Beginners Courses

The dates for our next course have not yet been decided.

For more information on our courses, or to register your interest in the next course, please email the Beginners Course Secretary Beginners@MeridianArcheryClub.org.uk.

Course Information

The governing body of archery, ArcheryGB, stipulates that anyone taking up the sport of archery must complete a "Beginners course" before being allowed to join a club. This course is aimed at teaching the basic skills of archery with particular emphasis on safety.

Meridian run two courses each year, usually over a weekend, in the Spring and Autumn. In total 12 hours of instruction are recommended. The courses are run by coaches and all equipment is provided.

Please note that we have a minimum age of 9 years for attendance on our Beginners Courses, and the club requires all juniors under the age of 18 to be supervised by a parent for the duration of the course. The parent may also be a participant on the course, but will remain responsible for their child at all times.

Typical Timetable for a Beginners Course

Time Session content
Saturday  
10:00 Registration/Welcome/Equipment/Safety
11:00 Break for coffee
11:15 Shooting
12:30 Lunch
1:15 Shooting
2:00 Types of bows and shooting etiquette
2:15 Break for coffee
2:45 Shooting
3:30 Equipment takedown
Sunday  
10:00 Equipment assembly
10:30 Shooting
11:30 Break for coffee
11:45 Rounds, scoring and handicaps
12:00 Shooting
1:00 Lunch and Meet the club members
1:45 Organisations in archery
2:00 "Meridian Beginners Challenge"
3:15 Equipment takedown
3:30 Debrief and final questions
4:00 End of course

At the end of the course you will be presented with a certificate of completion which will be accepted at most archery clubs when you apply for membership.

If you decide to join Meridian you are welcome to continue using the equipment you have used during the course (on payment of a £50 deposit), until you are ready to purchase your own. The first 6 weeks are free of charge, then a small weekly fee is payable.