COVID-19
Coronavirus Update: 30th April 2020
Coronavirus Update – 30th 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
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General News
New Train for Lloyds Bank Rifle Club
New Train for Lloyds Bank Rifle Club
The Bisley Station
On 26th September Bisley saw the arrival of the replacement railway carriage onto the Bisley Station site. This replaces the old carriage, which was suffering from rust and asbestos, and which was removed last month.
This represents the culmination of 4 years searching, inspecting, negotiating, and planning by the Club committee.
The Blue sleeper carriage was, until last week, being used by Scottish Caledonian in their London to Edinburgh service, providing first class accommodation. The new carriage will provide the club with sleeping accommodation.
Plans for the carriage include:
2 toilets with wash hand basins.
A shower. (Converting one compartment)
Each of the remaining 11 compartments will have the option of either one or two bunks.
Pairs of compartments have internal adjoining doors if required.
The old steward’s pantry will be converted to a secure storeroom.
There will be USB points in each compartment, with reading lights.
There will be a basin with hot and cold water in each compartment.
Heating and ventilation will be provided. (Methodology still under discussion.)
The NRA is also in the process of renovating the clubhouse and bringing its facilities into the 21st Century, whilst still retaining its historic character. (Now that the plasterboard has been stripped off the walls, many of the original timber features, possibly dating back to 1890, have been revealed.) When complete there will be self-catering facilities, featuring a modern kitchen; a dining area, and a lounge area, also a separate gunshed for all those adjustments.
The club is an independent club and no longer has any ties with Lloyds or TSB Banks; it is open to applications for membership from any shooter, of any discipline. Whilst the existing membership is mainly Target Rifle, and thus the club’s expertise is in that discipline, Lloyds Bank RC would welcome other disciplines to take advantage of this great facility throughout the year. The club facilities are not large, so the maximum number of members is also not large but there are vacancies at present (once our renovations are complete) applications for membership are welcome.
Please contact Lloyds Bank RC secretary at trevor.rule@gmail.com for more information.
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Gallery Rifle National Open Championships
Gallery Rifle National Open Championships 2019
Saturday 31st August – Sunday 1st September
**Entries open approximately 6 weeks prior to the start of the competition**
This Gallery Rifle National Open Championship is open to any competitor who has the appropriate SCC for the matches they are looking to enter.
Many of the matches feature during our other Gallery Rifle Weekends including Advancing Target, Timed and Precision, Multi-Target, 1020, 1500, Speed Steels, Mini McQueen (among others).
In addition four Short Range Championship prizes awarded to those who showcase overall ability in GRCF, GRSB, LBP or LBR. By entering all five of the following events in any one gun type you will be automatically entered for the Championship:
25m Precision – Timed & Precision One – Multi-Target – 1020 – Advancing Target
Competitions for Non-GR&P Disciplines:
| Index # |
Competition Name |
Further comments |
| 6380 |
200yds Any Fullbore Rifle |
Any fullbore rifle with any sights |
| 6381 |
200yds Service Rifle A pre 1955 |
|
| 6382 |
200yds Service Rifle B pre 1955 |
|
| 6383 |
200yds Service Rifle Open pre 1955 |
|
| 6392 |
200m Service Rifle post 1955 Service optic |
|
| 6580 |
The McQueen |
Any scoped rifle |
| 6590 |
The McQueen (issued rifle) |
[Issued AI Rifle] – any competitor can take part in this event |
Added extras:
Aside from the GR&P events on Melville, Butt Zero will feature Speed Steels and Bianchi on Saturday.
On Short Siberia the multi-positional fullbore shooting events are shot beside the 200x McQueen matches on the Saturday.
The popular Mini McQueen runs throughout the weekend on Time Limit.
Skills Courses:
For those new or looking to try Gallery Rifle, we run 1-day ‘Skills Development’ courses aimed at introducing you to the discipline. Advanced courses are also available, which focus more closely on specific matches and competition practice.
Further details are available here including the dates of up coming courses.
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Competitions
Target Rifle: New Imperial Results
We have recently added a section to the 2020 Target Rifle Imperial Results page, which shows the difference between ‘Results’ and ‘Prizelists’ for squadded competitions. Previously we have only published the prizelist meaning the vast proportion of competitors do not see where they scored in comparison to their peers. Before perusing please note:
Results: A pure list of scores for competitions not taking into account subsequent ties and shot data
Prizelists: Do not necessarily award prizes to the top placing competitors, and can therefore differ from the Results Lists. Most squadded competitions apply Prize Lists A (see appendix 13 in the NRA handbook) which firstly limits the prize list to 20% of the total entries if less than 500 competitors took part. The prize list will include the top placing competitors in each class X, A, O and T in proportion to the number of entries made in each class, whilst ensuring that all those in Class T scoring the highest possible score are included.
To view the Results lists from the 2020 Imperial Meeting click HERE and see the results under the header “Target Rifle Individual Results”
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Competitions
Historic Service Rifle Match
Twice a year the NRA hold a CSR match that is purely for Historic Rifles where the classes include Classic (SMLE), Veteran (No. 4s/No. 5s), Veteran Optic (No. 4T) and All-Comers (Foreign SR). The competition consists of deliberate, rapid and snap shooting standing and kneeling at 100 yards, prone and sitting/squatting/kneeling at 200 yards and finally prone at 300 yards.
The Course of Fire (CoF) is based on military practices shooting from standing, kneeling, sitting and prone. There are no Run Downs!
Targets will be a Fig 12 at 100 yds, then an NRA DP2 at 200 and 300 yds. The DP2 is a black & white target similar to a Fig 11, but will offer better target acquisition and sight picture than a standard brown/black Fig 11.The HBSA and LERA have been involved in the development of the event.
Prizegiving will follow shooting on range at approx 1730 hrs.
Click here to enter online
Click here to download the Course of Fire
Click here to download the entry form
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Schools Imperial Meeting
During the Imperial Meeting, an array of competitions for School Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) are hosted at Bisley.
To Enter:
Enter Your School – CLICK HERE
Download Entry Form – CLICK HERE
Download Team Entry Form – CLICK HERE
Monday 16 July
Matches include the L98A2 and L81A2 rifles, with events ranging from 100-600x
Highlights:
- Marlborough Cup (L98A2: 200x) – Unlimited entries, £1 per Cadet
- Cadet Gallery Rifle Match (L98A2: 100, 200, 300x) – Open to both individuals and teams of six, £1 per Cadets
- Cadet Falling Plates (L98A2: 200m) – Teams of four, £4.05 per team
Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 July
Matches are shot exclusively with the L81A2 rilfe
Highlights:
- Wellington (L81A2: 300x) – Unlimited entries, 0830-1000 hrs, £2.55 per Cadet + Marker fee (£9 per hour)
- Iveagh (L81A2: 500x) – Unlimited entries, 1100-1200 and 1330-1430 hrs, £2.55 per Cadet + Marker fee (£9 per hour)
- Victoria Tankard (L81A2: 600x) – Unlimited entries, 1500-1700 hrs, £2.55 per Cadet + Marker fee (£9 per hour)
Thursday 19 July
The final day of Schools Imperial concludes with Cadets aiming to win the highly coveted Ashburton Shield.
Highlights:
- Ashburton (L81A2: 300, 500, 600x) – Teams of eight, £91.50 per team
- Schools Fours (L81A2: 300, 500, 600x) – Unlimited entries, Teams of four, £45.50
- Cadet Fours (L81A2: 300, 500, 600x) – Teams of four, £45.50
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General News
Daily Telegraph Article – Stolen and Missing Firearms – Correspondence
To download and read the response letter from Mark Rowley, Assistant Commissioner, Special Operations Met Police to the original letter from Andrew Mercer subsequent to the Daily Telegraph Article on 31/10/2016 Click here
Link to Telegraph Article on 31/10 2016
Click here to download and view the original response letter from Andrew Mercer.
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