The club was started in 1994 by the Magna Carta School, based in Egham, Surrey, with the aim of demonstrating to school students that there are alternatives to the more conventional youth sports and to provide an opportunity for individual development, which was not based on team activities.  It soon became obvious that the sport attracted a wide range of different student types and ages, all of whom enjoyed the benefits that Field Archery has to offer.  Whilst our membership was to say the least transitory, (starting at age 11 and ending at age 16), a number of older members were able to return to the club following a period away at college and provided much needed help in coaching new members.

When the club started it did so with an initial grant from the school PTA which bought 12 glass-fibre Flat Bows, 12 bracers, 12 tabs and a few dozen arrows.  The club soon became self financing, thanks in part to the work of the youngsters in making and mending tackle.  The club had a selection of Flat Bows and Recurves for the youngsters to try out and once they had shown a more than passing interest they were encouraged to buy their own bow and make their own arrows.  Other kit was generally adapted or made in order to leave cash to go towards targets for our club ground, (generously provided by Chris Butcher), near Chertsey in Surrey where we have now gained something of a reputation for the open competitions which we have staged over the years.

The club was soon shooting in open competitions, and the club was able to enjoy a number of successes with medals being won on most occasions.  There really is nothing like taking a nervous novice to their first shoot and see the look on their face when they show mum/dad their medal at the end.  In this respect we would like to say a most sincere thank you to the members of those clubs who made our youngsters welcome and in particular 'Company of 60' who always supported and encouraged those young archers.

 

From March - October each year, students of the club were taken to the woods every Friday evening to shoot, and over the Winter period, shooting was completed indoors at the school, often in the school canteen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In 2003 the club opened its doors to full membership which has allowed local archers to make use of the varied terrain on the 38 target site.  The increase in adult membership with the availability of work parties has also enabled us to put on more open and friendly shoots during the year and also to develop our densely wooded, and in places steep site into what is now becoming recognised as a very testing course.
 

In 2007 the club moved into its next phase.  The Magna Carta School Field Archery Club (T.M.C.S.F.A.C.) continued to run its school based training and shooting sessions whilst the adult section was re-named 'Magna Carta Field Archers' (M.C.F.A.) with the modified logo above and full club constitution under the auspices of the N.F.A.S.  Most people visiting the club ground for shoots did not notice much difference but significantly for the school, there were many more qualified archers to assist with the day to day running of the club, shoot organisation and, at times, student coaching.

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