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Welcome...to one of the oldest and largest shooting clubs in the south east corner of England! We are located some 20km south-east of London, just off the A222, midway between Chislehurst [A208] and Sidcup [A20]. This Google map shows you where we are, when viewed from space. We draw our membership of over 200 members mainly from Greater London, Kent and Surrey, but also have members who travel in from as far away as Sussex and Essex. I hope this website gives you an idea of the disciplines available to members of St. Nicholas!
HistoryIt was during 1906 that the Club first started its small-bore shooting history. Originally based at Chislehurst in Bull Lane, the Club was first known as the "Working Men's Social Club". Then, in August 1910, the Club changed its name to the "St. Nicholas Rifle Club" and became affiliated to the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs, [which then in 1947 changed its name to become the present day National Small-bore Rifle Association (N.S.R.A.)], based at the Bisley Camp in Surrey. During the First World War, the Bull Lane premises were unfortunately burnt down. This resulted in the Club having to move to another range, this time located at Whitehorse Hill, where it remained until 1950.
The club then again moved thanks in large to the kind provision of Colonel Edlmann D.S.O., this time to his Hawkwood Estate in Chislehurst, where it remained until our last move in 1958.
It was during
1958 that the freehold of the land, for the present ranges at
Foxbury, were acquired for the Club. This was due mainly to the
generosity and excellent offices of the then Club President, Hugh
Williams, and the Club Chairman, Leslie (Les) Nicoll.
This woodland was cleared over a period of several months, the outdoor ranges were laid out, and the Club House and internal range were constructed, all by the then few members of the Club. If you visit the Club now, you will see that it has made tremendous strides over the last half century. Originally starting with only 12 members, the Club now has a membership in excess of 200, encompassing all ages and both sexes. In its present location, the Club shooting facilities consist of four ranges and many varied disciplines.
50m rangeOn the far side of the Club premises, is the 50m range. Used primarily for small-bore prone rifle and field target shooting, the range has 18 covered firing points. The left-hand side of the 50m range, is bordered by trees up to 15-18m tall. The 2m tall trees along the right-hand side of the range mark the border with the 100yd range.
Just behind the range is the 'target hut'. This provides shelter for shooters when the weather turns wet, as well as targets, target frames and the members 'postal competition' cards.
100yd rangeBetween the 50m range and the Club House, is the 100yd range. Used primarily for small-bore prone rifle, the range has 18 covered firing points. The right-hand side of the 100yd range, is overshadowed by Poplar trees up to 30-35m tall.
Half way down on the left hand side you can see the stop butt of the 50m range. Behind that is the outdoor 25yd range. The target frames for this range are stored in a hut at the bottom of the range on the right hand side.
25yd rangeBehind the 50m stop butt if the outdoor 25yd range. Used for small-bore prone rifle, light sports rifle, gallery rifle and black powder shooting, it features both traditional frame mounts of targets, as well as turning targets.
[*
this photo is slightly out of date, as it does not show the current
turning target facility For those of you who shoot service rifle down at Bisley Camp on a regular basis, this range is our 'Short Siberia'.
25yd indoor rangeInside the main building on the premises is the 25yd indoor range. Smaller than all the other ranges with just four firing points, it caters for a range of shooting. As well as traditional small-bore prone rifle at 25 yards, there is light sports rifle and air rifle at 20 yards. At 10 metres and at 6 yards there is air pistol shooting, both precision and timed.
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