Pete Bond

It is with great sadness that the county learns of the passing of Pete Bond.

Pete is very much considered to be one of the founder members of Northampton Archery Club, having joined them as a young boy in 1953 just a few years after the club was originally formed around 1949, and he was still coaching and helping at his beloved club as a life member as recently as late last year.

Pete, on joining NAC… “I used to live right near Delapre Abbey and it used to have a five bar gate across the field and every Sunday for a year I used to sit on this gate and watch the Archery. In the end there was a wonderful fellow called Paddy Flynn and he said, “I’m fed up with seeing you sitting on this gate. Do you want to come in?” I said, “Yes please.” and that was it.”

Anyone who has been involved in Archery within Northamptonshire over the last 70 years, will have known of Pete and how much of contribution he’s made to the sport and especially to NAC. Hundreds of members would have been taught as beginners and hundreds more coached and improved through his deep knowledge. Included in the long list of people he coached is Allan Clarke of The Hollies fame. The IMDB web-site lists Alan’s hobbies which include Archery.

“The secret with coaching is how you approach people. If you go in and you’re the great ‘I am- I know everything about coaching’ you haven’t got a prayer. But if you can be humble enough, if you make a mistake to admit it, then you’ll get on with people, and you’ll help them as you go along.”

Pete was of course a member of the county team in target archery, and in field archery he represented England several times in home internationals. He was involved in the county committee as treasurer between 1975 and 1977, and junior rep in 1985/6. He was also involved in putting together the NCAS 50th anniversary celebration in 2000.

The county sends it’s condolences to Paul, George, the rest of the Bond family, and to the members of Northampton AC at this sad time.

In 2018 Pete was presented with a plaque for 65 years as an NAC member and his distinguished service.

Pete and his son Andrew pictured with their selection of bows for a Chronicle & Echo article in April 1981.

Being interview by Peter Purviss as part of a television feature in the 1980’s at Castle Ashby.

Pete on the left shooting with Dudley Leeson and John James at a Country Fair at Deene Park near Oundle in the 1970’s.

Pete far right next to his son Paul, with members of NAC shooting a Pope Young round at Cogenhoe Football Ground in the 1980’s.