Archery is a sport for everyone. Over 22,000 men, women and children — aged eight to eighty — enjoy this traditional sport, and many disabled archers shoot on equal terms with the able-bodied.

Bromyard Bowmen are affiliated to the Grand National Archery Society (GNAS) that follows recognised procedures and disciplines. Any coaching required is carried out by qualified GNAS-approved coaches. The predominant form of archery practiced is target archery which consists of shooting a given number of arrows at targets over distances of up to 100 yards for men and 80 yards for women. The junior section is a very strong part of our club, and they have their own special shorter distances depending on age. Indoor archery, with its smaller target faces and closer distances, takes place during the winter months.

There are three basic types of bow that archers choose to shoot.

The traditional longbow — with its greater draw-weight and with no arrow rest, sights or stabilisers — is the more difficult bow to shoot accurately, but all the more rewarding for it. The majority of archers shoot the modern version of the longbow — the recurve bow; and rapid technological advances over the last few years have led to an increasing popularity with the compound bow which, with its pulley wheels and cables, can be held at full draw with greater ease.

In the summer season (May to September) Bromyard Bowmen shoot at The Clive Richard’s Sports Ground on the Tenbury Road just out of Bromyard, Herefordshire. In the winter, shooting continues at our indoor in shooting hall at the same location. This facility allows us to do equipment repairs and other activities when the weather is bad or the evenings have closed in.

For those interested in competing, they can enter tournaments which are held regularly in the area, and enjoy participating in other fun events such as field archery, clout shoots, inter-club tournaments, archery darts, etc.

In the summer we shoot on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7.00pm, and Sunday afternoons from about 2.00pm. In the winter we meet at the same times but shoot indoors in the shooting hall.

Beginners' courses are arranged at set times, with a chance to win medals at a beginners' tournament on the final day.

Our next course runs in Feb/March 2010 and if you are interested or you would just like to pop in and have a go first, contact Jill Ison on 01885 482575. We provide all necessary equipment, and are also happy to arrange Have-A-Go evenings for groups of fifteen or more.