The arrival of April signifies the true start to the outdoor archery season and some South Wansdyke Archers jumped straight into competitive shooting. Sunday 10th April saw Clive Jarrett and David Aldridge compete with 14 other recurve archers in an Albion (a 36 arrows shot at each distance 80, 60 and 50 yards), hosted by Bath Archers. Clive Jarrett received a bronze medal, with David placed forth. The pair were back in action at Bath Archers on Saturday 30th April to compete in a Double WA70m (144 arrows shot over a 70m distance). Clive repeated his third place with 1040 out of a possible 1440 points. David picked up 5thplace with 1019 points.
April was a busy month for two of our ladies, Sophie Young and Harriet Crook. Competing across Essex and the Midlands. Sophie Young picked up a silver medal at West Essex, but it culminated in competition at a National level, in The Archery GB National Tour (stage 1) over the weekend of the 30th April. Saturdays saw a qualification WA70m (72 arrows at 70m) leading into a head-to-head knockout. In the senior women completion, which included recent GB World cup gold medallists, Sophie qualified 29th to set up a meeting with 4th ranked Sobieraj Malgorzata from Aire Valley Archers, where she lost 2-6 in sets. In the Under 18 category, Harriet also qualified for the knockout stage where she met eventual 3rd placed Emelia Hughes. Sunday was a double WA70m with Sophie 21st and Harriet 14th overall. An honourable mention should go to one of their support team, Clair Crook, who herself picked up a bronze medal at West Essex.
Closer to home, club archers have been enjoying the fine weather and have been progressing in personal achievement awards. Andrea Whittle was successful in attaining her 252 award at 40 yards, the award is aimed at improved accuracy at increased distances. Simon and Andrea Whittle attained consistent results to attain 2nd and 3rd class archer classification respectively and will aim to progress higher in the classification levels as the season progresses.
The club were delighted to welcome back six of our beginner’s course attendees as new club members. They shot their first full scoring rounds, which count towards the attainment of their handicap.
Left to Right: Club Chairman & ArcheryGB Qualified Coach, Andy Young. New Members Mike Fillary, Nick Soar and Antonella Vicks. Club Secretary and ArcheryGB Qualified Coach David Aldridge.
Finally, 14th May see the beginning of “Start Archery Week” and the club will be hosting a Have-A-Go session for anyone interested in trying the sport. This will take place on the morning of 14th May. Booking is essential, please see our website, https://southwansdykearchers.co.uk/ or Facebook page for more details.