This week, we’ve introduced a new system to simplify range bookings.
This system is linked to our web page on the following address https://comberrc.com/outdoor-range-bookings/.
Two slots have been opened up for Saturday 11th June. Any queries, simply email [email protected].
Thanks to all those who attended over the previous weekend, the weekend was well attended, and it was good to see everyone out participating safely in the sport.
We’ve opened another request form for this weekend, so let us know if you would like to attend https://forms.gle/pKYyheXEsni3Qpbv9
Although the NI Executive did announce changes to the 2m social distance rule, SportsNI has since confirmed that these changes do not alter the conditions under which sports clubs must currently operate. Therefore, amongst the various restrictions, the overall site maximum occupancy set in Stage 2 of the Return to Sport Framework still applies.
On the social end, the committee has decided that the bar should remain closed throughout July pending a further assessment and discussion at the end of July.
Currently, the opening of indoor areas in pubs is only permitted where food is sold. Pubs may open outdoor areas for table service only but would need to define and manage numbers on-site in addition to all the other required measures, such as screening off areas, frequent and regular cleaning of high traffic areas, etc. Given the increased costs and initial outlay of operating under those stipulations, the decision was made to remain closed throughout July. We realize this will be unwelcome news to many, and we thank members for their continued patience.
Jeff Getty
Club Secretary
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 27th and did not wish to have them moved forward to the 20th. 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 12th and 13th 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.
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
Hi everyone,
Just a gentle reminder that all facilities remain closed until further notice.
Appointed members of the committee are periodically performing the required checks and maintenance at both Ballygraffan and Railway Street. Unless specifically asked by Rowan Conway or Gary Duff, you should not visit the facilities. If anyone requires access, they need to let the Secretary, Gary and Rowan know, so that it can be coordinated and communicated.
If you still need to post/deliver your membership form and payment, the postbox at Railway Street is being monitored. The last pickup for this years postal memberships is Sat 25 April.
We all know what’s at stake and the government advice. Please spread the word.
I know it’s a tough stance but it’s got to be done.
Thanks in advance,
Jeff Getty
Club Secretary
Comber Rifle Club 