Saturday the fifth of August was a momentous milestone for the club as we celebrated sixty years since our founding!


The slightly miserable weather of the day didn’t hamper the spirits of the archers who turned out to help mark the special occasion. The day started with a generous gift of some od waterproof target faces from Mike Gilder- that’s my shooting sorted for the next few weeks! Continuing on from that, after some hearty encouragement from our club chairman, Ian Tilston, the beginners’ bows were handed out to all archers present. Boasting twenty pounds, no sights, no stabilisers, no finger tabs (ouch!), the archers shot valiantly. At ten-yard targets.

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Compound shooter Alfie Wilkes was especially thrilled by the barebow experience- can’t wait to see how long that lasts! Having completely mastered barebow, the assortment of-typically-compound-or-recurve-shooting archers (and our good chairman) decided to have a go at a short distance clout. With truly horrific form and after an executive decision from Mr. Tilston to shift the target closer to his grouping, we launched volley after volley down the field, coming close to striking the post several times.


A special mention has to be given to Pete Williams who managed to have a group of less than a square yard, even if it was on the edge of the field! After the competition of the shooting portion of the day, archers retreated into the club bar to hide from approaching rain. There was a barbeque kindly prepared by the Recreation Club staff- thanks for the great burgers!


Finally came the wonderful cake proudly emblazoned with the club logo, prepared by the wonderful skill of Sarah Trout. All in all, despite the slightly limited turnout, the day was a great success and everyone present had a great time! We hope to see even more club members for the seventieth anniversary!