Our gallant band of 15 hopefuls were treated to very professional instruction in the ancient skills by Alan Smith and his fellow instructors of the Meriden Archery Club.  We were split into 4 groups, one of which was for our three left handed participants.  Yes, there are special 'Sinister' bows but no such thing as a Left Handed Arrow.

Some of our number soon discovered that they had a hidden talent for this sport while others were left wondering why arrows seemed to have a mind of their own!

After a little practice some quite respectable scores were being achieved so then Alan brought out the balloons fixed to the targets, and an element of group competition crept in.  Despite intense concentration some balloons seemed to defy the onslaught, much to the frustration of the 'attackers'.

Finally, two of the Meriden Club's national class competitors demonstrated today's high tech bows; the fully counterbalanced bow with its weights on long protruding rods.  These dampen vibration, steadying the bow but with a huge increase in its weight.  The other was an alloy Compound Bow with its system of pulleys and levers which reduce the load on the archer's arm when shooting long distances.  This bow even has a telescopic sight!

Everyone had an enjoyable time and fortunately we were spared the sight of any Men in Tights...