Traditional Archery & Craft Fair
Abbotsford, Melrose, TD6 9BQ
ABBOTSFORD HOSTS INAUGURAL ARCHERY CONTEST Sir Walter Scott’s Abbotsford home in the Scottish Borders will next month host the inaugural Abbotsford Arrow competition, an international archery contest inspired by one of the most famous characters in Scott’s novel Ivanhoe – Robin of Locksley, or Robin Hood. The contestants will use English longbows and compete against each other, head to head, for the Abbotsford Silver Arrow – a beautiful arrow with a medieval design topped with a solid silver arrowhead. The Abbotsford Arrow contest will take place on Saturday 11 September at a special Archery and Craft Fair being hosted by the Trust. A craft fair and exhibition will also be available featuring the work of local craftspeople including enamel jewellery, textiles, wood furniture, scarves, home accessories and specialty cupcakes. For craft fair details please contact Beverley Rutherford tel: 01896 752 043 email: events@scottsabbotsford.co.uk Jason Dyer, Fundraising Director, The Abbotsford Trust said; “Ivanhoe was one of Scott’s most popular novels and featured a famous scene where Robin of Locksley spit the arrow of a competitor in an archery contest. We therefore felt that an international archery competition would be an ideal event for Abbotsford and would help to remind people of Scott’s role in spreading the legends of some of our most popular folk heroes.” He continued; “We also hope that people from the Borders and beyond will come along, not only to witness the amazing skills of the competing archers but also to view some of the parts of Abbotsford that are normally closed to the public. The Hope Scott Wing will undergo a major refurbishment as part of our plans for Abbotsford’s future and we want to give people the chance to see these private rooms before work starts in the coming months.” The Abbotsford Arrow trophy has been kindly donated by Julie Plunkett of JJ Traditional Archery. Entry costs £4 for adults and children under 12 years of age will be admitted free of charge. Archers must register before the event. Archery Registration Cost £15 to include lunch and free tours of Abbotsford House For Archery Details Please contact: Julie Plunkett jjtraditionalarchery@yahoo.co.uk
