Cowdenbeath man on a mission to bring archery to town

John has big dreams of setting up archery provisions in Cowdenbeath. <i>(Image: Supplied and Kenny Eliason)</i>
John has big dreams of setting up archery provisions in Cowdenbeath. (Image: Supplied and Kenny Eliason)
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A Cowdenbeath man is on a mission to get access to archery set up in the town.

After suffering from a decline in his health, bus driver John McCann started archery, and now wants to encourage others to get involved with the sport.

He said: "I don't have the mobility like I used to. I thought that I fancied an activity that doesn't rely on health. I need a hobby I can sustain into my old age, and archery looked spot on for me.

" I bought myself a bow and then thought, where do you go?

"I know there's Cluny Activities and Windmill Community Campus, but there's nowhere for people in the Cowdenbeath area."

John took to Facebook to gauge support and was overwhelmed by responses from people of all ages who were keen on the introduction of archery provisions. He later spoke with staff at the town's leisure centre to see if it could be considered.

"They said they'd pass on my interest to Fife Sport and Activities. Maybe taster days would be good, get folk in and see if it's for them. I got my bow, and it cost next to nothing. I told the leisure centre I'm prepared to put together 6 starter bows so people can try it.

John has had some conversations with a representative of the biggest field archery club in the UK, who lives in Cowdenbeath and could instruct. He's hopeful that these talks may now materialise.

He added: "It's a great centre, for those in Ballingry, Lochgelly, Crossgates and Halbeath, there are great transport links with bus and train to come here."

A representative of Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre said: "We can confirm a customer has expressed an interest in attending archery classes at Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre.

"Currently, archery is not an activity we offer at the venue. Any changes to this would be dependent on demand in the area, and availability of any qualified instructors which would allow us to pursue this further. As always, we are open to any new enquiries to book or use our facilities."

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