Cheddar Valley Rifle Club

The club dates back to 1979 when the Cheddar gasworks was converted into a clubhouse.

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During the transformation of the property into a rifle range, members used a clubhouse in Wells. The new range off Draycott Road was opened in 1981 and the club has been based there ever since.

The clubhouse includes a 25-yard indoor range with three lanes, clubroom and toilets. Most of the target shooting is done over a distance of 25 yards, but members do compete in 50 metres and 100 yard shooting events.

Treasurer Don Lee said: Im probably our oldest member Im 74, but the youngest is 15, so we have quite a wide range. At the moment we have 22 members but we are always looking for more.

It is a very individual sport, but we do have team shoots and run social events, such as a day of crazy golf, quiz nights and the annual club dinners.

The club is affiliated to the National Smallbore Rifle Association, Somerset Smallbore Rifle Association and the Bristol and District Association. It is a fully approved .22 calibre target rifle shooting club.

Equipment, which can be supplied by the club, usually comprises of a green or blue shooting jacket, which has strap hooks to hold and support a rifle. There is a leather pad to stop it from slipping. There are also ear defenders to protect shooters from the loud sounds. The .22 calibre rifle does not have much recoil, so it is a relatively easy gun to use.

Don added: We also have guest nights where members can bring along a friend to try some shooting. Our one in March was very successful and we will hopefully have people applying for membership from that event very soon.

THE FACTS:
Name of club: Cheddar Valley Rifle Club.
Founded: 1979.
Membership: 22.
Who the club caters for: The minimum age is 14 and the club is for anyone who is interested in the sport.
Meeting place and time: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm11pm at the rifle clubhouse, near Cheddar Football Club.
President/ chairman: The president is Vera Lee. The chairman is Mike Griffin.
Who to contact for more details: Club secretary Barbara Griffin on 01934 518098.