There’s a lot going on for Deer Park Archers.

Unsurprisingly, their busy schedules are filled with impressive achievement after impressive achievement.

Let’s start with Ella Gibson from Cirencester, who represented Great Britain in the World Indoor Junior Championships in South Dakota, USA.

“Ella has achieved this just one year after switching bow types,” said Roger Crang, the club’s development officer.

“She joined the GB development squad, and at the end of 2017 was ranked UK number one in the junior compound category. She then went on to successfully represent England in 2017 and won the British indoor and outdoor under-18 championships.

“When experiencing her first tournament on the world stage, Ella acquitted herself well – she’s gained vital tournament experience.

“She managed to finish eighth in the individual competition and was a member of the team that finished just outside the medals in fourth place.

“This will all prove to be invaluable experience as she continues to improve.”

It’s pretty clear that Ella is one talented archer.

And it’s not just her – Lucy Mason’s name is one frequently mentioned when the successful archers at Deer Park are discussed.

“Ella was part of a group of five archers from Deer Park that competed at the end of January in the prestigious Nimes Indoor World Cup Stage 3,” said Roger.

“She recorded a personal best of 579, just a point behind team mate Lucy Mason, who is world junior compound champion.

“Unfortunately, they then met in the head to head elimination quarter finals where Lucy recorded a new British record and beat the world cadet record.

“Lucy then progressed to the final where after a tied score she lost a single arrow shoot off.

“Fellow team member Grace Chappell finished 27th, but with a personal best score and Phoebe Pine 65th in the adult compound.

“Deer Park Archers’ very highly rated Sarah Bettles finished in overall eighth place in the highly competitive ladies recurve.”

One recent event in particular helps serve as proof of Deer Park Archer’s inclusive attitudes.

“The fifth annual inclusion shoot at Leisure at Cheltenham saw 120 archers from across the UK battle it out for honours,” said Roger.

The event wasn’t only inclusive towards able-bodied archers – archers with a wide range of disabilities were also welcomed.

“Categories at the tournament included visually impaired, special educational needs and a cross section of para-archers,” Roger added.

“Jo Frith MBE, silver medal winner at the Rio Paralympics, was a competitor and Lady Paramount for the tournament.”

Phoebe Pine, a para-archer from Cirencester, and Sue Sandars are two more of Deer Park’s inspirational stars.

“Phoebe, fresh from recording new world and European records at the recent World Cup event in Nimes, shot well and recorded another British para record.

“Sue Sandars completed her first tournament using her mouth to hold the arrow!

“A group from Enham Trust Archers, all with severe physical disabilities, again successfully completed the tournament – we’re proud to be a lead archery club in the campaign to promote just how inclusive archery can be.”

And the achievements just keep on coming.

“The club’s field archery league was recently concluded,” said Roger.

“This has only been possible following the continued development of our field course, which is now at a standard to host the county field championships later this year.”

It doesn’t sound as if the club’s busy schedules are going to get less hectic any time soon, as exciting times lie ahead – let’s just hope they have a chance to relax whilst this all goes on!

“We’ve also just completed three six-week beginner’s courses, giving another 30 new members a chance to master the sport and join our ranks, which are close to 250 members,” said Roger.

“There will be two more British record status indoor tournaments during March; both are fully subscribed, which is a great reflection of how the sport is growing.

“April will see the start of the outdoor season and a return to shooting at our home ground in Shurdington. Later in April, we will commence our weekly open community have-a-go sessions on Saturday afternoons.”

Deer Park Archers seem to have it all– they’re a supportive community with a positive attitude, and they’ve got bags of talent!

This club is at a very good place indeed, and this is unlikely to change any time soon.