NRA Journal - Summer 2004 - National Rifle Association

and interest in any proposals which might comeforward - at any time. We shall use the website as thebest means of communicating any matters of interest.There has been some misunderstanding in the pastas to our political role with firearms. Put simply, as aCharity, we cannot lobby for firearms, per se, but wedo have a duty to protect the equipment which isneeded for fulfilling our Charter objectives and thatmeans the equipment we use now. If anything, weshall try to obtain concessions for target pistol,particularly if the Government is taking its bid forthe Olympic Games seriously and accepts ourargument that we cannot present ourselves to theInternational Olympic Committee as able to run pistolevents in 2012 if we have had no experience since theCommonwealth Games in 2002.Of practical necessity, my comments have beenslightly formal. The nature of our Association is thatwe are very diverse in our activities. We have manydifferent items of equipment and courses of fire. Thenthere are the desires of those who aspire to shootinternationally - so important to our public image andstanding - and those who just want to enjoy a sport.We must co-operate and support each other.Accordingly, you may well have questions andcomments for us about your own interests and pleasedo not hesitate to make them today.Thank you.I shall now be happy to take questions.The following topics were raised by members present:On the Financial Statements:Loans to ClubsQ. Why are loans made to clubs interest free,particularly in view of the Association’s ownborrowings?A. Loans are made to Affiliated Clubs forimprovements of facilities. The Council believesthat the Association now has the resources tocontinue to give this financial support. (Thequestioner stated that in her opinion the NRA shouldimpose an interest charge of the same level as the chargewe have to pay on our borrowings.)Net gain on disposal of fixed asset propertyQ. What was this “gain”?A. The sum of £1,000 was the proceeds from the saleof the clay target high tower which had beenpreviously written off. The Association had beencompensated by the gift of Cottesloe Lodge to theAssociation.General Questions:Encouragement of new target shootersQ. Should not more efforts be made to providemembership opportunities to the Territorial Army,Cadet Forces and Scout Groups and the young,generally? Hopefully say, through the NationalCoach, suitably qualified shooters can bepersuaded to be available to help with guidanceand training?A. Whilst there are already a number of schemes andthe probationary courses are full, nevertheless, itis intended that the Association should developmore ways for pro-active recruitment.Charges for use of “multi-distance” targets at BisleyQ. The Spring Journal indicates, by a given example,that the new charge will be made for falling backfrom 600 yards to 900 yards. Is this correct?A. The example is in error, there will be no chargefor falling back from Century to Stickledown norfrom morning to afternoon.Standardisation of leases at BisleyQ. There have been a number of lease renewals inthe last year involving much negotiation. Areefforts being made to ensure fairness?A. Every effort is being made to ensure fairness andconsistency. A new and standard form of lease,taking into account all factors of change, is nearlyready for future use.Advertising on the new Membership CardQ. Is it fair to single out one particular establishmentat Bisley to sponsor the new card and therebyappear to endorse it?A. Other clubs were given the opportunity and therewill be an open opportunity for this sponsorship,each year.There being no more questions, the Chairman closed themeeting.RangEOfficE TaRgETSTargets available by the hourat weekends• £6 per hour (including marker) •• Century and Stickledown •• All year round! •(subject to availability)Slots may be booked on the day or bytelephone during the preceding weekCall the Range Office to bookor to check which distances are availableCall 01483 797777 ext 152or 0845 130 7620 ext 15256