This was definitely a weekend of 2 halves – Saturday saw John and Robyn getting the Activity centre organised. They also found themselves running an Activity session for a lovely holidaymaker called Robert. His enthusiasm was infectious and the hour seem to fly by. They were kept buzzing long after the session finished.
Saturday – a day of organising
We have recently received a fantastic donation of equipment as a result of a local club closing its doors. 2024 was their last Summer season – we will miss them. Griffin Archers respectfully acknowledge the sad loss of Nene Bowmen. We will remember them through our actions, especially in their continued use of this equipment. This generous influx of equipment means we have had to find homes for more bows, targets and other sundry items. So, John and Robyn worked hard at sorting, tidying and finding the additional space needed.
Sunday – will the weather ever decide?
The weekend of 2 halves continued on Sunday. A miserable, wet and squally Sunday happened, dawn was just grey and dull, and the forecast was grim. Members began to cancelling their bookings for the afternoon session! We were working hard to get some enthusiasm in the members, reminding members that rain just means we get a bit wet. We archers are made of sterner stuff, wearing layers and including a change of clothes!
On arriving at Rockingham Forest Park, the rain and wind were intense, persistent and generally nasty. The wind meant that the rain got through clothes, up sleeves and down the back of your neck . We decided to open the Activity Centre and its range to see who would come along. Whilst waiting to see if the wind and rain would die down. Would the members turn up to shoot – inside or out?
2 ranges – a first for many
By 2pm we had a small group – Rachael, Paul, Peter, Thomas, Trevor, and Steph. A trickle more of people, and Robyn set up the indoor range targets with Worcester faces on them. She then became line captain, with Trevor busy putting his coaching course into practical actions. Marv, our newest member, and Chris, a returner to the club, both benefitted from Trevors coaching. Meanwhile, Oliver meanwhile, was setting up his bow to shoot.
As people continued to arrive the Activity Centre it got busy – a bit like a family get together. Our taller archers got to enjoy the new experience of shooting sat down. This is due to the limited headroom in the centre. The Worcester faces and the sitting down archery kept it fun and different, it also kept everyone interested. By 3pm the weather seemed to have dried up. After just a few minutes, they hatched a plan to put up some targets down on the field. Before you could blink, three quarters of those members shooting had moved outside to the field. We now had 2 ranges working for everyone. Those archers still indoor were enjoying the lack of wind chill and getting back to basics shooting indoors short range. Trevor was busy coaching and encouraging them.
Despite the threat of wind and rain – the afternoon was so bright, with a blinding Autumnal sun. This resulted in making everyone outdoors squint at the targets. So, some frown lines may have been created by the day’s archery.
… and the weather changes again
Before we knew it, it was 4:30pm and the wind was picking up, along with the chill factor. The fun and laughs continued indoors, while the archery tried to continue outside. When the targets and stands outside began to blow over, even the hardiest of our members had to admit defeat. Shooting had to come to an end on safety grounds. But, they will have the legendary story to regale us all with of “the session that the targets blew over.”
Our weekend of 2 halves was over! Everyone helped clear away and Sunday’s session was over. It all felt very organic as things had unfolded naturally and the members had been able to make the decisions. We may have more of this kind of session coming up in the coming months. But if they all go like today, then they will prove more popular than we ever expected.