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Hamish recently had the opportunity of a trip to the UK , which included a surprise trip to what Hamish describes glowingly as “Archer’s Heaven”. Here is Hamish’s story:

“My trip included a surprise trip to a fantastic archery shop right in Robin Hood’s own backyard. ‘Grizzly Jim’ who designs and reviews bows made me feel most welcome. Racks and racks of beautiful bows, including longbows made by Pip Bickerstaffe who is regarded as one of Britain foremost traditional bowyers. Suffice to say, I was like a kid in a lolly shop.

My eye caught sight of some stunning looking bows by Tussock Creek. I drew one and it just felt so right that I did not even feel the need to loose any arrows. So, I purchased both a left and right handed Cotton Mouth  hybrid longbow, made by Tussock Creek. Both are 35lbs @ 28 inches. Not content with that Jim then showed me it’s lighter cousin, the Little Rattler (you may have gathered, these bows are named after snakes) which is exactly the same shape as the Cotton Mouth, but the drawer weight is just 20lbs, ideal for beginners and younger shooters.

If you are an archer and touring the UK, make sure you go see the guys at Merlin Archery. I found them to be knowledgeable, service orientated and they really know what they are talking about.

And the sculpture? Well, as the plaque describes it is called the ‘Sign of the V’. It is said in legend during the 100 years war that the French were in the habit of cutting off the fingers of the English Longbow archers. In 1415 on Saint Crispin’s Day at Agincourt, Henry V met a numerically superior French army. The battle was notable for the use of the English Longbow used in very large numbers. After the battle, the English Longbowmen raised their hands , holding their fingers in a ‘V’ sign as a gesture of victory and defiance. Or so the story goes. The statue stands in recognition of that.”