Club News

Due to unforeseen circumstances we are unable to put on our Open Shoot on Sunday 27 September 2026.

This is an open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to participate in our field shoot.

If you would like to experience traditional archery in a woodland setting, Cloth of Gold Field Archery Club is arranging an Introduction to field archery, open to all experienced archers (no beginners please).

You must be an experienced archer affiliated with the EFAA, Archery GB or another archery association.

We hold this day for those who do not normally participate in field archery,
but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

Please arrive by 09:30 am for registration and briefing prior to a 10 am sharp start. The finish will depend on how many attend, but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood, and we use these to make the shoot more challenging, but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone with difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10 for both Seniors and Juniors (under 18)

No compound bows or crossbows are allowed due to the short distances involved in this shoot as it reflects realistic hunting distances (generally under 30m).

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring a packed lunch and wear sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place or for further information, please email Sandy Marwick at shootbookings.cofg@gmail.com 

If a member of your club is organising a group, then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

The New Cloth of Gold Bowhunter Challenge. The main change to this shoot is there is no negative scoring.

Prebook and prepay only.
Full catering.
No sights, compounds or crossbows.

Dogs welcome but must be on leads.

Contact for booking the shoot is by email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com. When booking please give contact details.

Cost is £10 for Seniors and free for Juniors (under 18)

The format for the Bow Hunter Challenge will be, 2 X 20. There may be more.

Shot from the red and yellow pegs only.

First time round: 2 arrows at each target from the red peg for a score of

10 for a kill and

2 for a wound and

0 for a miss.

Second time round 1 arrow at each target shot from the yellow peg for a score of

20 for a kill or

5 for a wound and

0 for a miss.

Bow Classes

Class 1 – Bows should be natural material. Arrows must be made of wood and shot over the back of the hand.

Class 2 – Bows, which are shot off the shelf. Arrow rests, sights, and stabilizers are not allowed. The arrows must be made of wood.

Class 3 – Bows, which may be equipped with an elevated arrow rest or shelf and/or a stabilizer up to 12″ in length and Plunger button. Carbon arrows. At least one finger must touch the arrow nock.

Please note, Horse Bows that use wooden arrows are in class 1 and Horse Bows that use carbon arrows are in class 3.

The Shoot Report from the Cloth of Gold Open Shoot on 29th Sept is available here on the NFAS website:

Cloth of Gold Shoot Report – 28th Sept 2025

The next Cloth of Gold shoot will take place on Sunday 31st May 2026 September. 

(Date for the diary)

Details and booking information to follow.

The next Cloth of Gold Open Shoot will take place on Sunday 28th September. This will be a double pegged course with 20 3D targets, twice round for 40 pegs. 
Registration from 08:30 and Start time 10:00 am. 

There will be full catering on-site. 
Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee is £10.00 Seniors & Free for Juniors

Booking instructions

(Word doc) Shoot booking September 2025

If you prefer, you can download this PDF add your details, save it and email it: Shoot booking September 2025

Booking details please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com

Here are the results from the Cloth of Gold Bodnik Style Shoot held on 29th June 2025.

Shoot-report-29-June-2025.pdf

Cloth of Gold is holding an Introduction to Field Archery on Sunday, 27^th July 2025. If you know anyone who would like to have a go, please let them know. They must be an experienced archer affiliated with the EFAA, Archery GB or another archery association.  All the information you need is below. 

This is an open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to participate in our field shoot.

We hold this day for those who do not normally participate in field archery, but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

The course is designed so that you have the opportunity for a tea break at regular intervals.

Please arrive by 09:30 am for registration and briefing prior to a 10 am sharp start, the finish will depend on how many attend, but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood, and we use these to make the shoot more challenging, but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone with difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10, which includes tea/ coffee etc.

We ask that anyone wishing to come lets us know in advance so we can manage refreshments and ensure we have enough provisions to meet demand.

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring a packed lunch and wear sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place, please email lawrancewiles@btinternet.com, or for further information, call our club chairman Lawrence Wiles on 07814014991

If a member of your club is organising a group, then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

Cloth of Gold – Bodnik Style Bowhunter Shoot – 29th June
Double pegged – Twice round 20 x 3Ds. Prebook and prepay only. 

No compound bows, no crossbows and no bows with sights. 

Registration from 09:00 a.m. and Start time 10:00 a.m.

Full catering.

Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee Adults £10, Juniors/Cubs £5. For booking details please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com

Cloth of Gold is holding an Introduction to Field Archery on Sunday, 13^th April 2025. If you know anyone who would like to have a go, please let them know. They must be an experienced archer affiliated with the EFAA, Archery GB or another archery association.  All the information you need is below. 

This is an open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to participate in our field shoot.

We hold this day for those who do not normally participate in field archery, but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

The course is designed so that you have the opportunity for a tea break at regular intervals.

Please arrive by 09:30 am for registration and briefing prior to a 10 am sharp start, the finish will depend on how many attend, but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood, and we use these to make the shoot more challenging, but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone with difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10, which includes tea/ coffee etc.

We ask that anyone wishing to come lets us know in advance so we can manage refreshments and ensure we have enough provisions to meet demand.

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring a packed lunch and wear sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place, please email lawrancewiles@btinternet.com, or for further information, call our club chairman Lawrence Wiles on 07814014991

If a member of your club is organising a group, then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

Photographs from the Cloth of Gold Open Shoot on 29 September 2024 are now in the Photo Gallery.

Here are the results and some photographs from the Cloth of Gold Bodnik Style Shoot held on 30 June 2024.

Bodnik Style Shoot Results-30 June 2024

The next Cloth of Gold Open Shoot will take place on Sunday 29th September.  This will be a double pegged course with 20 3D targets, twice round for 40 pegs.  Start time 10:00 am.  There will be full catering on-site.  Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee Adults £10, Juniors/Cubs £5. For booking details please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com.

21 April	Open Shoot -Double pegged, twice round 20 x 3Ds.
28 April	Introduction to Field Archery
30 June	Bodnick Style Shoot – Double pegged, twice round 20 x 3Ds.
29 Sept	Open Shoot -Double pegged, twice round 20 x 3Ds.
6 Oct	Introduction to Field Archery

More details and booking instructions on our ‘Calendar of Events’ Page

Here are the results from the Cloth of Gold Open Shoot held on Sunday 1st October 2023

Advanced notice – Cloth of Gold is holding an Introduction to Field Archery on Sunday, 8^th October 2023. If you know anyone who would like to have a go, please let them know. They must be an experienced archer affiliated with the EFAA, Archery GB or another archery association.  All the information you need is below. 

This is an open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to participate in our field shoot.

We hold this day for those who do not normally participate in field archery, but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

There will be 20 x 3D targets, double pegged. The “A” pegs are shot first then the second round is shot from the “B” pegs. A full explanation of this and scoring will be given prior to the start.

The course is designed so that you have the opportunity for a tea break at regular intervals.

Please arrive by 09:30 am for registration and briefing prior to a 10 am sharp start, the finish will depend on how many attend, but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood, and we use these to make the shoot more challenging, but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone with difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10, which includes tea/ coffee etc. (Juniors/Cubs £5)

We ask that anyone wishing to come lets us know in advance so we can manage refreshments and ensure we have enough provisions to meet demand.

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring a packed lunch and wear sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place, please email lawrancewiles@btinternet.com, or for further information, call our club chairman Lawrence Wiles on 07814014991

If a member of your club is organising a group, then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

The next Cloth of Gold Open Shoot will take place on Sunday 1st October.  This will be a double pegged course with 20 3D targets, twice round for 40 pegs.  Start time 10:00 am.  There will be full catering on-site.  Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee is £10.00. Booking details please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com

We will be holding our AGM in the woods on Sunday, 23 July 2023, at 1 pm.  (You can still shoot before and after the meeting) All members, please attend if you can, these meetings usually only last about an hour.  All new members are asked to attend.

Please send:

‘Apologies for Absence’.

Nominations for club officers.

Any proposals or points you wish to raise in ‘Any Other Business’.

to Rose Goss:  rosegoss96@gmail.com 

You can also vote for the person/s to receive the Odd Arrow Award.  Recent recipients have been: 2022 Peter Morgan,  2021 Sandy Marwick, and 2020 Mick Maxen.

We will be holding a two-day beginners course this summer,  over one weekend, at a  cost of £100 per person.   For details, please contact Dave Humphrys: dave.humphrys@lineone.net.

Advanced notice – Cloth of Gold is holding an Introduction to Field Archery on Sunday, 7^th May 2023. If you know anyone who would like to have a go, please let them know. They must be an experienced archer affiliated with the EFAA, Archery GB or another archery association.  All the information you need is below. 

This is an open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to participate in our field shoot.

We hold this day for those who do not normally participate in field archery, but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

There will be 20 x 3D targets, double pegged. The “A” pegs are shot first then the second round is shot from the “B” pegs. A full explanation of this and scoring will be given prior to the start.

The course is designed so that you have the opportunity for a tea break at regular intervals.

Please arrive by 09:30 am for registration and briefing prior to a 10 am sharp start, the finish will depend on how many attend, but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood, and we use these to make the shoot more challenging, but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone with difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10, which includes tea/ coffee etc. (Juniors/Cubs £5)

We ask that anyone wishing to come lets us know in advance so we can manage refreshments and ensure we have enough provisions to meet demand.

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring a packed lunch and wear sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place, please email lawrancewiles@btinternet.com, or for further information, call our club chairman Lawrence Wiles on 07814014991

If a member of your club is organising a group, then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

All the Cloth of Gold shoot dates for 2023 have been added to the Events Calendar.

The next Cloth of Gold Open Shoot will take place on Sunday 30 April.  This will be a double pegged course with 20 3D targets, twice round for 40 pegs.  Start time 10:00 am.  There will be full catering on-site.  Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee is £10.00 Adults & £5.00 Juniors. Too book please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com

New members wishing to join Cloth of Gold between 1 November and 31 January pay a reduced membership fee valid until 31 January, when they can renew at the standard membership rate for the following year.  See the Membership page for full details.

Here are the results from the Cloth of Gold Open Shoot held on the 2nd October 2022.

Cloth of Gold is holding an Introduction to Field Archery on Sunday 16^th of October 2022, if you know of anyone who would like to have a go, they must be an experienced archer with affiliation to the EFAA, GANS or another archer association.  All the information you need is below. 

An open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to take part in our field shoot.

We are holding this day for those who do not normally take part in field archery, but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

There will 20 x 3D targets, double pegged. The “A” pegs are shot first then the second round is shot from the “B” pegs. A full explanation of this and scoring will be given prior to the start.

The course is designed so that you have the opportunity for a tea break at regular intervals.

Please arrive by 09:30am for registration and briefing prior to a 10 am sharp start, the finish will depend on how many attend but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood and we use these to make the shoot more challenging but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone who has difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10 which includes tea/ coffee etc. (Juniors/Cubs £5)

We ask that anyone wishing to come lets us know in advance so we can manage refreshments and estimate club members needed.

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring some lunch and sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place please email lawrancewiles@btinternet.com or for further information call our club chairman Lawrence Wiles on 07814014991

If a member of your club is organising a group then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

The course and the practice butts at Cloth of Gold will be shut from 20th September to 2 October, this is so that a new course can be relayed for the open shoot on the 2^nd October. Sorry for any inconvenience but you will have a new course to shoot afterwards.

Here are the results from the Cloth of Gold Open Shoot held on the 17th July 2022.

The next Cloth of Gold Open Shoot will take place on Sunday 17th July.  This will be a double pegged course with 20 3D targets, twice round for 40 pegs.  Start time 10:00 am.  There will be full catering on-site.  Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee is £10.00. Booking details please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com

Here are the results from the Cloth of Gold Open Shoot held on the 8th May 2022.

At our open shoot on 8th May, we will have a table with archery items for sale. So if you have any archery items you wish to sell you are welcome to bring them along on the day.

The course and the practice butts at Cloth of Gold will be shut on Monday 25^th April 2022 for two weeks, this is so that a new course can be relayed for the open shoot on the 8^th May, there is a lot of work to be done if it gets finished before the two weeks are up we will let you know, sorry for any inconvenience but you will have a new course to shoot afterwards.

Cloth of Gold is holding an Introduction to Field Archery on Sunday 22^nd of May 2022, if you know of anyone who would like to have a go, they must be an experienced archer with affiliation to the EFAA, GANS or another archer association.  All the information you need is below. 

An open invitation to all Archers (target or otherwise) to take part in our field shoot.

We are holding this day for those who do not normally take part in field archery, but we also welcome other experienced field archers from clubs other than NFAS.

There will 20 x 3D targets, double pegged. The “A” pegs are shot first then the second round is shot from the “B” pegs. A full explanation of this and scoring will be given prior to the start.

The course is designed so that you have the opportunity for a tea break at regular intervals.

The start time is 10 am sharp, the finish will depend on how many attend but you are free to leave whenever it is safe to do so.

Participants take part in groups of no more than 5 which includes one Cloth of Gold member.

There are many deep ponds in the wood and we use these to make the shoot more challenging but it does mean that there are steps and slopes to be navigated and is therefore not suitable for anyone who has difficulty walking.

The cost for the day is £10 which includes tea/ coffee etc. (Juniors/Cubs £5)

We ask that anyone wishing to come lets us know in advance so we can manage refreshments and estimate club members needed.

No Broadheads or Bodkins.

Bring some lunch and sturdy shoes/boots.

To book a place please email lawrancewiles@btinternet.com or for further information call our club chairman Lawrence Wiles on 07814014991

If a member of your club is organising a group then you only need to advise them of your intention to attend.

We are located at Stable Wood, Red Lion Lane, Great Gaddesden, Hertfordshire HP2 6EZ http://www.clothofgold.org/directions/

The next Cloth of Gold Open Shoot will take place on Sunday 8th May.  This will be a double pegged course with 20 3D targets, twice round for 40 pegs.  Start time 10:00 am.  There will be full catering on-site.  Pre-book and pre-pay only – Entry Fee is £10.00. Booking details please email ShootBookings.CofG@gmail.com

The new Cloth of Gold website is now live.  Older news posts and photo galleries from the old website will be gradually transferred across to the new site.

A map showing the location of the new wood can now be found in the club section of the website under ‘How To Find Us‘.

You can also get directions on how to get there too so take a look!

The gallery section of the new website is looking a little bare. In fact, at the time of writing this there aren’t any pictures in it at all! So, lets start filling it up!

Email steve at: steve.leech1@ntlworld.com with your archery pics and we’ll get them on the site. Oh and don’t forget to include your name and captions for your photos.

The committee has just received a draft contract for the use of stable wood, on the Great Gaddesdon Estate, This is one of the woods used for the last national championships at Hemmel Hempstead. The contract will be three years (to be reassessed after one) and we will take possession from January 1st 2011, it is a superb wood, of about 15 acres, and very dynamic. We will have permission to erect our all weather shelter and we will also be renting dry storage in the nearby farm buildings. The site is close to motorways, and requires only about 1 1/2 miles of country lanes. Obviously it’s position will be easier to reach for some members than others, but it’s worth the travel.