In 1981, the Wyre Forest District Council organised a 10 week course in archery for the disabled and physically handicapped as part of the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). Due to the success of the course, Ted Turner (WFDC Recreation Officer) and interested persons held an inaugural meeting on th 15th of September 1981 with the aim to form an archery club. Lois Hawkins, a member of the National Association of Archery Coaches, was invited to highlight necessary requirements.

The following officers were elected:

• Chairman – Lois Hawkins
• Secretary – Margaret Wildman
• Treasurer – Ken Pope
• Records Officer – R Minton
• Ordinary Members – Jim McLeod, M Corrigan, Terry Beese

On the 10th of September 1982, the club held it’s first AGM. As the club was growing in size, it was felt a social secretary needed to be appointed to manage events. In the meeting, two names were proposed for the club: Wyre Forest Archery Club and Wyre Forest Company of Archers. Attendees voted unanimously for the 2nd one!

Initially, there were 18 members (from the meeting) who started shooting at Harry Cheshire High School. The club later moved to Offmoor Farm, then the Stourport Road football ground. After over 30 years at Upper Arley, we moved to Stourport Cricket Club. Read more about where we currently shoot here.

If you have photographs or more information to add to the WFCA story, please get in touch through our contact page. We’d love to hear from you!