SCA Archers
The Barony of Politarchopolis is a community group in Canberra and the surrounding region devoted to learning medieval skills and enjoying medieval pastimes. They don’t just read about history, they live it!
Fighting, feasting, costuming, crafting, music, dance… if it was done in pre-17th century Europe, they know someone interested in recreating it.
They’re part of a global organisation called the Society for Creative Anachronism (the SCA), and one of 42 local groups in the Australia/New Zealand chapter: the Kingdom of Lochac.
Archery is popular in the SCA, and the Barony of Politarchopolis has some of the best. Our target archery has similar rules and equipment to many other groups, so previous experience will stand you in good stead.
If you’d like to have a go at shooting a bow, contact the Captain of Archers at archery@politarchopolis.lochac.sca.org, or come along to their regular practice – they’ve always got extra equipment for beginners to try!
Combat Archery
In addition to target archery, they also conduct combat archery with armoured fighters on the War Field. It’s like paintball, medieval-style! They use ‘blunts’ (arrows with flat rubber tips), low-poundage bows, and light armour to reduce chances of injury. Unlike target archers, all combat archers must be authorised as safe combatants before they take the field.
Weekly Training
Archery Practice is Sundays from 10:00am to noon at Tuggeranong Archery Club (TAC).
Cost $10 to non-members of the TAC, normal range fees to members. Historical costume is only worn on the 1st Sunday of the month, the rest of the time, you’ll find us in ordinary clothes so it’s a great opportunity to meet up with like minded people in a casual setting.
Standard Schedule:
1st Sunday – Town Archer – (an attempt at medieval costume required). IKAC, or other shoot as advised. (February to November).
2nd and 4th Sunday – General practice.
3rd Sunday – Field Archery.
5th Sunday – Novelty or Practice
All shoots and competitions are voluntary