Following a successful weekend shooting, it’s apparent that there is appetite for additional range days during the restriction period. 

We’ve made a few modifications to the schedule and scheduled just two time slots. Please request a timeslot on the form here – https://forms.gle/ZfUfqeSZzWQQnivk6. The form will close at around 5.00pm on Wednesday 24th June 2020. 

Some members have already requested times for the 27^th and did not wish to have them moved forward to the 20^th. I have already noted these, and no further action is required on their behalf.

Some questions were asked this weekend regarding additional weekday openings and the possibility of consecutive bookings.

At this time, the committee has decided on a single range day per weekend. We made this decision to concentrate efforts on specific days to ensure we are fully compliant with all the procedures required to open during the restriction period. It should be understood and appreciated by all members that running a single 1.5-hour session for 10 members on our ranges requires 3 additional members to volunteer around 2 hours each. Running a 9-5 day would require 3 members to dedicate a full 8-hour day. Additionally, the numbers in attendance this weekend simply do not warrant additional days of operation. 

With regards to consecutive booking requests. After further discussion during the weekend, the committee is continuing with the current decision not to allow consecutive booking requests. I have listed a few reasons below. The list below is not exhaustive, but I hope it serves to answer the questions surrounding this. 

·      Many of the consecutive booking requests ran into a slot where there was a 1:1 ratio (or less) of volunteers to participants. 

·      Attending the range for 4 hours would increase the chance of the participants requiring nourishment (against the risk assessment and restriction rules) or requiring use of the toilet facilities.

·      Consecutive booking requests add considerable complexity to range day organisation.

The committee wishes to thank all those that attended during the weekend, it was great to see the range back in use after such a long time dormant. We hope to see you back again soon and we eagerly await a safe return to normality.

Lastly, with regards to Full-bore, The Comber Open/NI Championships remain scheduled for the 12^th and 13^th of September. Whilst there is no absolute certainty, just yet, of these events running. If interested, you should keep these penciled in your diary to avoid any potential scheduling conflict. Any news will be posted as we receive it.