Whitehill Archers have held their two-day ‘March Madness’ record status archery competition – the first world record and UK record status outdoor competition in the archery calendar.

It always attracts a large number of participants and this year was no exception as 130 archers took part over the weekend, with many gaining ranking points. 

As usual, food was provided on both days and three judges were in attendance. 

Day one, which took place on Saturday, March 18, was a world record status event with various distances depending on the age and gender category of the archers. 

Last year, various new records were set including the World Archery double 50 metres world record in the Paralympian category, the double 50 metres world record (cadet and junior), the double 50 metres European record (senior) and the World Archery single 50 metres European record (cadet and junior).

Day two, which took place on Sunday, March 19, was the UK record status event.

This year, in part because of the poor weather, there were no new records set.

However, Whitehill Archers club members and guests claimed various Archery GB awards during the weekend, including Ciaran Finn (compound) and Craig Etherington (barebow).

Many archers gained ranking points, including two of Whitehill Archers’ members – Zoe Burgess and Craig Etherington – who are now ranked in the top three nationally for the barebow ladies’ and gentlemen categories respectively.

Whitehill Archers concluded both days with a raffle and prizegiving, with glass engraved trophies for winners from each category – 21 over two days – plus silver and bronze medals for the runners-up.

The weather on day one was very wet, but this failed to dampen people’s enthusiasm for the event. The atmosphere was excellent as this was the first big outdoor event of this type in the UK in 2023.

Whitehill Archers also thanked event sponsors Quicks Archery, Waterlooville.

Whitehill Archers held their first beginners’ course of the year on Sunday, March 26 and plan to run further courses throughout the summer.

These courses are open to all those aged eight years old and above, and those with disabilities are welcome.

This Saturday (April 8) there will be a fun Easter shoot for club members.

Based in Whitehill, the club have approximately 50 members ranging from age 11 to 80, and the club host a number of record status competitions throughout the year plus fun events at Easter and Hallowe’en.

Beginners’ courses are oversubscribed and run throughout the year, and the club are able to provide the necessary training to those who include archery as part of their physical education GCSE courses and Duke of Edinburgh awards.

Members shoot all bow types with the exception of crossbows, and equipment is available to borrow.

The club have enjoyed a lot of success in recent times, including juniors who have achieved top three places in national competitions and the youngest person to qualify as a level two archery coach in the country.

The club are open to all members of the community and have helped people with various disabilities, including blindness, enjoy archery.

Disabled toilet facilities are available and the field is accessible to those who are unable to walk.

Anyone who would like more information about Whitehill Archers should visit their website at www.whitehillarchers.org.uk for further details.

Mike Daborn