World record holder coming to New Zealand

[English Warbowman]

In conjunction with Nic's post about bringing a top class swordsman over from Europe we are looking at also bringing out none other than Mark Stretton the Guinness World Record holder for the most powerful longbow draw made since records began. It was a staggering 200lbs @ 31 1/2"

As well as being the foremost practitioner of medieval archery in the world today he is also a professional blacksmith/arrowsmith.
He is a co author of the book Secrets Of The English War Bow and has written several articles detailing all his research in The Glade archery magazine.
Mark's tv appearances in the UK include Ghosts Of The Mary Rose and Scrapheap Challenge.

His visit would also coincide with Taupo 2011 and he will be holding workshops include shooting demonstrations/tuition and blacksmithing/arrowsmithing tuition.

There will be a paddock available where the awesome power of the war bow will be able to be seen as arrows weighing over 100g are shot with precision at distances of 200 yards and more.

Several pieces of armour are going to be turned into Swiss cheese as hand forged arrow heads do what they were designed to do.

As with Nic's post there will be a cost involved, it will depend on the number of participants. I'm confident that we will have at least 20 people attending. The NZ war bow group will be there of course and I urge everyone who has an interest in archery or blacksmithing to attend this unique opportunity to meet Mark in person and learn from the best.

Please reply to this post to express your interest.

[Freebooter]

I'd just like to chip in here and say that Keith has been a driving force behind the idea of workshopping with some of the big names, and it was his intention to bring mark down that spurred me on to bring others through.

This is without a doubt a golden opportunity to learn from the world's best, and I urge all interested to take part.

nic

[Aaron]

Hell yes!!! I'm a keen starter on this one.

[Archer]

Hell yes we are definately interested not sure of numbers yet, but will let you know those soon, but would suspect at least 10.

Do you have any idea of costs. Just asking as that will be a big factor in this.

Cheers,

Graham

[Merlin of the Fens]

I would also be interested in participating/attending Mark's demo.
Cheers,
Merlin of the Fens

[Oskar der Drachen]

Yes I am interested, and can possibly bring others. I'd like to know costs as well for budgeting purposes.

Oskar
Masterton

[English Warbowman]

Ok, 20 people would be $100 per head, the price goes down from there as more participants sign up. This trip is also going to cost Mark quite a bit, the money raised here will just cover his airfare.

[weekend_viking]

I'd be up for this, too.

[NigelT]

Oops, didn't realise you'd double-posted.

Yes, I'm keen if it's at Taupo 2011. Mainly for the archery, but the blacksmithing could be good too.

Cheers,
Nigel

[ann dugmore]

Wow! I'm keen. Would like to learn a bit of smithying as well!

Ann

[gt1cm2]

I'd be quite interested and I believe Grayson is as well but he will have to clarify that.

[AndyMc]

I would be also very keen to attend this workshop.

[Frosty]

i think keith i dont even have to reply? hahaha
but incase i do save me a spot!!!

[Leuscreuntos]

DOOODDDD

totally wanna meet that guy

[bodkin]

Certainly me and the missus, possibly a straggler too!