With the changing of the clocks, the outdoor archery season is upon us. However, before we focus on outdoor shooting it allows some reflection on South Wansdyke Archery Club's winter season.
On Sunday, 29th January the club hosted their annual awards. Three archers received improved classifications through the year, Andrea Whittle 2nd Class Archer, Clair Crook and Simon Whittle 1st Class Archer.
Junior and Senior awards for greatest improvement went to Sophie Young and Simon Whittle respectively. The pair also won the junior and Senior Chairman’s Cup for best average top three Frostbite scores.
The ladies Clout champion went to Janet Ross and Men’s Clout Champion to Andy Young. Award for most scores submitted went to Andrea Whittle (Ladies), Clive Jarret (Mens) and Sophie Young (Junior).
Finally, the Graham Billam Member’s Choice Cup, voted for by members, went to Andrea Whittle for always being helpful, smiley, and approachable.
With new members joining the club following the autumn beginner’s course it was great to see some new faces. This enabled the club to introduce, for the first time, Archery GBs progression awards. These awards are aimed at novice archers, especially juniors. In February 2023, indoor white progression awards were attained, and certificates presented to Sharon Adams (Senior), Cody Adams (U14) and Elliot Crisp (U14).
On Sunday, 5th February, South Wansdyke Archery Club had two representatives at the Grand Western Archery Society’s 48th Indoor Championships. Both Simon Whittle and Clive Jarrett were competing in the Gentlemen’s Recurve category, scoring 526 and 519 out of a possible 600. This placed them 11th and 13th respectively, with Simon Whittle being particularly pleased shooting a personal best score. The GWAS Champion in this category was Gavin Hayden of Supermarine Bowmen with a score of 543.
The winter County Postal league came to an end in March, South Wansdyke currently sits fourth in the indoor Portsmouth league and second place in the outdoor Frostbite league. Results will be posted next month.
Finally, South Wansdyke Archery Club will be hosting an “Have-A-Go” session as part of Archery GB’s Start Archery Week on Saturday, 13th May 10:00 -12noon at a cost of £10 per person. All equipment will be provided, and you will be supported by an ArcheryGB qualified coach. Booking is essential, please e-mail: [email protected] to ensure your place.