Following all our efforts over the last week to get the facilities at Old Pats ready for us to use for practice sessions over 50 members turned up to use it for the first time.
Bosses from 10 yds to 70m
A dry, slightly chilly evening was warmed up by a catering team providing a stream of hot drinks and there was plenty of coaching support to help members start to adjust to the longer outdoor distances.
Room and refreshments behind the waiting line.
The poles have now been cemented in to support the overshoot netting (protecting missed arrows from hitting the wall) behind the longer distance (70m etc) bosses although Tom, James & Lucy certainly do not need them as they prepare for their GB Selection shoot this weekend! The netting will be hung later this week and wooden gravel boards will be installed for arrows reaching the end of the range.
Sheltered and well layed out range.
A few firsts, Chloe Tucker got to shoot the first arrow, JB & Dave Ponton became the first longbows to use the range (Dave was the first to miss but it was also the first time he had shot a longbow!)
Members of all ages enjoying our first outdoor shoot.
The unanimous feeling was a very positive one, with another excellent facility and when the arrangements have been finalized to use the grass area to shoot the longest distances, providing easier access and regular opportunities to do club target days, with use of the club house, this will prove to be another excellent venue!
Tom, James & Lucy got some more vital practice in readiness for this weekends selection shoot.
We meet again on the Wednesday and Thursday evenings, however there will be fewer coaches present on the Wednesday as we are continuing to run the early evening community sessions at GL1.
