Will London Olympics inspire a new generation of archers in Sussex?

If you don’t know which to choose, local archery officials reckon you should give theirs a go.

Target archery can be taken to any level, from shooting for pleasure to international standards.

It can cater for all abilities as there are three main types of bow – the recurve bow you may have seen on TV recently, the compound bow and the traditional long bow. It is a great sport for all the family and membership fees are reasonable.

Archery GB are holding an Archery Big Weekend event across the country this week.

Chichester Bowmen are supporting the national body with a free have-a-go session on Saturday from 11am to 4pm at Oaklands Park, Chichester. It is an opportunity for anyone who’d like to see what archery is about and to try shooting six arrows at a target ten yards away.

The Bowmen have been at Oaklands Park since 1955 and are one of the largest target archery clubs in Sussex.

During the summer the club shoot on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. In the winter, members shoot in an indoor venue on Sundays.

Once a club member has reached a certain standard, they can shoot at the Oaklands Park range any day of the week, ideal for anyone who has to fit leisure time around work or family.

Beginners receive 12 hours of tuition before they join and can use the club’s equipment before deciding to buy their own kit.

“There is a truth to sport that makes it irresistible to take part in” said 2012 Olympics chief Lord Coe.

So, why not have a go at archery? For more go to www.chichester-bowmen.co.uk or follow them on Facebook.