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Regional Ranges Bulletin Oct 18

From The Regional Ranges Manager

Range Managers Guide & Code of Practice for safe use of NRA and affiliated clubs’ ranges.

This new document has been produced to provide guidance to operators of existing outdoor and indoor ranges and follows our experience of operating ranges at Bisley and the ballistic safety principles contained in JSP 403. We hope that the guide will help clubs maintain and operate safe ranges.  I’d welcome feedback on the initial issue. Let me take this opportunity to thank Maj (Retd) F S Compton MBE who was instrumental in producing the document.

Copies are free for NRA affiliated organisations; please refer to the NRA website here for more details

https://nra.org.uk/range-managers-guide-and-code-of-practice-for-safe-use/

DIO Ranges & Training Areas Safety Conference

The annual conference is hosted by our DIO colleagues in Warminster and provides a forum for users and those responsible for the delivery and range safety to share updates.  Not surprisingly, safety is the key focus of the meeting.  Access to military ranges is vital for more than 120 of our affiliated clubs, particularly those that want to shoot at distances greater than 300 yards.  Building on that point, it’s great to see that RFCA Altcar will host the All Distance Challenge and Laurels Rutland Challenge on November 10^th and 11^th.   This event will provide a rare opportunity for competitors to shoot at distances up to 1,000 yards.

There are two significant changes coming for users of military ranges;  a) the RASP process and documentation will be enhanced, more details to follow in November and b) new training safety vehicles in red and white livery will be implemented across the UK estate.  Finally, industry partner range operative staff will become more visible and be supported by MoD Police as appropriate.   So look out for these changes in the coming months.

East Holme Range, Dorset

Members in Dorset will know that East Holme, a 400 yard gallery range near Swanage has been closed for some years.  We have been in discussion with MoD about plans for the range.   MoD has  advised that the range is to be repaired and brought back into compliance with current MoD design and construction policy. No timescale has been set but we expect the range to be returned to service in 2019. Needless to say this is good news for our affiliated clubs in the South West, more to follow.

South Yorkshire Shooting Show

Finally, an update from Doncaster;  I was joined by the Chief Executive,  Head of Membership , Head of Shooting and Training and members of the team for the show last weekend.  The NRA has not attended a regional shooting show for some time so this was something of an experiment/learning experience.  The weather was kind and we had an opportunity to meet a variety of attendees including individual shooters, members of affiliated clubs and the public. The show provided an opportunity for the NRA to be present at a regional event and to promote several of our Yorkshire based clubs.  Our thanks to Baildon Rifle and Pistol Club and the event organiser.  The experience will certainly inform our decision about attending a regional show in future.

See you on the ranges!

Nic Couldrey    

COVID-19

NRA Affiliated Club Access to MoD Ranges during Covid-19 Restrictions

The NRA has been working closely with the Safety and Assurance Team responsible for the MoD UK Training Estate to explore the feasibility of allowing access to outdoor MoD ranges.

The current Government guidance on the phased return to outdoor sporting activities permits gatherings of up to 6 people with 2m social distancing. The NRA, working with regional clubs and the MoD has developed a Policy and Risk Assessment to ensure compliance with social distancing guidelines on outdoor ranges.  However restricting the MoD range booking to not more than 6 people on the MoD range makes it impractical to operate an outdoor MoD range.  Furthermore we think it unlikely that a booking for 6 members will be financially viable for a regional Club.

This means that for the moment at least, Clubs are unable to use MoD ranges in the UK.  We have agreed to keep this under continuous review particularly if the guidelines change in July, as expected.

I realise that this is a frustration for all our affiliated Clubs that rely on access to military ranges. Please be assured that we will continue to work with MoD to get you back on the ranges as soon as the guidelines permit.

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager

19^th June 2020

COVID-19

Coronavirus Update: 30th April 2020

Coronavirus Update – 30^th April 2020

Shooting at Bisley

As Government wrestles with the difficulties of deciding when and how to ease restrictions, NRA staff are busy planning for whenever the red light flickers to amber. We have made representations to Government to ensure target shooting be considered with activities such as golf and angling, urging that many ranges pose no greater risk to the spread of the virus than a walk in the park. The May announcement of the review of, and any resulting changes to, the current Government restrictions will be carefully scrutinised; hopefully they will signal the timetable to ranges opening.

In planning a re-opening of Bisley our first priority is the safety of our shooters, visitors and staff; and we are working up risk assessments, range by range, activity by activity. Target shooters are overwhelmingly thoughtful and responsible, and I am confident we can rely on their good sense to ensure any new procedures are respected. Maintaining social distancing is easier on some ranges than others, so we intend firstly to open weekends only on Century, Stickledown and Short Siberia rifle ranges (electronic targets only – we will install 6 shotmarkers on Short Siberia), booking targets by the hour for single firers. The enforced layoff has provided a unique opportunity to re-face and refresh our targets; Rick Wells and the range staff are keen to see shooters back on the firing points.

We are finalising procedures for booking and paying for targets, buying ammunition, hiring firearms etc. to minimise the interaction between staff and shooters; further details will be published when changes to Government restrictions are known. Starting initially at weekends on limited ranges will allow us to assess and modify procedures, before expanding to a fuller opening.

Autumn Competitions & Training

Optimism coupled with a dash of pragmatism has led us to plan an autumn series of competitions for Match Rifle, Target Rifle, Civilian Service Rifle, GR&P, Historic and Classic, and Target Shotgun to take us through to October. The draft timetables, format and schedules are largely complete, and we will shortly be surveying competitors to assess their appetite to take part. We will not be seeking firm commitments (or cash), but an indication whether there is sufficient support to allow our planning to continue; your response will be keenly studied by Peter Cottrell and our competition team.

The format, procedures and management of each competition will adhere to Government restrictions at that time; there are many challenges to be overcome but there is no lack of enthusiasm from NRA staff to organise competitions that deliver a proper test of marksmanship.

Similarly, training will resume as soon as we are confident we can deliver courses while adhering to government restrictions. In addition to re-scheduled RSO and RCO courses, extra probationary modules will be added to the calendar in the autumn to ensure all those yet to complete their training, together with new members, can quickly take up the sport as soon as possible.

National Clay Shooting Centre (NCSC)

We will open our National Clay Shooting Centre at the same time, again initially weekends only. Clay shooters will see the benefits of significant maintenance of traps and other infrastructure; new card system to replace tokens on Skeet and Olympic trap; and an extensive clear up of wads and clay debris, which coupled with soil improvement and re-seeding, has resulted in newly sown grass growing greener by the day. Richie Vallance has also completed the transfer of NCSC members to a new database, and is putting the finishing touches to new membership options that include shotgun storage.

Away From Bisley

We are in regular dialogue with the MoD regarding access to their ranges. They recognise maintaining social distancing is relatively straightforward on many of their ranges; however this is harder to achieve when transporting personnel to and from the ranges. I suspect that the earliest we will see NRA affiliated clubs back on MoD ranges is September 2020.

On a brighter note, NRA Regional Ranges manager Nic Couldrey has been working with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)  in response to concerns raised by affiliated clubs about the cost of indoor small bore ranges operated by the  South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (SERFCA) . He has obtained clarification from SERFCA and can now confirm that the daily rate per lane can be interpreted on a per hour basis. This results in a charge of £9.70 per hour per session for a minimum of two lanes. Licenced Clubs will receive a letter from SERFCA confirming the revised rates which we believe should address the concern.

We have also been supporting clubs with their applications for grants from sports bodies; and encouraging them to claim grants from the Government scheme to support small businesses, and businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.

NRA staff have also been working with other shooting organisations to encourage and assist police firearms licensing teams with their work; their focus on renewals and pragmatism shown on medical checks by a number of forces is to be applauded. With police staff resources under considerable pressure it is imperative that licence holders submit their renewal papers in good time before expiry.

Membership

I was chuffed to bits to learn that we have received 21 new NRA membership applications since the closedown. Please accept my grateful thanks for your support; such snippets of good news are much appreciated by Georgina Thatcher and her membership staff.

Finally stay safe, take good care, but keep positive however dark the news – we are all looking forward to the return of our members and affiliates to their ranges across the UK.

Andrew Mercer

NRA Secretary General, NSC Chief Executive

General News

Range Managers Guide and Code of Practice for Safe Use

Please find attached the first edition of the NRA’s Range Managers Guide and Code of Practice.

The publication of this guidance is in response to increasing technical enquiries received from our affiliated clubs who are in the privileged position of owning and / or operating their own range.

Whilst the guide is not exhaustive, it is the result of our experiences operating the Bisley range complex; we hope you find the contents helpful in maintaining and improving the safe operation of your range.

We welcome feedback; please email Nic Couldrey, NRA Regional Ranges Manager Nicholas.Couldrey@nra.org.uk

If you would prefer hard copy then please email Jodie Gray-Piazza Jodie.Gray-Piazza@nra.org.uk; copies are free for NRA affiliated organisations.

Click here to download the NRA Range Managers Guide

General News

Access to MoD ranges in Wales and West Midlands

We are pleased to report that NRA affiliated Clubs have resumed bookings on outdoor MoD ranges in Wales and the West Midlands.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted overseas military training resulting in a significant increase in utilisation of ranges in Wales and West Midlands. These ranges are also increasingly used by Police firearms and counter terrorism officers.  I would encourage Clubs to continue to be patient and tolerant and expect some disruption to bookings and restricted range availability.

Club officials are reminded that where range bookings are shared, there must be a single point of contact responsible for all activity on the range. This will typically be the NRA qualified RCO appointed by the licenced club that holds the range booking.

NRA Clubs are reminded that the 200 mil reduction rule may not be applied when there is concurrent use of an adjacent range.  (For example at Kingsbury A & B range)

Club officials/the RCO should conduct a range recce and familiarise themselves with latest range standing orders and any new local restrictions. This is particularly important for Clubs that may not have used a MoD range for some months.

Clubs intending to use High Muzzle Energy (HME) firearms on MoD ranges must comply with the procedures agreed with MoD, these are available in DSA OME .

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/872597/DSA_03__JSP_403_Volume__1_Part_2__OCT_19.pdf

Policy enquiries or requests for information about MoD ranges in Wales and West Midlands should be directed to the Regional Training Safety Officer at DIO RD OSTrg-WW HQ TSO rather than the local Training Safety Officer.

Finally, Clubs that use Sealand should be aware that “B Range” is not expected to re-open in 2021.

Please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager, directly if you require further clarification.

COVID-19

NRA Affiliated Club Access to outdoor MoD Ranges in England during Covid-19 Restrictions

The NRA has been working closely with the Safety and Assurance Team responsible for the MoD UK Training Estate to re-start NRA affiliated club shooting on outdoor MoD ranges.

New Government guidance for England published on 3^rd July 2020 is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance

Section 4 contains the follow statement that applies to Gatherings

“Businesses and venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups. This is also the case for events in public outdoor spaces that are organised by businesses, charitable or political organisations, and public bodies, provided they take reasonable steps to mitigate the risk of transmission, in line with COVID-19 Secure guidance and including completion of a risk assessment. Any other gathering in an outdoor space must not be any larger than 30 people except where specified in the Regulations.”

We have agreed with MoD that NRA affiliated Clubs may resume live firing activities on ranges in England subject to specific requirements that are currently being finalised – we hope to publish the details next week.

The timing of opening of individual ranges will be decided by each Regional Commander.  It is extremely important that Clubs fully comply with current Government guidelines, MoD Covid-19 policies and procedures in addition to range orders and the NRA safe shooting system.

As each of the devolved Administrations publish guidelines we will review for access to ranges in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager

10^th July 2020

General News

Mod Ranges in Wales and West Midlands

NRA Clubs licenced to use MoD ranges in Wales and the West Midlands will be aware of temporary range restrictions imposed in mid- September. Following detailed discussions with our DIO colleagues I can confirm that the restrictions have been lifted subject to the following conditions;

NRA RCO’s must be familiar with the current Range Standing Orders and the restrictions set in the Range Certificate (904).

Clubs must comply with the range Muzzle Energy limits-these are set in Joules; the majority of ranges are restricted to 4500J. Most of Wales & West Ranges are Limited Danger Area Templates, the RDA being 1830m with the exception of some being 2900m

By signing the Range Log (906) the RCO confirms that he/she will abide by the limitations of the range and comply with range specific regulations.

All firing practises must be in accordance with Home Office and guidelines and NRA Policy.  Specific procedures for the use of muzzle-loading firearms are detailed in the NRA RCO manual.

The Club Secretary must supply a list of RCOs yearly through Landmarc Support Services in order to book ranges. The Chairman of the Club must complete DSA OME Pt3 Chap 2 Annexe B stating all RCOs and club members are Safe, Qualified and Competent.

Summary of range availability

All 25m 1908 Barrack Ranges have been temporarily closed through a Range Safety Notice issued by DSA dated Oct 19.

The following ranges within Wales & West are available to NRA affiliated Clubs that hold a current licence authorised by Mod

• Sealand A – 100m Range on a 2900m RDA.
• Sealand B – 400m Range on a 1830m RDA.  There are restrictions with this range; ME must not exceed 4500J , no firing from beyond 300m Firing Point.  See RSO.
• Sealand Butt Stop Range – 25m range.  Restricted to Pistol only (calibre being 4.6mm and 9mm Ball munitions only.  ME 2030J max).
• Nesscliff – 25m Range – Temp closed.
• Kinmel – 25m Range.
• Kingsbury A – 600y Range.  Clubs can fire above 4500J providing the RCO has the relevant NRA High Muzzle Energy course training and this is endorsed on their individual RCO card.
• Kingsbury B – 600y CGR.  As for Kingsbury A Range restrictions.  Note the 200mil rule for both ranges is not allowed for Civilian Clubs.
• Kingsbury – 25m Range – Temp closed.
• Swynnerton – 25m Range – Temp closed (currently restricted to rifle only)
• Whittington – No 3 25m Range – Temp closed.
• Whittington – No 4 25m Range – Temp closed.
• Whittington – No 5  25m Range – Temp closed.
• Rogiet Moor – 600m CGR.  Temp closed due to licence and RDA issues.
• Rogiet Moor Butt Stop Range – 25m range.  Temp closed due to licence and RDA issues.
• Penally 500y Gallery Range – Restrictions, no firing beyond 300m firing point, range maintenance issues (Max ME 3276J for civilian clubs).
• Sennybridge:
• J1 100m Range – Temp Closed
• J2 300m ETR Range.
• J3 600m Gallery Range – There is a local restriction on this range due to RDA & template restrictions – the 4500J ME applies; no civilian HME firearms may be used.
• J3A not available to NRA Clubs.
• Z 200m Range

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager

December 2019

General News

Canopy in MoD 1908 Barrack Ranges

Steel Plate Canopy in MoD 1908 Barrack Ranges

Members that are involved in the conduct and management of ranges should be aware of a recent issue on a 1908 Barrack Range.

The following extract is taken from the MoD Range Advice Notice (RAN)

“An incident has been highlighted to us regarding the steel plate in the canopy in 1908 style barrack ranges. The method of fixing the steel on the underside of the canopy is that a 100mm steel plate was screwed into the bottom of the timber joists, a 350mm wide steel plate was then rested upon the resulting lip. The incident occurred when, upon disturbing the 350mm steel plate which was resting on the lip it caused the steel securing screws in the joists to fail and caused some of the steel to fall from the roof onto the sand. TAS investigated the original Type Drawing and can confirm that this was the prescribed method of fixing on this style of range. Therefore, it is expected there to be the potential for this to happen at other locations.

As all the details at the moment are not known, this RAN is to highlight that there is the potential for this to happen anywhere that there is a 1908 style range. As such caution is to be exercised when working under, or near to, the steel on the underside of the canopy.

Further safety information will follow once the full incident report has been collected.”

There may be disruption to club bookings on MoD Barrack ranges until these ranges have been inspected. Please contact your local Landmarc event co-ordinator for details.

Clubs that operate former MoD 1908 Barrack Ranges should contact the NRA for further information.

Nic Couldrey

Regional Ranges Manager