Winchester News Online
Inside the UK’s biggest archery club
At Southampton Archery Club, members displayed why it has that title in its latest Saturday training session.
They met weekly for practice, for coaching, for community support.
A dedicated group of archers show up almost weekly, representing the reliable and committed core of the club, a good source of support and backing-up for the squad.
But what sets Southampton apart is how it’s able to keep such a strong, consistent pipeline of experienced members from an established group of archers united by this history with a high level of new and ongoing membership.
The club facilitates introductory sessions for those just starting out on archery, providing equipment and guidance for beginners, coaching and equipment for recreational archers. Many of the active members of the club began with these introductory programs.
This nurturing culture is supported by Emma Polglaze herself who helps keep it going. She supports disabled archers, based on her own experience living with spinal arthritis.
Polglaze knows what the physical conditions can add to the difficulties.
She often assists members who require personalised adaptations, encouragement, or modified approaches.
There may not have been any disability-focused sessions on the Saturday that was recorded, but her impact was still very much present in the club’s atmosphere.
“For me, it’s about helping disabled archers get confident and feel accepted in the sport,” she explained. “I understand how much, with the right support, matters.” “I shoot from a wheelchair; I can still be part of the club,” she said. “I can still do what I love, simply by being in the chair.”
Her dedication is part of a larger club philosophy: everyone, whether they have enough years, are young or old, or those who are physically challenged should have the opportunity to try archery.
A group camaraderie was alive in all of the room, captured on video and photo so it was apparent it was clear the entire group got along well. In its current state, the size, scale, organization and inclusivity of this group means that it really shines across the nation.
Southampton Archery Club, with weekly sessions, continued coaching and a commitment to welcoming new archers, has emerged as the very best example of what a modern community sports club can be today.
A man threw a chair and threatened bystanders in the centre of Gosport on Friday.
Police say the man, who was behaving aggressively, threw the chair on the ground and shouted threats at nearby shoppers before running away. No one was injured.
It happened just before noon, outside a Greggs Bakery on the High Street.
Hampshire Police say the man was white, bald and in his late 40s. He was wearing a baseball cap and a grey hoodie.
Officers are asking anyone who saw the incident to contact them.
Twelve people were arrested after 350 anti-migrant protestors clashed with police overnight in Gosport following reports of a small boat landing in the area.
A small number of officers needed medical treatment following the protests near Walpole car park.
Assistant Chief Constable Simon Dodds said: “Violence and criminal damage have no part in peaceful protest, our position on this has been clear that we will investigate thoroughly and take robust action against anyone responsible.
“Our officers did not deserve to be assaulted as they worked incredibly diligently on Sunday to ensure the safety of everyone in the area.”
Police had banned face coverings and had issued a dispersal order ahead of the protests across Gosport.
Those arrested were held on suspicion of assaulting officers or being drunk and disorderly.
The protest marks an increase in tensions within the UK after protests at Portsmouth, Taunton, Basingstoke and Glasgow in recent months.
Gosport Reform UK councilor Paul Carter told GB News: “If you think about this last night, no one really knew what was happening… I think a lot of people are really worried.”
People in Romsey are being warned that the town’s recycling centre will be closing for a month for repairs.
The closure of Casbrook recycling centre will take place from 12 October to 12 November.
The council says that repairs are essential to keep the site safe, after heavy vehicles damaged the tarmac beneath waste containers.
Councillor Kirsty North, Hampshire County Council’s deputy leader, said: “We are investing in essential improvements to preserve the surface of Casbrook HWRC (Bunny Lane) and ensure the facility continues to serve residents safely and effectively for many years to come.
“I thank residents for their patience during these works and confirm that capacity is available at nearby HWRCs to ensure residents that usually use Bunny Lane, can still dispose of their waste during this time.”
Locals have been advised to use alternative centres in Winchester and Eastleigh while the repairs take place.
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