YOUNG archers in the Forest are aiming for further success after their club battled through Covid-19 restrictions and financial constraints to end the year on a high.

Juniors at Newnham Archery Club, which is based at the Cricket Club in the village, are celebrating a successful 2021 which has seen them break county and UK records and accumulate "a wonderful display" of medals in local and national tournaments.

This year has also seen the club secure community funding from the district council, which has allowed members to undergo first aid training and complete their coaching qualifications.

The club, which was formed in 2015 by Head Instructor Peter Hood, is a small, family-based community with members of all ages ranging from six to "well past retirement age".

The instructors focus on providing "a fun and friendly atmosphere" for members and host a range of events throughout the year, including a ’Super Silly Six’ tournament and a Halloween Pumpkin Shoot.

Last year, the members were unable to meet for a period because of the pandemic, but they started shooting again when restrictions allowed in line with Archery GB Guidelines.

"It was such a relief for our members as being outside in the fresh air was fantastic for mental health and wellbeing", said club member Zoe Snell.

Unfortunately, financial difficulties brought about by the pandemic meant that some members were unable to rejoin, but the club is "slowly" getting back on its feet and currently has 30 members.

The members, almost 50 per cent of which are juniors, participate in local and national tournaments for field and target archery, with youngsters in both the County Team and County Development Squad, and compete against some of the best archers in the country.

This year the club formed a committee to work alongside their chairman, which managed to obtain a Community Grant from the Forest of Dean District Council to support members’ training.

The council is also providing the club with additional support and guidance to help develop the club in the community, and the committee have also contacted the Regional Development officer to support them in providing more opportunities and facilities for members.

The club currently only has outdoor facilities, and so "brave the winter months" for as long as they can and try to shelter from the hot sun in the summer, but they have recently found a local venue that they can use to offer members an indoor season from January to March.

Zoe says the committee are now looking to the future by exploring ways to further improve their facilities "to help keep members warm and prolong the season".