Company of Sixty Archery Club is a renowned archery club located in Leatherhead, England, KT22 0SZ, United Kingdom. The club is known for its commitment to promoting the practise and competition of field archery, as well as the preservation and protection of the woodland and wildlife where it is practised.
Field archery, which involves shooting at targets of varying and unmarked distances, is the primary focus of the club. The targets are typically realistic 3D foam animal shapes set in woodland and rough terrain. Originally introduced by American servicemen in East Anglia to keep their bowhunting abilities sharp, field archery is now a popular sport among English archers who engage in it purely for recreational purposes, with no intention to hunt or harm real wildlife.
The history of Company of Sixty dates back to 1973 when it was founded by a group of pioneering traditional archers. The club derives its name from its original location in the 'sixty acre wood' behind Chessington Zoo in Surrey. However, in 1988, the club was obliged to relocate as the land was placed into trust. It was a challenging task to find a new home, but in a surprising turn of events, HRH Prince Charles came to the club's aid.
Upon learning about the club's dedication to preserving the practise and heritage of the English Longbow, Prince Charles instructed the Crown Estate office in Windsor to provide the club with the use of 100 acres of woodland in Oxshott, Surrey. This generous act allowed the club to continue its activities and enjoy the new location throughout the year.
While the heart of the club lies in the practise of traditional wooden and longbow archery, participants using any equipment are now warmly welcomed. The club represents all NFAS (National Field Archery Society) Classes and hosts four open shoots and several informal events for both members and visitors each year.
Company of Sixty takes pride in its friendly atmosphere, making it a welcoming space for archers of all ages and abilities. The club believes in the power of archery to fascinate and captivate people, as eloquently expressed by Maurice Thompson's quote, “So long as the new moon returns in heaven a bent, beautiful bow, so long will the fascination of archery keep hold in the hearts of men (and women! .
For those interested in joining the club, becoming a member of the NFAS is encouraged. The club also provides shooting rules, shooting etiquette, information on different NFAS styles, guidelines for day visitors, emergency procedures, and marshalling regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Whether you are a seasoned archer or just starting out, Company of Sixty Archery Club offers a supportive environment to develop your archery skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
