Start Archery Week will take place 14-22 May 2022, a nationwide celebration of all things archery. In the sixth of our weekly club stories about last year's event, Colwyn Bowmen share what worked well.
Over the next few weeks, we're highlighting previous Big Weekend/Start Archery Week events that have enjoyed fantastic success. If you're hoping to help your club organise Start Archery Week in May, and are not sure where to begin, look out for these best practice case studies, right up until the event starts.
Last year, Colwyn Bowmen held their event at the school grounds where the club meets on a regular basis for outdoor archery. The school donated the venue for free, permitted use of their vehicle to move equipment, and continues to be very supportive of the club. A number of pupils and a members of staff have become club members. Due to Covid restrictions last year, the event was limited to just one day, and fortunately the weather was really nice.
Volunteers contacted the local internet radio station to promote the event, along with encouraging various local organisations to attend. They found that the radio promotion was the most effective because it reached a whole range of people.
The club has an events team who work really well together to run have-a-go sessions throughout the year, and the coaches were keen to show participants how to shoot. Various bow types were on display for people to ask questions about, and some club members demonstrated how to use them.
Other club members were happy to get involved with registration, promoting the club, and generally interacting with all the people who came along. Once all the hard work of promoting the event and setting up the range was done, volunteers were able to focus on making sure everyone had a good time and learned a lot about archery.
It was very much a social event with a barbecue, hot and cold drinks, and cakes with an archery theme! The local Tesco was very supportive too, donating some of the refreshments on offer.
One of the club coaches, Nick Kershaw, said: Â"The highlight of the day was seeing how excited one young lad was to be able try archery. The boy's mother explained that he has Asperger's and finds it difficult to get involved with many activities, but the club has taken him under their wing and he has become a regular shooting member and continues to enjoy his archery.”
Another young person also enjoyed the day, movingly said: Â"Thank you for a fantastic few hours. I haven't seen my mum laugh in three years.”
Colwyn Bowmen now look forward to Start Archery Week 2022.
Please visit our dedicated Start Archery Week webpage for a host of resources, advice and to find out how to enter a range of exciting competitions with fantastic prizes!
