Kilwinning Archers are on target

Jun 26 2009 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

THE Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers is the oldest archery organisation in the United Kingdom – if not in the world.

And every year, its annual Papingo Shoot sees the members of the society compete to take the title of captain.

Since the first recorded shoot back in 1483, each archer has tried to make sure the Papingo, or ‘Doo’ is ‘dinged doun’ with the winner and new captain being the sure shot who knocks it off its perch.

When the ‘Doo’ has been ‘dinged doun’ it is replaced on its horizontal pole at the top of Kilwinning Abbey Tower, the wings are loosened and the hitting of each wing is rewarded with a rosette.

If, after two hours shooting, the Papingo has not been knocked off its perch then the result is recorded as ‘The bird flew’, with neither trophy nor rosettes awarded.

This year, David Tough retained the position of captain at the shoot on Saturday, June 6 at the tower.

The society has opened up to junior members and they focus on shooting at least once a week at their summer home at McGavin Park or at Kilwinning Academy during the winter months.

President Margaret McGill is a firm believer that it is a sport that is open to anyone in the community.

“We are proud to be the oldest club in the country, possibly even the world and we are open to everyone who wants to have a go,” said Margaret.

“The annual Papingo is a great day for everyone and we are seeing more and more young people coming into archery and thoroughly enjoying themselves.

“And it’s not a sport that is solely for men, this year we were delighted to invite Heather Urquhart of Loreburn Archers in Dumfries to the Papingo.

“Heather is a national champion with the compound bow and she said she found the Papingo a different challenge as she doesn’t use a long bow very often.

“I thoroughly recommend it as we have a great group of people and have fun at the same time as we are improving our sport.”

The results of the Papingo Shoot were:

The Junior Shoot for the Will Dunlop Shield was contested by Neil McCalllum and Chris Barrett and won by Neil who shot both wings. Chris received two rosettes.

Papingo – First place, David Tough; Second, Eddie Barrett; Third, Ewan Currie.

Longbow - First place, Willie McGill; Second, Edward O’Neill; Third, Bill Petrie.

Silver Spoon Award, given to archer for the best arrow on the last round – David Tough.

Hunterston Clout Shoot, Sunday, June 7.

Longbow – First place, Ned O’Neill; Second, Heather Urquhart; Third, Ewan Currie.

Recurve Bow – First place, Dave Tough; Second, Margaret McGill; Third, Steve McKendrick.

The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers meet at McGavin Park, Dalry Road, Kilwinning on Wednesday nights from 7pm until dark.