Archery, rooted in history and evolving with modern times, is a popular hobby in the UK. This ancient sport offers a unique blend of physical activity, mental focus, and community engagement.

As a Country Cover Club Member you are covered for all legal forms of Archery including Longbow, Compound Bow and Crossbow; Target, Field and Flight.

The United Kingdom boasts a rich archery heritage that dates back thousands of years. From the legendary longbowmen of the Middle Ages, whose prowess played a decisive role in battles like Agincourt, to the sport's inclusion in medieval tournaments, archery has long been woven into the fabric of British history. Today, this legacy is celebrated and continued by a growing number of archery clubs and enthusiasts across the country.

We are proud to say that one such club, uses C³ to ensure its members! Muscovy Archers shoot in the Dobwalls area, near to the town of Liskeard. We spoke to Graham, the club's Shoot Coordinator, who has been a part of Muscovy Archers since 2015.

Graham originally started as a target archer, but moved to the NFAS (National Field Archery Society) with a recurve take down bow shooting in the Hunting Tackle style. He now shoots a Primitive bow, which he describes as; "Basically a piece of wood with a bit of string. It cannot have any man-made materials in the construction, apart from the string." He has been successful with this combination, so much so that he has taken home medals.

Muscovy Archers, like many similar clubs, hold competitions each year for other club members to compete at. We asked how the club would prepare for such an event, to which he responded; "Setting the whole course for a one day competition usually takes two days. We, as members of Muscovy, are not allowed to compete at our own event. This is due to the fact that we would have prior knowledge of the course, thereby having an unfair advantage. This also has the added advantage in that the members are then available to help set up and marshal the course. Most of the clubs affiliated to the NFAS hold competitions throughout the year and this allows us to compete and get to see other courses."

Think you might be interested in taking up the bow? In the Dobwalls area? You may be pleased to know that when we enquired as to whether Muscovy were taking on new members, Graham replied;"The club welcomes new members and we have had quite a few people join this year. The NFAS insurance covers people who want to 'have a go'. This allows them to arrange to visit and one of our coaches will show them how to shoot. If they wish to continue then we offer a training course which runs 1 evening a week for 6 weeks. The first 5 are held in the indoor range and the last week is held during the day in the woods . If they then decide to join the club the coaches will assess their safety over the following few weeks and eventually they will be signed off which allows them to enter open shoots (shoots run by other clubs)."

There are plenty of benefits to taking part in this historical sport, such as...

Physical Benefits: Archery is a full-body workout. Drawing a bow strengthens the arms, shoulders, chest, and back, while the stance and stability required for accurate shooting engage the core muscles. The repetitive nature of shooting arrows also improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

Mental Focus: Archery requires a high level of concentration and precision. The process of nocking an arrow, drawing the bow, aiming, and releasing involves a series of deliberate actions that help improve focus and mindfulness. This meditative aspect of archery can be a great way to relieve stress and improve mental clarity.

Community and Social Interaction: Archery clubs are welcoming communities where people of all ages and backgrounds come together. Joining a club can provide a sense of belonging, opportunities to make new friends, and the chance to participate in local, national, and even international competitions.

Accessibility: Archery is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Adaptive equipment and techniques make it possible for individuals with physical disabilities to participate, ensuring that archery is an inclusive activity.

Graham says;"Field Archery is a great sport. It gives you plenty of exercise, walking around the wood and teaches you a skill. The really good part is the social side, on an open shoot you will shoot around the course with three other members. This is where the fun begins with the social interaction. I find that if I can have a laugh and enjoy the day that is at least as important as getting a good score, if not more."

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a competitive spirit, or simply seeking a new pastime, archery might just be the perfect fit for you. If you are thinking about taking it on as a new hobby, why not take a look into joining our Club too - after all, we offer cover for the most comprehensive range of Country Sports in the UK, so you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities with peace of mind.

Already booked to take part in an activity? No worries! Our fully automated online system makes joining C³ a quick process, in just a few clicks you can rest assured that you will be covered.

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