i'm not looking for archery clubs or leesons - but i would like to obtain either a compound or recurve bow.
better if it has strings and arrows. don't want to pay silly money but would like a £300 kit for £ 50 - anyone any ideas except the obvious ebay.

A compound bow on its own costs upwards of £250+ then theres the rest of the kit you will need in order to shoot it! Such as arrows the cheapest ones I know of from a reputable archery shop cost about £6 each before you put nocks, fletchings and points on them!
My own kit {compound} cost something in the region of £750 over time, so if you can find a bow in good condition for £50 please let me know.