Artemis Archers Field Archery Club, located in Belper, is a family-oriented club that offers a unique and exciting sport called field archery. The club is composed of families who come together to practise, socialise, and compete, both indoors and outdoors.
So, what exactly is field archery? To put it simply, it involves ordinary people shooting bows and arrows in beautiful woodland settings throughout the country. It provides an opportunity to explore the woods that many often drive by and admire. Safety is of utmost importance in our club, and we strictly adhere to safety rules and regulations.
During a field archery session, members walk a marked trail that typically consists of 36 or 40 targets. They form groups of 3–5 people, and each archer takes turns shooting at the target from marked pegs. It is not uncommon for arrows to break on trees, often accompanied by laughter. Once everyone in the group has shot at the target, they proceed to score it, collect their arrows, and continue to the next target.
This process is repeated until all targets on the course have been shot and scored.
Members of Artemis Archers regularly attend open shoots held by other clubs on weekends. These gatherings provide an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and enhance the camaraderie within the archery community. Upon arrival at these open shoots, participants register, collect their scorecards, and engage in social activities such as drinking tea or coffee and perhaps enjoying a bacon butty. The day's competition begins with a briefing at 10 am or 10:30 am, where archers receive instructions on arrangements and safety protocols.
Course marshals then lead participants to their designated starting pegs, after which the competition begins with a signal heard throughout the course. Lunch breaks are scheduled during the day, and at the end of the event, score collection and placements for all classes of bows, sexes, and ages take place.
While archery may seem simple to learn, it actually takes time and practise to master the skill. However, it is highly addictive, and once you start, your Sundays will never be the same again. Artemis Archers is a member of the National Field Archery Society (NFAS), which boasts a membership of approximately 6,500 individuals across the country. This society provides insurance, a calendar of events, strict safety guidelines, and two annual National Championship events, as well as coaching courses.
Additionally, the club is affiliated with the English Field Archery Association (EFAA), giving members the opportunity to participate in the European Championships, World Championships, and other international events.
Join Artemis Archers Field Archery Club today and experience the joy, adventure, and challenge of field archery in the beautiful woodlands of Belper. Whether you're looking to develop your skills, bond with your family, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, our club offers an inclusive and welcoming environment for archers of all ages and abilities.