So we are rapidly approaching the end of 2023. What a year it’s been! I hope it has been a productive and positive one for all reading this? Its hard to believe that a year has gone by so quickly.

Did you manage to keep to your 2023 New year goals and resolutions? I hope so.

Before I get started I want to wish you all a very happy, safe and worry free festive season. I hope any travelling you are undertaking is hassle free.

For me it’s been a busy year, highly productive at times, though with less archery than I’d hoped. Can you ever have too much archery?

I’ve been able to get back out on to the NFAS archery circuit for a a few shoots in the last year. Speaking of which I do feel a bit guilt about not writing up for this site ones I’ve enjoyed so much like one at Black Arrow, even with all the rain. So sorry guys.

I managed to shoot the 3D NFAS championships this year, the first for several years. I was shooting Hunting tackle this year and despite not being out shooting for years I was shocked and pleased to finish in top 10. I have realised I don’t have the same confidence I used to when it comes to shooting or even interacting with people. Not sure what I can do about this. I would like to say thanks to a few friends out there that have offered support in so many ways, thank you.

Coaching wise it’s been a quiet year, though I am thinking of revisiting some of my coaching material and update in 2024.

I’ve been really fortunate to have recorded a few podcasts over the past year.In fact I’ve just released my 100th recording. I have chatted with fantastic guests Including Harry President of NFAS Episode 70, Kristina Editor of Bow International Episode 80 , Zach Ball on all matters of course laying episode 58, discussed coaching with Angel of High Power Archery podcasts episode 62. The one that’s seen the highest hits has been the chat with the guys running The Bowhunter Challenge (episode 60) You can find the podcast on Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1kJbhdoxrufx5SfpVVXxnw?si=11136385616f44cf)

On this topics, I’d like to do more chats with archers from across the archery community next year so if you are reading this and interested drop me a line.

I’m experimenting with YouTube content but this is more linked to the podcasts and me walking in the archery wood, enjoying the nature and wildlife. Though I think I will stay behind the camera. By all means drop by and check it out http://www.youtube.com/@offthearrowshelf

I don’t have any new year resolutions or goals as such. I’m going to continue to support the archery community as best I can, whether than be writing, recording or just helping.

If I can offer a thought for next year for all readers, to think or better still act on is that of being more tolerant of our differences.

There has been quite a few conversations recently of them and us, the trad archer verses non trad, recurve verses compound, binocular users verses non users. The list can go on and on if we let it. I feel the only thing this does is divide us. Yes we are all different, yes we all have our favourite styles of bow, yes we all have different views. We also all shoot arrows from bows, whether the arrows are wood, carbon or the bows are flatbows or compounds. We all take joy from the hobby and have made friends through a shared pastime. So lets move forward into 2024 remembering this.

So until the next time, take care of yourself and each other. Have a great Christmas and good luck to 2024.