Archery Fun at Elsecar by the Sea
Elsecar by the Sea – Archery, Community & Sunshine
This year’s Elsecar by the Sea gala at Elsecar Park was a fantastic celebration of community spirit, and we were thrilled to be part of it! Organised by The Forge Partnership, the event brought together local groups, entertainers, and businesses for a day full of family fun — and the crowds did not disappoint.
Archery Have-a-Go
Barnsley YMCA Archers were proud to host an archery have-a-go session, giving people of all ages and abilities the opportunity to pick up a bow and try out the sport.
Throughout the day we welcomed a steady stream of participants — from young children carefully lining up their first shots, to adults rediscovering a long-lost hobby, and even families challenging each other to see who could get closest to the gold.
For many, this was their very first time holding a bow, and it was brilliant to see their excitement as the arrows hit the target. The supportive atmosphere meant that even the most nervous beginners left the shooting line with a big smile.
A Visit from the Mayor
One of the highlights of the day was a visit from the Mayor of Barnsley, who not only came along to say hello but also decided to take part himself!
Before stepping up to the shooting line, we did need to ask him to remove his ceremonial chain (known as the Chain of Office) for safety reasons — something he was more than happy to do. It was a light-hearted moment that added to the fun of the day, and the Mayor proved to be a good sport, showing off his archery skills to the crowd.
Community & Teamwork
Events like Elsecar by the Sea wouldn’t be possible without teamwork, and we were lucky to have a fantastic group of volunteers supporting us throughout the day. A huge thank you goes out to:
- Coach Steve J
- Coach Steve P
- Coach John
- Jayne
- David
- Michael
- Gary
- Kath
- Iain
- Hannah
Your time, enthusiasm, and guidance helped ensure everyone had a safe, fun and welcoming experience.
A Day Full of Local Fun
Beyond the archery, Elsecar by the Sea was buzzing with activity. Visitors enjoyed exploring a wide range of stalls, sampling local food, watching entertainment, and connecting with other community groups. The atmosphere in the park was relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter — and we were grateful the rain stayed away so everyone could make the most of it.
As always, we’re grateful to Forge Partnership for organising such a well-loved local event and for managing our own outdoor venue at Rockingham Sports Centre. It’s a joy to be part of a community where groups can come together to showcase what they do best.
What’s Next?
We had such a great time introducing people to archery at Elsecar by the Sea, and we hope many of you who tried it will want to have another go! Barnsley YMCA Archers run regular beginner’s courses and community sessions, perfect for anyone who wants to take their first steps into the sport in a friendly and supportive environment.
Keep an eye on our website and social media for upcoming dates — we’d love to see some new faces on the shooting line at Rockingham.
