Hartlepool archery club appeals to Government for lockdown exemption for sport to survive

The Heugh Bowmen along with the sport’s governing body Archery GB is lobbying to allow it to take place outdoors during the current four-week shutdown.

The Hartlepool group has over 40 members who until lockdown drew their bows inside at the Belle Vue Community Sports & Youth Centre.

Chris McGrath, secretary of the Heugh Bowmen, said: "The Heugh Bowmen have been in Hartlepool for about 60 years and it will be a shame to see it disappear.

"It is one of the county’s longest running archery clubs.”

Archery GB says it fully supports efforts to tackle the spread of Covid-19 but say ranges are well managed and Covid safe and are more more controlled environments than a public parks.

Chris added: “At the moment indoor venues have had to close and the Government is saying we’re not allowed to go outside.

"It is the same for a lot of sports where it is easy for people to socially distance like golf and tennis. There’s less risk but we have been put on the restrictions list.

"The mental health benefits of the sport are tremendous. A lot of people use it as their escape.

"Archery GB are asking clubs to lobby their MP and Parliament to see if they can make an exemption for it to take place outdoors.

Like most UK archery clubs, the Heugh Bowmen have experienced a loss in income this year while 13% of clubs aren’t sure if they can survive financially beyond April of next year.

The sport’s governing body claims archery ranges are a more controlled environment than a public park or footpath with archers booking their time and numbers limited so that those in attendance can socially distance.

It is supporting a petition from UK Active demanding emergency support to help grassroots sports survive which has been signed by more than 30,000 people so far.

The petition is calling on government to set up a Sports Recovery Fund to ensure sport clubs, fitness and leisure facilities can remain open and survive.

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