Active

from Shire Magazine January-February 2022

Puzzles

AIM HIGH

After the huge success of archery’s Big Weekend in the summer, more and more people have been taking up the sport once reserved for Robin Hood wannabes – and it’s easy to see why

Not only is archery one of the few sports genuinely suitable for everyone to have a go at, it also helps to build muscle endurance and fl exibility, and develop hand/eye coordination and body strength. There are mental health benefi ts too, as it improves focus, drive and resilience, perfect for mindfulness and letting go of everyday stress.

Archery is for all genders, ages and abilities. It’s a truly inclusive sport and those taking part are generally a sociable lot! They compete and learn together and love sharing cake or a barbecue away from the shooting line. All around the country, clubs run beginners’ courses tailored to the needs of their communities, which are delivered by qualifi ed coaches.

One of those promoting the current surge in new recruits is local archery club Long Mynd Archers, which has been running since 1978 and counts six-time Olympian Alison Williamson and Paralympian Kay Lucas among its past members. The club now has almost 50 members, with a mix of junior and senior archers from Shrewsbury, Telford, Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock and surrounding villages.

Courses can vary from club to club, but they will all share some things in common. At the end of the course, the club will normally invite you to join, at which time you would usually also become a member of Archery GB.

So if you fancy taking aim, visit www. startarchery.co.uk and use the club fi nder tool to book your fi rst course. Get ready You can also try archery at one of many approved centres, including at holiday parks, tourist attractions and through organisations like the National Trust and Scouts. All equipment is provided, and everyone is insured during the sessions. Wear fl at shoes and tie back your hair if long (you don’t want it tangling in the bow!). Sunglasses or a visor are advisable in bright sunshine.

As with many sports, archery can be done with basic equipment. As you progress, you may fi nd tailoring your kit can help improve your technique – it’s up to you how technical you make it.

Age is defi nitely no barrier: it’s not unusual to see people on the shooting line aged from eight to 80 – or even younger, as there is a ‘soft’ version of the sport with arrows fi tted with suction cups instead of points.

Awalk over Bosley Cloud – ‘the Cloud’ – is a must if you’re near Congleton. The view from the 343m (1125ft) summit looks out over the Cheshire Plain and on a clear day we could see as far as Winter Hill transmitter in Lancashire, across to Fiddlers Ferry in Warrington, and my home hills of the Breiddens on the Powys border in the distance. The gritstone hilltop and adjacent slopes are owned by the National Trust, and you’ll fi nd walking routes “It improves on their website. focus and A popular starting point is resilience, and Timbersbrook is perfect for picnic site (CW12 3PP, letting go of parking free). stress” Following the fi nger posts, you can choose between very steep steps on the lower slope or taking the right-hand path for a gentler ascent along part of the Gritstone Trail. Whichever you pick, the views reward the e ort! We walked from the Plough Inn, just outside Congleton – a glorious seven miles in fi ne weather. However, the terrain near the top can be rough underfoot and you may wish to adapt your route to your party’s abilities. Download a map at