'My first arrow hit the gold - I was instantly hooked'

Available for over a year

The Phoenix Archers were formed in October 2009 by a group of 14 like-minded enthusiasts who had met at archery events. The aim was to create a local club where they could practice the ancient sport of archery with their trusty longbows. Since forming the club membership has steadily increased and they now have a healthy mix of traditional longbow, Barebow and Olympic-style recurve archers. They also have a growing junior section, with age ranges from eight to eighteen years old. The club regularly welcome newcomers at its home in Smeeton Westerby, near Kibworth - anyone who wants to have a go can join one of its open day sessions, which was where our reporter Ryan Dilks took up a bow for the fiirst time. Hear how he got on...