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The merry archers inspired by Robin
FROM the bloody battlefields of Agincourt to the adventures of Robin Hood and his merry men, the longbow has been an English tradition for centuries.
FROM the bloody battlefields of Agincourt to the adventures of Robin Hood and his merry men, the longbow has been an English tradition for centuries.Now the spirit of Sherwood Forest is alive and well in Whittlesey – where a new archery club has been launched in the wake of the popular new BBC series Robin Hood.
The Fenland Archery Club was formed last month by 10 people to cater for people of all ages whose interest has been ignited by the television show, which stars Keith Allen as the Sheriff of Nottingham.
The critically acclaimed series is a far cry from the Bryan Adams-themed Prince of Thieves, the legendary outlaw’s last major onscreen outing.
However, the bow and arrow bug was certainly in evidence as the mist settled around Sir Harry Smith Community College on Saturday morning. More than 20 keen archers met for the inaugural meeting of the club.
From traditional longbows to state-of-the-art Olympic re-curve models, costing upwards of 1,500, the men, women and youngsters take aim at the numerous targets.
Twelve-year-old Ellis Edgar, a pupil at Sir Harry Smith, was one of those inspired by the hit new BBC series. He said: “I started about six weeks ago, and I love it. I’ve got my own bow now and one day I want to compete in the Olympics.
“I’ve been watching Robin Hood and I really like it. I think it will help to get more people to take up archery.”
Club chairman John Payne said membership to the club has doubled within a week.
He added: “We want to cater for everyone, from people who just want to have a go on a Saturday morning to those who are interested in competitive archery.
“We are delighted with the response we have received so far – there was definitely a gap in the market in this area.
“The school has been very accommodating as well and we are hoping that even more youngsters will come along to the next few meetings.”
Field captain Dave Slack added: “They say every Englishman wants a longbow, and as soon as you pick it up you can feel it – it’s in the blood.
“We offer a really friendly atmosphere to anyone who is interested in archer. Once you get the bug, you can’t stop.”
Joel Dilley (58), who lives in Whittlesey, took up archery again three years ago – more than 20 years after he originally fell in love with the sport.
He said: “My passion really has been re-ignited, and we are hoping that with the new Robin Hood series on television more people will get involved. It’s already one of the fastest growing sports in the country.”
Beginner Mandy Edgar said: “I like it because it keeps you active but at the same time it is really relaxing. You are also only competing against yourself, which is good.”
nFor more information on the club, call secretary Colin Crowley on 07775 562329 or 01733 896778, or visit www.fenlandarchey. co.uk
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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