The Bowmen of Harrow
Like to get in shape but worried you are too old or out of puff to start? Here is our fourth Fit for Life interview with a Londoner sharing their life-long love of exercise.
Newly-wed Irene Lawrence was keen husband Peter wasn’t home alone in the evenings and suggested he chose an evening class they could do together.
His interest in Spanish guitar proved short-lived but his next choice was even more curious.
Irene, 71, said: “He came home and told me he wanted to try archery!”
The couple collectively drew their bowstrings 50 years ago and fell in love with the sport becoming founding members of The Bowmen of Harrow.
The club, which has its own indoor range in John Lyons Playing Fields, draws members from all walks of life from electricians and teachers to housewives and plumbers.
Irene, who has represented the sport at county level, said the combination of physical and mental skills is appealing.
“I never expected to like archery but just fell in love with it. It’s quite therapeutic because once you step on the range you forget about everything else.”
Archery has enjoyed a big screen renaissance in recent years with the likes of bow-wielding heroine Katness Everdeen in The Hunger Games, Hawkeye in the Marvel franchise, and the Na’vi in Avatar.
Archery GB, the sport’s governing body, has more than 40,000 members and it is one of the oldest Olympic events.
Women shot from 80 yards and men from 100 yards at outdoor events with both competing over a shorter 25 metres distance indoors.
A leather bracer protects the forearm that draws the bow with arrows hitting the bulls-eye target at speeds of up to 200 mph.
The Bowman of Harrow offer taster sessions and lessons for those interested along with a busy calendar of matches and competitions.
New archers can join a five-week beginners course which is held every Wednesday evening. All the equipment is provided by the club.
“It is one of those sports which puzzle people a bit until they have a go and realise how much fun it is.”
For more information, visit bowmanofharrow.org.uk.