmen of Adel. The subsequently updated rules, which included recognition of the English Longbow and the American Flat Bow, were presented to, accepted and passed at the 1997 FITA Congress.
In 1999 Ted was awarded the Yorkshire Sword for his services to archery in promoting Flight and Clout shooting. He also played a part in introducing the Tassel Award Scheme for clout - the idea was conceived and developed by Ray Chaplin of Ebor Archers who asked Ted as County and Regional Representative to take it through Committee. Having seen the scheme accepted he was initially responsible for administering it, starting it on the road to the great success it is today.
Ted's main achievements were in Flight Archery where he was the winner of 14 British Flight titles and records, winner of 6 Northern Counties Flight titles and records and winner of 16 various Yorkshire Flight titles and records. Perhaps his crowning achievement was in 1984 when he shot in the United States Flight Championships in California and won the 25kg Flight Class with a distance of 940 yds 1 ft 10 in. which was verified as a World Record shot by an amateur.
During his time with St George's, Ted was always approachable and friendly, always ready to help and encourage and constantly had the wellbeing of the club and its members at heart. Throughout his illness he maintained his interest in archery and was the ideal candidate for Club President. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, even those whose feathers he ruffled from time to time for he always spoke his mind.
Our condolences and deepest sympathies are extended to Ted's wife Rita and his family.
St George's Archery Club, Harrogate
Dearne Valley Easter Weekend 2010 rescheduled
Albert Kiddy - 2 January 2010
It is with regret that Dearne Valley Archery Club must announce that this year's Easter shoot will not take place on the advertised dates, 4th and 5th April 2010, and will be rescheduled to 4th and 5th September 2010 (Saturday and Sunday).
Due to circumstances beyond our control it is no longer viable for the club to shoot at our current venue, High Melton College, Doncaster.
Another venue has already been identified. However, there is not sufficient time before Easter to complete a new course.
The DVAC Easter shoot will continue as normal in 2011.
Dearne Valley Archery Club would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused due to this change, and thank everyone for your continued support.
Albert Kiddy
Chairman, Dearne Valley Archery Club
(Note from the YAA: this will affect the YAA Field Championships, which for the last few years have taken place on the Saturday following the DVAC Easter Weekend. The date has not yet been decided.)
The Antient Scorton Silver Arrow 2010
Philip Rolls - 1 January 2010
Captain Mark Farrow and Lieutenant Peter Aikman have asked me to wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year and hope to have the pleasure of your company on Saturday 22nd May 2010 at Bedale High School, Fitzalan Road, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2EQ.
Entry Forms, Advertising Poster, Location Map, etc are now available on-line at:
www.scortonarrow.com
Whilst visiting the web site, be sure to check out the newly released British Pathe News Reel Archive for film footage of the 1926 Competition at Settle and also the 1964 Tournament at Harrogate, where you can see Ben Hird (Captain 1900) in action.
On behalf of all members, I would like to thank Marc Grady for letting me know about the release of the British Pathe News Reel Archives, which are really good to see.
What a modern wonder that we can look back to our event filmed 84 years ago - truly remarkable. You can enjoy them by visiting:
Scorton Arrow photo gallery
Once again, a very happy new year
Kind regards,
Philip Rolls
Website Editor, The Society of Archers
PS: Reminder of Rule 26. All Gentlemen taking Luncheon with the Captain and Lieutenant shall wear a Jacket or Blazer and Tie or Cravat. Note also that following Luncheon, all guests who have NOT shot in the Competition will be required to vacate the dining room whilst the Annual General Meeting takes place.
www.scortonarrow.com and www.societyofarchers.org.uk are the official websites of The Society of Archers trustees and organisers of The Antient Scorton Silver Arrow, the World’s longest recorded sporting event since 1673.
Winter Field Archery League update
22 December 2009
The latest results and running totals of the Winter Field Archery League have been published:
WFAL results to December 2009
Joe Fairburn - Under 9s National Indoor Champion
6 December 2009
Joe Fairburn of the Bowmen of Adel shot a personal best of 332 in the Portsmouth to take the under 9 title at the Junior National Indoor Championships at Lilleshall today.
As in the outdoor championships it came down to a straight head-to-head with his usual adversary from the south of England. After a shaky first 9 arrows, Joe composed himself and shot his best ever dozen arrows in the Portsmouth, scoring 84 to get himself back on track. From then on he never looked back, running out eventual winner by 45 points.
Indoor shooting opportunities with Aire Valley Archers
Duncan Brown - 22 November 2009
Aire Valley Archers invite GNAS members to shoot with us at our indoor venue at South Craven School on:
The second Saturday of every month (time 2pm - 5pm)
Every Wednesday evening (time 6pm - 9pm)
Cost per session is £2 for seniors and £1 for juniors.
We have a rule in the club that compound archers must shoot 3 spot faces in order to preserve the bosses.
Directions to South Craven School can be found on our website:
Directions to AVA's indoor venue
Parking in designated car parking places only!
There is a good pub (the White Bear) that has won awards just above the school for anyone who wishes to socialise afterwards.
Duncan Brown
Secretary, Aire Valley Archers
Roles of County Secretary and Treasurer
Dave Phillips - 2 November 2009
The YAA Treasurer and Secretary have both announced their intention not to seek re-election to their posts at the AGM in March 2010. The YAA Committee have agreed to publicise these vacancies now, to enable YAA members who may wish to put their name forward, to make their interest known. It also provides time for anyone interested to ask questions about the role. Nominations can be made any time up to the point of the vote during the AGM.
To assist in this process, Job Descriptions for these two roles are published here:
Description of the role of County Secretary
Description of the role of County Treasurer
Additional Job Descriptions to cover all Committee roles will be added to the website subsequently.
If you have an interest in doing either of these roles, or for that matter, any of the other roles, please contact any member of the current committee.
Dave Phillips
YAA Secretary
Are you covered to shoot?
Martyn Spence - 2 November 2009
With the conclusion of the annual GNAS club membership renewal process a significant number of Yorkshire clubs appear not to have submitted their forms and all members of the following clubs need to take action to ensure that they can continue to shoot and that they are covered by the GNAS shooting insurance.
According to the GNAS Rules: "... a club which has not paid its associated members subscription by 31st October in any year shall cease to be an associated club and shall not be eligible for readmission as an associated club before 1st October in the succeeding year."
East Park Disabled Archers
East Park Junior Archers
(Down from 12 at 2nd of November)
We recommend that members of the above clubs approach their club management committees without delay to determine the status of their membership.
With the disruption to postal services it is possible that renewal forms have been delayed in the post and if that is the case, the club secretary must inform the YAA Treasurer without delay so that GNAS office can be informed. This will avoid any possibility of suspension of membership.
Martyn Spence
YAA Treasurer
Winter Field Archery League - results at 25 October 2009
Shaun Duggan - 26 October 2009
I still have Northern Ireland results to add, but here are the provisional results after Eastbourne:
WFAL results to 25 October 2009
I have also received some news today that Mossley Hill Archery Club (near Manchester) are interested in joining the league and some archers from Cheshire will also participate.
Any duplicate scores for October will be sorted on 31 October by taking the highest score to transfer across for the league.
Many thanks to Adam and his team at Eastbourne for an enjoyable day today.
We have had a total of 34 different archers attend during these two events at Crawley and Eastbourne, which is fantastic, thank you everybody, and I hope you enjoyed yourselves. That number compares against 40 different archers for the whole of the 2008/09 winter season.
Regards,
Shaun Duggan
WFAL organiser
5 Counties Senior Match Report
Gwen Smith - 19 October 2009
On arriving at the venue on Sunday morning the team (and me) were all grateful that the weather promised to be significantly kinder to the Seniors than it had been to the Juniors on the previous day. That being said, there was a fair share of rain during the day and a tricky wind which was challenging for all archers.
There was a number of archers new to the team on the day with Bev Detoeuf, Linda Oliver, Denise Singleton, Mark Farrow, Alan Bennett and Mick Arnall all representing the county for the first time in their respective disciplines. Of course there was also Adrian Hayes adding to his collection of representative medals by shooting his longbow (I’m not sure if that is a full set for him). Even with so many new members the team spirit was very high with the white rose of the Yorkshire encampments on both the Ladies and Gents lines highly visible. In spite of debutant nerves in a few instances, the team performed extremely well achieving a high level of success and the roll of honour is long. I would also like to personally thank all the Yorkshire team who worked very hard to make it such a success for Yorkshire and also made the job of team manager an easy one. I was particularly appreciative of the loan of shelter when I broke my brolly.
Finally the list of Yorkshire successes:
Yorkshire Sword - Compound Team 1st place
Durham Lamp Trophy - Highest Lady Recurve Team
Cumbria Trophy - Highest Lady Compound Team
Cumbria Trophy - Highest Gent Compound Team
Gus Moses Horn Trophy - Recurve Match Yorkshire v Durham & Northumberland
1st Lady Recurve - Amy Oliver
1st Gent Compound - Mick Arnall
The full list of results is already posted for anyone who wants all the gory details:
NCAS Five Counties Seniors Match 2009 results
Gwen Smith, YAA Seniors team manager
GNAS Chairmanship - Nick Beeson's declaration
16 October 2009
Nick Beeson, secretary of the Bowmen of Adel and the YAA's Juniors officer, has declared his intention to stand for the post of Chairman of the GNAS/Archery GB when Lynne Evans steps down at the next AGM. Below is a brief biography and manifesto.
The YAA hastens to add that we are not endorsing Nick or any other candidate - this is intended purely as a news item. If any other GNAS member, YAA or otherwise, intends to stand for a GNAS post, we will be happy to publish their declaration in the same way.
I would like to announce to everyone that I am seeking nominations to stand for the post of Chairman of the GNAS.
I first took up archery at university in 1972 (both my parents had been archers, briefly, in the ‘50s), and then returned to the sport in the mid ‘90s. I shoot recurve (barebow when shooting clout) and have never quite managed to achieve greatness (though I did become National Barebow Clout champion a few years back). Qualified at “Coach” level, I see myself as a solid club archer.
Where I have been active, though, is in administration. I have been Secretary and Tournament Organiser of my club, the Bowmen of Adel, for many years now. At county level in Yorkshire I am the Junior Officer; I am the current Chairman of both Northern Counties and the English Archery Federation, and, for seven years was Chairman of the GNAS Junior Committee, serving, in that post, on the GNAS Operations Committee. Working “behind the scenes” I took a major role in the revamping of the EAF constitution, which has led to the Federation becoming more prominent and working well, and I have been a part of the group working on the bid for Sport England funding which was successful earlier this year. I am well used to working with outside sporting bodies such as County Sports Partnerships and the Youth Sports Trust.
My approach to everything is based on analysis and evolution; I believe in co-operation, though I do not shrink from taking the inevitable difficult decisions. I would not, at this stage, promise anything other than that all issues brought before me or the board would be examined honestly and fairly and with an open mind. I am broadly supportive of the changes that have taken place in our Society in recent years, and believe that trying to reverse rather than build on them would be unwise. However, I would like to focus more on our grass roots, making sure our competition and coaching structures are fit for purpose, helping clubs to develop themselves and find their way through the minefields of current finance, legislation and responsibility. This is a challenging time for all sports, and archery is no exception. In the middle of a recession we have to prepare not only for 2012, but also, more critically, for 2013, when pre-Olympic funding will inevitably be reviewed at a time when our whole infrastructure is expected to reap the benefits of the Olympics. I believe that, with a strong, club-based Society, Archery will continue to achieve success both Nationally and Internationally
And now the practicalities. The first step is for me to be nominated by “Electors” of the GNAS (30 or more). An Elector is either a club, a direct member, a board member, or a representative of an Associated body. If you feel you would like to nominate me, please write (if you are a direct member) to this effect to Dave Sherratt at Lilleshall or get your club or Associated body to. Please remember that, as a signature is required, nominations cannot be emailed. And let me know you have done so! I have notified GNAS that I am allowing my name to be put forward and I agree to take up the post if elected.
Nomination form for Nick Beeson (Word format)
Thank you for your support (if offered), your criticism (happily accepted), or, at the very least reading this far.
Nick Beeson
Winter Field Archery League
9 October 2009
Shaun Duggan is running a Winter Field Archery League, to encourage field archers to stay competitive between October and February (inclusive). Scores on FITA Field 12 Marked rounds can be submitted by email. Results and rankings will be published on the GNAS Field web site.
For more details, please read the documents below:
Introduction and rules
Calendar of events
Score submission form
John Gilroy - recognition of service
27 September 2009
John Gilroy was presented with commemorative glassware at today's Barnsley Albion, in recognition of his great service as a judge over many years. John retired from judging earlier this year, and this has given him a chance to pick his bow up again. He stormed back into the trophies, winning a box of chocolates for most reds!
John was Lord Patron of the tournament, the first time he's been Lord P in over 30 years of archery.
The decanter was presented to John by YAA Vice President Christine Morgan. Christine made the following citation:
As Vice President of the Yorkshire Archery Association, I have been asked to make a presentation on their behalf to John Gilroy, our Lord Patron for today.
This is to thank him for his contribution to judging. In 2002 he became a County Judge. In 2003 he achieved Regional Judge level. In 2007 he became a National Judge.
He has been a good ambassador for Yorkshire, supporting many clubs and tournaments for many years and was the recipient of the Yorkshire Sword in 2004.
We give him our good wishes for the future.
Dani retains World Para-Archery title
24 September 2009
Danielle Brown of Aire Valley Archers retained her Women's Compound world title at the 2010 World Para-Archery Championships, which were held in Nymburk, in the Czech Republic, in August. She was the most successful archer of the championships, winning two gold medals and setting three new world records.
She squeaked past Chieko Kamiya of Japan in the quarter finals by 111 points to 110. In the semi final, she beat GBR team mate Pippa Britton by 115 points to 105. She met another GBR team mate, Mel Clarke, in the final, which she won by 114 points to 107.
Dani set new Compound Open Women world records for the FITA round and the 60 metre distance.
Dani, Mel and Pippa won the team gold for Great Britain, setting a Compound Team Women record for the FITA round.
2010 World Para-Archery Championships official site
Aire Valley Archers - new indoor venue
19 September 2009
Aire Valley Archers have moved their indoor venue to South Craven School in Cross Hills, between Keighley and Skipton. This is the same venue as their Open Western.
AVA's Christmas Cracker shoot will be held at South Craven.
YAA squads for the Five Counties 2010
8 September 2009
Below are the teams selected for the Five Counties matches to be held in Cheshire in October. Some juniors are still to be confirmed, and will be added shortly.
Gentlemen Recurve
Mark Farrow Paul Jones Alan BennettLadies Recurve
Amy Oliver Michelle Kiddy Bev DetoeufGentlemen Compound
Richard Watts Mick Arnall Mark HayesLadies Compound
Linda Oliver Gemma Breese Renee MetcalfeGentlemen Longbow
Adrian Hayes Robert PowellLadies Longbow
Denise SingletonBoy Recurve
Daniel Baker Michael Smith Tommy Price Crispin CousinsGirl Recurve
Helena Beeson Rebecca SmithBoy Compound
Aaron Barnes Chris StanleyGirl Compound
Rachael SmithBoy Longbow
Harry SpencerGirl Longbow
Annarose Spencer
Joe wins under 10s Scottish Championships
8 September 2009
Joe Fairburn of the Bowmen of Adel became the under 10s Scottish Champion over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Despite a howling gale, Joe's score was 73 points higher than the score that won him the British Championships.
Congratulations to Joe on this excellent achievement.
History of the Bowmen of Adel
6 September 2009
David O'Carroll has written the history of the Bowmen of Adel. This describes the archery scene in Leeds and Yorkshire in the years before the club's founding, the establishment of the club in 1948, and its history to the present day:
History of the Bowmen of Adel
If any other YAA clubs have written their histories, we'd be very interested in seeing them.
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