Budding Robin Hoods and William Tells are being encouraged to take aim at the Wanganui Archery Club.
Established in 1945, the past 66 years have seen highs and lows - and, in recent, years, something of a struggle to survive.
However, a recent influx of members and the acquisition of a clubhouse has given the club - and the sport - a lift.
The rejuvenation was evidenced when 32 archers lined up a couple of weeks ago at the Wellington Archery Association's 600 shoot, where archers, shooting from 30 metres away, aim to achieve a score of 600 or more out of a possible 900 on their nominated size target.
The event attracted a few visiting bowmen who left well impressed.
New club captain Ian Hollins commented: "The club has seen a noticeable upturn in membership over the past year and it's currently looking pretty healthy after a couple of years with little growth."
One significant step forward has been buying the former pigeon club - for one dollar - and turning it into a clubhouse at the Wembley Park site.
It was in a pretty bad state but members have worked hard to smarten it up and thus create an agreeable club atmosphere.
"Back in the 1970s, the clubhouse was burnt down, and for many years after the club made do with little more than a storage shed.
"About a year ago the club acquired the old pigeon club's premises and people have put countless hours into bringing it up to a standard that can be used for meetings and a much needed tea or coffee after a day's shooting.
"We are never going to be a huge club but our strength is we will always be a friendly, inclusive and approachable bunch. We will be concentrating on attracting groups - school, corporate, social etc - to come and give archery a try.
"The 600 shoot was a great example of what we're best suited to - not too formal and a really good, fun day."
The club offers an introduction to the sport, with training for novices and new members, and it has collaborated with the YMCA in a programme introducing youngsters to archery.
The membership ranges from teenagers to stalwarts like secretary Rob McMillan, 45 years a dead-eye competitor with 15 national titles to his name. A New Zealand selection for the 1980 Olympics, he missed out because of the boycott of the Moscow Games.
At the 600 shoot, he was aiming at a target just 10 centimetres in diameter and managed a few hits on a bullseye that measured a mere 10 millimetres wide.
The club shoots every Saturday from 1pm, and its next major event is on Queen's birthday weekend in June.
Anyone wanting more information, can contact Mr McMillan on 06 3426636.
Club hope newcomers target sport
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