F-Class Bulletin Oct 18
Much more F-class news will be covered in greater depth in the Winter issue of the Journal, such as; the report from the main flagship event, the European F-class championships held in September and if publishing deadlines allow, the British Championships next month.
Now that the four-year cycle of the World Championships has begun anew, the NRA has ratified the Captains to take the F/Open and F/TR teams forward to the next tournament , to be held in South Africa in 2021 on the Bloemfontein ranges. David Rollafson will Captain the F/TR squad, while David Kent will be the F/Open Captain, we wish them well in their new posts.
The Imperial was fully reported on by David Kent in the Summer edition of the Journal, suffice to say that it was said to be some of the most challenging conditions seen at Bisley for many years in terms of the strong changeable winds and of course the record-breaking high temperatures. Many of those in attendance enjoyed it tremendously and have been keen to promote the newly-revamped format of the F-class Imperial to a wider audience. Their efforts seem to be bearing fruit; many F-classers have indicated that they would like to compete next year and especially seeing as 2019 will be the NRA’s 150th anniversary. We look forward to a seeing surge in attendance at the next Imperial.
Looking ahead to next season, the Great Britain F-class Association will publish their 2019 calendar of League matches late this year at: www.new.gbfclass.co.uk the most significant items to note is that League matches will resume at Blair Atholl after an absence of three years, using the GBFCA’s newly-acquired and portable Silver Mountain electronic targets. The new targets have impressed everyone at this year’s League matches at Diggle, freeing competitors from the chore of target marking and making the whole competition much more of a sociable spectator sport.
The GBFCA will be running an introductory training weekend for anyone interested in learning more about F-class. The course will be held at Bisley, provisionally on the 22nd to 24th of March, it covers all aspects of the discipline and is intended to equip shooters new to F-class with the basic knowledge required to compete effectively. To confirm the date and for more information, see the course leader; Mik Maksimovic: mik@mikdolphin.demon.co.uk
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General News
Sport England – Community Emergency Fund
Sport England has just announced a new fund to support organisations including sports clubs experiencing short term financial hardship or closure during the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
The fund has been developed to provide support for fixed costs including rent and maintenance that cannot be funded from normal revenues or club reserves. The fund is intended to cover grass roots providers and will not include commercial operators, schools, colleges or Universities. These organisations may be eligible for support from the government’s financial packages.
More information including the detailed fund criteria can be found on line here
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/community-emergency-fund
The fund is only available until 31st July 2020 so clubs are encouraged to review the information quickly. If you do decide to apply to the fund please contact me for advice on how to complete the application. The NRA is working closely with British Shooting represent the interests of our sport during these difficult times.
Nic Couldrey
Regional Ranges Manager
Nic.couldrey@nra.org.uk
01483 797 777 Ext 123
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General News
Sport England – Community Emergency Fund Update
Dear Club Secretary
Sport England has announced that the Emergency Fund will be topped up with an additional £15M to support organisations including sports clubs experiencing short term financial hardship or closure during the ongoing Coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.
Sport England has received a significant number of applications for financial support and will pause applications on Thursday May 14th at 11:59pm. Clubs are therefore encouraged to act quickly.
More information including the detailed fund criteria can be found on line here
https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/our-funds/community-emergency-fund
If you do decide to apply to the fund please contact me if you need advice on how to complete the application. The NRA is working closely with British Shooting represent the interests of our sport during these difficult times.
Nic Couldrey
Regional Ranges Manager
Nic.couldrey@nra.org.uk
01483 797 777 Ext 123
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COVID-19
NRA Affiliated Clubs that operate an indoor range during Covid-19 restrictions
The Government published new national guidance for England on 22nd September that clarifies the rules on gatherings of more than six people.
From 24th September organised indoor sport can take place in larger numbers provided that groups of no more than six do not mix.
Refer to 3.15 here
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Clubs that operate an indoor range are encouraged to review their Covid-19 risk assessment and operating procedures to comply with the Government guidance. Clubs should comply with any local restrictions.
Clubs operating in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland should follow the guidance of the devolved Administration.
Nic Couldrey
Regional Ranges Manager
23rd September 2020
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COVID-19
Coronavirus Update: 18th March 2020
The National Rifle Association and National Shooting Centre continue to closely monitor updates from the statutory authorities and Chief Medical Officers.
Our rifle and shotgun ranges are open and will remain so as long as:-
- we have sufficient staff to ensure range safety and proper levels of service;
- there are sufficient shooters to justify the staff resources; and
- the statutory authorities do not issue advice that we should close.
We are determined to offer target shooters the opportunity to enjoy open spaces, fresh air, and challenging shooting at Bisley to enhance their well-being during these challenging times. Please note the following:-
Spring Action Weekend (SAW) / Historic Service Rifle Match (HSRM)
The SAW and HSRM (28th / 29th March 2020) have been cancelled because of the high concentrations of shooters and ROs on firing points. All entry fees will be refunded or credited in full.
Other NRA Competitions and Training Courses
All other NRA competitions (Imperial, Phoenix etc.) and training courses are scheduled as normal; we will keep this under constant review.
Pavilion and Clays Cafés
Both cafés will be closed from Monday 23rd March 2020 until further notice, in line with government advice that such facilities should be avoided.
Social Distancing
Shooters are advised to follow the latest government advice on social distancing, and be thoughtful about the number of firers on targets.
Anti-Viral Cleaning
We have increased the cleaning regime for frequently touched surfaces, including reception areas, ablutions, hire rifles and shotguns, shooting mats, range radios and ear defenders.
Vulnerable Groups
Shooters should familiarise themselves with the latest guidance about groups most at risk from the virus before travelling to Bisley.
How is it spread?
The spread of COVID-19 is most likely to happen when there is close contact (within 2 metres) with an infected person. It is likely that the risk increases the longer someone has close contact with an infected person.
What to do if you or a visitor begin to feel unwell:
Should any individual feel unwell, particularly if they are experiencing a dry cough or high temperature, they must not travel to Bisley but should follow government guidelines about self-isolation or call the NHS 111 phone service. Anyone entering the main public areas – range office, reception or Clays – showing signs of coughing or flu like symptoms, will be politely asked to withdraw from counters or leave the building
Handwashing and Hygiene:
We are all advised to maintain a good handwashing hygiene routine. Wash your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol sanitiser if handwashing facilities are unavailable.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue then throw the tissue into the bin. Remember the saying “Catch It, Bin It, Kill It.”
Surfaces Sanitising:
Viruses can be transferred to and by peoples’ hands; therefore regular hand hygiene and cleaning of frequently touched surfaces will help to reduce the risk of infection.
Facemasks:
NRA staff are advised not to wear facemasks as protection against the virus. Facemasks are recommended to be worn by symptomatic individuals to reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to other people.
Further details can be found https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Andrew Mercer
Secretary General, National Rifle Association
Chief Executive, National Shooting Centre
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COVID-19
Access to MoD ranges in England and Club operated target shooting ranges in England
The Government published guidance on 31st October 2020 designed to reduce social contact and help reduce the transmission of Covid-19 in England.
The Government has ordered indoor and outdoor leisure facilities including shooting ranges to close from 5th November 2020. NRA affiliated Clubs that operate an indoor or outdoor range should close their range(s) to comply.
Details are available here, Section 4 refers
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-national-restrictions-from-5-november#businesses-and-venues
In order to comply with the guidelines, NRA affiliated club bookings on MoD ranges in England between November 5th and December 2nd will be cancelled. NRA Clubs should expect to receive confirmation from the local Landmarc event co-ordinator.
Range bookings on MoD ranges in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are subject to local guidelines set by each of the Devolved Administrations.
Please contact me directly if you require further clarification.
Nic Couldrey
Regional Ranges Manager
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General News
Nigel Penn Funeral Details
Following a family-only committal service, a Memorial Service will be held at All Saints Church, Church Street, Little Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5HG at 2pm on Friday 20th January 2023.
Afterwards there will be a reception with refreshments at Little Shelford Memorial Hall, 11 Church Street,Little Shelford, Cambridge CB22 5HG.
All are welcome. Family flowers only please.
Donations to Cancer Research and to Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will be gratefully received
https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk%2fdonate-in-memory%2f&c=E,1,SAHptN_RSTHOzMi4CqhgazYArdSnLW9QDJWfd-AlVkVc0vEfgEOY1UcdBGjr8ncbZQxiKSpZF4ot222LWaMPI6FR4rLNTyzJrwCEP4aBrz7_x89Gj9stMf0,&typo=1 (Type Penn into surname box).
The Penn family would be grateful if those wishing to attend could let them know via email to Hannah Chambers at pennhannah@hotmail.com
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COVID-19
Access to outdoor MoD ranges in Scotland
The Scottish Government has published updated Covid-19 guidance signposting the easing of protection levels scheduled for 26th April 2021.
Details are available here
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-protection-levels/
The protection levels allow for the resumption of organised outdoor sporting activity from 26th April 2021.
We are pleased to announce that NRA affiliated Clubs that hold a current MoD licence may resume bookings on outdoor MoD ranges in Scotland from 26th April 2021. This applies to ranges operated by Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO).
All NRA Club bookings must comply with Covid-19 guidelines and local restrictions including range restrictions set by the local MoD staff. Clubs are reminded that to comply with MoD Policy, no more than 30 people may attend a Club range booking.
Club officials are encouraged to check that all documentation is up to date including NRA affiliation, insurance, RCO qualifications and individual shooter competency cards before resuming bookings in Scotland.
All bookings must have a RASP and a Covid-19 Risk Assessment for the shooting activity. RCO’s are reminded of the requirement to conduct a range recce prior to the booking.
The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted military training overseas and placed significant demand on ranges across the training estate. This may have an impact on range availability and bookings for NRA Clubs.
Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
Please contact Nic Couldrey, Regional Ranges Manager directly if you require further clarification.
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