Welcome to the first podcast of 2026, crazy to think we are already in February. I hope 2026 is treating you well and any new year resolutions you made are still going well.
As always here is a link to the amazon music version
I will admit to having a bit of a rant at the start of this episode concerning the appalling service we have received from TUI airlines following our long flight delay when returning home. After everything that happened end of last year we decided to book a ski holiday, which was fantastic but the flight home was delayed for hours.
Anyway lets change the subject to more archery related. In the episode I give my thoughts on the proposals that have been sent out to NFAS members for voting on this year concerning rule changes. Some of which I like others of which I am less keen on.
In this very special episode, I am delighted to welcome back Kristina Dolgilevica as a gest to the podcast.
Those of you who have been listening to the podcast for a few years might remember Kristina’s first guest slot back in episode 80. Then she had only just taken on the role of Editor for Bow International magazine. Now a couple of years on we discuss how the role has developed as Bow International celebrates its 30th year in publication, a huge milestone for any magazine.
Throughout the episode we discuss various coaching topics, focusing on the concept of Developments having no limits. thought the main focus of the discussion surrounds the World Traditional Archery Federation and the formation of the UK Traditional Archers’ International Association (UK-TAIA), contact detail of which are below.
We chat about her hopes and aspirations for UK-TAIA in promoting not just competition but also the cultural heritages of the differing forms of traditional archery across the globe. The goal being to promote the association and the potential it has for highlighting the potential for engagement across countries and continents.
If you have any interest in traditional check out the website and reach out to Kristina
UK-TAIA – UK Traditional Archers’ International Association
Sadly we did encounter some technical issues when recording this episode due to a power cut part way through and subsequent Wi-Fi issues, but we got there in the end. I have to say a huge thanks to Kristina for her patience.
As always the podcast is available on Spotify and Amazon music.
As always thanks for listening. I hope you all have a great Christmas and New Year.
The is no doubt that the last few weeks have been very exhausting, with my Mams funeral in Wales, helping at a weekend long scout camp, half term with associated childcare and more. To finish it all off with an ambulance journey to the local hospital accident and emergency department. Why? Well, it was thanks to knocking myself out at the archery wood, when I fell and hit my head on the car park tarmac (asphalt). So in all it’s been very tiring. Anyway, back to the topic of this post.
Before I dive into the main context of this article, I’d like to mention I have recorded a video and uploaded it on YouTube giving a review and my thoughts on the SRT wild boar target. Feel free to check it out. I’m hoping to do more reviews of this kind so if you find them useful let me know.
Onto the main focus of this episode of the podcast and this is a question which could be at best a hugely contentious issue or at worse a downright explosive one.
Here are links to Amazon music and Spotify versions of the podcast can be played below.
Is it time to license bow ownership in the UK?
I explore this question, offering my thoughts on the matter and consider what possible alternatives are available. So you might wonder why I am posing this question.
Well at my Mams funeral I got talking to my cousin who is a police officer and the subject of knife crime and licensing of bows come up in the conversation. This got me thinking and hence this episode.
I try to approach the topic from a pragmatic view point of what is practical or realistic. If you listen to the various media reports you could believe that all bow ownership whether longbow, compound or crossbow is in some ways unnecessary and they should be licensed as firearms are in the UK.
I don’t think licensing is an option, as those who wish to use a bow for nefarious reasons aren’t likely to register ownership. I do think there are some practical steps that could be taken such as limiting the sale of bows to archery shops or recognised sport shops, where people can be given advice on what is suitable. I go into more details in the podcast.
In an ideal world there would not have to be any thought of restrictions but we don’t live in a perfect world and there are people who will use bows inappropriately. Sadly this is likely to always happen. There is one other factor to consider and that are the current media stories and style of reporting, which can be quite sensationalist in some cases and in turn can greatly influence government policy and the general publics view.
Let me know what your thoughts are on the subject. Thanks for reading.
My Archery Experiences 