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Hello all.

I'm keen to expand my shooting horizons. I currently only shoot smallbore prone, benchrest and lightweight rifle due to our club only being set up for rimfire. I also shoot shotguns whenever I can. I'm interested in almost all disciplines, ideally to include at least some of:

F Class
Service Rifle
Practical shotgun / minirifle
Gallery
Historics
BP / muzzle loading

...so pretty much everything apart from water pistols :)

I'm in Whitby but realise travel will be required - not an issue. I've tried to join the following:

* Tees Valley target sports - difficult to get info from, obstructive and what seemed like a general reluctance to take on new members. Maybe I was just unlucky.

* Pickering - the opposite; very helpful and welcoming, but because of the range restrictions it meant blocking out pretty much all day every Sunday and I wasn't able to commit to that due to work. Also no practical disciplines or BP (I believe). Nice people though!

So - is anyone a member of any clubs within a few hours drive that are relaxed, friendly and don't have either long waiting lists or really elaborate/complex/onerous joining procedures? I'm committed, have time/money, FAC/SGC (no fullbore yet) and a reasonable shot (as far as I can tell!)

Thanks for any pointers

Have a look at Diggle's website www.diggleranges.com

WE have one or two members from over your way.

Check out Mattersey R&P Club. One of the best non-military complexes in the country but limited to 200 metres (if it's up and running yet, otherwise 100 metres) which will accommodate some of your needs. Google maps will give you an aerial photo of the 11 or so ranges.

Redcat

The Mayfair Shooting Centre based in Sunderland but outdoor 'range' is in Co. Durham, is the only club in the NE that does PSG. We also do mini-rifle and LBP/LBR practice type matches. We do PSG at least once a month (second Saturday morning/afternoon of each month) and there's usually a fundamentals/equipment practice day organized ad hoc on a Sunday.

If you're willing to go over the wrong side of the Pennines, as mentioned theres Diggle that covers most, if not all of what you have listed and in fairness, its one, if not the best club I've visited. You also have Rossendale Rapid Fire club in that neck of the woods for PSG too.

Further west theres Carlisle Small Arms Club that does PSG/TSG and mini-rifle comps. Best off speaking with the UKPSA for stuff in the North (actual North ) and F4i/NRA for practical stuff in the South.

Hi, I have used North Cotes Butts, just south of Grimsby. good friendly club offering most of what you need.

Take a look @ www.northcotesbutts.co.uk/

from Whitby not that far south, and is open everyday so really easy to shoot at.

Thanks for the input, much appreciated.

Some of them are a little further than I thought - North Cotes Butts is 2.5hrs each way so 5 hours out of the house even before you've removed a breech flag :). Not an issue for a match / meeting of course, but if a club is going to require 12 visits over 3 months or attendance every week whilst a probationer, it's not really possible.

For the aforementioned clubs (Mattersey, Diggle, Mayfair), does anyone know what the membership/probationer requirements are for existing FAC holders and members of other home office approved clubs? For example, Mayfair suggest that you remain a probationer for 6 months and would I imagine want to see regular visits during that time.

I struggle a bit as I don't know exactly when I'm going to be free - I couldn't block out every Saturday for 6 months for example.

I suspect ultimately I may have to move or set up my own range

When I joined the Mayfair it was as an FAC holder and there was no probationary period. That was a few years back though so it might of changed but I think as long as you come across as someone who isn't a complete nugget and know what they're doing safety-wise I don't think the 6 months carry on would be enforced, it is after all at the discretion of the club.

FYI I got my twin brother to apply for me

From memory I think Mattersey is something like 12 visits in your 6 month probationary period.

Redcat