Yering District Archers have been operating just inside the entrance of Lilydale Airfield since 2004.
Bulls-eye.
The target awaits.
Every Saturday morning, they have a "Come N Try" session where all ages can come and try their hand at modern archery.
Should be read.
On entering the fenced-off archery field, you are immediately taken by the setting, with the Dandenong Ranges in the distance.
Pictureaque setting with Mt. Dandenong in the background.
It is a very colourful setting with the yellow, red, blue and black targets attracting the eyes as well as the arrows.
Very colourful.
The come and try sessions are well organised and safety is the utmost priority, with detailed briefings given by senior members of the club before the first arrow is fired.
The targets awaiting their fate.
The first arrow.
The targets are closer to the archers than normal, almost guaranteeing that the target is hit. For the littlies, there is a special target well within their shooting range.
Almost ready.
Within range of his arrow.
I asked Rae, the treasurer, if participants were mainly young people. She replied that they were spread evenly among the age groups. She added.
"When there is a new video game released featuring bows and arrows we get an influx of young people."
Rae cooking up a feast for the hungry archers. All items well priced.
The bows come in all shapes and sizes, with the beginners using a basic bow.
Take your pick.
I was talking to one of the senior members when he proudly pointed out his eight-year-old grandson who had recently won a "Most Valued Player" award.
Stanley showing how it's done.
Watching the proceedings, I noticed that they were well organised. After shooting their arrows, bows were placed upon the ground and the shooters approached the targets to check their accuracy and recover their arrows for the next shoot.
Checking the score.
In the canteen, where Rae was practising her cooking skills, I noticed a well-used target on the wall. I assumed it was used by some very good archers as the bulls-eye was demolished but the outer circles less damaged.
The bull was well and truly blinded.
A newly painted sign adorned the side of one of the storage containers.
Can be seen from McIntyre Lane.
An experienced bowman and his target.
At the end of each session, all participants are issued with a certificate.
Everyone gets one of these.
The come and try sessions last for one hour, from 10.00 am to 11.00 am and only costs $15-00 which includes tuition and use of the bows and arrows. Unlike many shooting pursuits, the ammunition is reusable. Bookings are essential to participate and can be made through yda.tidyhq.com
Read all about it.
It is a very family-friendly occasion with many members of the same family participating.
