Andrew Jakeman and the Bedford Scouts show off their medals

Bedford Scouts from St Andrew’s Scout Group have walked off with a massive haul of 15 trophies in a national Scout archery competition at Phasels Wood Camp Site in Hertfordshire. The ten-strong team of crack shots with a bow and arrow earned their awards during a two-day contest against over 400 other competitors from around the UK. For some of the events the Scouts had to fire arrows accurately over 100 yards to hit a target flag (the clout) no more than 12 inches square. As one Scout said, “I couldn’t believe it. From where I was standing the target looked like a match stick.”

The mixed team of Matthew Jakeman, Steve Colbert, Tom Colbert and William White won the target team Gold Medal. Scout Leader Steve also won the individual gold medal along with a combined gold medal in the over 18 class while William, a Scout, won the 20 yard target gold medal as well as a combined gold medal in the under 14 class.

Silver medals in the target team event went to the mixed team of Ben Armstrong, Andrew Jakeman, Tom Stace and Luke Lipner. Scout Leader Andrew won gold medal in the 100 yard long distance clout, Explorer Scout Luke received a gold medal at 100 yards for the under 18 class while Ben, a Scout, won bronze in the under 14 100 yard clout contest. A mix of gold and silver awards went to other members of the team.

The weekend event was the 5th National Scout Archery Competition run by Hampshire Scouts with 420 entries from all over the country. Centred on the rural camp site of Phasels Wood near Kings Langley, the contest is a test of strength and stamina to keep up the competitive spirit over two days.

Scout Leader Andrew Jakeman who led the Bedfordshire contingent said, “You need a strong forearm, a steady hand and a keen eye to fire arrows accurately. These Scouts did us proud.”

William White with his medals and trophy

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