The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers is a club based in Kilwinning. Our main aim is to introduce people to archery, and provide an enjoyable experience. Our club dates from 1483, and is the oldest archery organisation in the UK. Records that go back to the 15th century are held by the National Records of Scotland. However, we are a modern archery club that caters for all bow types (except crossbow) our main focus is Longbow, recurve and compound bows.
Description
We are looking for help with funding to purchase new beginners equipment and targets to allow us to continue to provide beginners courses for anyone over the age of 9 years old. Our beginner's course is a 6 week program to introduce people to the sport of archery. Archery is one of the most inclusive and accessible sports for people of all ages and abilities.
Any funding we are allocated would be used for new beginners equipment and targets to replace worn and outdated equipment.
A full beginners set up costs around £300 and a single target can cost up to £360. We as a club have just invested in 6 full kits. We are looking to purchase 3 new targets to replace worn out ones that are over ten years old. With any extra funding going to purchase extra limbs for the new beginners bows to allow us to tailor them more to each individual archer. Any funding would be a great help in affording us the ability to bring our sport to a greater number of the local community.
Archery has many proven benefits for health and wellbeing, some of which are:
Physical exercise: Archery can burn calories and tone muscles in your arms, back, chest, hands, and rotator cuffs.
Mental health: Archery is proven to provide a meditative state of mind which can help you relax, decrease stress, and improve your mood. It can also help you focus on the present moment and ignore distractions.
Social benefits: Archery can be a social sport where you can make friends with like-minded people.
Self-confidence: Seeing yourself progress can help build your confidence. Coordination and balance: Archery requires focus and concentration.
Three of our current junior members have progressed from novice archers to competing at a club and local level and progressed even further to compete at a national level representing Scotland as under 21s. Two of those have also represented Scotland at senior level being selected for the national team at the Home Nations Championships.
We have provided 'come and try' sessions, at local schools, and our own archery range. Mainly in association with KA Leisure (North Ayrshire Council), but sometimes at the request of other organisations such as local Scout groups. We also provide archery sessions for Clan Hunter gatherings, at the Hunterston Estate.
Our Society has two unique competitions. The first is our Kilwinning Round, where archers shoot at a 9" target, set at 30 yards. Scoring is 3,2,1. The second is our Papingo, where archers shoot over 100 feet, vertically, at a wooden bird, set on a pole on the Kilwinning Abbey Tower. This competition has been recorded from the 15th century, and it is thought it goes back even further in time. This competition was featured by Michael Portillo, in his "Great British Railway Journeys" series. Members compete, annually, to be captain of the Society. The new captain is awarded a silver medal that is attached to the Society's Silver Arrow Trophy. This is an impressive silver trophy, with medals dating back to 1695.
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