The club’s membership has swelled by 50 per cent, with many new families enjoying archery without having to join an association.

In March the club took part in World Dragon Shooting Day.

The worldwide event was created by an eight-year-old boy in America to remember his dragon and archery loving Dad who passed away suddenly.

Over 50 archers took part in Avon’s event, shooting dragon themed targets, eating dragon themed food and raising funds to support the Gloucester Hospital Auxiliary.

Michael Caelli from the Singleton Archery Society made a life size green dragon target for the kids to shoot.

The club was thrilled to donate $500 to the hospital auxiliary to assist them to continue to provide quality care and comfort to patients.

The overall Dragon Slayer award went to Logan Griffin from Singleton Archery Society and the Littlest Dragon Slayer award went to Avon’s Jack Byron.

Since becoming an independent club, Avon has hosted several invitational two-day shoots for archers of all abilities and experience.

One fun addition to all events is the cougar peg.

In field archery, the adult peg can be up to 80 yards from the target and very intimidating for new archers.

The cougar peg is positioned much closer and allows beginners to gain confidence shooting from closer distances while still participating and competing.

Avon’s members continue to perform well at an international level.

Ten of the club’s members travelled to Sale in Victoria for the Pacific Region Field Archery Championships.

The championships are held over five days with a variety of targets shot from marked distances. The team shot exceptionally well with Avon picking up nine medals.

Janszen Cook came in first in Junior Boys Freestyle Unlimited B Class and was also named Pacific Region and Australian Champion as his score was higher than the A Class archers.

Rose Innes held the Australian and Pacific Region records in Cub Girls Barebow Recurve for both the Field and Hunter Rounds after days one and two.

Rose continued to break her personal best scores and records over the next three days and narrowly missed out on first place overall.

Annette Stevens and Patrick Innes were awarded Australian and Pacific Region Champions for their efforts in their respective divisions.

Special mention to Michelle Hunter who shot a near perfect 558 out of a possible 560 on the last day to take out Ladies Freestyle Unlimited B Class.

Debbie Innes and Paul Innes were awarded gold medals with Cheyne Hunter and Brett Paddison taking out silver medals in their respective divisions. Narelle Cook narrowly missed out on a medal taking fifth place in her division.

The club shoots twice per month and the calendar can be found at their website www.avonvalleyfieldarchers.com or like them on Facebook.