Friars Gate Archers

Founded in 1968 at Friars Gate Farm on the Ashdown Forest, we are now based at Barnsgate Manor Vineyards at Herons Ghyll, between Uckfield and Crowborough. The Club underwent a transformation during the Covid-19 pandemic as more people wanted to get out into the open air as much as possible following lockdown. Interest in our Club surged. We had a good look at what we do and who we are, and realised that participating in archery actually has a wide range of health and social benefits as well as simply being great fun for people of all ages. We currently have around 80 members and approximately 20 associate members.

Our mission to share the benefits of archery with the wider community led to us registering as a charity in 2023. Benefits include physical and mental health improvements, improved self-confidence and self-esteem, reduced isolation and loneliness, increased social participation, improved self-discipline, concentration and focus. We believe operating as a registered charity is the most appropriate structure for us to achieve our aims.

The charity's aims are to play an active role in the social, cultural and economic life of the community through the advancement of amateur sport, namely archery, in East Sussex and neighbouring counties. We work towards our aims by providing coaching, facilities and equipment at our target ranges and field archery courses, by holding community open days and taster sessions.

We also hold various social events for members and their families and also host events and activities open to the wider community.