COSFORD ARCHERY CLUB STILL AIMING HIGH

RAF Cosford has a rich history in Archery, the home to the British Indoors Championships for several years and many RAF archers have been based at Cosford.

So, what do you know about RAF Cosford Archery Club? The Club is a friendly, fun, and welcoming environment for all standards of Archer; from complete novice, to experienced archers and everywhere in-between. It is open to all Service, Civilian, Trainees and families (including children).

The club currently has 20 members who shoot regularly on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings. The club meets on the station rugby pitch in the summer months, and we have access to an airfield hanger in the winter.

The Club had one representative, Cpl Tim Shuker, at the RAF Outdoor Champs in June 22, and he won individual Bronze. More recently Cpl Barry Adams selected to compete as part of the RAF team at the Archery GB County Champs at Lilleshall. Tim Shuker, Barry Adams, David Pilsworth and Evie Bridgewater will be competing for the RAF at the upcoming National Indoor championships at Stoneleigh Park in Dec 22.

The club was started by Tim Shuker due to the lack of training facilities on station and the cost of utilising civilian clubs. A brief history of how the club went from nothing to the biggest whole force club on station:

Nov 21 - Attended Fit for life day, very high interest from whole force personnel, placed advert on the Cosford Communications portal for committee members

Jan-Feb-Mar 22 - Committee formed from service and civilian personnel on station. Successfully applied for Central fund grant over £3000. Bows, arrows, targets and other essentials ordered.

Jun 22 - Stand run at the Station Jubilee Street Party for families, staff and trainees. RAF Cosford Air Show ‘have-a-go’ with local Archery GB Development Officer Helen Smedley.

Jul 22 – Equipment received, and club nights begin. First Beginners’ course run with 12 whole force attendees. Visit from and RAF Central Fund Claire Bunton to see the funds in action.

Aug 22 - Facilitated members of the Air Cadets whilst on summer camps at Cosford introducing many young people to the sport.

Oct 22 – Halloween Club

Shoot! Scary targets, illuminous arrows in the dark, great food and families taking part.

During the year, we have run 3 beginners’ courses of between 10-12 attendees. Cosford’s CO’s Cup in 2023 will also feature Archery this year. Section ‘Havea-goes’ are welcome to book for a bit of practice and FD.

For those who are interested; the club regularly run Have-AGoes and Beginner Courses. Contact Tim.Shuker770@ mod.gov.uk or Steve Metcalfe for more information.