The Area Target Club is an original “Lord Roberts’ range” dating back to 1910. It was one of several commissioned by Field Marshal Earl Roberts who served the British Empire from the mid 19th Century to the early part of the 20th. Lord Roberts witnessed the unacceptable deaths of many British troopers by Boer riflemen, the Boers being better armed and better shots. To overcome this he was instrumental in introducing the Lee Enfield .303 rifle, and opening a number of rifle ranges for all Englishmen to train as marksmen. Ours is one of few remaining ranges.
Twenty years ago the range had fallen into disuse and was in a sorry condition. It was literally rebuilt and re-certified by our original club members, and is now a small, but thriving, small bore rifle club.
Our club has an unblemished safety record, is affiliated to the National Small Bore Rifle Association and is used by Air Cadets on a regular basis. New members are always welcome and novices are introduced to small bore shooting with one to one instruction.