|
HISTORY OF THE CLUB:
On August 29th 1901 a match took place between the Paignton Volunteer
Company 1st. Division Voluntary Artillery and a team formed by Mr. W
M G Singer of Steartfield Rd. Paignton. The range was fitted out with
targets at 200, 500 and 600 yards and was built on land provided by
Mr.W. M. Singer. As a result of the shoot, a decision was taken to form
"The Paignton Rifle Club". The club continued to shoot on Mr. Singers'
land at Blagdon Barton, transport to and from the range being provided
at reduced fare by the G W R Bus Co. The original competition was shot
using large calibre military arms and similar weapons continued to be
the mainstay until approximately 1909 when the .22 Rim Fire cartridge
was introduced. The .22 Rim Fire cartridge is now the only calibre of
live ammunition used in this club.
FACILITIES:
The club has three ranges available at any one time. 25 yards for prone
rifle. This has four firing points and the targets are changed electrically.
20 yards sport rifle/air pistol. This range has four target holders
fitted to a turning target mechanism. The length of appearance of the
target can be varied for rapid-fire events. 10 metre air rifle/pistol.
This range has four points with electric target changers and each target
is individually lit to provide the best possible shooting conditions
for this very demanding sport. Each range is fitted with a video camera
for safety and security. The club has two armouries for club and members
equipment. Lockers can be rented for a small annual fee. The club is
open between 7.30pm and 10pm on Tuesdays (for competition shooting only),
Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
EQUIPMENT:
The club has a range of single shot Anschutz and BSA rifles for prone
shooting. Semi-automatic Ruger rifles and a Winchester lever action
rifle are available for sporting rifle competitions. We also have a
good range or air rifles and pistols. All equipment is available for
use by members at no extra cost.
COMPETITIONS:
The club exists to promote the art of target shooting. We actively encourage
members to participate in competitions. There are a variety of competitions
available. These range from internal club competitions, Devon County
and National competitions, which are conducted by post. We also attend
away matches regularly. As well as the more serious competitions we
also provide "Fun Shoots". These take the form of handicap competitions
which give all members an equal chance of winning.
MEMBERSHIP:
Membership is open to those aged 12 and above. We also have special
arrangements for Scouts wishing to gain their "Master At Arms" badge
and for "Duke of Edinburgh" scheme participants. New members are required
to undergo a six-month probationary membership. During this time instruction
will be given in the safe handling and use of the various types of firearm
we use. Safety is the main requirement, not a high degree of marksmanship.
NOTE:
Certain groups are prohibited from handling firearms and ammunition
by virtue of Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968. It is your responsibility
to determine whether you are covered by this part of the act as the
police vet all applications. The exclusion applies to persons who have
been imprisoned for certain periods of time and some other groups.
FEES:
Annual subscription: Junior (under 18) £58.00, Adult £90.00. Family
membership £158.00. The family membership covers 2 adults (husband/wife/partner)
and up to 2 children if required. On each attendance a range fee of
£2.50 is payable. The subscription can be paid by instalments by standing
order if required. New members are asked to pay ½ the annual fee to
cover their probationary period (and a £15 joining fee). If they
wish to continue after this, the balance is payable pro-rata to cover
the balance of the year.
APPLICATIONS:
An application form should be completed and returned to the membership
secretary at the above address. You may be asked to provide proof of
identity e. g. driving license, passport. You will only need to send
a payment of £15 at this stage. We will ask the remainder when
you start your probationary membership and we will use a digital camera
to make an ID card. The membership secretary will contact you to arrange
a suitable time for your first attendance. If you are known personally
to a full member of the club he/she can introduce you to the club on
a one-to-one basis
OPEN DAYS:
Open days can be arranged for groups who wish to try the sport without
committing to six months membership. The cost would be approximately
£5 -£10 per person depending on what the group wants to do. People
attending open days can use prone rifle and sporting rifle.
For further information contact Alison Staite, Club Secretary on 07775
029372
|
