Last year was a successful one for Alton Rifle Club, whether judging it by competitions won or the club’s growth and diversity.

One highlight came in the recent 2023 final of the NSRA Eley, a UK-wide target shooting competition.

Alton’s Sue Forster, one of 192 contestants shooting over three rounds, came third in the benchrest section at Bisley.

Sue joined Alton Rifle Club in 2017 on a trial membership before applying for her firearms certificate.

Due to old whiplash injuries she found the prone discipline - lying down - left her in extreme pain after each practice. Sue said: “I had to give up archery and thought I would have to give up shooting, but Alton Rifle Club had recently been equipped for the benchrest discipline and I was encouraged to have a go. I really enjoyed being able to continue with my shooting and started to enter postal competitions.

“The 2023 NSRA Eley was the first national competition I had entered; it involved shooting one practice card followed by four competition cards at a distance of 25 yards, with ten minutes allowed per card.

“I was quite nervous as it was the first time I had shot somewhere other than the club. The whole environment was different - bench width, lighting, height of targets - but it was all good experience and a great opportunity to look at all the other shooting ranges and disciplines at Bisley. The place is huge!

“There were just two points separating first, second and third place, we scored 391, 392 and 393 out of 400. It was a really good opportunity to meet so many other participants and look at their different set-ups. Men and women compete alongside each other, because we are only identified by initial and surname, which makes it a truly inclusive sport.”

Shooting at Alton, whether prone .22 rifle, light sporting (standing up) or benchrest, can be just for fun, but everyone is encouraged to compete.

The founder members in 1936 were mainly older men but the club works hard to train younger shooters, with a growing number being women.

Young member Amy Simcock said: “My mum has been shooting for 20-plus years and encouraged me to get involved as a way to try a new sport and meet new people.

“I also tried some shooting when I was in Staffordshire Young Farmers and just loved it. I didn’t realise just how much of a team sport it is. Even if you are not shooting as part of a team, everyone is always willing to help, and even improvements on your own shooting scores are celebrated by the whole club. So far I’ve entered three or four competitions and improved on my starting average. I’ve also won a few of my rounds, which is great! Next I’d like to get towards an average of 94.”

For details see www.altonrifleclub.co.uk

Jeremy Cowan