Inter-schools Competition starts this week
During the Autumn Term we have members working in 12 different Primary & Secondary Schools supporting after-school clubs; KLB, Rendcombe, Balcarras, Shurdington, Hillview, Archway, SWR, Stroud High, Kingshill, Pates & Cleve. This week sees the start of the inter-schools Autumn Competition with the Senior schools shooting on a Portsmouth face & Junior Schools on a 80cm face. There will be improvers teams (shooting for more than 1 term) & beginners teams (started this term). For the team event, which varies in size from 12 to more than 30 members, we will again use the median score as the team score.
Whilst we hope the result will be determined by scores, during each competition, a set of rules relating to range discipline, behavior behind the line, reporting of scores etc are rigidly applied and infringements receive a points penalty. Where the competing schools have any of our club junior and senior members (teachers) they help with the coaching as well.
The levels of participation in this terms after-school clubs has been staggering but unfortunately we have had to restrict the group sizes, in one case we have 50 participants and still had to turn away another 30! The 2013 County school Games should be a big event next Year!
Two high profile events
In the last couple of weeks members have supported several big events, the first was a 2 hour Archery Experience for Cheltenham Town Football Club to help them as part of their Gold Challenge to raise funds for the Star College. As a result we got excellent coverage in the local press, radio and TV and have been offered some complimentary tickets for a match!
Cheltenham Town AFC fundraising supported by Deer Park Archers!
We were also asked to run an Archery Team Building event for the Territorial Army, a recently formed group who are part of the Royal Engineers. This went extremely well and they are recommending the programme to the organization as an excellent medium for team development!
TA Royal Engineers, the latest to try archery & they loved it!
Over 50’s Beginners course at GL1 Recreation Centre
Following the success of the Vintage Games earlier this year at GL1, when Archery was a great hit, we have been asked to run an over 50’s beginners course. This programme is now planned to start in November!
Shurdington – Indoor Practice venue
Thank you to all those that helped at the first indoor practice session at Shurdington, it worked very well.
With a combination of continued expanding membership numbers and an increase in those wanting to practice, we had decided to extend the length of the evening and split it into 2 sessions, with a trial booking system. It all went well and with 7 coaches present there was certainly lots of value added.
A big thank you to Mary for organizing the booking system (which will continue to apply), David & Kate for the Field Captain work and to all those that helped set up and pack away. A great team effort!
Members should check the arrangements for all the other venues as some restrictions may apply.
