News 2020

There have been a couple of last minute revisions to the outdoor range restrictions.

Under AGB's Tier 4 Regulations the outdoor bosses need to be set at a minimum distance of 3.6 metres apart. The bosses have now been moved to take this into account and are on every other lane which gives the following layout:

• Lane 1 30m

• Lane 2 Closed

• Lane 3 20 yds

• Lane 4 Closed

• Lane 5 30m

• Lane 6 Closed

• Lane 7 20 yds

• Lane 8 Closed

• Lane 9 30m

All shooting is from the Front Line ONLY

The booking system for indoor shooting has been closed off and the outdoor booking system has been edited to match the new layout.

These new changes have had to be implemented extremely fast due to the 7 hours notice the Government gave and the club would like thank the members for being able to keep pace. The club would also like to thank all of the members who have put up with so much this year and been so understanding of the difficulties faced.

It was announced this afternoon, Wednesday 30th December, that Greater Manchester (Tameside included) has been put into tier 4.

As of 00:01 am tomorrow, Thursday 31st December, indoor shooting will no longer be permitted under the current restrictions.

Outdoor archery can still continue following the current guidelines (See Bookings Page).

Further updates will be published as and when they become available.

Members are reminded that they MUST NOT come to the club if they feel unwell or have any symptoms. Should you test positive for Covid-19 and have been to the club two days prior to symptoms showing, please contact either the Secretary or the Chairman as soon as you can so they can trace and notify any members you may have been in contact with. Members will not be named during this process.

Indoor Shooting - Tier 3

• Due to screens being erected indoors, in line with Archery GB guidance, the club can have two members shooting Indoors on separate targets complying with physical distancing guidelines.

• Members in a family support bubble can have 2two archers on the same target (2 details) + 1 other archer on the other target.

• Indoor sessions 2 hours long can be booked via the online booking system. Refer to Booking Range Sessions page or click on Bookings in the page banner.

• Members who have the facility can also check-in via the QR code for Indoor shooting.

• Wearing of a face covering indoors is required at all times except when actively shooting or where exemptions apply.

• Remember to sanitize your hands at all times and clean down any equipment tables before you leave.

• Members must bring their own chair plus any drinks required as the kitchen area is closed.

• Coaching & beginners are still not permitted Indoors in Tier 3.

• There is no mandatory requirement in the Archery GB guidelines that doors and windows MUST be open, but if the weather conditions permit members are encouraged to open the windows to maximize airflow.

Outdoor Shooting - Tier 3

• The whole emphasis now has moved towards personal responsibility. Therefore the requirement for individual issue target faces is no longer in the regulations.

• Archers must still adhere to the 2m physical distancing requirements at all times.

• All members must ensure they cleanse their hands before and after shooting.

• For practical time reasons (not COVID) and the shorter days, the club will continue with the same layout in operation as prior to the second lockdown, this being six archer per session with one archer per boss. Family bubbles may shoot on one boss.

This afternoon, Wednesday 4th November, MP's voted in support for the Lockdown to remain in place until Wednesday 2nd December.

The goverment notice states:

'All leisure and sports centres and gyms, tennis and basketball courts, golf courses, fitness and dance studios, climbing walls, archery, driving and shooting ranges must close'.

Therefore all club activities will cease from midnight on the 4th November until Wednesday 2nd December.

Any members wishing to order club clothing from Design Plus, Polo Shirts, Gilets, Fleece etc; please contact Kay Simpson via email no later than Monday 9th November.

Polo shirts can be in white, bottle green or the brighter green that was used for the 60th anniversary shirts. SAC Logo's are FOC for normal size on the front, however, the larger size on the back incur an extra cost.

The recent shift into Tier 3, for Tameside, has again raised the possibility of not being able to shoot indoors. The committee has referred to what guidance there is from Archery GB & www.Gov.uk.

Unsurprisingly, they are unable to give advice that fits all clubs, there being so many and our clubhouse is probably as small as they get. It is a very close thing but the committee belives the measures the club has taken, and plan to take, will allow 4 senior members to shoot safely indoors, with all the mitigating measures in place, such as open windows and doors, perspex screens etc. A rationale, drawn up by the committee, with extracts from the guidance for this conclusion can be downloaded by clicking on the button below.

It is important that everyone is on board with the limitations the club is working within and that everyone is aware that clubs such as ours are pretty close to being closed, many have not re-opened at all. Although many individuals can easily feel justified in minor bending of the rules and guidance the club, however, is responsible for each member and for doing the best it can to keep everyone safe while they are at the club.

The outdoor range booking form will be altered to match the layout of the field and will be available from Friday 30th October.

To enable maximum participation in the winter competitions the outdoor range will be laid out as shown below.

• Lane 1 - 20yds

• Lane 2 - 30m

• Lane 3

• Lane 4 - 20yds

• Lane 5 - 30m

• Lane 6

• Lane 7 - 20yds

• Lane 8 - 30m

• Lane 9

Lanes 3, 6 & 9 will be left empty for members who wish to place a boss at a longer distance.

At the point that the club was able to re-open the range, targets were placed at specific distances to obviate the need to move them, the imperative then was safety. During the winter months, there will be 6 foam targets set up, these are very heavy. These can be moved for a session, but need to be returned to the specified distance before members depart. There are a significant number of members who, mainly for health reasons, are unable to or shouldn't move the foam targets. Given that these targets all need two members to safely move them, if you are going to be left shooting alone at the end of the session, please, reposition the target before the other archers leave. Members shooting subsequent sessions should be able to shoot on these distances without having to worry about moving targets.

All the straw bosses have been taken indoors to dry - hopefully. Nevertheless, if members wish to shoot longer distances, they can be taken out for that session, but must be returned to the target shed at the end of that session, dry or not, as always used to be the case. The dehumidifiers are on at the moment and if necessary can be used periodically through the winter.

Indoor shooting can commence once the clubhouse has been prepared. Chris Cooke has very kindly offered to install the perspex sheets and the new foam target wall, which needs a newly designed structure to secure it. He is very busy at work at present, so would no doubt welcome offers of help from members with the appropriate skills and time to help out, when required.

Members will be notified once this work has been completed and the new booking system for Indoor shooting is available for members to use. Bookings for the outdoor range can continue, but the times are going to be adjusted to take into account the shorter days.

Members can book either a morning or afternoon session, but will not need to arrive at dawn or leave at dusk, arrival and departure can be anytime during that period.

The organisers of the Cheshire Winter League, have decided to run a Frostbite Shoot this year instead of the Bray (seniors) and Portsmouth (juniors) rounds.

As usual this League runs from the 1st November until the 31st March. It will take the form of 3 dozen shot at 30m on an 80cm target face using 10 zone scoring. Targets will be left on the outside range at 30m to enable members to shoot. Score sheets for the round will be stored in the Ladies/disabled toilet. A box will be left for the completed sheets to be deposited into. Please ensure the score sheets are filled in fully andcorrectly and signed.

If you require further information please contact Steve Watts by text or on WhatsApp.

The club has entered the following teams:

2 Recurve (3 archers per team)

2 Longbow (2 archers per team)

1 Barebow (2 archers per team)

1 Compound (3 archers per team)

The committee are optimistic that members will all be rushing/wanting to shoot this distance!!!!!!

The outdoor range layout has been revised, with effect from 5th October, to the following configuration.

• Lane 1 - 40 yards

• Lane 2 - 50 yards

• Lane 3 - 60 yards

• Lane 4 - 40 yards

• Lane 5 - 70 meters

• Lane 6 - 50 Yards

• Lane 7 - 60 yards

• Lane 8 - 50 Yards

• Lane 9 - 60 yards

This is a predominantly Imperial layout, in preparation for the forthcoming Longbow shoot, with just a single foam boss on Lane 5 at 70m.

Members can move the Straw boss's to distances of their choice, but MUST return them to their original distance when they have finished shooting.

To comply with Track and Trace requirements anyone who visits the Club, but is not booked in to shoot, MUST register their name, along with the date and time of their attendance, on the manual signing in system, this includes for example maintenance visits and attendance by Parents at the Junior Club on Saturday's. The form will be left on a clipboard inside the Ladies toilet.

The following information has been recieved by the club from TMBC in regards to Covid-19 in Tameside. It has requested that this information be forwarded on to all members of the club and community.

Older and vulnerable people urged to take extra care against covid

As the rate of positive cases in Tameside continues to rise across the borough – which is now at 105.8 per 100,000 - we all need to be totally focused on sticking to the current guidelines and safety measures for Tameside to help protect ourselves and others against covid. We’re urging everyone who is particularly vulnerable because they are older or have underlying health conditions - or who were previously identified as shielding - to be extra vigilant. We are seeing a worrying increase in cases among more vulnerable people, who are more at risk of becoming very ill or even dying from the virus. Everyone who falls within the more vulnerable groups are advised to take additional steps to protect themselves by being extra cautious when making decisions to socialise, avoiding crowds and avoiding going places that are not COVID-19 secure.

Older people and people with underlying health conditions are advised to stringently follow these steps:

• Ensure stringent social distancing - stay at least 2 metres away from anyone you do not live with or who is not in your support bubble

• Limit your social contacts – being mindful of the widespread virus transmission

• Wash your hands with soap and water often, and as soon as you get home - use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water is not available

• Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose where social distancing is not possible outdoors and indoors. By law, you must now wear them in most indoor settings including public transport, shops, post-offices, banks, beauty salons, visitor attractions and entertainment venues, libraries, community centres, places of worship and public areas in hotels

• Avoid crowded environments where the risk of transmission is higher

• Avoid businesses that are not COVID-19 secure (including pubs, cafes and restaurants) If they are not looking after you, don’t go there!

This is in addition to the current restrictions of not mixing with anyone from outside your household in any indoor setting or private garden and not mixing outdoors with groups of more than six. For further information see www.tameside.gov.uk/itworks

Data on cases in Tameside can be accessed here. In addition there is a detailed weekly national surveillance report published here which includes information by local authority and for those areas on the government’s watch list. Two interactive map webpages are also available. Cases interactive map and deaths interactive map. They provide data at MSOA level.

Tameside restrictions

Following the government announcement of the ‘rule of 6’, it has caused, understandably, some confusion amongst our communities on how that affect us here in Tameside. It’s important to note that the rule of 6 does NOT supersede the restriction already in place not to mix with other households and so we have created our own assets as part of our local #ItWorks campaign to explain the restriction for Tameside as it stands. The assets shown below are all attached to the email.

We must of course, all stick to this rule that is place alongside regular handwashing, wearing a face covering, keeping your distance from others and self isolating if you do become symptomatic.

We have put all the preventative measure you can take onto one sharable image too – you can click into the facebook link below to share or download the attached graphic.

https://www.facebook.com/TamesideCouncil/photos/a.499994713375/10158424512628376

Other available images we would appreciate you sharing are our calls to action that if you are not want to stick to the rules to protect yourself, please do it to protect others, keep our children in school, keep our businesses open and to see us safely return to seeing our families again. The below images are all attached for use.

Redundancy support

I’m very aware that, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a lot of people in the borough are at risk of losing their jobs. To help support at this difficult time, our Economy, Employment and Skills team are providing redundancy support for both individuals and businesses.

Extra funding has been made available to the Job Centre to support people made redundant during the pandemic. Anyone who registers will have access to a jobs coach to help them find a job, access training and maintain their health and wellbeing. We are also committed to supporting local employers and can provide retraining information, staff support and advice on the correct redundancy procedures to follow.

Full information on business support available can be found here: www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus/supportforbusiness

Mobile testing centres in Tameside

We are aware that the national portal is facing issues due to the current rise in demand for tests. The local testing unit at Beeley Street this weekend should be listed from 6pm the evening before it is available but if you find it is not listed, please do keep trying as you must have a booked appointment. The mobile testing unit will not accept drop ins and test people without having a pre-booked appointment.

We realise this is frustrating and so please only book a test if you have symptoms so we can ensure people who need a test can get one. If you have any coronavirus symptoms you must isolate immediately for 10 days (don’t wait for a test or a test result before doing so). If you are identified as a contact of a positive case you must isolate for the full 14 days but do not need to get tested unless you develop symptoms.

Please visit www.tameside.gov.uk/coronavirus/testing for more information on when you should and shouldn’t get tested

If you have symptoms of coronavirus – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough or a loss of or a change in your normal sense of smell or taste - please stay at home for 10 days and only leave home to get tested. It’s nothing to be nervous about and the friendly staff will help you through the process - it’s simple, safe, confidential and will protect everyone. Please book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119.

Test and Trace app to launch next week

The long-awaited NHS COVID-19 app is to launch next Thursday across England and Wales and will provide people with an easy way to check-in to locations they visit by using QR codes.

These locations include businesses like pubs, restaurants, hairdressers and cinemas where you’ll be able to easily check in using your smartphone. There will also be an alternative way to check-in for anyone who doesn’t have the app.

The app will be used, alongside traditional contact tracing, to notify users if they come into contact with someone who later tests positive for coronavirus. It will allow people to report symptoms, order a coronavirus test, check in to venues by scanning a QR code and it helps the NHS trace individuals that may have coronavirus. We’re currently supporting businesses and venues to display the QR codes, which can be downloaded via a website to display as posters in premises. The App will then be available for the general public to download and use from the launch date on the 24. As COVID-19 cases are rising in Tameside it’s vital we make the most of this new tool in our fight against the virus.

Community Champions

I’m pleased to say that we now have over 100 community champions registered as we continue to work alongside our community to limit the spread of Covid. Our champions are providing some really useful insights, helping us to better action and address issues together and improve our communications and residents’ understanding and compliance with the rules for Tameside. It will never be too late to sign up as we will look to grow our network over time, please register here

If you’re interested in becoming a Community Champion please visit the website to learn more

www.tameside.gov.uk/communitychampions

You can also email community.champions@tameside.gov.uk if you have any questions

Thanks once again for your support, I expect the coming weeks to be particularly challenging as we battle to address this most recent rise in cases but I know as ever that we have your unwavering commitment in doing so.

Councillor Brenda Warrington

Executive Leader

Target Date for reopening indoor shooting, 1st November or earlier if ready.

Please note that members with medical exemptions stopping them from being able to wear a face mask must register with Dean Memory. Reasons and proof of condition are not required.

This measure is to protect all members using the indoor facilities.

Rules for Shooting Indoors

• A maximum of 4 people will be permitted to shoot indoors at any one time

• Archers are to shoot in 2 details of 2 with the non-shooting detail waiting in the designated ‘waiting area’.

• Perspex screens will be fixed between archers on both the shooting line and at the bosses at all times, these are not to be moved under any circumstances

• The floor will be clearly marked with the following areas:

  • • Setting up area for each table not fixed to the wall

    • Waiting area for archers

    • Kitchen boiler area

    • Shooting line

    • Arrow pulling area

• All archers are required to wear a face-covering when inside the clubhouse except when actively shooting. Members who are exempt for medical reasons should register this exemption with Dean Memory. All information will be kept private.

• If an archer is exempt from wearing a face-covering then all other archers MUST respect this.

• Archers are to wipe down any surfaces touched after use with the wipes/spray provided. This includes any seating or tables.

• Please only use the chairs and tables that have already been set out for use.

• The clubhouse will be deep cleaned by a designated member every Saturday morning before the Junior Club. All other members are to use the wipes provided after each use.

• Stalybridge Archery club will provide sanitiser gel, please use this each time you enter and leave the clubhouse.

• The hot water heater may ONLY be used by members. Please bring your own cups, milk, tea coffee, etc. Wipes will be provided for you to clean the surfaces after use. Please remember to switch the boiler off after use.

• Members must book in using the booking system prior to shooting. If indoor shooting is full you may still shoot outside if you wish.

• Outdoor shooting members may set up indoors if nobody is shooting inside or if indoor archers are setting up/taking down at the same time as you. Otherwise, outdoor shooting archers are to set up/take down their equipment outside.

• All doors and windows must be kept open at all times whilst using the indoor facilities. This includes the fire door to ensure there is adequate air circulation. Remember to check these are all securely closed when you leave.

• The clubhouse door has 2 new locks top and bottom, these are to be used, as well as your fob. Both locks must be securely fastened when leaving.

Cleaning

All members will be required to clean up after themselves in order to prevent any accidental spread of Covid-19. Please note that ALL of the following surfaces will need to be wiped down with the provide spray/wipes

• • • Table surfaces

    • Furniture, chairs used

    • Boiler if used

    • Kitchen tap if used

    • Kitchen counters if used

    • All window handles

    • All door handles, inside and out

    • All toilet surfaces touched

    • Heaters, please allow time for them to cool down first

    • Gate handle and lock

    • Door locks

    • Light switches

Members are reminded that we are all in this together and need to work as a community in order to keep the clubhouse open. Any members found wilfully ignoring the rules on a regular base will be dealt with by the committee.

After yet another period of uncertainty and delay due to government restrictions caused by local flare-ups of the Covid-19 virus, it is with great pleasure that the committee is now able to relay a bit of good news for once.

With immediate effect, the clubhouse is now open to all members to use for setting up and taking down of their equipment.

Members are notified that strict new rules have been approved by the committee, that MUST be adhered to by all members, in order to try and maintain, as far as possible, a Covid-19 safe environment.

Use of the clubhouse for setting up of equipment is purely optional, however, indoor shooting is absolutely NOT permitted at the current time.

All senior members who use the clubhouse will be responsible for their safety and hygiene regimen.

All members are reminded that if they are diagnosed OR show symptoms of Covid-19 within 2 weeks of being in the clubhouse or attending the club, they MUST inform either the Secretary or Paul Carney as soon as possible.

Every member has a duty of care to work for the good of the club to help maintain a safe environment for all members.

The new rules as approved by the committee are listed below.

1. The clubhouse is to be used for the setting up and taking down of equipment only, no shooting is allowed at this time.

2. A maximum of 8 people can be inside the pavilion at any given time, every other table will be left down permanently, and the others secured in the up position, there will also be trestle tables for use near the door where the chairs usually are.

3. Once you have set up/taken down your equipment please return outside, there is to be no congregating inside the clubhouse. This includes no eating or drinking inside.

4. The main door and windows are to be kept open at all times when the clubhouse is in use in order to maximise fresh air circulation. Please remember to check all windows are closed before closing up, even if you haven’t opened any.

5. All members MUST use the hand sanitiser upon entering the pavilion.

6. Suitable disposable wipes will be provided, all Senior members are responsible for their own hygiene and it will be required that members clean their table after use using one of the provided wipes. Wipes are to be disposed of in the bin provided.

7. All setup benches, and the door area inside the pavilion, will receive a deep clean every Saturday morning prior to the junior sessions.

8. The kitchen area is out of bounds and will be blocked off, members are encouraged to bring their own drink’s but these may not be consumed inside the pavilion.

9. Chairs will be removed or taped off to discourage congregation and to ease physical distancing.

10. The floor will be marked out with tape to ease the flow of traffic and to ensure members have ample space at each table.

11. Physical distancing of a minimum of 1+ metres is required in the clubhouse at all times. There will be clear floor markings and signage, in line with the Governments Covid-19 regulations. All members must respect other members space.

12. AGB states that face coverings must be worn by archers in all indoor settings except when actively shooting. We have received written clarification that those who are exempt for medical reasons do not need to wear a face covering. The club requires all members to follow these guidelines when in the clubhouse but they must respect other members who are exempt from wearing one.

The targets have been moved to metric distances to allow members to practice for the upcoming NCAS Virtual shoot, the Club Championships and the Long Metric Club Tournament.

The new field layout is as follows

• Lane 1. 30m

• Lane 2. 60m

• Lane 3. 60m

• Lane 4. 50m

• Lane 5. 70m

• Lane 6. 90m

• Lane 7. 90m

• Lane 8. 70m

• Lane 9. 30m

The Straw bosses are currently very heavy due to the rain, so please leave them where they are at present for the Club Championship practice.

There are dry straw bosses in the shed which members can get out to use on lane's 6 and 7 for the short distances on Saturday.

As usual, if you move any boss from its default distance, as shown above, make sure you return it to this distance at the end of your allotted session. Do not be inconsiderate towards your fellow members and leave it at the distance you moved it to!

The results of the CAA Virtual Championship shoot have been published on the CAA website and can be download by clicking on the following link

CAA Results Sheet

Several of the club members took part in this event, and are all listed with the positional placing below. For full score details refer to the CAA Results sheet.

Gentlemen Recurve WA70

• 4th Phil Murphy

• 17th Stauart Willis

• 25th Peter Phythian

Ladies Recurve WA70

• 1st Julie Sharkey

Gentlemen Compound WA50

• 9th Chris Hesketh

• 13th Tristan Lowe

• 14th Jack Spence

• 16th Graham Pearson

Gentlemen Barebow WA50

• 8th Steve Giblin

• 11th Malcolm Winterbottom

Gentlemen Longbow WA50

• 1st Steve Watts

• 6th Ian Lord

• 8th Andrew Wardle

• 9th Chris Cook

• 10th Brian Rosenberg

ArcheryGB announced their Phase 2 guidelines for the wider re-opening of archery a few weeks ago and the committee decided that the clubhouse could safely re-open under these guidelines, for the purpose of setting up and taking down of equipment ONLY, with effect from Saturday 1st August.

However, as you will all now be aware that opening was cancelled due to the rise in infection rates of Covid-19 in the Manchester area and the resultant increase in restrictions on gatherings imposed by the goverment.

The clubhouse had already been cleaned, the furniture moved and the floor area marked up to allow for safe physical distancing to take place as the photos below allow you to see.

As and when the situation improves the committee will review any new guidelines and take appropriate action in the best interest of the club members health and safety.

As some members of the club are taking part in the CAA Virtual Championship shoot it has been decided to allow the foam bosses to be moved to 50m, in order to enable the members who shoot Compound to practise for the shoot, however, they can, if prefered, move straw boss targets to 50 or 70 metres, but these MUST be returned to their original distance, at the end of the session, as shown on the range plan which is posted onto the door of the club house.

Compound Archers who shoot on a straw boss for this temporary period must double boss the targets, but once finished return the targets and bosses to their correct positions as per the range plan.

The above is only a temporary measure until the CAA Virtual shoot has taken place, which is on the weekend of 1st and 2nd August.

All members are reminded that if they move any straw boss, now or in the future, to any other distance during a booked session they must be returned to the position as stated on the range plan at the end of their session as members arriving at the club to shoot expect targets at the distance stated on the Range Booking System.

Your consideration to other members is expected and appreciated at all times.

Back Line Shooting

It has now been agreed that pre 9.00 am on Sunday mornings (with notice being given to members) back line shoot may commence, this will be restricted to lanes 4 - 7.

However, members who move targets on Sunday mornings to shoot at 90m or 100 yards must place them back in the correct position once they have finished their session.

In the light of the the Government's recent revisions to the physical distancing guidelines allowing people to get as close as one metre, but only where two metres become impossible, coupled with the demand by members concerning the availability of targets to shoot at middle distances, there has been a broad measure of support, from the committee, for the re-instatement of lane 3, at 60 yards, and lane 6, at 50 yards. No permanent target will be set out on lane 9, though it may come into temporary and restricted use for distances of less than 40 yards e.g. for new members and juniors. Shooting on this lane will form part of the first detail.

With effect from 6th July these two additional lanes will be available as soon as the online booking system has been amended to include them.

However, It is very important that members remember

• • The maximum physical distancing must still be maintained, where possible, at all times, particularly within the waiting area.

  • Two shooting details will continue to be operated. The first detail being lanes 1, 3, 5 and 7 and the second detail lanes 2, 4, 6 and 8.

  • Face masks are still stronly advised to be worn at all times, other than when shooting.

All other Rules, as detailed on the booking page, remain unchanged.

Despite the Prime Ministers recent pronouncement regarding relaxations to social distancing the Club will continue to require members to book archery sessions at the Club for some time yet.

To save members the inconvenience of contacting Paul Carney to book a session they will now be able to book direct. An app has been designed for use by the Club by one of its members, Rick Harold.

To access the system go to the Session Booking page and click on the button at the bottom of the page, this will enable you to access the online Booking System.

A guide to using the system is also shown on the sessions bookings page, which can be accessed by clicking on the link in the banner at the top of any page on this website.

Notice for all Senior Members

• The automated online booking system is unlikely to be up and running in time for the re-opening on Monday 25th May.

• Should any senior member wish to shoot next week, and subsequent weeks, while the system is not available, they are requested to phone, text or whatsapp Paul Carney (on his mobile number), stating your preferred choice of Session, Lane and Distance, this will then be entered on to the system.

• It would be considerate to give those Members who work, preference for the evening and weekend Sessions (Including Bank Holidays).

• Members are reminded that they should take their own chair, refreshments, gloves, faces mask and disinfecting materials - to avoid cross contamination and possible spreading of the Covid virus.

• Target faces and pins will be found in the toilets. Each Member is allowed to take 1 x 122cm and 1 x 80cm target face, plus four face pins, on their first visit, for their own personal use. At the end of each session they are to remove the target face and pins from the boss and retain them for use during their next Session.

An Emergency Committee Meeting was to be held in the Clubhouse at 7.30 pm on Thursday 19th March, to discuss and agree how the Club would respond to AGB's directives. However, it became clear that under the circumstances, having a meeting in a closed space, about the potential risks associated with meetings in closed spaces, was not a sensible way to move forward.

The intention of calling the meeting could clearly be interpreted as an 'Emergency', therefore, Terry Gregory as the Chair consulted with Steve Mayer (Vice-Chair), Ali McGowan (Secretary) and Phil Murphy (Treasurer). They agreed that this was a matter which could be resolved quickly by invoking Clause 5.11 of the Management Section of the Constitution which permits those Officers to make a decision. They agreed unanimously that the Club should follow the advice given by ArcheryGB yesterday namely, 'All grassroots archery should be postponed for the foreseeable future'. They further agreed that the Club should be closed with immediate effect. This decision will be reviewed as and when circumstances and government advice changes.

This was a very difficult decision to make, and will undoubtedly be unpopular with some Members. It is extremely disappointing that the undoubted advantages for both physical and emotional welfare delivered by archery during such a stressful time seem to have been ignored. However, given the growing level of the Coronavirus crisis, the increasing risk to health by transmission, and how vigorous the Government are becoming in the implementation of their 'guidance', there was no other decision that could be made.

For Members information and to avoid temptation, the padlock on the main gate has been changed and the keys to the toilets and both target sheds have been removed. Needless to say, Maintenance Weekend has also been cancelled.

We are advising that all archery in the UK is postponed for the foreseeable future, to reduce all non-essential contact with others. Our priority is the health and safety of our members, participants, volunteers and staff.

We would like to clarify our guidance to providers of grassroots archery following on from the announcement made last night in relation to COVID-19 which can be found here.

We understand that grassroots archery is delivered by a myriad of providers who all operate under their own governance procedures, to be clear the government advice is:

Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.

You should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.

We are advising that all grassroots archery in the UK is postponed for the foreseeable future, to reduce all non-essential contact with others. Our priority is the health and safety of our members, participants, volunteers and staff. We will continue to work closely with grassroots providers during this time.

Please be mindful that a significant proportion of our members and volunteer workforce fall into the over 70 category who in particular should avoid all unnecessary social contact. The Prime Minister has hinted that measures may be increased further by the weekend:

In a few days’ time – by this coming weekend – it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.

We appreciate that many of you are facing your own challenges following the new restrictions, which will inevitably have financial implications across our sport, as well as implications for your personal and family life. Please be assured that we are aware of this and while we don’t have all the answers, we are compiling frequently asked questions and guidance for our clubs, counties, regions and volunteers, which we hope to be sending out in the coming days.

While we work on pulling together the guidance which will answer the many questions you may have, please use our statements to inform your members and stakeholders.

Please feel free to email us at membership@archerygb.org and we will do our best to answer your queries and add them to our FAQ’s. Please be mindful that we are experiencing a large volume of enquiries so we may not be able to reply within the usual 72 hours.

This is an unprecedented time and we appreciate your patience while we work through the challenges ahead. We would like to keep an open dialogue during this period of uncertainty. We will endeavour to keep members updated by website, ezine and social media and webinars.

Finally, this is a stressful situation, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the mental well-being of some of our members, please click here for the most up to date guidance from the Mental Health Foundation for looking after your mental health during COVID-19.

Thanks for your continued support.

Neil Armitage,

CEO, Archery GB

As you will all be experiencing, there is a huge amount of uncertainty across the country in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Having carefully monitored the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus, and in line with the latest recommendations from the UK Government, Archery GB has made a number of decisions that will impact our sport.

These decisions have been taken with the health and safety our members, participants, volunteers and staff as an utmost priority and are based on the most recent information from all relevant authorities – including UK Government, Public Health England and World Archery.

We also appreciate that many of you are facing your own challenges following the new restrictions announced today, which will inevitably have financial implications across our sport, as well as implications for your personal and family life. Please be assured that we are aware of this and while we don’t have all the answers, we are compiling frequently asked questions and guidance for our clubs, counties, regions and volunteers.

Our general principle has been, and will remain, to follow the advice from the Government. We want to help ensure that as a sport we minimise the risk of any spread of the virus and minimise the risk to our members and participants. As a result, this evening we have taken the following actions:

• We have reviewed all Archery GB -run events, workshops, seminars, courses (i.e. anything run and directly managed by Archery GB) until 30 April and taken the decision that none will go ahead as planned – further details will be communicated to the individuals involved and refunds will be offered along with the option to have credits placed on your account.

• The AGM scheduled to take place on the 18 April, in Birmingham will not be going ahead as planned, a further announcement on this will be communicated in the coming days.

• Our office in Lilleshall remains open at this stage. Our staff are being encouraged to work from home where able, something many are accustomed to doing. For those that are currently unable to work from home, we are working on solutions to minimise their contact with others and providing equipment so services can continue from home. We are advising our staff to make use of video conferencing wherever possible, including contact and meetings with our key volunteers. Office phone lines, where possible will be forwarded to work mobiles. Staff can access company email accounts from home.

• At this time, the Olympics and Paralympics are going ahead as planned, however, many of the major international archery events have been cancelled/postponed, please refer to the World Archery website for regular updates. We want to ensure that the GB Archery Team goes into the Games having had the best possible preparation and so we have put in place a number of protocols to manage the risk around the Team’s activities and Coronavirus. Whilst prioritising the health of the athletes and staff involved with the team, we aim to keep the programme operating as close to normal as possible and are working on contingency planning where decisions have been taken out of our hands. Again, we are constantly reviewing this scenario and will provide updates if this changes.

• At this stage, we don’t know enough information to make any decisions beyond the end of April but will be constantly reviewing the situation and will keep you informed through ezines, website and social media.

• The Archery GB Big Weekend is unlikely to go ahead in the current format. We hope that clubs can take a flexible approach to running have a go’s and beginners’ courses during the summer once/if government restrictions have been lifted. We know how important the running of these events is to clubs, we will create resources to help clubs promote their events as we currently do for the Big Weekend. Further information will be communicated shortly.

Good hygiene is as important as ever, please continue to adhere to the NHS recommendations which will help protect yourself and each other.

Summary of new guidance issued by the Prime Minister today 16 March 2020:

• Ensure that if you or anyone in your household has one of those two symptoms, then you should stay at home for fourteen days.

• That means that if possible, you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies.

Even if you don’t have symptoms and if no one in your household has symptoms, there is more that we need you to do now:

• Now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.

• We need people to start working from home where they possibly can. And you should avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues.

• It goes without saying, we should all only use the NHS when we really need to. And please go online rather than ringing NHS 111.

• Now, this advice about avoiding all unnecessary social contact, is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.

• In a few days’ time – by this coming weekend – it will be necessary to go further and to ensure that those with the most serious health conditions are largely shielded from social contact for around 12 weeks.

The full statement from the Prime Minister can be read by clicking here.

We know our archery community is good at pulling together at times of difficulty and I’m sure it will be no different in this situation. We are working on pulling together guidance and FAQ’s which will answer the many questions you may have, particularly at club level. Please feel free to email us at membership@archerygb.org and we will do our best to answer them or add them to our FAQ’s. Please be mindful that we are experiencing a large volume of enquiries so we may not be able to reply within the usual 72 hours.

Advice can change quickly and we will do our best to keep you up to date.

Finally, this is a stressful situation, which will undoubtedly have an impact on the mental well-being of some of our members, please click here for the most up to date guidance from the Mental Health Foundation for looking after your mental health during COVID-19

Thank you for your understanding in this unchartered territory, and please stay safe.

Neil Armitage,

CEO, Archery GB

In response to the growing crisis relating to this infection, the Management Committee have agreed a set of precautionary measures, as detailed below. These seek to reduce the risk of Members being infected whilst at the Club. They are sensible and proportionate and are to be implemented with immediate effect.

The Committee recognise this may cause some inconvenience. However, the health and welfare of Members must take precedence.

If you have any concerns please contact either The Secretary or The Chairman.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

In the even that Covid-19 (Coronavirus) is declared a Worldwide Pandemic, the UK Governments Emergency Plan will be automatically activated. It is expected to get worse before it gets better and if the World Health Organisation and Government are taking it seriously then so should the club.

This could/will see measures put into place such as limited travel, drafting retired health workers and banning all gatherings over 5000 people. They will also be looking to encourage ‘Social Distancing’. The emergency measures set aside may, or may not be used, but as a community club, we have a duty of care to all our member and their health.

The Secretary has emailed AGB for details of what measures they intend to take and have had the following response.

“At a local level, following risk assessment, you should take appropriate and proportionate action. At a national level, Archery GB will be taking appropriate and proportionate action for example with regards to national squads travel.”

In other words, ‘As We See Fit’

The generally recognised symptoms of Corvid – 19 are very similar to a cold or flu. These are,

• Fever and tiredness

• A cough / runny nose

• Breathing difficulties

• Muscle pain

Currently, anybody travelling from or via ANY infected country must self-isolate for 14 days if they begin to experience the symptoms and contact their Doctor or phone 111. Members in this situation must inform the Secretary without delay. In the current climate, it would also be sensible and responsible to follow this advice even if you have not travelled abroad. Any member who falls into this category but chooses not to self-isolate MUST NOT come to the club during this 14 day period. We have many members who are susceptible to significant respiratory infections if you become an unwitting carrier you are putting their health at greater risk.

Measures to be implemented at the Club at this current alert level:

• If you are subject to self-isolation do not attend the club even if you choose not to isolate.

• Inform the Club Secretary if you have been or are planning to travel abroad.

• If you feel sick or unwell, regardless of whether you have travelled abroad, please avoid contact with other club members.

• Wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer if available on a regular basis, particularly after visiting the toilets and before you use any of the refreshment facilities.

• We have withdrawn the Club supplies of mugs from use at this time because we cannot ensure they have been thoroughly cleaned before re-use. Members can bring their own mugs each time they come to the Club for their personal use only. They must not be left at the Club. Single use cups will be available as a temporary measure.

• Use your common sense to avoid unwittingly spreading germs.

WASH YOUR HANDS AND/OR USE SANITISING GEL DURING YOUR VISIT TO THE CLUB

SNEEZE / COUGH INTO A TISSUE OR THE CROOK OF YOUR ARM

AVOID TOUCHING YOUR FACE IN PARTICULAR EYES, NOSE AND MOUTH

Below is a summary of some of the major changes made at the club's AGM on Sunday 16th February.

Grahame Pearson stepped down as Senior Representative on the committee and has been replaced by Stuart Willis, who Margaret will be training up over the next year in order for him to take over as Junior Secretary.

The new Junior Representative on the committee is Harry Kelly.

The ban on knives has been lifted. Archers may now carry their knives on their quivers whilst within the clubs grounds. Please note that the club wishes to encourage the safe and responsible use of knives, especially to the younger and novice members of the club.

Congratulations to Steve Wilde, who was awarded an Honorary Membership for all the hard work and effort he has dedicated to the club, most notable his work with the Junior Club and his dedication to ensuring the clubs sanitary facilities are kept in good working order.

Members were reminded that in case of emergency or being locked out, the first points of contact are Terry Gregory and Ali McGowan. Contact numbers are on display in the club house, but all members should have these numbers stored on their phones.

The AGM will be held on Sunday 16^th February in the club house starting at 1.30pm. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend this meeting.

Every senior member is entitled to vote on any topic that is proposed, vote for the Management Committee Members for the coming year, give your views or comments on how the Club is run and what you think our future priories should be as well as hear the reports of the Club Officers.

The round to be shot at the senior club outdoor target champs is also one of the items that will be decided by popular vote.

Committee Positions

• • • Chairman

    • Vice chairman

    • Secretary (senior club)

    • Secretary (junior club)

    • Treasurer

    • Records officer (senior)

    • Records officer (junior)

    • Tournament secretary

    • Equipment/maintenance officer

    • Communications & social officer

    • Senior representatives

    • Club captain

    • Safeguarding officers

    • Junior representative

If you would like to nominate yourself for any of these positions please email the club secretary at secretary@stalybridgearcheryclub.co.uk, with your application.

All members are reminded that they are eligible for the Trophy irrespective of Age, Gender or Bow class and that there are separate trophies for the various bow types as well as for Seniors & Juniors.

All that is required to be eligible is that you have shot a minimum of four of the disciplines listed below during the previous year.

• • Target Outdoor: York / Hereford / Bristol

  • Target Outdoor: WA 1440

  • Clout: AGB or Metric

  • Field: WA Marked / Un-Marked / Club Rudolf

  • Target Indoor: Portsmouth

Rounds and Distances shot for the Target and Clout disciplines have to be appropriate for your age and gender

All rounds can have been shot at either at an Open tournament, a Club tournament or on a Sunday Tournament day. The rounds have to have been shot between 1^st January & 31^st December 2019.

If you have shot any of the qualifing club tournaments these scores will have already been entered, check the Complete Archer page to see current scores, so all you need to do is submit the scores for any open tournaments you may have shot at by emailing them to stalybridgeac@gmail.com. Last day for submissions is 10th February.

Erin Mayer has kindly produced a document listing Open Clout Tournaments for 2020, the list includes dates and contact details for each of the tournament so that members can request entry forms. To view the document click on the button below.

Date

1st March 2020

Because of limited space entry will be before the event using the form below. There will be no awards for any Junior archers shooting as Juniors have their own Championship on Saturday January 25th at Goldcrest Archers Venue in Hyde.

Attendance at the AGM is required for anyone shooting at the championships. Anyone not attending the AGM in the morning will be deemed to not be attending the shoot and their space will be allocated to anyone on the waiting list who is present at the AGM.

Venue

Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, Capenhurst Lane, Whitby, Ellesmere Port, CH65 7AQ.

The AGM starts at 10:00 am and will be held in school hall, access is via the rear of the school following the arrow signs.

Shooting is in the sports hall at the rear of the school and commences at about 1:00 pm. Approximately 7 targets will have backstop netting . There will be no backstop netting behind the remainder.

Round

PORTSMOUTH Compound archers will shoot at 3 spot faces. Recurves, Longbows and Barebows will shoot at single spot faces.

Entry Fee

£8.00

AGB Dress Rules will apply so dress accordingly.

Entry Form

The quality of score sheets being submitted to the Records Officer is getting ridiculous with some members even being incapable of entering their own name in full or the date the round was shot!!

All the information on a score sheet need's to be completed, otherwise they are invalid and will be put in the SIN BIN in the clubhouse for members to complete correctly. Refer to Scoring for how to complete a standard score sheet.

Rember all the information has to be completed but special attention should be given to making sure the following, at the very least, is completed.

• FULL NAME

• ROUND

• DATE

• SCORE TOTALS (Dozens & Total)

• HITS TOTALS (Dozens & Total)

• GOLD TOTALS (Dozens & Total)

If the current situation carries on then inclomplete sheets will not be placed in the sin bin they will just be entered into the BIN and no scores will be recorded. This of course means no awards can be given to these members.