© Dave Nicholson 2006.
A 'Robin Hood' is where one arrow lands in the end of another arrow already in the target. Sadly this ruins both arrows, but it looks impressive.
The one above was achieved by Andy Friend on the 7 yards practice range at Wales Archery.
This is a very difficult distance as the arrow is still spinning from leaving the bow.
The optimum distance is 15 yards. However, as this is not a distance which is usually shot, most 'Robin Hoods' occur at 20 yards.
Due to very high demand, the waiting time for the beginner's course has grown to around one year. We have therefore taken the hard decision to close the waiting list. We will re-open it on 1 February 2009.
In the meantime, please read the information below to see if you would be interested in having your name added to the list once it re-opens.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
We teach beginners all year round. Lessons are on a rolling basis, as one person finishes their course, the next person starts. We work with a maximum of eight beginners at a time so it is very rare that we have more than two new people at any one session. Working like this means that we can tailor the lessons to suite each person's individual needs and learning style.
Lessons are on Sunday afternoons at 1.00 pm with additional courses running on Thursday evenings between the beginning of May and the end of August. These start at 6.30 pm. See 'location' for details of how to find us.
According to the rules of our governing body, the Grand National Archery Society (GNAS), a person is allowed to shoot six times before joining a club, this is for insurance purposes. Our charges for beginners are:
- Have-a-go session - £3.00.
- Further five lessons - £15.00.
- Six lessons, ie no have-a-go first - £18.00
If you then go on to join the club, the cost of the lessons is deducted from your membership fees. For details of the cost of joining please see the 'fees' section of our 'home' page.
If you are under the age of 18, we will need one of your parents' or guardians' consent for you to shoot with us.
We provide all the equipment you need and if you do join, you can carry on using this equipment for as long as you need at no extra charge, provided that it is not needed for another beginner. However if you already have your own equipment and would prefer to use this, we would need to check it over before you use it the first time, to make sure that it meets current safety standards.
Please do not to be tempted to purchase your own equipment until you have tried a few types of bows. Make sure that you take a knowledgeable person with you when you do go to buy your first bow and arrows.
Winter - At this time of the year, it's lots of layers of close fitting clothes. You can't wear anything bulky or with zips, chest pockets etc as these can catch in the bow string.
If you have shoulder length or longer hair, bring something to tie it back with. If the wind blows and your hair whips forward, again it can catch in the bow string, which can be extremely painful.
For the feet, wear something good and solid and waterproof. Although we don't shoot in the rain, the grass is wet at this time of year anyway and it can be very muddy.
Summer - Again you need to wear a close fitting top to stop the bow string catching. Although it may be tempting for the men not to wear a top at all, don't do it. If you have a hairy chest, it is very easy for the string to wrap in the hairs. This hurts - a lot - as one of our club members can confirm.
As in the winter, shoulder length or longer hair needs to be tied back.
For the feet, you need something that will support your foot. Light sandals do not provide a firm enough base to balance your body.
Bring something non-alcoholic to drink. Even in winter you can start to dehydrate. If this happens your shooting becomes inaccurate. Likewise, if shooting all day, bring food with you.
Please note - Mixing alcohol with archery is potentially very dangerous, therefore if you have had even one drink, please do not attempt to try and shoot. If we suspect that you have had any alcohol we will not let you shoot.
To come and learn archery with us, contact the club secretary, Sheena McCullagh, either by 'phone, 0117 949 4468, or by email sheena.mccullagh@blueyonder.co.uk to add your name to the waiting list.
Please print out and complete the beginner's enrolment form (PDF: 36.3 KB).
Why not give archery a go, we might just turn you into the next Robin Hood (see the picture on the right).
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Created: 27 December 2006
Updated: 3 June 2008
© Bristol Bowmen and Golden Phoenix Archers