I've come down to Maidenhead Archers' open day, and I've been joined by the group's chairman Clive Church, to help explain what the day is about. "It's about having a go, giving people a feel of what archery's about, handling the bow and shooting some arrows," Clive tells me. "About 40 to 50 people came down and they've all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. "We've had five or six year olds having a go, right up to people a little more elderly. It's a sport for all." I'm going to have a go myself. It looks easy, but Clive says looks can be deceiving. "I've been shooting for 30 years and still have the occasional miss." Going for gold
 | | Members of the Maidenhead Archers |
Let's make our way over and see if I can at least hit the target. Clive talks me through the basics. "If you're right handed, hold the bow in your left hand, and place the arrow on what we call the knocking point, then rest it on the arrow shelf. "Today we're going to try bowhunting. We've got 15 yards, a nice short distance - but professional archers shoot 100 yards. "With your fingers underneath the arrow, look down the arrow. When the point is on the centre of the target, let it go nice and gently."
 | | An archery target |
My first go hits between the black and the white. Clive tells me I get three points for that one. The second one is a great success, a gold. It must be my expert tuition, but can I do it a third time? This time it's only a red, maybe a blue - so better than the first but not as good as that gold. But at least it's three arrows on the target.
Interested in finding more about archery? Follow these links for details of clubs and associations in Berkshire:
Berkshire Archery >
Maidenhead Archers >
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