A LARGE and keen group of aspiring Robin Hoods took part in an open event run by the West Wight Archery Club — and left as merry men, women and youths. 

As part of national Start Archery Week, organised by Archery GB, the small Newport-based club played their part by holding an Archery Taster day on bank holiday Monday.

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A pre-booked group of 26 participants registering for one of three hour-long sessions held across the day.

Isle of Wight County Press: Young people were shown how to fire arrows at a target by experienced members of the West Wight Archery Club.Young people were shown how to fire arrows at a target by experienced members of the West Wight Archery Club. (Image: West Wight Archery Club)

Isle of Wight County Press: One of the members of the West Wight Archery Club.One of the members of the West Wight Archery Club. (Image: West Wight Archery Club)

The length of the sessions gave everyone a good opportunity to try archery for the first time and to see if it was the right sport for them to pursue.

The weather forecast may have been gloomy, but the event, behind Medina Leisure Centre, escaped most of what had been predicted. 

Event organiser, Andrea Beddard-Smith, said: "The first session stayed dry, with some very good arrows shot, and by the end of it there were smiling faces all round.

Isle of Wight County Press: Members of the public having a go at archery behind the Medina Leisure Centre. Members of the public having a go at archery behind the Medina Leisure Centre. (Image: West Wight Archery Club)

Isle of Wight County Press: A West Wight Archery Club member giving a visitor the benefit of his experience.A West Wight Archery Club member giving a visitor the benefit of his experience. (Image: West Wight Archery Club)

"Guests for the second session were not quite so lucky, with the rain falling steadily — but nothing was going to stop those who had booked in for having their try at archery. 

"Despite getting fairly damp, everyone enjoyed themselves, and left with smiles.

"Luckily, for the final session, the bad weather cleared to give another keen bunch a go."

By end of the day, ten had signed up for the club's beginners’ course on May 20, lasting six weeks.

Isle of Wight County Press: A West Wight Archery Club member giving a visitor the benefit of his experience.A West Wight Archery Club member giving a visitor the benefit of his experience. (Image: West Wight Archery Club)

Isle of Wight County Press: One of the archery targets peppered by wannabe Robin Hoods at the West Wight Archery Club's free taster sessions event.One of the archery targets peppered by wannabe Robin Hoods at the West Wight Archery Club's free taster sessions event. (Image: West Wight Archery Club)

"Several other attendees left saying they were considering the course, so all in all, a very successful day for the club and guests," Andrea added.

"The County Press definitely played a part in the day's success. We had quite a few who mentioned seeing the article, which was very good."