Introduction to Archery

Friday, 10 April
18:00-20:00

The Finnbrit 100 celebrations continue with another presentation on a sport you might or might not be familiar with.  Kevin Gardner, instructor for Robin Hood, Espoo and certified coach for Archery GB is the speaker for this event.

“I first shot with my brother’s yew longbow when I was about 13 and continued during my school years until I started work, at which time I switched to small-bore rifle shooting. Archery was seen, by my teacher, Mr Mooney, as a means to instil discipline in the pupils.”

“My home city, Worcester, is one of the few places that still has an area called “The Butts” which in medieval times was the place all yeomen went to practise their archery after church. In addition, the Worcester Round is still used to denote a form of shooting: the Worcester Round is unusual in that it is shot on a special black-and-white face.”

“I came back to archery in 2018 and have been coaching since 2021. I believe archery is a great way to discipline your mind and body, although I draw the line at the Japanese style, Kyūdō.  I do not compete now but use the bow to help me focus on my wellbeing.”

This presentation will include:

Archery

Its history and place in modern-day sport
The bow as a tool that has been around for thousands of years
Development and changes

Bows

What forms of bow are available and how they differ

Targets

Different types of targets; how and where they are used

Additional forms of the sport

More specialised archery

Equipment

An opportunity to see how the mechanics of both bow and archer may influence the results of the shot