Who can join the club?
Anyone that has successfully completed a training course either at this club or another or any G.N.A.S. current registered member

How can I join?
In the first instance please contact the Secretary, Ken Billings, on 01609 778765.  He will be able to tell you when the next training course is taking place and answer any other questions you may have.  Once you have successfully completed the training course you will be given details on how to join.

What does the training course involve?
The current cost of the course is £25 and comprises three sessions lasting two hours.  The course covers: how to identify and put together the various parts of the bow; different types of bow; safety instructions; advice on etiquette; initial set up and how to shoot a bow.

How much does it cost to join the club?
The current membership for someone over 18 is £80 plus a £10 contribution to grass cutting.  There are concessions for retired members and the cost is £45 plus £10 for grass cutting.  Juniors under 18 pay £40 plus £5 towards grass cutting.  Each time you shoot outside there is a target fee of £1 to cover the replacement cost of the targets and faces and in winter (indoors) it is £2.

Where do the club fees go?
The annual subscription is split between the GNAS (governing body), the regional association, the county association and the club.  The money to the GNAS includes public indemnity insurance for all archery activities both at the club and in competitions.  The fees for the club are spent entirely on items directly related to the club.

Do I need to take out any extra insurance for archery?
No, you are insured under a scheme organised by the Grand National Archery Society and the cost of this is included in your subscription.  However, you must have a GNAS number and these are only given once a recognised training course has been completed.

Can I hire equipment to get started?
Yes, as a junior or lady, the club has a range of bows that it hires out for £50 per year.  The cost includes all the equipment you will need to get started and it also covers any damage to equipment such as broken arrow feathers.  Thanks to a grant from the National Lottery the club can offer free loan of equipment to juniors.

Do you need a strong upper body to take up archery?
No, archery is all about technique.  If the set up for the shot is correct then the arrow will hit the target.  However, small variables in set up may mean missing the target all together.  Archery has been described as shooting arrows with the elimination of all variables.  Therefore the challenge of archery is eliminating those variables and not about strength.

How can I improve?
Practice like any sport is the key.  The club has registered coaches who provide ongoing help and support to ensure you progress after the training course.  We can also point you in the right direction if you want to move to a higher skill or competitive level.

When can I shoot?
You can shoot any day of the week except Monday as this is the day when the grass is cut,

Do you have club times?
Yes, these are Friday night from 6pm and Saturday and Sunday afternoons after 1pm.

Do you have competitions?
Yes, there are a range of competitions throughout the year over distances from 20 to 100 yards. The club regularly receives entry forms to compete in open events across the country and these are displayed in the club house.

Do you have a junior section?
Yes.  There are a number of juniors that regularly shoot on club nights.  If you are under and have completed the GNAS Course then you can join them.