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Archery for beginners

We offer courses for beginners and taster sessions during the Summer. You don't need previous experience to attend our courses or taster sessions.

Sessions are suitable for ages 8 to adult, and we will provide archery equipment for you. Archery GB certified coaches will give, or supervise, your training.

Beginner Courses

This two day outdoor course runs over two consecutive weekends, for those who would like to try archery or become involved in the sport. We provide all required equipment.

  • Time: 10:00 - approx 14:30 Saturdays
  • Duration: 9 hours (split over two 4½ hour sessions on consecutive weeks)
  • Venue: Bowmen of Darenteford archery field at Bluebell Barn Farm
  • A certificate will be awarded on successful completion
More about our beginner's course

Who is this course for?

The course will provide hands-on training using modern trainer bows. We'll cover equipment set up, use and care, shooting different bow styles, scoring and etiquette and, most importantly, safety.

Archery GB qualified coaches will give or supervise this training.

No experience needed. Under 18's must have a parent or adult guardian with them at all times.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable, casual clothes and footwear. Avoid baggy tops or open shoes like sandals. You will be outside on grass, so prepare for the weather on the day with waterproofs or sun cream etc.

You may be asked to remove jewellery. If you have long hair, please keep it tied back while shooting.

Bring a packed lunch and refreshments, as the course will continue into the afternoon. There is nowhere on site to purchase food or drinks.

The course will continue in rain. If a session has to be cancelled or abandoned, e.g. due to bad weather, it will be rescheduled, usually to the following Saturday.

How much does this course cost?

£75 All ages from 8+

£60 Under 18 with parent/guardian on same course

Prices include hire of equipment for 1 month when you join our club.

How do I book?

To reserve a place, contact our Training Officer [email protected]. We will send you a course application form.

We need your application form and payment no later than 3 weeks before the course starts. On receipt we will confirm your booking. Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer.

Demand for our courses is high, so there is often a waiting list. Sometimes places become available at short notice. The sooner you get on the waiting list the better your chances!

What if I can't attend?

If you can't attend, you'll keep your place on the waiting list and we'll offer you our next available course date.

What can I do after this course?

Your certificate of completion will enable you to apply for membership. Your course fee covers the loan of your club equipment for the first month, so new members can begin shooting right away.

Successful completion of a beginners course is needed to become a shooting member of the Club, and you must attend both days. You can use your certificate from us to join any archery club affiliated with Archery GB.

When are the next available dates?

Courses are usually held on two consecutive Saturdays, from 10:00am to around 2:30pm (often a little later) and both sessions must be attended.

Upcoming dates

To reserve a place, contact our Training Officer [email protected]. We will send you a course application form.

Please note: You must book to attend this course.

July 2025 Beginners Course

Saturdays &

Bluebell Barn Farm, Cobham | ///spike.scared.zooms

Taster Session

This 1 - 2 hour session runs on a Thursday evening for those who would like to try archery. We provide all required equipment.

We can run private taster sessions for organisations or large groups, please contact [email protected] to confirm our availability.

  • Time: 18:30 - approx 20:30 Thursdays
  • Duration: 1-2 hours (depending on daylight conditions)
  • Venue: Bowmen of Darenteford archery field at Bluebell Barn Farm
More about our taster sessions

Who is this session for?

The session will give you a chance to shoot a bow and arrow and decide if archery is the sport for you.

Archery GB qualified coaches will give or supervise this training.

No experience needed. Under 18's must have a parent or adult guardian with them at all times.

What should I bring?

Wear comfortable, casual clothes and footwear. Avoid baggy tops or open shoes like sandals. You will be outside on grass, so prepare for the weather on the day with waterproofs or sun cream etc.

You may be asked to remove jewellery. If you have long hair, please keep it tied back while shooting.

Bring a drink of water and refreshments, as we do not have anywhere to purchase food or drinks on site.

We will provide your archery equipment.

How much does this course cost?

£15 All ages from 8+

How do I book?

To reserve a place, contact our Training Officer [email protected].

We need your payment no later than 3 weeks before the session date. On receipt we will confirm your booking. Payment can be made by cash or bank transfer.

Demand for our taster sessions is high, so there is often a waiting list. Sometimes places become available at short notice. The sooner you get on the waiting list the better your chances!

To book a private Taster Session for an organisation or group, please contact [email protected] to confirm our availability.

What if I can't attend?

If you can't attend, you'll keep your place on the waiting list and we'll offer you our next available session.

When are the next available dates?

We hold at least one open Taster Session a year, with private taster sessions arranged on request.

Taster Sessions are held on Thursday evenings, from 18:30pm to around 20:30pm.

Upcoming dates

We don't have any taster sessions planned at the moment.

Memberships

There are many benefits in taking up archery, and joining our club is a great way to engage with the sport. Memberships help fund the Club and keep us shooting.

We offer two options for annual membership. We allow visitors, on request, with permission from the field captain/committee.

Membership is granted by the Committee, and applications can be refused or revoked at the Committee's discretion.
If you have any questions please contact our Memberships Secretary at [email protected].

Full Club Member

£50 adults
£25 juniors (under 18's)

This annual membership type makes up the majority of our club members.

What you get:

  • Access to indoor shoots at a reduced cost
  • Access to outdoor shoots at no extra cost
  • Fun shoots and special events
  • Opportunity to compete in club competitions and leagues
  • Limited loan or hire of a club bow if joining directly from a beginners course with us, and advice for purchasing your own equipment
  • Friends and family discount on their beginners course (terms apply)
  • Access to committee meetings if necessary, AGM's and the ability to vote on decisions about the club
  • Develop your skills and the option to coach archery or gain a qualification which can be partially subsidised by the club (terms apply)

Requirements:

  • Must have completed a beginners course with us or, with another Archery GB approved establishment.
  • Club rules and etiquette must be followed for everyone's safety and comfort.

Note:

The cost above does not include your Archery GB fees, these must be paid to shoot legally at our club. We will collect your fee when you join and then, every September thereafter. Find current membership costs at Archery GB - Become a Member.

Associate Club Member

£50 adults
£25 juniors (under 18's)

This annual membership is available to those with a primary shooting membership at another club.

What you get:

  • Access to indoor shoots at a reduced cost
  • Access to outdoor shoots at no additional cost
  • Fun shoots and special events (some awards are not available to Associate Members)
  • Opportunity to compete in some club competitions and leagues

What's not included:

  • Unable to qualify to shoot for Bowmen of Darenteford in some competitions, or in some club events
  • Unable to vote on decisions about the club

Requirements:

  • Valid Archery GB membership - please bring your membership card

Shooting Visitor

£5 per session ("Green Fee")

This option is for Archery GB members who do not wish to join as a full or associate member of the club. We accept visitors on an ad-hoc basis upon payment of a “Green Fee”.

What you get:

  • Access to one indoor or outdoor shooting session
  • You can attend as a visitor as many times as you like, providing space is available

Requirements:

  • Valid Archery GB membership - please bring your membership card
  • Permission must be given by the field captain/committee in advance to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. We recommend contacting [email protected] in advance of your first visit.