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Once described as 'The Daddy of all Sporting Fixtures';
The Antient Silver Arrow, is the World's longest
established and oldest recorded sporting event, dating back to 1673 and
first shot for in Scorton Village,
North Yorkshire.
The Society of Archers was formed at
the first meeting of the Antient Silver Arrow Competition in 1673, for
the
purpose; to maintain Target Archery, the skill of which was largely in
decline following the English Civil War.
The competition has continued annually since 1673 (except in periods of
various Wars) and celebrated its
tri-centenary shoot in 2008 with guest of honour
The Rt Honourable William Hague MP.
The competition is open to any Gentleman Archer aged over 21 shooting in
the Long Bow or any other bare
bow and, since 1947, the Recurve Bow which was allowed to enter due to
timber shortage and rationing in
the UK following the war. Modern Compound bows are not permitted to take
part.
The winner is the first gentleman to hit the 3 inch
centre Black Spot (introduced in 1951 and first
hit by Frank Newbould, Captain 1951 -
previously it was just the Gold) at 100 yards and becomes 'Captain of the
Arrow'
and takes on the responsibility to arrange the next years
meeting. Assisted by a Lieutenant, which is awarded
to the first gentleman to hit the Red.
Entry in to the Competition automatically bestows the privilege to become
a Member of the Society of Archers
and to dine with the Captain and other members
at the annual Luncheon. A blazer or jacket and tie must be
worn during the luncheon and the AGM that follows (a Society Tie is
available for purchase on the day).
It is fair to say that many gentleman archers attend 'the Scorton' for
the sense of the occasion - an experience
that has seen some members attending continually for over 60 years and
others travelling from as far afield as
the America's and Australia (countries even younger than our
competition!) to renew the bond of friendship and
sport between gentlemen at this most antient and unique event.
It is one of the few sporting fixtures where the competitor is at his own
honour to mark his own score card, to
be able to enjoy and share a drink on the field of play but where or
unseemly behavior, such as cursing*
would result in an immediate fine of up to one whole pound and the
consternation of the judges who decision
is final and without appeal. Proceeds of the 'swear bag' are given to a
local charity incidentally.
(* Rumour has it that the Football Association
are look are looking in to a similar rule for football players -
though this is yet unconfirmed -
or no
it's not - see 'forum'!)
If this sounds like your kind of event - we would be delighted to welcome
you to World's longest established
and oldest recorded sporting event - The Antient Silver Arrow.
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