Okay, it may not be the “Outdoor Season”, but…
A few of us shot on Sunday and had a cracking morning. Other than a very brief light shower for an end, it was bright, not too cold and we even had some sun! (you can see highlights in the mud 😉 ). And, it wasn’t too windy. Three new PB’s were gained and Andy took a club record for a bare bow round, so not a bad day out!
The field is wet right now and you will need wellies, but it’s not that bad, although you will need to park on the road and walk across as we can’t open the field to cars when it’s this wet.
What time and what do we shoot?
I get to the field for 9.30 to start setting up and anyone can join in with that, with a view to being ready to go around 10am. We typically decide what we’ll shoot on the day and being outside doesn’t mean shooting long distances, if you don’t want to shoot more than 20 yards right now, there’s an outdoor round you can shoot, or you can just shoot practice, it’s up to you.
Will it take all day?
If you want to shoot a round, but not be out too long, there are rounds of four dozen arrows and if you want to test your stamina there are rounds of twelve dozen arrows (have a look at the rounds lists on the download page for more info on all of that). Typically, outside of the summer, we find we shoot rounds of seven to nine dozen and that has us done and packed away by about 12.30/1.00 (and yes, we do sometimes nip into the pub for a swift one to note down scores, discuss the shoot and we also test out a few new “archers excuses” too 😉 ). And, if you want to, you can get a lunch at the Joe at a reasonable price (and if you’re in before 1pm you can get a decent full English breakfast too).
Every Sunday?
In the outdoor season proper (May to August inclusive, longer if weather permits) we’re there every Sunday. Outside of that there are a few of us who aim to be there on a Sunday unless… it’s raining and/or the wind is strong enough to make it overly difficult or risky (less than 20mph not a problem).
Beginners using club kit…
If you’ve not brought your own kit yet you’re not excluded from this, just have a chat with Malcolm about using your club bow on the field.
This “out-of-season” use of the field isn’t a formal coaching opportunity, it’s just about getting some arrows in, but if you’re relatively new there will usually be someone on the line that can help you along and answer questions if they can (basic stuff and none of us are coaches, nor we will interfere with the coaching you get from Martyn or Malcolm, but you’ll not be alone out there!).
How do you know if we’ll be on the field?
If you want to check if we’ll be there e-mail me (Derek) (use the webofficer contact on the contact page if you don’t have my direct mail yet) as I shoot at every opportunity unless the weather says no, I’m physically away somewhere else, or I’m ill – I’m sort of hooked! 😉
Are new members expected to turn up?
Nope – we’re not that sort of club. There’s no pressure in this, don’t feel you have to come out on a coldish/damp Sunday, it’s just about letting you know that it’s another opportunity to shoot, a chance to try some new distances or rounds, and a decent way to spend a Sunday morning, even at this time of year 😉
