Sightings December 2004

Club website:             http://www.marplerifleandpistolclub.org.uk

Club telephone:             0161 427 9133

Message from the Chairman: 

            Welcome to our 2004 edition of Sightings and a brief note of what our strategy is for the future.

 We have, subject to contract, signed a 21-year deal with the council, which secures our site for the foreseeable future. Over the past year we have seen increases in members in Fullbore and Smallbore rifle. Lighting in the car park is a great improvement on these dark winter evenings and shooting competitions have been well supported.

 What I would welcome from the membership is two things, the first is ideas to improve the club, its your club and it has to work for you, do don't be shy about letting us know. Secondly, we the Committee and Range Officers do need more support, so if you think that you have the qualities, or want to know more about the workings of the Committee, ask me and you may find that you enjoy the involvement. 

Finally thank you all for your support over the last twelve months and enjoy your shooting during the next year.

                                                            John C Shonfeld

                                                                        Chairman

General news: 

Yet another year has strolled by and Christmas approaches once again and so the officers and committee of the club would like to take this opportunity to wish you and yours the season's greetings.

 During 2004 we have had had the opportunity of taking part in a training program for Range Officers, so as to learn how to conduct Black Powder shooting, both on the club's range and MOD ranges such as Altcar. The training course was an enjoyable event and much valuable information and experience was gained as a result. However this program has not eliminated the need for Range Officers, far from it. In particular Wednesday and, Thursday need additional help, so this is your opportunity to show some involvement and lend a hand for the common good. In a social, private club like ours, you cannot expect everything to be done for you, everyone must to some degree help out. To find out more ask how you can help in the Stats Office.

 If you have not tried Black Powder shooting, why not come along on a Sunday morning and see what it is all about? There are usually sufficient people present with BP guns to give a good idea of what is involved and as they are (usually) quite friendly, there is a good chance of having a go yourself!

 Here is some good news to report regarding the estate of the late Mary Aksan (Aleksander's widow). Last year, Adam Aksan from the USA who is Aleksander's great-nephew, was asking if he could have a sight of the family history that Aleksander had brought with him from Poland. I am pleased to be able to say that through the help of Arthur Branthwiate, who is Mary's executor, Adam was able to visit England and collect all the surviving family history from her estate. As a result, all this valuable material has been saved from being scrapped and it has now gone to a good home where it is much appreciated. 

Legal & financial matters:

         Earlier in this newsletter John mentioned that we seem to have secured the renewal of the lease on our land for the next 21 years, which as I am sure you will agree is a very good thing indeed. As a matter of interest, you might also like to know that we own the building and all its contents outright; there are no mortgages or loans outstanding on anything whatsoever.

 Negotiations over the unauthorised construction of a cattery on our land by the kennels next door are continuing with both them and Stockport MBC.

 The club has benefited financially by the water board's construction of the lay-by at the entrance to our property. This lay-by is to allow their vehicles a passing place during the constructional work further down the valley.

Training schedule for 2005: 

There will be another series of instructional courses held at the club on Sunday mornings, starting at 10:30 and lasting for about an hour. Each course will run for 5 consecutive weeks and cover: Position, Firing, Aiming and a Review which will cover practical advice and suggestions for training. The cost is the standard range fee of £2-00 and the courses are open to all members and probationary members. 

Pistol (all types from Air to Black Powder) starts: Sunday 6^th February

Rifle (all types from Air to Black Powder) Starts: Sunday 13^th March (with a break over the Easter holiday)

 There is the possibility of a short ballistics / reloading class running over two weeks if there is sufficient demand. If you would like such a course send an email to the club address, or see me personally. It would be on a Sunday morning before Easter 2005.

 There is also to be a Master Class for dedicated target shooters who have previously completed a basic training course, this is something of an experiment and if you would like to take part, contact me personally: dates to be agreed.

Club Website:

              Will all members who have internet access please keep me up to date with their current email contact details by sending them to the club at the following address: enquiries@marplerifleandpistolclub.org.uk (it is at the foot of the home page on the club's website). Note if you change email address, then you will need to notify me again.

Just to remind you all, there is a Members Notices section on the website for you to place adverts for items that you wish to either buy or sell. There is no charge for this service, just send the details in an email to me at the above address.

Footnote: 

            The next club barbecue is to be held on Sunday the 15th of May 2005, so make a note in your diaries now!

Michael Williams ….. editor

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