Fred Gerrard was a popular and enthusiastic member of the Companions who, above all, enjoyed his long range artillery shooting, bending his back ‘shooting in the bow’ in the manner of his medieval yeomen forebears. During the Companion’s stay in Crecy in 2009 Fred purchased an ornament which he intended to donate to the club as a trophy. Tragically Fred passed away before he could realise this wish. However Barry and Dave finished the work on the trophy and presented it to the club at the 2010 Banquet.

It has been decided that given Fred’s love for long range shooting and the trophy’s links with Crecy there will be a series of monthly clout shoots, starting in January and finishing in August each year. The archer with the highest average score will be presented with the trophy at the Companions banquet in September.

Each shoot will consist of 6 rounds of 12 arrows.

Flight arrows will not be permitted.

In order for scores to register:

Fletches must be a minimum of 4 inches in length.
Fletches must be a minimum of 3/8 inches high.
Archers must use a longbow.

Men will shoot 2 x 12 arrows from distance of 180 yards 2 x 12 arrows from 160 yards and 2 x 12 arrows from 140 yards.

Ladies will shoot 2 x 12 arrows from a distance of 140 yards, 2 x 12 arrows from 120 yards and 2 x 12 arrows from 100 yards.

Juniors (under 16) will shoot 2 x 12 arrows from 100 yards, 2 x 12 arrows from 80 yards and 2 x 12 arrows from 60 yards.

The object is to get within 12 feet of the target. The closer to the flag the more points scored:

5 points within 18 inches,

4 points within 3 feet,

3 points within 6 feet,

2 points within 9 feet,

1 point within 12 feet.

At the battle of Crecy in 1346 the French flew the ‘Oriflame’ to show that no quarter was to be given to the English. Therefore the target for Fred’s trophy will be an ‘Oriflame’ flag rather than the usual clout.