The Valley Bowmen of Huddersfield archery club was founded in 1963 by Ricky Farrar and is a community amateur sports club (CASC) affiliated to ArcheryGB (the sport’s governing body in the UK). We welcome adults and juniors, novices and archers of all ages, abilities and bow styles and can support your shooting development by offering access to our qualified (Level 1 & 2) coaches. Over the years Valley archers have represented both their County (Yorkshire) and Country (GB) however, many of our members are equally happy to be occasional/social participants in the sport.
We run a number of beginner courses throughout the year. We also run a number of taster and “have-a-go” sessions, ideal for charitable organisations or groups of friends to experience archery prior to signing up for a beginners course or as a “one off” experience. These sessions are designed for groups of friends & colleagues to experience the sport of archery for the first time. See this page for further details or to submit a booking enquiry.
With around 200 members, a history going back to 1963, the Valley Bowmen have long been a feature in the local sporting landscape. Our private field on Knowle Lane near Meltham has provided an ideal venue for archery since we purchased it with the support of Kirklees Council in 1991. The field itself is just under two-acres and our archery range is available for members to shoot at twenty-four hours a day all year round.
In 2013 the organising committee of the Valley Bowmen received an “Inspired Facilities Grant” of £50,000 from Sport England. This grant was used to erect a secure store, kitchen and a toilet block including all necessary services and with provision for access for all. This building is now known as “The Farrar Pavilion” named in honour of our founder.
Another grant from Sport England in 2020, as part of the post pandemic “Return To Sport” initiative, enabled the club to add a permanent indoor shooting range to the facilities provided on site. Whereas winter shooting was previously limited to just two sessions per week at local sports centres, the new range now allows members to shoot every day regardless of the weather conditions.
Feb 2024