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Introduction
to archery video
The Bowmen of Gower
have been established in Swansea since 1955 in it's initial 3yrs as the Gower
Bowmen and after a short break became the Bowmen of Gower in 1959. The
club has strong
links with Llangyfelach Church
where the famous Welsh archers from
this area gathered before going off to fight at Agincourt
(1415) and other campaigns of the time. The clubs badge is the same
design as the Gonfalon used as a meeting point by those archers on the
battlefield.
Archery has come a
long way since the days of using a bow and arrow for hunting and as a
weapon. Having been an Olympic sport since 1900. In 1908 former Wimbledon singles champion Lottie Dod won a
silver for Great Britain. The success of Alison Williamson winning a
bronze and 4th place to Laurence Godfrey in the
gents competition at
Athens 2004 put the sport back onto television. The London Olympic
Games in 2012 sees the home of English cricket, Lords hosting the
archery competition.
Despite the small number of club members through out the clubs
existence (max probably around 30 members) we have had a number of
successful archers over the years including two who have competed at a
number of Paraplegic Olympic games, Ernie Arnold being the most recent
competing in 3 games in the 80's and 90's. Historically a target archery
club, some members have shot field to international standard in the
past. 2007 saw the completion of a permanent field archery course at
Three Crosses. At present most of the club members are still
relatively new to the sport and although not shooting now, founder
member John Roach is still the club president.
A brief history
of the Bowmen of Gower can be found here....
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