Sunshine, Showers, and Archery Smiles: A Successful Have-a-Go Day in Hoyland
Our Archery Have-a-Go Day at the Rockingham Centre in Hoyland, Barnsley was a fantastic success — even with a little help from the British weather! Hosted by Barnsley YMCA Archers on Saturday 21st June 2025, this community event welcomed families, individuals, and beginners for a fun and friendly introduction to the sport of archery.
☀️ A Warm Welcome and Sunny Start
The day kicked off with glorious sunshine and a warm summer breeze. Despite the humidity, our YMCA Archers volunteers arrived early to prepare the range with colourful decorations, balloons, and signage to welcome participants. Everything was in place to ensure a safe, engaging, and exciting archery experience for all ages.
👨👩👧 Families, Friends & First-Time Archers
From curious locals to enthusiastic hobby-seekers, we saw a fantastic turnout. Many families came to try archery for the first time, alongside solo archers and friend duos. Participants of all ages enjoyed a 30-minute introductory archery session, using club-provided equipment under the guidance of our Archery GB-qualified coaches.
There were plenty of laughs, encouragement, and even a few first-time golds! It was great to see the local community getting active, learning something new, and having fun in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
🌧️ When the Rain Arrived…
As the event reached its peak, the skies had their own surprise. A sudden rain shower had everyone diving under gazebos — but the fun didn’t stop! Many participants stayed to chat, enjoy refreshments, and wait for the weather to clear. In fact, a few hardy archers kept shooting right through the drizzle!
🏹 The Spirit of Barnsley YMCA Archers
We’re proud of our club members who helped run the event – from setting up the range, guiding first-time archers, and keeping the atmosphere upbeat even during the rain. This event showed exactly what we stand for: inclusivity, community, and the joy of archery for everyone.
🙌 Thank You for Coming!
We’d like to thank all the families, individuals, and volunteers who helped make the day a success. Whether you were hitting your first target or cheering from the sidelines, we hope it was a memorable experience for you.
If you enjoyed the event and want to explore archery further, why not check out our upcoming Events or get in touch about joining the club? We’d love to see you back on the range!
