The plane was like a party reunion.  We were met at sunny Windhoek and taken to the Heja Game Lodge.  During our wait to book in we sat poised with binoculars spending the next hour pointing to each and every moving beastie we could see; wilde beast, ostrich, deer, not realising that for the next two weeks this would be the norm and these animals would be our neighbours.

More and more archers arrived over the next few days.  Renewing friendships and making fresh ones.  The championships were started with an Opening Ceremony I the Capital Windhoek, we were escorted along the lined roads by the National band.  Flags flying Daisy carried our name and flag followed by Rosie and Holly carrying our banner.  We then assembled and were welcomed by a Member of Parliament, President of the IFAA and a representative of the Namibian Archery Association. 

The Namibians set up 6 courses.  One, the meercat range, a dedicated cub range, others from the treacherous leopard range to the more gentle elephant range.  Transport was provided for those further away where archers were herded into cattle trucks and other vehicles which looked as if they had seen service in the German army!

There were 17 archers representing England, all shooting in various groups along with two EFAA Officials Steve Kendrick and Mike Murray and supporters Jane and Neil.  There were five days of hot, rocky shooting on challenging thought-provoking courses which included one target that had to be moved due to a leopards den.  Sportsmanship was high on the agenda as many archers arrived without their bows and to bow failure on the courses.  Bows were both repaired  or spare bows loaned by  their competitors.

Also shooting were a group of San Bushmen.  They are a local tribe, who wear not a lot and walk around in bare feet.  Their bows and arrows were smaller and perhaps their style not quite what we were used to but they joined in and shot every day.

We were treated to a Namibian Night where the locals sang in their national costume.  There was a local blues band and a young rapping band – something for everyone!  The food was amazing, enough meat to please even the fussiest palate.

The awards ceremony saw:

Also shooting and giving a fine performance was Steve Pridmore in AMFU and Dave Pinnel who unfortunately had to retire during the second day but remained a valuable team member with his support and humour.

The Champion of Nations was won by England, the first time ever that the Americans had been beaten in this event.  The Team consisted of the following 7 archers from the required styles:

James Cowie - Ron Potter -.Zelda Smith - Glen Hardman - Steve Pridmore - Lisa Crumpling - Steve Morely

My thanks go to all our archers who made my job as England Team Manager very easy.  The professionalism and sportsmanship is second to none and I am proud to be a member of this team.