ARCHERY on the Fylde has taken a step forward recently with the start of construction of Blackpool Bowmen's clubhouse extension at its Little Bispham site.

With recent increases in membership, the present clubhouse and range has become cramped.

The new extension will allow shooting in more comfort and more space for storage, equipment and meetings.

"Local archery is in a fairly good condition, with increasing interest in the sport and continuing popularity of beginners courses" said David Carpenter, the club's promotion officer.

"However, we need to look forward and the club is particularly keen to improve its coaching standards and to get more young people into the sport.

"People seem to like archery because it is fun and doesn't demand a high level of fitness.

"It is a sport that is not prohibitively expensive, and anybody can enjoy it."

An example was the recent club championships, with a wide cross-section of the membership taking part, including one member of 40 years experience and a junior member 10 years old.

Ladies recurve winner with 905 was July Yates, with Kath Wood victorious in the ladies compound with 911.

Len Kitching won the men's recurve with 803 and Colin Kirk won the mens' compound with 860.

Michael Baker won the junior prize with 641.

Information about the club can be obtained from David Carpenter on (01253) 894672.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.