We hope you have all been keeping safe and well during the period of extended lock down. The committee realise that the isolation period has, and will continue, to take its toll on our physical, general and mental wellbeing. It’s now, more than ever, that we realise the importance of sport for our wellbeing and we know that you, like us, can’t wait to get back. We hope that those of you who are not currently shielding, or isolating, have been able to enjoy some of the additional freedom that Step One of the Pathway to Recovery has returned to us. On that note, we’d like to share some other ‘pathway to recovery’ news.

As you may now be aware, Sport NI publicly released their ‘Return to Sport’ framework on Saturday. Until now, there has been no solid timeline or framework available to clubs outlining the expectations required should they choose to re-open during the COVID restriction period. We’re happy to see that the sport of shooting and shooting ranges have been specifically addressed in this release, giving us some very clear expectations to meet and guidelines to follow. 

The committee met on Sunday to discuss the new guidance and are now working toward an ‘amber phase’ re-opening. Amber phase is the most heavily controlled and specified phase of this guidance. It is also the stage following red phase (complete lockdown). It therefore stands to reason that it is the most complex and costly to implement and run. It is also the stage where, if not implemented correctly, could place members at the biggest risk. For these reasons, the committee have decided not to target or publish an exact date for re-opening, but rather to complete amber phase implementation and readiness before announcing a date for recommencement. It’s our duty to make the club ready for all members who might choose to attend. It’s also our duty as a club to run the amber phase in a way that all members can feel safe in attending. We won’t re-open our ranges until that time.

Just before lockdown and after the NI Executives’ Step 1 announcement, club facilities have undergone various upgrade works.

On the 50m-100yd range, right side, the pathway from the firing point to the 50m targetry has been resurfaced and extended to reach the 100yd targetry. Additionally, on the left-hand side, a new path was created and finished to the same standard. These two paths are now linked across the front of the 50m and 100yard targetry. This upgrade work will allow all smallbore rifle shooting members to be able to access the targetry in all but the most unpleasant weather conditions. We hope the work will appreciated by all.

 

At the 20yd to 30m range, the paths between the targetry and firing point have had the same treatment. Ensuring a consistent experience throughout the facility.

The 50m targetry was found to be at a standard where failure would be expected within a year. The work to replace this is due to start this week.

For those who appreciate just how much work is involved in keeping the grass at the site under control, this has been carried out, whilst observing all social distancing measures, by Gary Duff and Alan Lyons. 

To finish off, we are completing the CCTV Installation at both Railway Street and Ballygraffan. Our Policy documentation is being updated accordingly.

The Committee would like to thank those of us who have adhered Government and club rules to date, and additionally, would like to remind all members that all of the club’s facilities remain closed at this time. If you do not have express permission from Rowan Conway (Chairperson), Jeff Getty (Secretary) or Gary Duff (Committee responsible for maintenance at Ballygraffan), you should not be at the facility.

Keep safe, we hope to see you all again in the near future.

Jeff Getty

Club Secretary