THE history of bows and arrows should hit the target with members of Okehampton Local History Society next week. That will be the subject of the talk by Neil Eddiford at the group?s next meeting, next Wednesday, May 10 at the Ockment Centre, Okehampton at 7.30pm. The history of the weapon goes back 40,000 years ago to the days when hunters used very small bows and flint-headed arrows, and covers Henry V?s victory over the French at Agincourt ? a battle in which English archers using the long bow played an important part. Mr Eddiford will be bringing examples of the weapons as well as the heavy chain-mail used as protection. The Society would welcome new members who should contact the secretary Malcolm Francis-Lang on 01837 840158 for information. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Ockment Centre. Okehampton Local History Society held its annual meeting on April 12, followed by a quiz for which prizes were given by the chairman Dr Jean Shields. The meeting ended with a buffet provided by the officers and members of the committee.
