To think archery has no place on a public playing field?

[IroningThrone]

I live in a village with a large public sports/playing field - it has grass tennis courts, football pitches and such marked out. Dogs are allowed and I've always used it to give my dog a good run around (he's on a 50ft bright pink lead, not running loose. I tend to stick to the edges near the hedges so I'm not disturbing anyone!)

Walking today and just been shouted at by man setting up archery targets. They're set out so 1/3 of the field is now unusable. I'd planned to loop round the full field (as shown by the blue line- red dot is where he was setting up. Blue blob is where I entered the field!) He also wasn't shooting at the time so I'm not sure why he felt the need to shout at me that I couldn't go that way!

It's a public field with multiple access points - aibu to think that archery belongs somewhere where the access can be more controlled? A kid could quite easily run in from the side access and right across where he'd plonked himself!

The archery club website says they are based at the sports field.

The sports field Fb page makes several mentions of the archery club, as donors and as hosting open days.

(Also an inevitable post about increasing problems with dog fouling 😂)

You’re right. I would ask the same question if I was in her position, so until the OP has the information I cannot blame her for asking.

But to clarify. The field listed above is the leased field we hold. Our current lease is until 2041. The field is under the branch of Greatham Sports Field Association, registered charity no: 1079944

Regarding people shooting in the winter. Just because it’s our winter season does not mean we cannot shoot outdoors. Some members continue to shoot on an ad hoc basis because of work schedule or continuance of practice or competitions. We can actually use it 365/366 should we desire. Archers of the club who shoot on the field will have a key on loan from the committee and this access to targets. If you see an archer on a field without targets chances are they are not a member of our club.

Regarding signage, there is a giant sign stating Greatham Sports Field Association with an Archery Club Board also. It’s been there many years. Additionally there is signage on the gates and around the fence stating private land and archery signage. Additional signage goes out on the day.

As I said before should this become an issue the field will be closed to all. Which is a shame as we know the regular dog walkers and they know us and our field of play.

It may also be worth Greg reminding anyone practising on their own outdoors that they have to have the proper signage out and appropriate safety precautions as if it were a club session.

Thank you to all who contributed. It’s helped us with peoples other perspectives and I hope this will help others.

Thank you for this. Members are reminded to notify us when they attend the outdoor range. Especially alone. They all sign they will comply with the Rules of Shooting and should any member not adhere to this they may have their membership revoked.

There’s a archery group who use our local public playing fields. Can’t say as it bothers me in the slightest. I’ve never heard anyone else moaning either. Looks like good fun.
It’s a sports field not a dog walking field.

Having read @GregJP ‘s input I’ve changed my vote to YANBU. I hope you have read and digested this op.

Thank you for taking the time to follow up on the post and comment. I believe we have all learnt something today and I don’t blame the OP, in-fact I agree if you see something then say something. People don’t often like to challenge but sometimes we need too,

On another note, anyone interest in archery visit www.startarchery.co.uk and you can find your local club. :)

Looking at this image again from google maps I wonder why you blacked out the club name as that point was placed by me when I set it up on google. Makes us seem we should not legitimately be there?.

A little underhanded tactics I think. Perhaps created a post for a response and didn’t expect it to be seen by the club and it’s members?.

And this may now become the detriment of herself and others if we close the field completely. This is sad.

Interesting picture @GregJP

Thank you

Yes @GregJP I wondered this too! I saw the club very clearly pointed out on Google maps!

I can confirm that archery is a great sport. DH is in a local club and I manage to get rid of him for hours!

I can't wait for OP to come back. She has been rather naughty. 🤣

What a thread for a Monday morning

In fairness to the OP she may have blocked the name out trying to protect confidentiality. Not only for the club but also do people don’t realise where she lives.

You’re telling me. Lol. Only came to see what a member was talking about.

I get that but if she done some investigation like some of you she would have known. And to have taken a screenshot and seeing our club listed to black it out and make a post.?????

I dont read it like this at all. Fairly obvious OP has redacted all identifying info for no other reason than that

Yup, agree with PP. It looks to me like the OP just removed all wording they felt would identify the location and therefore leave them vulnerable to being recognised in real life. This is typical mn ettiquette and nothing more, imo.

I think Hugh should get some kind of lovely Christmas gift from his archery club!

Maybe the archer got tangled up in the OPs ridiculously long lead and shouted at her!

Ok I get that. But then wouldn’t these identifying things give you the answers you were looking for?. The gate at the front where she walked through has a giant sign saying Greatham sportsfield and below home of archery club. It’s about 4 foot high and 6 foot wide approximately 4-5 foot off the ground. Then she would see bright yellow warning signs for archery and also private land signs. In addition to the google maps she would click on the club and take to our Facebook pages

Thing is when op took the screenshot herself she would of seen it as having an archery club on the field. Which answered her own question that clearly they are allowed to be there.

It's it archery with plungers or proper arrows.

If it's arrows that's outrageous

Outrageous on private property? That they have warning signs up for because they are nice enough to let dog walkers use their field?

best to shut the field off no but dog walking space because of others stupidity.

Archery generally is arrows and why is it outrageous. It’s an Olympic sport!. We are affiliated and governed by Archery Great Britain (AGB).