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Newark Castle Archers chairman shares her joy as sport returns amid lockdown




Archers have started shooting again after they were given the green light to return to their Kelham Road home.

Newark Castle Archers, who shoot at Newark Rugby Club, expressed their joy after returning to activities such as a target practise.

Newark Castle Archers photo (21018145)
Newark Castle Archers photo (21018145)

They were approved to start shooting again yesterday, and club chairman Mandie Elson said there was a lot of hard work to ensure the sport returned safely.

“Archery GB issued three stages and we were not able to meet the criteria as we use a shared ground, but we worked hard behind the scenes to start shooting,” said Elson.

“The guidance from Archery GB, which we are following, said you can only have one archer per target, meaning everyone has to bring their target face and their own equipment.

MANDIE ELSON, chairman of Newark Castle Archers.
MANDIE ELSON, chairman of Newark Castle Archers.

“You have to pull your own arrows out, and we have designed a lane system so that people can book online.

“It has been interesting implementing it all, but with it being a shared site with the rugby club we have cross contamination to also worry about.”

The club issued a newsletter to all of its members outlining what they needed to bring to each session, which, like most clubs, is organised by an online booking system.

It said archers would need their own target face and pins, gloves, sanitiser and towels, face covering, bow kit and pen and paper for scoring.

Despite the extensive measures, Elson said the members were delighted to be back.

“We had 14 juniors who were just itching to get back, never mind the 30 plus adults who were waiting,” she said.

“It will be interesting shooting in a mask and gloves, but that will be the new normal for now.”

The coronavirus break also gave Elson a chance to look back at how far the club has come over the years.

She said: “We have come from nothing and now have junior archers breaking county records and seniors too, as well as myself being selected to shoot for England.

“I can’t wait to get back.”

The club will host its second bunch of sessions on Sunday between 10am and 2pm.

For more information contact newarkcastlearchers@live.com

n Bingham Leisure Centre Archery Club remain inactive, however, they said they aim to start shooting again as soon as it is safe and practical for them to do so.



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