THIS YEAR marks the 110th anniversary of the Gloucester Rifle Range.
Located on the northern side of Waukivory Road, just along from the Bucketts Way intersection, it was used “unofficially” for several years before its official opening in 1915.
Steve Pennicuik is the current Rifle Club captain.
He said that in its early years, the army tested new weapons on the range, such as the Lewis and Vickers machine guns.
The Club now shoots at the range every second Sunday, and the Pistol Club every other Sunday.
There are also regular gun safety courses for those wishing to obtain a firearm licence with the next one being held on 7 June at the CWA Hall.
An article from November 1915 shows that it took seven years to form the Gloucester Rifle Club, with the range’s eventual opening due to “the energy of Mr J. H. Shedden” who saw that a “man was sent up from Sydney to form the butts.
“They have now been completed at a cost of about £74,” the article read.
“The range is complete in every detail, well-made and built on modern lines.
“A telephone is installed from the butts to the shooting mounds, and four men can be shooting at once.
“At 3.15pm the range will be officially opened by Councillor Shedden.
“The first shot will be fired by Mrs A. B. Hays.
“Everybody is invited, ladies particularly.
“Motor cars and buses will be running to the ground.”
While membership of the club has fluctuated over the years, it was originally described as a man’s “duty”.
“The Defence Department recognises that rifle clubs play an essential part in the defence of any country, and asks all officials of clubs to do their best to increase membership and to arouse interest in the actual work of training the members to use the rifle to its best advantage,” wrote the then club captain in June 1917 – the middle of World War I.
“Will not the younger men of the district who are already members and those who have yet joined, come along and give up some of the time presently devoted to cricket, tennis, football and other sports for the purpose of learning to shoot?
“Won’t you come along and help to make it the success it deserves.
“It is your duty to Australia.”
While no longer considered a “duty”, anyone interested in joining the Club or in registering for a gun safety course can contact Steve Pennicuik on 0427 059 717.
By John WATTS
