Islington’s 2020 Archery

It’s highly unlikely but you might ask yourself what a fraudulent and duly convicted ex-politician, one of the oranges on the Monopoly board, a toff-breeding public school pronounced in a cockney accent and hitting targets have in common. Before University Challenge’s disqualified champion Gail Trimble has a chance to buzz in and decipher this most convoluted of conundrums, I’ll tell you; Lord Archer, Bow Street and ‘Arrow.

On an afternoon where a modest percentage of the capital’s testosterone was guzzling Carling while watching said beverage’s stalemate of a cup final, I tested my hand (quite literally) to a bit of archery.

An unashamed addict of the sport every four years the Olympics come around, I was eager to up my interest and realise my dream of one day becoming an Olympian myself. No joke. So where better a place to start than at the newly opened 2020 Archery Centre in scenic Islington suburbia.

All kitted out and warmed up, I was a picture of excitement. However, with my first two arrows embarrassed, both strewn on the floor, my enthusiasm took a knock. I was accompanied by a member of the opposite sex though (who appeared to be a natural), so I wasn’t going to give up. From fellow archer to arch rival in a trice, I was ready to find my range. I had to be.

Were it not for the patience and competence of the coaching staff, my archery dream (synonymous with my pride) would have been dealt a blow that day. But my instructor Lee’s passion for the sport really rubbed off on me and before I knew it I was hitting sixes and sevens consistently.

As it turned out, courtesy of some dubious ‘International’ rules (and my last arrow being a 10), I pulled off the narrowest of victories over my fellow Legolas. Of course, I was gracious in victory.

So would I go again? Yes. Disregarding the fact it’s only five minutes from my doorstep and a mere £10 for an unlimited open session including equipment hire, would I go again? You know Oasis’ first album featuring Live Forever on it? Reverse the word order, add a ‘not’ at the beginning and you have my answer: not maybe, definitely.

Whether you’re a beginner or a self-adjudged professional like me, the 2020 Archery Centre has a range of lessons, courses and ‘have a go’ sessions for everyone to get involved in. And the centre plays host to birthdays and corporate occasions too so get a group of you together and try something new at the weekend.

2020 Archery Centre
17 Barnsbury Terrace
Islington
N1 1JH

Tel: 07753 882 467

www.2020archery.co.uk