The Silver Arrow was kindly donated to the Bowmen of Rutland by the Custance family. It was designed and made by a family friend. It is one of our most beautiful trophies in the club and each year it is hotly contested producing a great deal of discussion within the committee to decide on the recipient for the coming year as we are fortunate to have some great volunteers within our club.

The Silver Arrow is awarded to anyone who has shown loyalty or given outstanding service, above and beyond what is normally expected to the Bowmen of Rutland. This can be in any sphere, in the past it has been awarded to the Groundsman, the lady who organises the bow hire invoices, the Equipment Officer, archers for achieving great scores and shooting internationally, various committee members, to juniors who have supported junior and senior members and to those who just quietly get jobs done.

For the year 2022 the Committee received three nominations:  

Chrissie Mortlock for all the work she does in the background to keep the club running smoothly. Chrissie received the Silver Arrow two years ago, so discounted herself for this year. 

Charlie Haynes for all his coaching work, supporting events, and general support of the club such as fixing danage frames. Charlie is the new enthusiastic blood that we need in the club. He emerged as a newcomer during difficult times and has enthusiastically driven himself and the club forward. He has done this with his coaching sessions, support for events and supporting members, many of them newcomers to the sport, in the return to indoor shooting.  In addition to go from raw beginner to level 2 coach in two years must be some kind of a record. Congratulations Charlie. 

Matt Challoner and Kerry Knight for an amazing amount of volunteer work supporting have-a-go sessions, taster sessions, beginner courses and the like, plus Matt making the County Team. Matt and Kerry are exactly what the club need more of – they are friendly, enthusiastic, supportive and never leave anyone out.  It’s great that they have got into competitive archery and are encouraging others to join them at shoots. Well done and thank you to you both. 

After a lot of discussion, the Committee decided to award the Silver Arrow for 2022 to Matt and Kerry.  

As the AGM was online, the trophy could not be presented. At the February Frostbite Shoot Chrissie was delighted to present the Silver Arrow to Kerry and Matt. Many congratulations to you both!