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'The Attack of the Killer Pumpkins'
There was panic in Sway today as hordes of genetically modified pumpkins rampaged across the countryside.
These pumpkins produced a reaction fatal to humans - extreme frustration.
Luckily, a roving band of non-human heroes, impervious to 'the pumpkin effect', was on hand to take them on.
The ensuing battle was epic in it's proportions but all acquitted themselves well and finally the foe was defeated.
The greatest warrior of the day was Oli Thomas, whose sharp-shooting skills proved particularly effective.
He was ably assisted by Stuart who was heard to say 'Oli, I am your Father', and Ian Mason who showed every sign of engaging ably with the darkside (barebow).
Huge thanks, as ever, to Jem Mason for the brilliant organisation and Field Captaining and to Ben Mason who helped with the target making. Looking up and down the line, people were laughing, dancing along to the music and whooping when hits were made. If the shoot's success were measured by 'size of grin' this one was an X (or, in keeping with the theme, a spider!)
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Sway Bowmen now have a spacious new home following the official opening of their clubhouse on Sunday 18th September.
The Club marked the occasion by combining it with their annual outdoor Championships. It proved an excellent way to celebrate the club’s recovery after the years where Covid disrupted shooting. The weather was excellent and there was a good turnout of archers, many of whom had only joined the club this year and for whom this was their first competition. The feeling of the day was very much one of greeting new friends and old, as former members came along to join in the opening event.
Club chairman, Simon Curtis, gave a brief history of the project and thanked those who had made charitable donations (Members, New Forest District Council and Sport England among others). The opening ceremony was then performed by the Deputy Mayor of Lymington, Simon Smith. The business of the day being concluded, everyone celebrated with a glass of bubbly and huge quantities of cake while the medal ceremony took place!
Photos courtesy of Steve Dance Photography and Oli Thomas.
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The Mushroom Shoot 2022 was a great success. The weather was kind, the organisation by Jem Mason as slick as ever, and the club members turned out in force to both shoot and run the support activities that make such a difference to the enjoyment of the day. Ian Mason (no relation) made a most able debut as a Mushroom shoot Field Captain and our dignitaries - Phil Collins as Judge and Rebecca Giddings as Lady Paramount - proved themselves both friendly and efficient. Jerry Branch and the field team were kept busy with running repairs required by the awesome accuracy of some of the archers present and the rest of us mere mortals were left marvelling at their skill. Sway held their own though and a particular mention should go to Adrian Jones as Longbow Archer Supreme and Ollie Thomas who was Junior Archer Supreme for the day. Could Sway be nurturing a future National Squad member???
All Photographs by kind permission of Steven Dance Photography.
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Sunday 19th June saw a mixed group of archers having a go at archery darts. Archers ranged from brand new to experienced and long bow to compound.In best pub darts style we started at 301 and worked our way down to a double to finish. The competition was a knock-out so the final round was variously admired, applauded and heckled by those previously side-lined. It was surprisingly exciting and all the more so because two new archers, Marika Mays and Anthony Davies faced off against one another while Paul Murt and Jem Mason went head to head. Eventually a beautiful arrow from Jem clinched it and he and ?? (pictured) walked away with both a trophy and chocolate. The whole meeting was characterised by a good deal of laughter and leg-pulling and was a hit with all who attended.
