The Malvern Archers New Years Day shoot returned again this year. Two years in a row, now that the worst ravages of Covid are past. It is still not gone and we still have some people who need to be careful. However being outdoors on a breezy day is about as safe as it gets.

A small group of members congregated at the field for a 10.30am start. Some of our regulars had found a warmer climate, but the bold amongst us prepared to shoot in to a low sun, with quite a cheeky breeze blowing. The sun did not last that long, and the temperature dropped (and the wind got cheekier). Unfortunately this meant a swift retreat for Kelly who is convalescing and the cold doesn’t help. It was great to see her out starting to shoot though. It also meant there was a round of the most excellent bacon and sausage sandwiches.

The rest of the shoot was made at speed (amongst the gusts of wind blowing scopes over), and we ended with our usual survivors photo. Sorry that this excludes Tony and Kelly who had left, and the photographer (Dave). Next year it would be good to see if we can get a larger turnout.

Another group shot, courtesy of Jeff Allen.

Due to a smaller than hoped for entry we have consolidated the event to an afternoon only, which will feature all entries and their appropriate distances. Updated Tournament details are on our Tournaments page.

The field will be open for registration and refreshments from 1pm with sighters at 2:30.

Recently quite a few people have expressed an interest in learning archery with Malvern Archers. It truly is a sport that allows people of all ages and genders to come together and participate in a lovely inclusive environment in normal times. This last 18 months has been very challenging for a small club. We have managed to run 2 beginners’ courses over that time, and they have been enjoyable for coaches and participants.

While the ongoing Covid situation may appear to be easing it is still not under full control and we feel it may yet come back in another wave. This has continued to make it a challenge for experienced archers and to run an active club. For newer archers it has made it particularly hard to really get a solid start into the sport.

We have thought long and hard about running another course in September. The uncertainty in what new archers will be able to do once the course has finished, as well as the workload on our volunteer coach workforce means we have taken the difficult decision not to run a course this September. I understand this is probably not what you want to hear. However, we want to make sure that at the point you do get to start archery we can give you the best opportunity to turn your course into a life-long love for the sport.

We are currently building a waiting list, prioritised by when people contact us. As soon as we have details of our next course(s) we will let you know. We are hoping to run several consecutive courses early in 2022 (or maybe as early as December) indoors – covid safety permitting.

Please feel free to email me (at info@malvernarchers.com) with a request to go on the waiting list.

Dave Martel
Secretary, Malvern Archers

Dear Members,

It has been a long and difficult lockdown, but finally we see the light at the end of the tunnel. In line with the Government plan for England, Archery GB have issued updated rules for clubs to allow outdoor Archery to resume. To allow this to take place we, as a committee, have 8 key points to comply with to reopen the range. We had a meeting last night and you will get updated information emailed to you over the next few days from Dave our Secretary.

The intention is to reopen the range on or shortly after Monday 29th March 2021, with the same shooting booking system, lane and target rules in place as prior to the lockdown. All safety measures, hand sanitization and social distancing rules will remain and it will be a condition of use of the field that members follow these rules.

The new Archery GB rules give some flexibility in areas such as access toilet facilities or key equipment such as metal detectors, some of our rules are therefore being updated with the procedures to follow in these areas, so when they arrive please read carefully.

The Ground team will be mowing and preparing the field for shooting over the weekend, weather permitting, though it may take a couple of weeks of good weather to get it into it’s usual first class condition, so please be patient.

There have been some changes at the top of the field with a new fence having been installed beyond and to the right of the bank and 100 yard line.

Please, if like me you have not been shooting for a while, and doing much less exercise than You should have, restart carefully. warm up first, consider lower poundage bow/limbs and start on shorter distances, rebuilding your technique before trying a York or Hereford round, just because you could in 2019.

Look out for the Email , and stay safe.