I hope that all readers of the website have remained safe and avoided all the pitfalls of the ongoing pandemic.
We have all been overwhelmed by social media, news, fake news, information and misinformation. Read and listen with care.
Our sport has been shut down in line with the social distancing rules which have rightly been established to prevent the spread of the virus. However, at last we are witnessing a relaxation of restrictions and it is up to ourselves and the general public to be sensible to prevent further spikes of infection and consequent lockdowns.
BE AWARE THAT RULES DIFFER IN EACH OF THE HOME COUNTRIES, AND MAY EVEN BE PECULIAR TO SPECIFIC REGIONS. Please also note that breaching lockdown rules can have serious consequences:
- A Club in England opened incorrectly, was severely reprimanded by the Police and had to close again.
- Individuals breaching the rules in England have had their FACs removed due to failing the “fit and proper person” test.
- Necessary insurance cover will be void, with all the major consequences that flow from that.
Colmsliehill Range has been closed since 17th March and remains closed as it is considered an “indoor sports facility”.
The pandemic has not prevented much work at the range. We have contracted a member landscaper to carry out many necessary tasks:
- De-leading the back stop
- Repairs to fencing and treating all woodwork with preservative.
- Weed-killing the area.
- Removal of bird deterrent netting which was proving ineffective.
- Cleaning up the bird mess on the floor.
- Laying of gravel in car park to make it safer during wet and freezing weather.
Once travel constraints were relaxed a couple of other members installed physical and electronic bird deterrents.
All this of course comes at great expense. Membership fees were increased last year and these are used together with the generous legacy from Paul Evans.
Similarly, a lot of administration and planning work has been done in the background to enable the Club to open reasonably quickly, once it is allowed to do so.
Our Secretary is constantly scrutinising the Scottish rules and guidelines and is keeping members regularly updated by email. Please read these so that you are aware of any changes.
The nationwide lockdown has of course meant that all shooting at ranges in the UK was cancelled. As a competitor, I was devastated to miss activities at Bisley, Derby, Mattersey, Aberdeen and of course our own JSPC Spring Open.
The NRA however intends to continue with its planned events for the Nationals Championships in September and the Autumn Action Weekend (AAW) in October.
JSPC also hopes to run the planned Autumn Open Weekend (11-13th September). Social distancing will probably still be in place so the format of the competitions may be altered.
Watch this space!