On target: DEFRA funds archery venture on local farm

A Nottinghamshire farm on the Robin Hood way has opened its doors to a custom-made archery business, with help from a grant of over £70,000 from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).

Custom Built Archery have opened their new headquarters at Ryalls Farm in Eakring. The specialist business, which builds archery equipment and provides archery lessons, has moved into one of two craft units which have been renovated with help from the RES grant. The new premises have a separate shooting area alongside the shop to allow customers to try out the equipment before they buy it.

Farmer James Meanley said:

"We currently grow cereals, sugar beet and oil seed rape, but decided we needed something which would provide us with an alternative income for the future.

"The buildings are on view to many tourists on the Robin Hood trail so we wanted to put them into good use. It has taken us 12 months to renovate the buildings and they now look lovely. The rents will prove to be a very important addition to our income.

"Custom Built Archery supported our application for Defra RES funding as they wanted to be located on the Robin Hood Way. It will be interesting to be able to watch people practising archery in between jobs as I used to do it at school - but I hope that I don't get too interested as I have enough to do!"

Tony Drabble, Manager of Custom Built Archery, said:

"The quiet location at Eakring is ideal for us. It also gives us enough space to build the bows and arrows and provide a shooting gallery, so people can try before they buy and also take lessons.

The converted buildings are also very atmospheric and their traditional look fits in with the nature of archery."

Tammy Shirley, a Defra Rural Development Service (RDS) adviser, said:

"Mr Meanley has demonstrated real enthusiasm for this project and has a strong desire to make the farm economically viable in the long-term. The rents from the two units will generate some much-needed income and help to ensure farm staff remain employed. The renovation of the buildings will also help retain the character of the village."