IF you ever wanted to try archery then why not head to Talbot, 20km south west of York on Saturday, March 21 for the York and District Archery Club’s (YDAC) free ‘come and try’ morning.
All ages are welcomed, and experienced archers will be on hand to talk about safety and give tips and the techniques of archery with practice on the range followed by a fundraising sausage sizzle and an opportunity to chat about those near bullseyes.
Regular archery shoots are held on alternate Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate family schedules - one weekend a scoring shoot and the other weekend a fun shoot.
The club also offers beginner lessons once a month, with all equipment included along with certified coaches teaching safety and shooting techniques and giving beginners lots of practice on the range.
The club promotes traditional archery with recurve and long bow, along with compound bows.
YDAC also holds in-house workshops and recently already held a well-attended workshop on how to fletch your own arrows - a skill much needed to repair the old.
Other workshops to be scheduled include tips on maintaining archery equipment and making new bow strings to replace the old.
The club has grown since it began in 2022 with a lot of interest in the sport of bush archery from ages 8 to 90 years old.
Members now come from as far afield as Mundaring, Pingelly, Wundowie, Beverley, York, Northam and Goomalling as well as a family in Perth, all sharing a challenging sport and a great family atmosphere.
The club now has two bush ranges – a shorter 14-18 target blue range with novelty targets and a longer 20-24 target range scoring with 3D and vinyl targets, with plans for an all-3D course in progress of being mapped out.
YDAC also offers sessions for interest groups or for team building providing a fun time for groups who just want to get out and have some social time together while learning the art and sport of archery.
“We encourage businesses and groups to take time away from their busy schedules and enjoy the company and bonding of your employees in a non-stressful social atmosphere,” organiser Debbie Gentleman said.
“The club is truly grateful for our past regular sponsors who have helped us provide the Wheatbelt region with a bush archery club,” she said.
“A big thank you to The Kit Bag Edge, Impact Archery, and Autobarn in Midland, who sponsored Interclub raffle items helping us raise funds for on-going range maintenance.
“Thanks also go to the Shire of York, York Community Bendigo Bank,York IGA Coop and in Northam Coles, Woolworths, Bunnings and our political reps of the region. All have been a great help supporting the club’s special events.”
To keep updated on events and beginner lessons follow the club, which is located at Talbot Reserve, on Facebook – York and Districts Archery Club Inc or if you have any questions email yorkwaarchery@gmail.com or call Albert 0449 678 840 or Debbie 0410 815 003.
