Frequently Asked Questions

Archery “Have A Go’s” & Private Archery Tuition

Long Mynd Archers can provide private archery tuition on a one to one or group basis from qualified GNAS coaches. Tuition can be provided from £5.00 per hour for each coach in attendance. The number of coaches is dependant upon the number of archers present.  Contact the Club Secretary Mrs S Williamson for further information and a list of available dates.

Open Days/ Have a Go’s

Archery open days/have a go’s are constantly being run in and around Church Stretton, a list of have a go dates are available in the clubhouse.
Where possible coaching is given by qualified GNAS coaches. However, from time to time, Junior Assistant Coaches, trainee level 1 coaches and un-qualified archers may be involved in coaching and teaching.
The GNAS accept no responsibility in this regard, save its statutory liability in respect of personal injury or death caused by negligence of the GNAS. If you have any objections or concerns about this, please inform the club officer in charge prior to the relevant coaching or instruction session.

Beginners Courses

When do the lessons take place?
All lessons take place on a Monday / Wednesday evening during the summer, and Sunday afternoon during the winter. Beginner’s lessons are not run at any other time.

How long is the course?
You book and pay for six lessons, each lesson is two hours long. There is a spare slot at the end of each course to allow for "missed" lessons, so the course runs over six to eight weeks.

Where do the lessons take place?
All beginner courses are run at the Long Mynd Archers Archery Field, New House Farm Church Stretton (¼ mile north of the traffic lights on the A49 on your right) during the summer months. In the winter at the William Brookes School Leisure centre Much Wenlock

What time do the lessons start?
You should be at the venue for 6.00 to allow time to get your kit assembled and warm up before the lesson. All lessons start at 6.30pm and finish 8.30pm in the summer. In the winter be at the venue for 2.00 the lessons will start at 2.30pm and finish at 4.30pm.

Are the lessons indoors or outdoors?
All lessons take place outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If it's just a bit showery we will still hold the lessons. However if the weather is very bad, for example lightning or heavy rain, we will shoot in the club house.

What should I wear?
Clothing should be well fitting tops, not loose sleeves or baggy jumpers, comfortable flat shoes or trainers, possibly a hat if you wish. Enough to keep you warm and dry should it rain; remember this is an outdoor activity. In the early part of the season the field can be a bit wet and muddy, please bear this in mind when choosing footwear.

Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit but children under the age of 8 years must have a parent or guardian remain with them at all times

Will I be able to buy food and drink at the venue?
Yes, hot drinks and cans are available in the club house along with crisps and chocolate bars. Vending machines are available at Much Wenlock.

Will I need to bring any archery equipment of my own?
No, it is all provided by Long Mynd Archers

How big a group will I be trained in?
Each course can accommodate 16 pupils. Coaching is given by qualified Coaches or Coaches under training.

What sort of bow will I be shooting?
We only teach beginners using the "Recurve" style of bow. This will give you the "basics" of shooting and enable you to shoot other styles such as longbow, flatbow or compound later.

Is it strenuous?
The training bows are light weight, but yes it is a "physical" sport. Should you feel any pain or muscle ache please tell your trainer immediately. If you have a disability which you think may affect your training, please inform the course organiser when you book onto the course.

Does Long Mynd Archers have a Child Protection policy?
Long Mynd Archers has signed an agreement to abide by the rules as laid out by the Child and Vulnerable Persons Protection Act, a copy of which is available for inspection in the club house. Long Mynd Archers has a child protection officer and a deputy, if you have any CP or VP issues please ask to speak to one of these people.  Persons under the age of 18 are classed as "Juniors", parents/guardians will have to sign an agreement to enable the junior to shoot - this form is available on the County (Shropshire) web site for you to complete and return.

Can I join the Long Mynd Archers on completion of the course?
At the end of the course you may wish to apply for membership of Long Mynd Archers, details and advice will be available from the secretary or treasurer of the club.
Archery can cater for all ages both male and female, able bodied and disabled people.