Hi from Berkshire

[Jumile]

Hi all,

Thanks to Clickerati for pointing out this forum to me - I'd just begun posting on the Australian and US archery forums, and she kindly showed me the error of my ways.

Ok, the introduction. Today was the first time (excluding the plastic bow and arrows with suction cups when I was 8) that I've picked up a bow in my life. It's something I've always wanted to do, but life kept getting in the way - work, moving countries (I'm from Australia, but have been stranded here for 5+ years now ), and other sports and interests. I'm into fencing, target rifle shooting and flying (doing my PPL).

This afternoon a friend and I visited South Oxon Archery Club, based at Reading Abbey RFC, which is a few minutes (literally) up the road from me and was introduced to all the people there, got chatting about the sport and various types of kit, worked out an acceptable draw weight, and we were handed a beginner's recurve bow each, aluminium arrows, tabs and arm guards, and was introduced to the beginner's target. It was placed 20m from the firing line and had what I guess is a 100m target laid on it - a broad side of a barn.

After about 90 minutes of twanging, I'm very pleased to say that only 2 of my shots found the grass and not too many ended up outside the black ring. Those who were there indicated this was very good, and asked if I'd like to join. Next Sunday I'll be going there with my cheque book and signing up for a training course and membership. I'm firmly hooked.

What a great sport. Competitive and skilful, and yet so peaceful and relaxing. Can't believe I've been missing out on this for so long.

Anyway, that's enough of the jabbering about me. Be prepared for lots of stupid questions from the newbie.

Anyone else here in SOAC or nearby SCAS club?

Cheers,
Matt

[MrM]

Hi and welcome!

You're from Reading and not joining a Berkshire club! Shame on you! lol Only kidding..

Good to have you aboard

[Tarkwin]

Welcome aboard Matt...

I'm from Reading Archers...is that close enough to you?

T.

[Tarkwin]

Originally Posted by MrM

Hi and welcome!

You're from Reading and not joining a Berkshire club! Shame on you! lol Only kidding..

Good to have you aboard

South Oxon meet just inside Oxfordshire (under 1/2 mile)...Caversham is only just inside Berkshire...I think Berkshire drew the short straw (just kidding).

Reading Archers share their indor venue with South Oxon.. might run into you occasionally, in fact have seen a couple of your members over the last week or two.


T.

[clickerati]

Welcome aboard, Jumile!!

Glad you could make it!

[Big Boy Blue]

Hi and welcome to the forum

[Jumile]

Yeah, what Tarkwin said.

I'd have loved to have joined a Berkshire club, but fighting to cross one of the bridges, wading through the IDR, and then down to Shinfield/Erleigh... hmm, blame the Council.

[MrM]

Originally Posted by Tarkwin

South Oxon meet just inside Oxfordshire (under 1/2 mile)...Caversham is only just inside Berkshire...I think Berkshire drew the short straw (just kidding).

Reading Archers share their indor venue with South Oxon.. might run into you occasionally, in fact have seen a couple of your members over the last week or two.


T.

Well if your only other option was Reading archers ... only kidding! Crowthorne rules!

[Radar_UK]

Hello and welcome to the forum

[BobCat]

Great to have yo along.

Dont worry about the daft question problem. They pnly seem daft casue you dont know the answer ! we have all asked them sometime (I still ask questions which I should already know )

And as for been stranded here... You know you could go back, but it is far nicer here