CLUB HISTORY
The gun club at Ross-on-Wye was founded almost 100 years ago, around 1910. Many similar clubs sprang up around the country during this period: The army was finding general marksmanship amongst the ranks to be poor, so an attempt was made to encourage shooting sports amongst the civilian population. Accordingly, competition was actively encouraged,, and based around military shooting disciplines. General Lord Roberts was influential in the formation of the first gun club at Ross-on-Wye.
The club originally used a 1,000 yard outdoor range, sited in Camp Road, across the railway line to Monmouth. The range was later reduced to 600 yards. The club was formed using miniature Rifles (.22 calibre), but eventually small bore and full bore long arms were shot there. This range was gradually taken over by the military; the civilian club ceased using the site around 1980. The military still still uses this outdoor range, though it is now reduced to 400yards.
The club also had limited use of the indoor range at the TA centre, but as time passed by it got ever more difficult to schedule shooting events around TA activities. The writing seemed to be on the wall, so the club bought a stretch of land on the outskirts of Ross-on-Wye when it became available. In the 70’s planning permission was sought for a purpose built indoor shooting facility at this site, and the club set about raising funds for construction of the building.
In the mid 70’s, pistol shooting was introduced to the club. The club bought a single shot .22 Webley pistol; this pistol was much used by the full compliment of club members.
The shooting of air weapons was a popular sport in the 70’s, especially in the midlands. It also gained popularity amongst club members, and competitions were regularly held at the Prince of Wales public house. Although it seems hard to believe in present times, this type of competition was common in many public houses, and competition amongst pub teams, similar to present day darts and pool teams, was not uncommon: Shooting at a small aperture in a box that held a bell was very popular, a successful shot was heralded by a ring of the bell as it was struck by the pellet.
By 1984 the clubhouse and shooting facility had been erected, and all shooting activities were transferred to this site.