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 10th and 11th. 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
