About Us

History

The Geraldine Archery Club was established at a meeting held on 15 February 2006 and a committee was formed with Clive Grundy being elected as the Club’s first President.  Up until that point there had been no club in Geraldine but coaching was available to pupils at the Geraldine High School by Clive Grundy.

Initially club members used the school grounds on a Sunday afternoon but it was soon realised  that better facilities were needed and the move to the Orari Racecourse was made in October with the Club’s first Public Open Day being held on 29 October 2006.  In spite of being rained off  it was deemed a success as we had in excess of 70 people “having a go”. From this a number of interested people then participated in the coaching classes offered by the Geraldine School of Archery run by club member Stewart Stott and others were coached by Clive Grundy, a club member.

In the Club’s first year 15 completed the coaching course, the following year that had increased to 60 and in 2007/2008 the number fell to 25.   During 2008/2009 year 38 individuals took part then 2009/2010 saw a slight decrease with only 21.   2010/2011 season finished with 18 which was the same as 2011/2012.   An increase in 2012/2013 to 28 and then a big increase to 48 in 2013/2014 but a decrease in 2014/2015 down to 29.

We have also had groups from Brownies, Girl Guides, Gleniti  School,  Geraldine High School who have come for 10 years. Timaru Boys High School, Waimate High School who have been sending along a small group since 2008.   Waihi School,  St. Joseph’s, Timaru, Geraldine Primary School, Geraldine Scout Group,  Pleasant Point Cubs, Kiwi Family Trust (from Christchurch and came twice yearly for several years).   Lyalldale Young Farmers, tanker drivers from Fonterra, staff from Ecan, Rainer Irrigation (Ashburton) and even members of the Midland District Police Force.   Hinds Youth Group, Hinds Scout Group,  We have also had the odd group for a birthday party.

The club has been successful in obtaining a number of grants which have enabled us to purchase equipment in the form of target butts, bows, arrows, quivers etc. and we now have quite an impressive inventory.   Members can initially use club equipment but in the case of senior members they are encouraged to purchase their own bows etc after 12 months.   Juniors are better staying with club equipment as they move up to stronger bows as their form develops.

The club caters for juniors and seniors and it is a sport that families can participate in together.   However we do not accept children under 10 years of age.

Our major purchase for 2008/2009 was “Robin” our shuttle trailer which enables us to store the equipment and allows us to take it to venues other than Orari.

2009/2010 the club purchased another 2 metal target stands.

2010/2011 and we really came to the notice of South Canterbury people when we were placed as Runners Up in the Sports & Leisure Section of the TrustPower Community Awards on 4 July.   We were also recognized in the “Go Geraldine” awards and were presented with a Certificate.

In October 2010 we hosted the archery section of the South Island Masters Games for the 1st time and have continued to do so every alternate year.

2011/2012 we had the smallest membership ever but we had good keen archers competing in Archery NZ, SIDAA and inter-club competitions such as ECBOPAA and doing well.

We were fortunate to receive a donation from Mid-South Canterbury Community Trust which enabled us to purchase more equipment and the luxury of a gazebo.

July 2012 our Club President, Stewart Stott, was awarded with a medal and certificate from the Timaru District Council “for outstanding voluntary service to the community”.

2012/2013 we had a small membership but very keen members

Sadly on November 7th 2012, Clive Grundy, our first President passed away.

2013/2014 saw an influx of people doing the coaching course.

We finished 1st in Division 4 in the Archery NZ Postal League, John won gold at the NZ Masters, Stewart won silver at the South Island Masters in Nelson, Richard was 3rd in the Royle Hutton Memorial Shoot, Stewart 3rd in the ECBOPAA Summer Shoot and our team of John & Richard were placed 10th in the World in the Philadelphia Shoot.   Great results all round for such a small club.

Regretfully I also that our Webmistress Linda Yerbury passed away on 22nd December 2013.   Linda was Carl Utiger’s Partner and a great help in our club.

2014 We finished 4th in Division 3 in the ANZ Postal League and the B team was 2nd in Division 7.   This was our absolutely worst year weather-wise with very cold and windy days.   

2015/2016 we had a visit from the Grey Goose Wing Archery Society, Christchurch in December 2015 and again in February 2016 to shoot the Royle Hutton Memorial Shoot (Waitangi Day Shoot) with us.

2018/2019   We took over the old bar building at the racecourse and after a lot of hard work, mainly by Stewart we have a great indoor venue complete with fixed indoor targets.   Brilliant.

Coaching   

The club holds coaching classes all year round at their archery range at the Orari Racecourse, Orari Station Road, Orari.   These are held on a Sunday (usually at 11.00 am) and cost $60 for 4 lessons provided by Stewart Stott, Paul Wulff who are all qualified Archery New Zealand Coaches.   All equipment is supplied.

Since the Club's formation coaching has been provided to schools, school camps, other outdoor groups, corporate entities and holiday program groups.

First Aid Certified Members are Henriette Wilson and Philip Butler.

Enquiries phone 0277115564