NRA Journal - Summer 2004 - National Rifle Association

NOTES FROM THE MANAGINGDIRECTOR OF BISLEYbyJeremyStaplesShort Siberia Access RoadPlanning has finally been received from Surrey HeathCouncil (subject to a number of conditions) for the linkroad between Century and Short Siberia together with acar park at 300 yards.The tree felling was completed in time to meet therestrictions placed on us by English Nature and the baseof the road has now been completed. One of theconditions of the planning was that the road surfaceshould meet the approval of both Surrey Wildlife Trustand English Nature. Extensive research has been carriedout to identify an inert/neutral surface. It appears thatFittleworth Stone may meet the requirements and I amhopeful that this road will be completed within the nextfour weeks. Our thanks are due to Peter Hobson ofHobson Industries for his generous donation towardsthe costs of the construction of this important project.Short Siberia RangeThe additional target frames are due to be delivered veryshortly and we expect them to be in place by the end ofMay at the latest. Work is also being undertaken on the200 yards firing point and we are confident that the threeextra targets will prove to be very popular.EstateDiscussions have continued with Guildford BoroughCouncil in respect of the possible extension of the caravanseason. It appears that the earliest approval for caravansgoes back to 1965 and there have been numerousapplications since this date. The Planning Officer hassuggested that we submit a formal planning applicationto seek approval to extend the caravan season. This willbe submitted within the next few weeks.If this planning consent is forthcoming, we can then lookat the possibility of obtaining planning consent to provideadditional seasonal chalet buildings on the Estate if thereis demand.Ablution BlocksA number of the staff have worked very hard over thewinter period to refurbish and redecorate some of theablution blocks. Early reports from our members alsoindicate that the cleaning is much improved from lastyear and hopefully this can continue throughout theseason.Disabled Rifle Shooting at BisleyI read with interest the article in the Spring Journal by RJTaylor in respect of disabled shooting at Bisley. We arecertainly looking into access for wheelchairs on ShortSiberia and to the benches at 1000 yards. Arrangementshave been put in hand to install light sensor switches inall disabled toilets on the Estate.The new car park at 300 yards on Century should alsohelp disabled access onto the ranges. If any othershooters have any suggestions as to how we can improvefacilities then please do not hesitate to let me have furtherinformation.ClaysThe clay ranges continue to be very heavily used and Iam pleased to report that we are hosting four major CPSAevents, including the English Open and the Down TheLine Selection Shoot, during the course of the next fewmonths together with two BTCTSF Grand Prix shoots.In addition there are County meetings occurring onalmost every other weekend. A large marquee has beenacquired and will be erected to the rear of the ClayPavilion to house the competitors on the busy weekends.In addition a new generator has been purchased and willbe located adjacent to the Clay Pavilion in order toprovide a back-up should there be an electrical powerfailure during a major competition, such as occurred lastyear.Finally, due to an increased demand for tuition we haveacquired two additional traps and will run ‘have a go’or tuition in the area below layout 5 during the busyperiods.StaffI am very pleased to welcome Michael Lucking into theRange Office as a replacement for Howard Dixon.Stan Markovic has joined our team in the Target Shed,which is now fully staffed and busy producing targetsfor the remainder of the season.Hobson’s Way - the new road in its final stages of construction.8