Deer Park Archers have again been recognized with a top award from the Sport & Recreation Alliance. Winners of the 2011 National Sports Club of the Year they again figured prominently in the 2012 awards, finishing in the top 3 positions in 3 of the 5 categories, Volunteer Management, Green Thinking and the Premier Club of the Year Award.
The judging panel chaired by the BBC’s Eleanor Oldroyd commended the quality of the shortlist and the array of outstanding projects and practices shown. The winners are the crème de la crème of sport and recreation world!
Tim Lamb, Chief Executive of the Alliance said ‘The positive effect these organizations have on society must not be underestimated and we are glad that these awards give the recognition they deserve.’
Steve Howse, new Chairman of Deer Park Archers commented, ‘That this is fantastic news of yet another National Award, it’s a clear indication of the amazing voluntary work that many in our club are involved in.’
At its recent AGM the Club appointed a new Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and at the same time moved a number of other committee members into new roles and refreshed its Junior Committee. With 50% of its membership being juniors, the club provides particular attention to engaging parents and other family members in club activities, from helping with social events to being a Field Captain or a Parent Coaching Assistant making the day to day running of a big club much easier and sustainable.
As well as developing its volunteers the club, with no facilities of its own relies heavily on the partnerships it has formed with Active Gloucestershire (CSP), Girlguiding Gloucestershire, many local schools and Xperience Archery.
Nobody in the club receives any monetary remuneration for their efforts and indeed, despite a lot of hours of voluntary work, members do not even claim expenses, however what they do get is the priceless fulfillment of being a part of a very special club!
