I had a great couple of hours at the Bows and Biscuits session for Longbow and other minorities (i.e. anything not barebow, compound or recurve). And it was free.
We started off with some general shooting and chatting then had a go at clout shooting, a first for me and felt like what a Longbow is for (150 or so yards with the arrows I had). This has whetted my appetite to try a proper clout shoot. I also got talking with Paul about his Asiatic bow, which he kindly let me try for a few ends using the thumb release technique, another first for me with reasonable results (see pictures).
I really enjoyed both the shooting and the chatting about the various bow types on view (the latter was even more welcome as it was very hot) as well as coffee and biscuits, although the chocolate ones didn't fare too well in the heat.
Thanks go to Emma Broxholme for organising as well as Southend and District Archery Club for hosting and being so welcoming. Additional thanks to Paul for letting me try his Asiatic bow.
Separate sessions for the other three bow types are in the county calendar. They may not offer the variety of the "minorities", but why not give your respective one a go.
Cheers
Kevin Juniper
ECAA Treasurer