I would like to tell you that the quill whizzed through warm evening air and found its mark, feathers quivering with pride. It did indeed launch itself into the air but found a patch of grass wide of the target far more attractive than the bullseye. As did the next one. And the next one.

Article original published in Maidenhead Advertiser on 31 August 2001 Written by Kathryn Lay

In fact, it seems I am to archery what Jonah Lomu is to ballet dancing.

But I am not alone in being a slow starter. “The first time I used a bow it was indoors and I hit the walls, the ceiling, the air duct, everything but the target,” said Mr Church.

But he persevered and shot at county level for three years before retiring from competition to shoot for fun. “It is a very relaxing past-time and is much like golf in that you need to develop a smooth steady action.

“You can shoot in any weather conditions and it is a lovely way to pass an afternoon.
“And as our friends at Wamdsad prove there are no physical barriers to archery, people with all sorts of disabilities can shoot. There are blind archers who use tactile sights.
“And there is no age limit. Youngsters seem to be ready to start the sport at about the age of seven and you can carry on for as long as you like.
” Once your interest in the sport has been piqued it does not take a lot of investment to get kitted out with everything you need.

Longterm archer Dave Fox said: “A basic kit with a take-down bow, similar to the one you were shooting, a set of arrows, a quiver and an arm brace can cost about £150. “And if you want to go on to the next stage you can pick up a metal bow for about £300 new.

“Like any sport it depends what you want to put into it, but the more you practise the more you progress.” He said all archers came to the stage where they did not feel they were progressing but they needed to look closely at their technique and perhaps think about going to a coach to get over those hurdles.

Maidenhead Archers welcome new members and each year they run buddy courses throughout the summer season.

For more details call the honorary secretary Simon Gilbey