Wednesday 18 th August saw cadets from 163 Coventry Phoenix squadron try their hands at a different type of shooting at Meriden Archery Club. Cadets were invited to the club by WO Collins who, as well as been the squadron Warrant Officer, is a member of the club.

On arriving at the club the cadets and staff were given a safety brief and then measured for arrows as each person requires a slight different size of arrow depending on arm length. Cadets were then shown how it was done by WO Collins. The cadets finally got the moment they had been waiting for, - it was their turn!

One to one coaching was given by club members on the correct technique with cadets picking it up very quickly despite the strength needed to pull the bow string back. As the night went on it was obvious that completion was brewing with Sgt Dale even competing on who could take the arrows out of the target the fastest!

After sensing completion lingering the club members decided it was time for a competition with Flt Lt Rayner and Sgt Mason bravely taking part with the cadets. After a series of scored shoots, the scores were added up. Whilst this was happening cadets were introduced to a ‘special’ member of the archery club, which happened to be a wooden cut out of an archer that cadets had to try and hit from a distance, just like the days of Robin Hood. Most found that this was much harder than it seemed as arrows seemed to flying everywhere!

After a drink and a snack, a presentation was held for the archery competition that had been held earlier. The winner for the males was Cadet Zeen with Flt Lt Rayner second (much to everyone’s surprise!) and Sgt Dale third. For the females the winner was Sgt Tabram with Cadet Morrow second and Cadet Messam third.

It was then time for cadets to say their thanks to everyone at Meriden Archery Club and head back to the squadron.

The night was a great success with everyone who took part having a great time as well as having the opportunity to learn about the sport.