The Club’s history
Compiled from information supplied by Barry Gibbs
Although Romsey Archers was only set up in April 1996, it is the direct descendant of a number of clubs that had been operating in Romsey over the years.
The first of these was Timsbury Manor Bowmen, who started in 1958. Shooting at Timsbury Manor, North of Romsey, their “field” was a cinder track! In 1970, the club moved to Cupernham School in Romsey. They shot on two evenings a week, May to September only, as there were no indoor facilities – although they did share the use of Eastleigh Sports Centre with the Hursley (IBM) Archery Club for a few years. The Club was disbanded in 1985 as the premises costs were too high to sustain.
The following year a few ex-members started shooting at the Green Dragon pub in Brook where they had to move horses from the field before the actual archery could begin. At this time they were known as the Brook Company of Archers. After two years, they moved back to Romsey, changing their name to the Romsey Bowmen, and began shooting at the Sandy Lane Nursery. Conditions were far from ideal, as there were still no indoor facilities and the field distance was very short (60 yards maximum), and they where forced to disband in 1990.
In 1996, some of the members tried again to establish a local club, starting the Romsey Archers at the Central Hall, Station Road, Romsey. They transferred to La Sagesse Convent School soon afterwards and in 1998, when building work forced a change, moved to the club’s current home at The Mountbatten School, Romsey.
In May 2014, the club established a new outdoor shooting venue at Longacre Farm in Sandy Lane in Romsey which permits shooting up to 100 yards.
Our history in badges
The Timsbury Manor Bowmen badge, dating back to 1958.
The Brook Company of Archers badge. The club was established in 1986.
The original Romsey Archers badge used in 1996.
Our current club crest.