About Us
Supermarine Bowmen is associated with the Supermarine Sports Club based at South Marston, Swindon, Wiltshire. The club forms part of the Dorset and Wiltshire Archery Association and is affiliated to the Grand Western Archery Society and the Grand National Archery Society.
Supermarine Bowmen History
Why Supermarine? Vickers Supermarine Bowmen had it’s beginnings at Hursley Park Winchester, when during the second World War Vickers Supermarine (builder of the Spitfire) had a design centre there.
In 1958 the centre was closed and the operation was moved to the Vickers Armstrong works at South Marston (Swindon), where some of the original archery club members from Hursley Park decided to form another club.
The Range
The outdoor range consists of 15 lanes up to and including 100 yards. These are permanently marked lanes and distances start from 10 yards, including metre markers. We also have flood lights on the range that allows shooting up to 70 metres on approximately 10 targets.
During the indoor season we hire the Supermarine Sports Club main hall, this allows for 8 targets at 18 metres.
Club Days & Timings
Indoor Season (October to March)
Monday and Thursday evenings: 6pm till 9pm
Supermarine Sports Club main hall
Sunday mornings: 10am to 12 noon
Outdoor range
Outdoor Season (April to September)
Wednesday and Friday evenings: 5pm till late
Outdoor range
Sunday afternoons: 2pm
Outdoor range
Our Committee
- Chairman: John Prior
- Vice Chairman: Chris Groom
- Treasurer: William Steytler
- Secretary: Jane Prior
- Records Officer: Martin Parry
- Equipment Officer: Joe Wright
- Entertainment Officer: David Gray
- Safeguarding Officer: Nathalie Smith
- Tournament Organiser: Jane Prior
Communication of Information
The committee uses email as a form of communication, when you join the club we ask you to provide an email address, this is used in the distribution list of information.
We also have a Facebook page where we will set up events that might be of interest to members.
Club Events
The club hosts two open tournaments each year – the WA1440 around the first weekend in July, and the Marston Arrow in early September. These tournaments are well attended by archers from up and down the country, and bring in much needed revenue for the club. However, these tournaments take a lot of organising and hard work on the day before (usually Saturday) and on the tournament day. We hope all members can contribute something to these and any other events organised by the club.
It is your club, and the committee is there to serve your needs. Please take an active roll in the club, its organisation and running.
Coaching
We currently have 4 Archery GB qualified coaches. During the winter season, coaches will endeavour to be available on request. During the summer, a coach will be available most club sessions, and this coaching may be “ad hoc” or a booked session.
In addition, each year, an equipment maintenance course will be run, and also, a basic equipment set-up course, to help all archers to become more confident and self-sufficient.
Club Coaching Group
- Graham Hobbs – County Coach
- Kay Hobbs – County Coach
- Martyn Roberts – L1 Session Coach
- William Steytler – L2 Development Coach
