Keswick Archery Club Seeks Permanent Base to Ensure Survival

Supporters of the volunteer-run Keswick Able and Disabled Archers have made urgent appeals to planners in the Lake District to secure a permanent outdoor range near Portinscale. The club, which has served the community since its formation in 2011, is facing potential closure without a stable home after being displaced from its previous venues due to rising costs.

The club has submitted a planning application to the Lake District National Park Authority for the conversion of a 3.3-acre grazing field located approximately half a mile down a dirt track from the A66. The proposal seeks to establish the site as an archery range, which would include the installation of two shipping containers for equipment storage, a composting toilet, and a hard-standing area for parking.

A club representative emphasized the importance of this location for the club’s future. “Receiving planning permission to utilize this field for recreational purposes would provide us with a lifeline to continue supporting the community through archery,” they stated. They also mentioned that the club is in the process of purchasing the field, but delays have impacted the timeline for changing its use to recreational purposes.

Currently, the club has the landowner’s permission to use the field, but has been instructed to limit its activities while awaiting planning approval. The representative noted that securing a stable home is crucial for the club, which has over 40 members aged from six to ninety, many of whom face various physical and neurodiverse challenges.

The club has engaged with local organizations, including the Calvert Trust, youth groups, and schools, to promote inclusivity in archery. Recently, it has also supported a severely visually impaired archer in learning and practicing with specialized equipment.

Support for the planning application has been robust, with 20 letters endorsing the proposal, including one from an 11-year-old boy who has autism, epilepsy, and hypermobility. He described the club as a pivotal part of his life, stating that it has improved his focus, concentration, and overall mental and physical health.

Tony Mason, a club supporter, shared how the facility has positively impacted his recovery from cancer and heart problems. “This facility has provided me with the ability to enjoy a good, safe level of exercise that is vital for my long-term recovery and health,” he explained. Mason highlighted the mental health benefits of being part of the club, noting that the friendships he developed there have been crucial for his well-being.

Additionally, Susie Hale, who suffers from fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis, expressed gratitude for the community she found through the club after losing her husband. “I found a wonderful group of friends,” she said, noting that the sport helps her to calm her mind and feel safe in social settings.

Concerns about the potential loss of the shooting ground have resonated deeply within the community, with many expressing a sense of heartbreak at the thought of the club’s closure. The club’s representative reiterated that the proposed plans would have minimal negative impact on the area and could enhance local biodiversity while delivering significant community benefits.

As the planning process unfolds, the Keswick Able and Disabled Archers remain hopeful for a favorable outcome that will allow them to continue their vital work in promoting archery for all members of the community.