Outdoor sports fans can add another string to their bow with a new five-week archery course for beginners.

It’s being held by Pepperstock Archers at Slip End playing fields from Wednesday, April 15, at 6.30pm-8pm.

With a huge amount of interest in the ancient sport, thanks to TV coverage of the Olympics and Britain’s medal successes, it will be interesting for people to try their hand, and to see many of the interesting bows on display.

Novices, aged from eight upwards, will probably be shooting with a basic version of a recurve bow used in the Olympics, from a distance of about 30ft.

During the course, Pepperstock Archers will also display a historical timeline of fascinating bows. They include replicas of a Scythian bow of 3,000BC; a Mongolian horse bow from 1200 AD (which can be seen in the current Robin Hood TV series); a Viking longbow; an English longbow of a type which Henry VIII would have used; and an American longbow, originally from the 1700s onwards.

They can also be brought right up to date on the technological intricacies of the modern Olympic recurve and compound bows, complete with spirit level, long sights and aircraft alloys.

The archery club’s chairman and records officer Lee Premble, who will help run the course, said: “The beauty of archery is that people can just enjoy shooting within the club as a hobby, or aspire to go on to county level or even Olympic contests.”

The course takes place from 6.30pm-8pm at a cost of £35 for seniors and £25 for juniors (under 18), with all equipment and insurance cover included. Juniors must be accompanied by an adult.

As a price guide for those who want to continue after the course, a beginner’s complete kit of arrows, bow and protective fingertab and forearm bracer costs about £100 or less. But if you make it to Olympic level, expect to pay around £1,000 upwards!

At the end of the five weeks, new archers receive a certificate which allows them to join any archery club.

Would-be archers wishing to attend the beginners’ course are asked to contact Lee on 01582 615216, or email lbp121@aol.com

Full membership of Pepperstock Archers costs £93 per year for seniors and £58 for juniors, though joint packages are discounted.

Words: Alan Candy
Video: Natalee Hazelwood
www.lutontoday.co.uk

Duration : 0:10:37

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