200 posts

July 2011 I started this site not being entirely certain as to what I wanted to say or how it might develop, all I knew was I wanted to express my thoughts on my hobby of archery. Little did I think that over time it would grow to this the  200th post.

It hasn’t been plain sailing and over the past few years I’ve had a few rough times where I have thought about giving up writing or even archery. For that reason I would like to take the opportunity to thank my followers and friends for the support they showed me, especially Sharon who has been amazing.

Me (Rob) and better half (Sharon)

Taken at NFAS 3D champs in 2011

This site has grown over the years to include write ups of shoots we have attended, links to other peoples blogs and websites. This site has chronicled my progress from newbie archer to coach along with highlighting my friends and fellow archers successes.

I’ve written a few book reviews and given my thoughts and hopefully some useful information on things to consider when course laying.

I’ve not written many equipment reviews but there have been a few and I’ve got plans for a few more. Along with these, have been my thoughts, feelings and ponderings on all matters of archery.
I hope you have found my writing interesting and helpful.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot and taken a lot from the sport, some good some not so good. If I’ve learnt nothing else from his hobby is it’s a sport where you can challenge yourself and set your own targets, pardon the obvious pun. Whilst winning medals or placing is nice it is a hobby where you can challenge yourself and have your own goals. Even after all these years I still go out hoping not to blank a target and I’ve never done a one arrow round.
Sharon and I have met many people and some over the years have gone on to become friends.
We’ve traveled from one end of the country to another for shoots and championships.

So I’d just like to say to all of you, thank you for reading.

Archery tales: Robin A’Dale and his travels

Robin A'Dale

Robin A’Dale

This is Robin A’Dale and he may well be visiting a shoot near you sometime soon. Robin is traveling round the country to different shoots whilst keeping a diary of his activities and travels. He’s now headed North East so keep an eye out and who know you might be taking Robin home and on to a shoot near you.

Thanks for reading

Shoot Report – Wolverine – August 2014

Kong from afar

Kong from afar

Last weekend we headed up to Wolverine Archers outside Stoke on Trent for their August shoot in weather that felt more autumnal than high summer.
I must admit to having second thoughts about going.  Not because of the course but because for the previous few days I’d not been very well and had less than 8 hours sleep in total for the past few nights. The previous day I’d been coaching which had left me very tired so I wasn’t feeling my best.
But the option was to either stay home feeling rough or to try and work through it. So we loaded the car and set off.
The course comprised of 40 mixed 3Ds and paper faces. You can see previous reports here.
Shooting group

Shooting group

We had a really good group with Zeena and Dan from Lyme Valley joining Charlie from Hanson and ourselves.

Shooting Group

Shooting Group – Charlie, Sharon, Zeena and Dan

I learnt two things from this day. The way to stay looking young is to drink Guinness as evident from the very youthful Zeena. The other is that Charlie should stick with shooting longbow rather than crossbow as he is a natural.

Charlie shooting at 3D beer

Charlie shooting at 3D beer

The Wolverine team always put on a good course and this was no different. Shots were challenging and not stretched,  with Kong making an appearance as always.

Charlie moving on to shoot

Charlie moving on to shoot

The only thing that marred the day was Sharon falling down a slope half way round the course. Fortunately she wasn’t injured but now has a scratch on her bow that will need seeing to. Could have been much worse and like many archers she was more concerned about her bow than herself. Note to Sharon when reading this. “Bows can be replaced,  you can’t.

Dan shooting

Dan shooting

We came home having had a lovely day but I must admit to feeling shattered and having an early night. Despite her fall Sharon came first in ladies hunting tackle and I somehow managed to scrape a third place despite dropping 50 points in the second half as fatigue and lack of sleep started to play a part in my shooting.
We also came home with a new friend. Robin a’Dale who is travelling round the country visiting different shoots and keeping a diary of his adventures.
Thanks for reading.