Members will be pleased to note the thank you letter from Hospice in the Weald for HBSA’s donation in memory of Ken Hocking

The NRA have made some bookings available for groups of 6, details below:-

For members information – I have just received this update via BSSC https://newsletter.echa.europa.eu/home/-/newsletter/entry/controlling-lead-in-ammunition-and-fishing-balancing-benefits-and-viability There are a number of interesting comments here which underline the need for working and liaising with ECHA. “The use of lead could continue if the risks are adequately controlled or where alternatives are not technically suitable or turn out to be too expensive. Regulation should not result in disproportionate socio-economic impacts.” “It is also important to understand that proposing a restriction does not necessarily mean a ban. A restriction can be any kind of condition on the use of a substance that is seen necessary to mitigate the risks.” We can also note that a visit to a range took place in Finland. They state that most weight will be given to views supported by scientifically robust data. They also state that “indoor uses of lead ammunition are also excluded from the scope of the investigation”. In any case we need to keep up working on the issue. I will advise any further progress in due course Derek Stimpson

Members will be interested to see the following message from The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Sport Tourism and Heritage, Nigel Huddleston MP, and addressed to the Chairman of BSSC. This clarifies the position regarding shooting as an outdoor activity. Derek Stimpson

 

“As you are aware, on 11 May, the government published updated guidance on lockdown measures, including updates on how people can remain active. From 13 May, people are allowed to go outside more than once a day for exercise as long as they are following social distancing guidelines, alone, with members of their household, or with one person from outside of their household. People must still only exercise in groups of no more than two people, unless they are exercising with their household.

 

 

Any facilities associated with outdoor sports and physical activities, including shooting ranges, can now reopen, if those responsible for them feel ready to do so and if they can do so safely, and in line with related public health guidance.”

Members should be aware that the Judicial review that has just taken place failed to overturn the antique ivory ban. Report in The Times newspaper>>> We are in touch with BADA and will keep you updated. Derek Stimpson

Dear NRA Member  

CURRENT CHANGES TO RANGE BOOKINGS

 

We will be open weekends only from Saturday 23rd May.

 

If you are wishing to make a booking please follow the guidance set out below and note the restrictions in place.

 

As per the previous announcements bookings will not be processed until Tuesday 19th May.

 

MAKING A BOOKING

 

Bookings are currently 1 per person, per hour, electronic targets at weekends only

 

When selecting ‘Range’ type in the top right corner ‘Session’ which will provide you with two range options (Century or Stickledown). All other ranges are currently void and will not let you select a booking date up until 1/7/2020.

 

Ensure you select the distance you would like.

 

Stickledown 900x (lanes 21-26) or 1000x (lanes 46-50)

Century 100x (lanes 103 – 108), 300x (lanes 73-78) or 600x (lanes 37 – 48)

 

Please let us know in the comments if you would be happy with any other alternative if first choice is not available.

 

Please note in the comments the hour you wish to shoot for.

 

Hour sessions are between 0830 – 1230 and 1330 – 1730

Please be aware if your selected hour is not available your booking may still be approved for a different hour (this will be noted in your booking confirmation email)

 

Note:

 

A separate bid must be submitted if more than one hour is wanted

 

A club making a booking must state the individuals name in the comments

 

No walk in bookings permitted

 

Payment

 

Every booking must be prepaid before arrival (booking confirmation email will provide you with a link to pay, or pay over the phone during weekdays only)

 

FIREARMS & AMMUNITION

 

No firearms hire

 

Members firearms and ammunition sales are to be pre booked via email to armoury@nra.org.uk (minimum of 24 hours notice)

 

Payment for ammunition to be done on the day via card only

 

PROCEDURE FOR THE DAY OF YOUR BOOKING

 

There will be no access via Kings Way (outside range office), please follow the road signs for access to Century or for the Range Office Car Park

 

If you require firearms or ammunition please park in the range office car park and follow the signs/markings for the queuing system.

 

If you require zeroing before shooting the Zero range will be open and available FOC. (Limited numbers on the range so please leave plenty of queue time so not to affect your range booking)

 

If you do not require firearms or ammunition please go straight to the Range to sign in, here you will be given your allocated lane number. Please only park in the allocated parking areas and do not arrive more than 15 minutes before your allocated time slot.

 

The waiting area set up behind each lane is to be used to prepare before moving on to your allocated firing point.

Members may wish to note the following statement from TVP The concern arises out of the use of the term “Public Open Spaces” in the Statutory Instrument No.350 and “Open Spaces” in the recent Government Recovery Strategy document which is guidance not law, unlike the S I, which is law. We understand that NPCC, were consulted and guidance from them is expected to go out soon to all forces. We also await to hear from the the Under Secretary, Nigel Huddleston at DMCS shortly, in response to the BSSC Chairman’s letter. We will report further news as soon as available. Derek Stimpson

Thames Valley Police position on shooting activities in accordance with Government advice and regulations Thames Valley Police will not be taking action in respect of shooting activities on shooting grounds, or private land, provided the activities are otherwise licensed and lawful. We urge anyone considering taking part in such activities to comply fully with the current government guidance about the conditions on which outdoor recreation may take place. If you do not heed this advice and are found in circumstances where your activities could result in the emergency services being called out or that suggest a danger to public safety or to the peace, this may result in consideration being given to the revocation of your certificate/s.

There will be a private cremation on 11th May but it is Sheila’s intention to have a memorial gathering in the Autumn when that is possible, and we will advise further in due course. Meanwhile anyone wishing to make a contribution in Ken’s memory may do so to the Hospice in the Weald, Maidstone Rd, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4TA 01892 820500

Members who have seen references in the press to consideration being given to allowing restrictions on golf and fishing being eased will be glad to note that BSSC (with input from HBSA, NRA, CPSA, and NSRA) have written to the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Oliver Dowden at DCMS to suggest that the same consideration be given to target shooting, allowing of course for social distancing and government instructions. We will see what comes about and will keep you informed. Meanwhile those who may not have seen this NRA update may read it here >>>>  Derek Stimpson