On 26th August 1346 an English army of 14,000 took the field against a French force of 70 – 120,000 at the battle of Cressy.

From mid afternoon until midnight the French launched 16 successive cavalry charges against English lines. The outcome was a significant English victory.

Key to the victory was the English Longbow, such was the importance of the Longbow that in1363 all Englishmen over the age of 14 were ordered to practice archery on Sunday's and holiday's. This practice was typically after Sunday service and often took place in land adjacent to the church. 

Today after a break of 700 years archery returns to St Marys church.

The Gipping Valley Archers are happy to support the St Marys church “Arrows of Desire” flower festival on the 10th – 11th of August.

Note From Alan (organiser)

Background

Every year the church has a flower festival on a theme to raise money for the church restoration fund. Each year they try to link the festival in with a related element - last year it was Carthorses and Craters (the church was severely in WWII by a bomb). This year is no different with the old synergies between archery and the church being chosen. We are obviously the archery element.

Detail

The event runs from 11:00 to 16:00 on both days but we will cut short the Sunday event to have a normal archery day.  The church is located as below  

The field has been cut and we can park in the first bit of the field - ignore other parking signs. NB Do not go through Somersham as the road will be closed. Best route from the A14 at Claydon is below

Please note That we also have access to this field for Clout shooting later in the year.

Norman and I will aim to collect all the full size targets and equipment from the school at 10:00 on the Saturday.

Transport is arranged. 

I was aiming to have the following areas out from left to right.

1) Practice target at 60yds - not anticipating too many visitors.

2) 30yd standard target - cost £1 for 6 arrows prize is a £20 voucher against food and drink at The duke of Mulbourgh community pub https://thedukeofmarlborough.com/

3) Usual fun targets - Cost 50p for 6 arrows - Bambi, Rotating, Gruffalo stealing flowers etc etc

4) practice and training area - £1

 I will make signs up for the above. I anticipate we will need a minimum of 6 Peeps to man the event.

 Local teas coffees etc should be available.

 AlanG