History
Talisman Bowmen were first formed during the 1970’s and started shooting at Fairthorne Manor. As numbers grew the lack of space and distance meant that a new venue was needed. Moorgreen Hospital at West End was chosen, and the Talisman Bowmen Archery Club was officially set up. The name Talisman, apart from being a lucky charm, was also the name of one of the locally grown strawberry varieties.
The move to our present outdoor range came in 1980, when the Hospital grounds were to be developed. Fareham Borough Council agreed the use of the Hunts Pond Road Recreation Ground as our new range and we have been there ever since. Over the last few years, as the club’s membership has increased, the range has been improved and now boasts permanent marking of all the main distances and target positions that are likely to be required.
Club Ethos
Our aims have changed very little since we began as a club for friends to shoot together. Today, with over seventy members, we maintain that same friendly atmosphere. We offer year-round archery, shooting outdoors in the summer and at local indoor venues during the winter. We also host various events, including an annual Junior Indoor Tournament established in 1991.
Joining the Club
The club is managed by a committee elected at the Annual General Meeting. If you wish to join, please visit our Join page for further details. You will need to provide evidence of passing a recognised beginners’ course. Returning or experienced archers should contact our club coaches to arrange an assessment.
The Talisman Strawberry
Strawberries are entwined with the area’s history and the field where we shoot today was once strawberry fields. Now deemed a heritage variety, and considered one of the top five most deliciously flavoured strawberries, the Talisman Strawberry was a firm favourite among growers in the 70s when the club was formed.
Committee 2025-2026
Chairman Craig Haywood
Secretary Adrian Smith
Treasurer/Membership/Data Protection Officer Ron Hodges
Club Coach Matilda Haywood
Safeguarding Officer Marianne Damoiseau
Tournaments Officer Luke Halladay
Equipment Officer Mark Wild
Social Secretary Ruth Johnson
Web Officer/ Records Officer Craig Holton
Medal and Trophy Officer Lynsey Tucker
HAA Representative Llinos Edgley
Junior Representative Alice Holton