[Max]

Popped down to see some old friends from Spen Victoria Archers (West Yorkshire) the other day and found a little tale of survival against a seemingly terminal event - the sudden loss of a shooting field.

In February this year, Spen Victoria were unceremoniously evicted at short notice from their cricket club home (of the same name) near Cleckheaton, by a list of extortionate demands for cash and shooting restrictions from the main club committee. It looked like the end of the club, but against all odds and with the help (in no small part) by a local farmer and a handfull of members, the club seems to have found a new and better life. So far they have a flat field near Hunsworth, an equipment container and plenty of enthusiasm.

The club will change its name to Spen Valley Bowmen at the end of the summer season, but the name Spen Victoria may yet live on through a handful of compound archers who (it is understood) have reached a private agreement with the cricket club to shoot early Sunday mornings.

Well done to all those at Spen who kept the faith and put in a lot of hard work.