Who are we?

The Romsey Archers (RA) is a community based club which practices and promotes target archery. We are a not-for-profit club run by our members.  

What facilities do we provide?

We have an outdoor range, situated in rolling countryside, near Shootash, north of Romsey, providing a relaxed and scenic location for practicing archery.

The range is open 7 days a week, 360+ days a year from 09:30 to dusk or 19:30 (whichever is the earlier). The range  is full size, and conforms to Archery GB rules, permitting target archery up to 100 yards.  (Archery still uses imperial units, particularly in the UK and US).

We have shared access to coffee and tea making facilities, and to toilet facilities. Parking is 150m from the shooting line and there is ample parking at the weekend and in the evening but it is a bit more restricted during the working day.

What type of bows do we use?

Our members use an eclectic mix of equipment ranging from traditional longbows and flatbows, through barebow and freestyle recurve bows through to high tech compound bows, not to mention the odd horse bow (no horses are allowed though!).  Some members even make their own bows. However we do not permit the use of crossbows of any type on the range!   

Members are expected to provide their own equipment once they join the club,  We do provide equipment for those attending a beginners course but not after they complete the course.  We do offer basic equipment for rent, but, with more experience, archers usually wish to buy their own higher quality equipment (nicer colours are available too!). 

Are we a competitive club?

The short answer is no - we don't have teams that compete against other clubs.  However some of our members do enter external competitions as individuals.

But we do encourage members to improve their own shooting by offering performance badges if they meet particular standards.  We also run internal league competitions in the winter (Frostbite) and summer (Sunstroke).  They are entirely optional - if members just want to zen out, shoot some arrows and admire the scenery (and it is very scenic and peaceful on our range) then that's entirely fine. 

Do we shoot as a club on particular days?

We try to get together roughly once a month for a "Fun Shoot" followed by "nibbles".  However members tend to have preferred days and times when they meet up with other members to shoot.

Do we provide training for new archers?

Absolutely.  One of our main aims is to bring new archers into the sport and into the club.  For more Information on starting in archery  see our Start Archery page.

Do we provide improver training?

Yes, we do.  We can provide coaching for individuals or small groups, if requested.  But its up to individuals to decide what help they need and when they need it.  Coaches may offer the odd comment in passing but won't offer detailed help without being asked.