The club originated with the .22 Prone Rifle Section when it was founded more than 100 years ago. When I took over in February 1992, there were approximately 40 members in my section. All these years later, that number hasn’t really changed a great deal.

The .22 Rifle section shoots on the two indoor 25m ranges as well outside at 50m and 100yd. In recent years a new discipline of benchrest shooting has been added, allowing many of those whose movement is restricted to take up or carry on with their shooting, although it appeals to a wide audience of fully fit people as well!    The following from our section captain gives an insight into how easy it is to get hooked!

Hi Everyone!!

My appetite was whetted for shooting, as I am sure with many others, while visiting fairgrounds as a child and teenager. When it extended into adulthood, and on winning a couple of ‘gonks’ for my twin daughters on the rifle range at the fair, when they were very young, I thought that I was the top notch, because I happened to hit the targets on the nose. At that time, of course, I didn’t have a clue as to how serious shooting could really be.

I first experienced Cheshunt Rifle and Pistol Club during Open Evenings: Christmas/Guy Fawkes Nights/Darts Evenings etc. All interspersed with shooting rifle, standing up and resting on benches. Within a couple of years, it was inevitable that I (along with husband, Colin) would, eventually, become a member of the club. That was in September 1989, when the twins had flown the nest, and I was at a ripe old age.

My introductory evening came as quite a surprise…..No. Correction. A SHOCK!!………to say the least. Instead of, in a civilised manner, standing up and resting on a bench, as I had been used to during those fun events, I was put, face down on the floor, and in a very awkward and uncomfortable position, with a rifle balanced on one hand, while perching on my elbow……..of course, it shouldn’t have been on my elbow by any means but, that’s how it ended up, seeing that I was a real novice. Well, I was ready to give up within the first couple of weeks, due to the rawness and soreness of my poor arm. Apart from all of that, I was dressed up in some weird and wonderful clothes.

To cut a long story short, was I pleased that I persevered, and as I look back, I have great admiration for my coaches, for their patience and their time. Within about a year, I was attending my very first Open Shoot at Imber Court, Surrey, where we were shooting against the Met. Police.   I am not exaggerating when I say that I was absolutely shaking with fear at the prospects of it all, but, I nearly burst with joy, when I found that I had won the D Class. It was money for the prizes so, it meant that there really was nothing to show for what I had achieved. My very good friend, the late Peter Riccardi, suggested that I went out and bought, with my prize money, a Cup, with an inscription on it, as to what I had won. I did just that, and still have it to this day. My very first win under the name of Cheshunt Rifle and Pistol Club. What a very wise man Peter was!!

Following that, I had a few wins. Nothing major but, I am proud of them.

After a couple of years as a member of the club, I felt that I needed something extra to do so, when, in February of 1992, the post of Rifle Section Captain became vacant, I took over from the Past Captain, even though I really knew nothing about the background of the shooting world. I received though, such a lot of help, not only from some of my section but, also from the NSRA and county organisers etc., who were always ready to give advice on request, to get me where I am today.

Unfortunately, I had to postpone my shooting for some time, due to back problems and damage to my shoulder, following a fall, so, the Section Captain’s job was a real boon to my life. I thoroughly enjoy it and will continue to do it for as long as I can, to the best of my ability, or until I am no longer needed.

Apart from the Captain’s job, I am now enjoying the new(ish) discipline of Benchrest and the success it has brought to my life.

I have met some wonderful people along the way and, oh yes, thank goodness my elbow, eventually, healed.

   Thank you for reading my story.

JOAN LONGHURST

CAPTAIN OF THE .22 PRONE RIFLE SECTION

CHESHUNT RIFLE AND PISTOL CLUB      August 2008 

We meet up every Tuesday and Thursday evenings and some attend on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

New members always receive a very warm welcome when they arrive and are taken in hand by established members, as in other sections, for one to one tuition during a six months probationary period, during which time they are assessed before becoming full members.

We have access to, and use, the 25yds indoor, 50mts and 100yds outdoor ranges, on which we shoot a number of competitions all through the year. They include individual and team competitions for various counties, NSRA and the club.

We have qualified coaches at various levels and more than proud of the fact that we have had GB, National and Commonwealth Games medallists within the section.

There are plenty of ‘away’ shoots, all over GB, and abroad, to which members are able to travel and participate……..which many of my section do…….gaining a great deal of prizes on many occasions.

One of those events is in Devon. Annually, I organise a long weekend, in September, for any member of my section to take part in (what has now become quite famous within our club over the years) The Devon Open, at Budleigh Farm in Mortonhampstead, where we thoroughly enjoy a mixed few days of shooting and outings.

On a larger social scale, every now and then, I take it upon myself to organise an evening out for a group from my section and members of their family, usually in the shape of a meal and a show, because our section is made up of warm and wonderful people who just gel.

It is a real pleasure for me to be part of the .22 Prone Rifle Section and

I thank everyone for accepting me as their Captain for all these years.

JOAN LONGHURST