Archie's Retreat - Belbroughton

2nd November 2008                    

The day started a little wet and dreary, a typical November morning really but, the day was to turn out as one of, if not the best Frankley Bowmen day of all.

We had just over 50 archers attend and by their comments during, and after the shoot they seemed to enjoy themselves, not least by the free burgers that were handed out in the afternoon.

The shoot took place at ‘Archie’s Retreat’ Bell End Farm to which we are extremely grateful to Robert and Edward for their continued support, a compact wood that has been totally transformed by some very dedicated club members, they know who they are, and without them this shoot would not have been possible. Their work has been tireless.

It was a very emotional day for Frankley club members as we remembered the loss of our leader Malcolm Archer. I was offered the task to welcome everyone but when given Richard’s speech and read it, I decided I could only do my usual “laying the law down”, had I have read out what was on the paper you would have seen a grown Phil cry.

Needless to say Malcolm made sure everything went well and I’m sure he and John were laughing at the silly misses archers were doing round the wood with a Whiskey in their grasp.

We cannot thank the archers enough for supporting this shoot, but we will do our best to repay you all by doing another one on Boxing Day. I hope we shall see many returns and hopefully some new faces.

Phil Johnson