Another chapter in the wonderful success story that is Deer Park Archers is very close to being completed.

The go-ahead club are within days of completing the next stage of their project, namely a new clubhouse and training centre at their home opposite Endsleigh Insurance off Shurdington Road and just outside Cheltenham.

That has been their home for the past four years and the new clubhouse and training centre, which has been made possible thanks primarily to the support given by the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust who awarded them a grant of £100,000, is another significant step in the club’s history.

“Deer Park Archers have continued to achieve amazing results both on and off the field of play,” said club development officer Roger Crang. “The recent developments at the ground will ensure this progress is sustainable and that we continue to be affordable and inclusive.”

Deer Park are now one of the largest and most successful archery clubs in the UK, and are determined to remain true to their mission of developing the whole person and not just the archer while providing a quality, affordable experience for the whole family.

They have well over 200 members with ages ranging from six to 80 of all abilities and disabilities, recreational and performance, and include multiple world, European and British champions. In addition, two of their 25 coaches also work with the Great Britain Compound Squad.

And as well as buying their own ground four years ago, the club have greatly improved their environment and facilities, more than doubled their membership, significantly developed their volunteer workforce and strengthened their role in the community.

Crang is keen to stress how hard the club’s membership have worked to raise the additional funds required for the new clubhouse and training centre – a 90 ft covered shooting area – but at the same time ensuring everyone got the most out of every visit to the club’s wide range of social, recreational and archery activities.

He also highlighted the way that local businesses, the borough and county councils had all supported the ambitious project, in particular their neighbours Elliott’s Sand and Gravel and Tewkesbury Borough Council.

In one fundraising event more than 40 local businesses came together to support the club’s campaign. The club’s governing body, Archery GB, has also recently recognised their efforts.

The new clubhouse – a modular pre-fabricated building which will include a conference room, kitchen and toilets – will allow the club to run their summer open community have-a-go sessions during the winter.

The club will also launch their ‘men in sheds’ programme, targeting men 50-plus years old who can join a social group. Training will be provided to skill members up to help with the general activities from ground maintenance, target construction and repair, training as field crew or even field captains or just enjoying the social interaction.