About Harlequin Bowmen
A friendly, active archery club at Harwell Campus
Harlequin Bowmen is a welcoming archery club based at Harwell Campus, near Didcot. We bring together archers of all ages and experience levels, from complete beginners taking their first steps in the sport to experienced archers competing at club, county and national level.
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With around 130 members, including a strong junior section, we are an active and sociable club with regular shooting, coaching, competitions and club events throughout the year. Whether you are looking to try archery for the first time, return to the sport, compete more regularly or simply enjoy shooting with others, Harlequin Bowmen offers a supportive place to develop and enjoy your archery.
Club life at Harlequin Bowmen
Regular shooting all year round
Members have access to regular outdoor shooting at Harwell Campus, with indoor shooting available during the winter season.
Shooting arrangements vary by season, so members are kept updated through the club calendar and regular communications.
Club shoots and competitions
The club runs a full programme of archery activity throughout the year, including regular monthly shoots, fun shoots, club championships and postal league participation. These give members opportunities to shoot in a relaxed club setting, challenge themselves and take part in friendly competition.
Coaching and development
Archery is a sport where small improvements can make a big difference. Our coaches and experienced members help archers continue developing their technique, confidence and understanding of the sport after completing a beginners course.
Friendly club community
Harlequin Bowmen is not only about scores and competitions. The club is built around people enjoying archery together, sharing advice, supporting each other and creating a welcoming environment for new members, juniors, families and visiting archers.
Our history
Harlequin Bowmen has a long and unusual history. The club was founded in the late 1950s as the A.E.R.E. Archery Club at the then-named Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell.
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Although the club has not moved geographically, much has changed around it. The club name, the name of the Harwell site and even the county boundary have all changed over the years. What has remained constant is the club’s connection to Harwell and its commitment to giving people a place to enjoy archery.
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Today, Harlequin Bowmen remains proudly based at Harwell Campus and continues to welcome new generations of archers to the sport.
Our open tournaments
Harlequin Bowmen has a strong tradition of hosting open tournaments and welcoming archers from other clubs to shoot with us. Our open events are an important part of the club calendar and help us stay connected with the wider archery community.
Whether you are entering your first open competition or are an experienced tournament archer, our events aim to be well-organised, friendly and enjoyable.
