With COVID restrictions finally relaxing and the world of sport returning somewhat to normal, you may find yourselves interested in taking up something new. If you find this to be the case, may I make a suggestion? Not far from the village, the Soar Valley Archers runs both indoor and outdoor shooting sessions. It is an extremely friendly and welcoming club which accepts members eight years and up and will happily accommodate you onto a taster session to try your hand at shooting targets. To anyone currently sweating after looking up the cost of archery equipment, fear not, the club has a range of supplies that you can borrow for your sessions until you’re sure you want to commit to getting your own kit.

For anyone wanting to take things more seriously, Soar Valley Archers also helps train you for competitions, whether they be local, inter-county or national. Yes, some members are that good. But no need to feel put off if you want to shoot casually as most members are simply competing against themselves, improving their scores, and getting those sweet, sweet badges. Regardless of your skill, experience or type of bow, there’s a place you can practise. Feel like just using a standard recurve bow? Awesome. Want to show off a bit with a shiny new compound bow? Fire away. Fancy going a bit crazy and getting a longbow to try? Please keep away from me, you scare me, but have a go at it all the same.

I’m sure you’ll agree that COVID and lockdowns have done a real number on people in more ways than one but now that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, there is no better time to have a go and try new things. The club too is making some fresh changes. A brand-new committee is taking the reins to reinvigorate the club and its practices including: training more coaches; improving facilities; taking better stock of equipment kept on site; organising more frequent events; and improving their social media presence. If you are in any way interested then check out the website, get in contact and book a taster – it could make an interesting and unusual Christmas present. All the members are a delight to talk to and very knowledgeable about what they do, so there’s an extra little perk for free. With Christmas fast approaching there’ll be lots of fun to be had and games to be played too. If you see me there, then feel free to wave at me anytime; provided I’m not drawing an arrow at the time. https://www.soarvalleyarchers.com/

Elliot Wilkes