Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Primitive Skills => Topic started by: markinengland on July 06, 2008, 06:16:44 am
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Primitive Archery and in particular the Primitive Archery & Atlatl Society is growing in Britian.
We have now got 15 members and even our own teeshirts!
So, what do we do? We are all bow makers, atlatl throwers or otherwise involved in related ancient crafts. We have held public events at Flag Fen and now Butser Ancient Farm. We display the bows and arrows we have made, we work making new gear. The public really enjoy seeing things made and sking questions. We run a have-a-go session for archery and atlatl for a small charge. Quite a few people go away with the intention of starting up archery as a sport for themselves of their kids.
I hope it is OK to post about this recent event here, to help encourage more British Bowyers to join us?
Our events at Flag Fen and Butser ancient farm have been well recieved by both the venue staff and public who met us and had a go. It is amazing to see the positive response so many people have to simple bows and arrows. A real joy to see the enthusiasm of kids young and old when they shoot an arrow for the first time.
Following are some pictures from the Butser event last weekend. It is a really unique venue. It is essentiall a re-creation or reconstruction of an iron age farm. The big round house is quite amazing. I really enjoyed the unique chance to sleep in it.
Hopefully I will post some pics in the next bit.
Mark in England
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The central feature of the farm is the large roundhouse.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0885.jpg)
You don't really get an idea of the size until you see it with people.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0864.jpg)
Here is a closer view of some of our members wearing our new PAAS teeshirts.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0865.jpg)
We split ourselves into those who were running the have-a-go and those who worked in the craft demonstration area. We changed over from time to time so no one did any one thing for too long.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0871.jpg)
Here Wally, who missed out on the earlier group picture explains about archery and perhaps his interesting head gear.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0872.jpg)
Wally is one of our characters who can be relied on to truly get into the spirit of things
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0869.jpg)
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Here are some of Peter's bows.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0873.jpg)
Some of Steve's bronze work
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0874.jpg)
An Elm bow I was working on
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0882.jpg)
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Some general shots of the site, buildings etc. We plan on holding another event there later in the year so if you fancy joining in you would be very welcome.
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0887.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0891.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0892.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0893.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0856.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0851.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0861.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0849.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0846.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0843.jpg)
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/MarkinEngland/Butser%202008/100_0842.jpg)
So, if you are within travelling distance of the UK, want to meet up with fellow bowyers, like the unique venue we use and fancy sleeping in a building from the past, and of course are ready to have a good drink and chat around the fire in the evening get in contact, come along and join in.
Hope to see you and spread the fun of primitive archery.
Mark in England.
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Cool ! looks like a lot of fun! 8)
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Very cool, Mark! The construction method for the building is interesting. Isn't it called waddle and daub(sp) or something like that. And the thatched roof has a nice soft appearance. It all blends in with the surroundings...except for the high tension wires and towers. ;D Very interesting. Thanks for sharing. 8) Pat
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Mark, how do you get the "word" out to the general public that you are doing this sort of demo. You look like you are a bit "in the country". Good job and NEVER let the homeland folks forget their heritage. Long live the long bow. ;) Cheers ;D
Dick
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Pat,
Yes, I think the walls are basically wattle and daub onto hazel woven wicket. Shame about the few signs on the horison of the modern world.
Dick,
The places who host us do their own publicity via their web sites, local radio and news papers etc. We also publish on our own website. For us it is a chance to get together, sleep in an interesting structure, chat around the camp fire, make some stuff and also expose the public to their archery history. The have a go helps our funds and pays for insurance etc. The centre may get some extra people through the doors. We end up helping them and they help us so it works well.
Mark in England
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Please post the link to your website, it is not commercial after all, and do you want just 'participants' or would you accept the support of 'honourary' members who may never get to UK again? Also, if you have a link to Steve's website you could PM me I would be grateful as I believe I once bought a bronze age recreation 'leaf sword' from him and would like to purchase a knife to match it for my collection of nasty sharp objects.
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Hi, If I ever get to Britian I'll look you folks up The inside of the round house, very much reminds me of the reconstructed Pawnee earthlodge at Pawnee Village Historical site in Kansas. Ron
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hey mark! - i'm astounded now: thought that sort of house is what you ALL lived in over there on that little island!!!
no, just kidding: REALLY beautiful stuff there, the house, the bows, the bronze stuff, the t-shirts...
had planed to come to england for that cloud shoot of the fraternity next week, but going to poland with some archer friends for vacation, now. was hoping to meet some of you guys, but maybe next time...
frank
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Jape,
The PAAS website can be found at http://www.spearthroweruk.net/
We welcome all who wish to join us as a not for profit sports organisation dedicated to fostering the use of ancient archery and atlatl equipment. Those who want to shoot with us or actively participate would probably need to join us for insurance purposes but this only costs £12 for a year. You could thus be a member even if you only visit us once. I am sure we could work something out.
I have let Steve know that you would like to contact him but I don't have his website information. Those swords really are lovely. I would like one, even if I don't know what I would do with it!
Ron,
If you ever come over it would be good to see you. We have some PAAS events planned for Flag Fen in the Autumn and Butser next year that may be of interest.
The roundhouse structure is quite organic. I guess that a similar need for shelter and use of similar materials can lead to similar structures around the world.
Frank,
In the last few years us Brits have had to move out of roundhouses. Out little island is so small and crowded we could no longer afford the gaps that round houses leave and we moved into little square boxes. It was thus only recently that we dicovered the corner! ;D
The Fraternity of St George shoot should be good. I think I'll only be able to make it on the Sunday. Have a good time in Poland.
Mark in England
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thanks mark!
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That is so fantastic. Sure is nice to have a place like that to get together. It's even nicer that you are meeting to keep the ancient arts alive. Jawge
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Beautiful!! Love it!
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Superb Mark! Did you make the bronceweapons at this village?
Regards Uwe
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Hi Jape.
we are a sister society, and share our insurance with, The Society for the Promotion of Traditional Archery (http://www.sptradarch.org) and we can include you under our have-a-go insurance if you are just popping in for a day. We charge a bit more guests in our official competitions but it all ploughs back in to the Society.
You can howerver only sport one of our glorious tee shirts if you are a member ;)
But I might make an exception for overseas visitors if bribed with cider...
David (the hairy one on the left)
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Mark, what a great set of shots and a splended, friendly looking group of primitives. I am really taken by the Iron age farm, the wattle fencing and live stock, round houses, all of it. If I ever get to England, I will look you up.
Have you found it challenging to get your group (PAAS) up and running? I started another thread about my opportunity to create a new archery program for a local shooting club that went dormant long ago, and I'd like to make primitive archery and atalts an integral part of that. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.
Dane
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my god, that looks like a blast! great pictures, looks like some good memories would be unearthed there-jimmy
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Mark,That looks like a good time.I would think that folks would get into the primitive lifestyle.It is a great boost to get your toes back into the earth and learn to make your own stuff.Of course archery is a natural there and melds in with the whole theme does'nt it.Is it possible to go hunt with primitive archery gear where you are ?
Thanks for sharing. Frank
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Hi
I'm a member of PAAS along with Mark and others. I tell you, he makes beautiful primitive bows and his long arrows are works of art. He's a true primitive artisan and not a bad shot either. A very light snorer in the roundhouse too, which is handy.
But to answer the last question, in England we cannot hunt at all anywhere with any bow and arrow let alone primitive gear!
My word, the control police would have a veritable heart attack!
We try to keep our heads down in case they ban us shooting altogether.
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I am digesting what you just wrote.I'll get back to you. Frank
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Camouflage, camouflage, camouflage ;D ;)
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What Big Brother dont see dont exist! :o ;D
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Thing is, the first time someone finds an arrow stuck in anywhere, remember we can only shoot in club areas, they will look at us. And if ever some fool shoots a person or animal and don't hide it (only joking) we will be banned. They've already done a knee jerk reaction to small handguns, which we have never been able to use except in special gun clubs, when a guy who went crazy, shot a lot of people was found to be a member of a registered handgun club. All hand guns are now banned even in clubs! Oh by the way criminals are exempt from this law and can have as many as they can carry.
We have to be very careful. And remember Americans are much closer to the bow hunting tradition, in England bowhunting is unknown in anyone's living or even tribal memory.
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I do believe they allow black powder pistols and rifles in Merry Ol'England. A six shot .44 Cal BP Revolver is just as deadly as a modern .44 special which Elmer Keith loved untill he got his 44 magnum!!!! Just buy a couple extra like they did in the olden days. When you unload one on a bad guy pick up the other one. Instant tactical reload!
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:'( :'( :'( :'(
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Why the sad face?
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Because it's a sad old world.
I have no love for guns,but since the ban on handguns came to the UK it has become easier to get hold of a gun than anytime before. I could go to at least three known places/people and buy a handful of ammo and a handgun for next to nothing....No paper work,no check up,nothing to stop me apart from me.......It's a sad old world :'( :'( :'(
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Yep! Look what happens when you try to make it illegal. It's more prevelant!
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exactily! well, you can't hunt very much in the UK due to restrictions right? this might be out of a robin hoood book ;D but Its an offence to the queen if you shoot a deer or something, right? not totally sure though. yeah, they outlawed handguns in chicago, but all the towna around that are practily giving away they're .38's, even the 9mm went down alot! -jimmy
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People have always killed people. I am sure as long as there are people,it won't change.
Back to archery.Since archery is a dying art in england,maybe we can start calling the elb the alb since were making them. ? Hmmmm... >:D ;D Frank
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Hey man
Leave England with something at least! The self Yew bow as used in Agincourt and Crecy was an English design. You've got AFB, arrow shelves and a long tradition of hunting. Give us a break.
Before anyone misinterprets this and gets annoyed-I'm only joking
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wally, I feel for you guys, brother, some of that has to suck. But you can have the ELB, at least it's hard for me to get Yew. ;D
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I've only just blundered into this section of the forum, I've been stuck on the bows section. The round house looks great, and a friendly looking tribe of natives with their weapons. I'd like to meet up some day , next time I'm in your part of the country,(which I believe is down south).
there is way more stuff on this forum than I thought, if I'm not carefull I'll spend all my time here instead of my workshop. Id really love to live in one of those roundhouses!!
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We (the PAAS) will be back at Butser for a major living history event August Bank Holiday weekend (the weekend before the last Monday in August for those who don't know). We are also staying at Flag Fen near Peterborough for a week begining on the 7th February - that'll give us a chance to test how warm and dry those roundhouses are ;-)
There are a few more details on the PAAS website on http://www.spearthroweruk.net/
Peter
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Thanks Whitebeam,
I will have to try and make it to one of them this year!
Oh and welcome to Primitive archer.
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Those are freakin awsome. I would live that way only can't convince wife. Keep it up you guys are doing great work.
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Just found this thread. Great photos! Keep up the good work.
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Yeah there's lots on this web site that you can find just by chance, I love it!!!!!!!
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That looks amazing! I have to build one of my own some day, haha, I'm loving that guys head gear, I made something like that except is was a pigs skull that was worn on my face.
[First post on the site, finally!]
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Hi, I live in Harlow now, but grew up in Rowlands Castle, just a few miles south of Butser...I love the downs, maybe I'll get along and see you guys next time I'm visiting my parents who still live down there.
My longbow is of Hampshire Yew and I've made some nice primitives too, Ash and Hazel.
I currently shoot at Celtic Harmony which has a coiuple of nice roundhouses too.
What days/times do you shoot? I'm hoping to get down there sometime this summer.
Del
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I hope your posting draws the bowyers out of the woodwork for your organization, Mark. Your photos are inspirational and impressive. If I ever get over to Great Britian, I am going to come play with you folks!!!!
Meanwhile I am posting this information over to a new friend in Scotland. He wants to build a bow and hunt with it. Sadly he will not be able to do it in the land where the longbow was made famous (ir infamous if you are of the French persuasion), but he has a standing offer to hunt deer with me out my backdoor anytime he can get here!!!
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Wow, great stuff! Love the Celtic shield the one guy has! You guys are doing an outstanding thing there!
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wally,
And remember Americans are much closer to the bow hunting tradition, in England bowhunting is unknown in anyone's living or even tribal memory.
Not quite true mate, I lived in the UK when younger, was in fact born there but originally left at the age of 3. However returned to UK when 11 and between the ages of 12 and 16, (left UK again at 16), I hunted with bows, mainly rabbits but other small game as well. Had to make my broadheads out of spoons and bits of plate steel. Must admit the only other "archers" I know of who went hunting were "Night Hunters" who use crossbows on deer etc. I should add one side of my family were for a number of generations "Night Hunters", favourite weapon for small game was the slingshot. So hunting with a bow and otherwise is and was in the tribal record, it is suppressed but still there.
I will of course only admit to the family "Night Hunting" as poaching is illegal. ;)
Craig.
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Good work Gents! As mentioned keeping an ancient tradition alive and having a place to meet is great! I am of English heritage and although not considered English it still feels good to see how my people lived and survived in ancient times. Thank you for sharing your club and what you guys do!
Cheers,
Russell
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Greetings from an expat in Germany!
What you guys are douing looks great!
I couldn't get onto your website cos the link wouldn't work!
Can you try posting another contact link?
I shall definitely vist you, if I can get over to Blighty next year.
Do you have a calendar of events planned?
I'd be really interested to see it!
Keep up the good primitive work!
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I now know the first place I am going if I ever visit Britain!
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A little update.
Primitive Archery is happily growing in the UK.
PAAS continues to meet up, have fun, explain atlatl and archery to the public and sometimes play with other interesting things.
A Prmitive Champs has been a well attended shoot for a couple of years now, a fun day then an archery shoot competition on the following day. Might be a longer event next year running Thursday through to Tuesday allowing time for some serious bow making etc.
The Primitive Class is well establshed within the National Field Archery Society with more and more people shooting in it, with many if not most of them shooting bows and arrows they have made.
There will hopefuly be at least one, maybe two bowyers meets arranged by other people around the UK.
In short, primitive archery is healthy and growing! :)
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Quick update to the PAAS website link for those that asked .. we're now on:
http://www.thepaas.org/ (http://www.thepaas.org/)
The events list is at:
http://www.thepaas.org/events.html (http://www.thepaas.org/events.html)
We're at Butser again on the 7th and 8th July 2012.
Peter