About Assheton Bowmen
Our Club
Assheton Bowmen was founded in 1992 by the late David Frost, with the aim of promoting archery in all its forms. Sadly, David passed away in 1997, but his vision and fantastic work have continued through the dedication of our committee and members.
Today, we remain committed to providing a welcoming environment where archers of all abilities can enjoy the sport, develop their skills and share their passion for archery.
Club Shooting Days and Times
Our regular club days are:
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday: From 9:00 am onwards
These times are approximate and indicate when members are generally most likely to be at the club.
Members with their own club key may shoot at other times, subject to club rules, range availability and applicable safety requirements.
Visitors, beginners and non-members must arrange their attendance in advance. Please check the club calendar before visiting to ensure the ranges are open and available.
Club Facilities
Assheton Bowmen offers a range of facilities to support our archery activities and the social side of club life.
Indoor Shooting Range
Our clubhouse features a newly refurbished 12-lane, 18-metre indoor shooting range, providing a dedicated space for practice and club activities throughout the year.
The clubhouse has disabled access, including an accessible toilet, alongside separate ladies’ and gents’ toilets.
Outdoor Shooting Field
Our spacious outdoor field can comfortably accommodate up to 30 bosses and offers shooting distances of up to 100 yards, allowing members to practise at a variety of distances.
Clubhouse and Social Facilities
Our clubhouse includes a large, comfortable lounge and seating area where members can relax and socialise.
The fully equipped kitchen includes:
- Tea and coffee-making facilities
- An oven
- A microwave
- A fridge
- A sink
These facilities help make the clubhouse a welcoming place for members to spend time together before, during and after shooting.
Secure Grounds and Parking
Our grounds are fully fenced, providing a secure environment for members. Members with the appropriate key and alarm access codes can access the club 24 hours a day, seven days a week, subject to club rules and safety requirements.
There is ample parking available around the clubhouse, making it convenient for members visiting to shoot or take part in club activities.
Obtaining a Club Key
Club keys and alarm access codes allow members to access the facilities when other members are not on site. Access is subject to the following arrangements.
New Members
New members must complete 20 visits to the club on designated club nights before they can be considered for a key and alarm access codes.
Returning Members Within 18 Months
Members returning within 18 months of their membership expiring will be treated as returning members.
They may exchange their existing key for a current key or, if their original key was returned, pay the £5 deposit for a replacement.
Returning Members After 18 Months
Members who have been away from the club for more than 18 months will be treated as new members and must complete the 20-visit requirement again before being considered for a key and alarm access codes.
This policy follows the club's arrangements relating to the Archery GB membership fee discount for new members.
Please note: The 18-month period refers to the time away from Assheton Bowmen, regardless of whether the individual has maintained their Archery GB membership during that period.
History
Our Patron, Lord Clitheroe, is Richard Assheton, a direct descendant of the original Black Knight.
On 22nd August, 1513, James the Fourth, King of Scotland,crossed the border at Coldstream with an army of over 50,000 men and a powerful train of cannon. With Henry VIII campaigning in France, Richard Assheton, Manorial Lord of Middleton, was commanded to raise a contingent and march to Hornby Castle in North Lancashire to rendezvous with Sir William Molyneux and from there take their place in the Division commanded by Sir Edward Stanley.
The English Commander-in-Chief, the Earl of Surrey, with his army of 26,000 men prepared to move forward to engage the Scots who had moved their position to Flodden Edge, about five miles south of the border.
Although badly outnumbered, the English finally engaged the Scots on the 9th September just North of Flodden at Branxton. Angered by English cannon fire, the Scots left their commanding high ground position to charge down onto the opposing force leaving behind a highland division in reserve. It was this division that was to be the target for Stanley and Assheton.
Through rain and mud, the English began to climb Pace Hill, staying well to the left of the Highlanders to avoid detection, they clambered up the slippery ground. The archers from Middleton, Hopwood and Langley took off their shoes to get a better grip in the mud. Stanley had directed some of his troops to gain the attention of the Scots whilst Assheton and his bowmen continued to climb.
Finally reaching the top, they loosed a volley of arrows, through the rain, at the Highlanders, who were totally unprepared for the attack. Casualties were heavy and the Scots withdrew in confusion leaving Richard Assheton and his archers holding the high ground.
Stanley and his men moved down the hill to where the main battle was taking place, effectively trapping James’ army between the main English forces. James and his Household Knights were killed almost to a man. When King James’ body was found, amongst his many wounds, was one, caused by an arrow that had hit him in the head. Richard Assheton was knighted on the field of battle in recognition of his valour and the contribution of his Middleton Archers.
Returning home, Sir Richard Assheton gave thanks at St. Leonards Parish Church and in it, hung his battle armour as well as the sword of Sir William Foreman, an important Scottish Knight he had captured. Shortly after, Sir Richard rebuilt much of the church and installed the magnificent Flodden Window depicting 17 archers along with their names. The Flodden Window, in the sanctuary, is thought to be the oldest war memorial in the UK and is still on view to this day, along with other relics brought back from the Battle of Flodden.