[Old Bloke]

This is a very valid thread if one is wanting to compete for a ranking position etc. For most archers, I would suggest that they will keep it local (county) and as such will not see them maxing their credit cards on petrol or accommodation costs. For those that are seeking the Holy Grail then yes, the costs of just getting to the shoots could prove troublesome. I drive a Ford Escort estate, 1400cc and I drive very carefully, mindfull of the way the petrol goes when doing a steady 70mph on a motorway. I've been travelling on business to and from the Midlands recently and a round trip to Tamworth costs £45 with the petrol (unleaded) costing 109p a litre. The round trip, which is pretty much direct, is 216 miles one way.So, 432 miles would cost me about £10 per hundred miles, more in a headwind. If one is wanting to chase scores, then from where I live Devon, petrol costs will play a major part. I've woeked it out that with time off from work, petrol, food, accommodation and any other odds and sodds, busted arrows etc, each shoot next yera will probably cost me £250 a weekend, and it is expected that I will have to attend at least two of these shoots in month.

I do think it is time for our county/regional associations to get their heads together and cater for those impending archers to help reduce costs. They probably do, but for me next year, to try and get a ranking, will have to spend much of the time outside of my GWAS region. But I'm probably one of only a few.