Ross-on-Wye Target Shooting Club - Shooting Club in Ross-on-Wye
Ross-on-Wye Target Shooting Club is a long-standing establishment that has been in existence for almost 100 years, having been founded around 1910. The club was formed as part of an initiative to promote shooting sports amongst the civilian population in response to concerns over poor marksmanship among the army ranks. The club actively encouraged competitions based around military shooting disciplines, with General Lord Roberts playing a key role in its formation.
Originally, the club used a 1,000 yard outdoor range at Camp Road, which was later reduced to 600 yards. While the club was originally formed using miniature rifles (.22 calibre), it eventually transitioned to small and full bore long arms. However, the club ceased using this outdoor range around 1980, with the site being taken over by the military.
As time passed, the club also had limited use of the indoor range at the TA centre, but scheduling shooting events around TA activities became increasingly difficult. In response, the club purchased a piece of land on the outskirts of Ross-on-Wye and sought planning permission for a purpose-built indoor shooting facility in the 70s, raising funds for its construction.
In the mid-70s, pistol shooting was introduced to the club with the purchase of a single-shot .22 Webley pistol. This pistol was used extensively by all members of the club. Additionally, air weapon shooting gained popularity among club members, with regular competitions held at the Prince of Wales public house. This type of competition was common in many public houses at the time, with shooting at a small aperture in a box that held a bell being particularly popular.
Ross-on-Wye Target Shooting Club is based in Herefordshire
