Each year, Colchester stages 'The Archer of the Fayre' as part of its Medieval Oyster Fayre, where archers from all over the country attend to take on England's finest medieval re-enactor English longbow archers. It is held in the Lower Castle Park in the centre of the 'Oldest Recorded Town in Britain'.

Members of a recognised archery clubs or re-enactment groups, are invited to compete for the annual honour of becoming our:

Those who have signed up already for 2008 are shown below: Jess Jephcott Theresa Jephcott  David Willacy Richard Cadwallader Michael Baily Kevin Weston Andrew Whiteley Roger Mabey Jane Baalam Rosie Hardwick Martin Smythe Nick Baalam Paul Moore Cliff Nash Michael Denmark Jalea Ward Eric Bool Chris Andrews Chris Smith Matthew Bool Ray Frampton Emma Frampton Phil Coates Laurence May Chris Davies Shirley Sharp James Walker Tis is 27 archers so far. There is a limit of 40 archers so if you would like to take part, don't delay.

The Targets

Below is a list of targets that we featured at the 2007 Fayre, together with a few pictures.

 

The Loop Shoot This construction represents a Castle Wall with a narrow arrow loop for the archer to shoot through. The target is a standing knight in armour. Points scored depend on area hit. This is a difficult shoot as the archer has to stand on an archer's step, making it a problem to see the target properly. 6 sharp arrows allowed. Points 5 for hitting the gold heart on the body 2 for hitting the colours of the body shield 1 anywhere else on the body or head 0 for hitting the main shield or sword 30 max.

The King's Shoot This is a distance shoot at a life sized deer in the standing position. The target is across water at a minimum 30 paces. Points are scored only with arrows that pierce the target and depending on the part of the deer hit. 6 sharp arrows allowed. Points 5 for hitting the kill zone (circled) 3 for anywhere else on the body 30 max.

The Wild Boar Shoot A life size wild boar partially obscured by long grass. The archer has to shoot from behind a tree, with one foot touching the shoot peg. Archers shoot across the River Colne at a distance of 25 to 30 paces. All hits on the body score. 6 sharp arrows allowed. Points 3 per inner kill zone 2 per outer kill zone 1 per arrow anywhere on the body 18 max.

The Spinner New to the contest in 2006, we offered 'The Spinner'. Depending upon what position the target is hit, it may or may not spin, to offer a different face to aim for. The disadvantage is that, if you don't spin it enough, your arrow could deflect off the target giving a nil score. You therefore have an arc to work with, to hopefully assist you. Points are scored depending on the part of the target hit. 6 sharp arrows allowed. Points 2 for the red, 1 for the white (touching the line scores the higher score) 12 max.

The Distance Shoot Target boss was at a distance of 30 paces. Points scored by area hit. 6 sharp arrows allowed. Points 5 for the gold 4 for the red 3 for the blue 2 for the black 1 for the white (touching the line scores the higher score) 30 max.

The Moving Shoot New to the contest in 2005, the archer moves over three shooting positions with both feet touching pegs, aiming for three angled targets. This is designed to simulate a horseback situation (but without an 'orse!). Archers use 6 sharp arrows, 2 arrows per target. Only body hits score points and a raised hand will signal the completion of the task. Maximum time 1 minute, 6 sharp arrows allowed. Points 2 point per body hit, plus 3 points for the archer with the fastest time, with six clear hits. 15 max.

The Pottage Shoot Targets will range from a shallot hanging from a string, to a large swede on a post. The smaller the vegetable, the higher the points. Distance 20 - 25 paces. 10 sharp arrows allowed. Points 5 for damaging the shallot 4 for the onion 3 for the cabbage 2 for the carrots 1 for the swede 50 max.

The Speed Shoot This is one for the skilled. Archers must loose as many arrows as they can and hit the target block, at a distance of some 30 paces. Archers should allow for up to 25 sharp arrows maximum (timed). Only arrows in the block score. Points 1 per arrow in circled area of target 1 additional point per arrow in the yellow centre of the target 40 max. (if 20 arrows shot)

The Bell Shoot From a distance of at least 20 paces the archer shoots at a brass bell hanging from a gibbet. Archers use 6 rubber blunt arrows. Make the bell ring to get maximum points - not just shake the mount or brush the bell. 6 blunt arrows allowed. Points 3 for making the bell sound 1 for a clear glancing hit 18 max.

The Popinjay Shoot From a distance of at least 20 paces the archer shoot at four popinjays (in reality, teddy bears, aliens, gorillas, etc. from the charity shop) hung from a spinning frame. Archers use 6 blunt rubber arrows. Make the popinjay swing to score. 6 blunt arrows allowed. Points 2 points per clear hit of the popinjay 12 max.

The Pot Shoot This is a group of rabbits positioned in amongst grasses and undergrowth. The archer has to shoot from behind a tree, with one foot touching the shoot peg. Hitting a rabbit and making him spin earns the points. (Sadly, the bunnies succumbed to the firepower and had to be replaced with the boar - next year they will be tough!) 6 rubber blunt arrows allowed. Points 2 per rabbit with maximum of 12 points possible

The Purse Shoot An open shoot Archers who have competed over the weekend and any Trader or Performer have the opportunity to shoot for purses. This was in the main Arena, on Sunday, after the competition had been won. Purses will contain tokens for various items such as cash or donated by the medieval market traders. Each archer can loose an arrow at the purses and take it in turn. All archers will take turns by drawing lots.

Break Time!

This was in the archer's camp.

The Agincourt Volley

This has become a bit of a tradition now, at the end of the contest, when the archers are invited to loose arrows at the same moment at the target.

Some of the 2007 Competitors	This is our youngest competitor in 2007, young Zak, aged 10, with grandad Denis Alston.
His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Ray Gamble, takes aim.	The general public were also able to 'Have a Go'.

The Winners and the Losers	The Youngest Archer - Zac (Terrified that some old woman was going to kiss him.)
The Lowest Score - Sali Baird (somebody has to get it Sali!)	The Best Dressed Archer - Mick James
The Highest Scoring Lady Archer - Kim Jennings	The Runner Up - also last year's Archer of the Fayre - Denis Alston, awarded a dagger as a prize.

 

 

Please download an application form at the following link:

or please contact on 07714 250949

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you would like to know anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you would like to take part but don't have the medieval costume, try here.

Please contact us at

sdapeze@aol.com

 or Jess or Tess on 07714 250949

last updated

060508 

 

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