May 9, 2019
The Barambah Bowhunters and Field Archers Association are gearing up for a big weekend on May 25-26.
The occasion is the annual Trad Bash, which will see more than 100 archers converge on the club’s headquarters in Bowhunters Road, Nanango, for two days of archery.
What makes the Trad Bash different is that rather than using modern archery equipment, participants will take to the field with traditional bows and arrows.
To make the event even more fun, participants will be encouraged to dress in traditional archery, medieval or cosplay styles.
During the weekend, they’ll take part in mock hunts and take aim at 2D and 3D targets, as well as test their skills against moving targets in a series of novelty events.
Members of the public are also welcome to take part in the Trad Bash.
The club will have archery equipment available for loan, along with free tuition on how to use it.
The Trad Bash has been running for more than 10 years and is one of a number of regular events the archery club runs throughout each year.
Others include monthly Fun Days for potential new members – the next will be held on Sunday, June 9 between 9:00am and noon – along with fortnightly handicap or interclub shoots.
Bowhunters spokesperson Bob Lambert said a lot of work has gone into the club’s 100-acre grounds in the past few years.
Improvements included an overnight caravan area for visitors; four shooting ranges; and a clubhouse complex that now includes a large octagonal undercover area, a bar, kitchen, offices and storage.
A grant from Nanango’s Heritage Community Bank also helped pay for a modern ablutions block.
Future plans include erecting a 15-metre tower so archers can practice shooting from heights; a fifth range; and further upgrades to the caravanning area to make it even more welcoming for visitors.
Bob said archery can have a “blokey” image but it’s really a family sport and younger members were particularly welcome.
“Our club has a really good social atmosphere and we tell people to just ‘join and enjoy’,” Bob said.
The club also has a solid core of members who enjoy traditional archery because it’s one of the oldest forms of sport, which stretches back to the dawn of human history.
- The Barambah Bowhunters and Field Archers Association are located in Bowhunters Road, South Nanango (turn at Virgil’s Artisan’s Village on the D’Aguilar Highway). People interested in finding out more can phone secretary Joh Simpson on 0447-032-122, send her an email or visit the club’s website
