MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Was 2013 ‘n goeie, sommer-so, of slegte jaar vir jou? Is dit ‘n jaar wat uitstaan of wil jy dit so gou
moontlik vergeet? Het jy jou doelwitte bereik? Is jy geteister deur onaangenaamhede – dood van ‘n
geliefde; mislukking van ‘n huwelik of ander verhouding; ‘n sakebelang wat skipbreuk gely het;
misdaad; finansiële verknorsing, ens? Waar dit tradisie geraak het om hierdie tyd elke jaar bietjie terug
te dink oor wat gebeur het en te hoop dat dit die volgende jaar beter sal gaan, handhaaf ek ‘n ander
houding – ek dink deurgaans terug en leer uit suksesse en mislukkings.
Geloof en hoop vir ‘n beter toekoms moet daar wees, maar dit kom nie vanself nie, dit moet gepaard
gaan met toegewydheid, werk en passie (is dit dieselfde as liefde?).
Uiteraard laat dit my onwillikeurig dink aan 1 Korintiërs 13:13 waar Paulus sê: “En nou: geloof, hoop en
liefde bly, hierdie drie. En die grootste hiervan is die liefde!” Is dit nie vir die passie wat die lede van die
Vereniging vir vuurwapens en versameling het nie en die bereidwilligheid en deursettingsvermoë van
die Bestuurskomitee om te doen wat reg is, te onderhandel, te konfronteer, te baklei en dies meer,
om die regte van vuurwapeneienaars te beskerm nie, sou geloof en hoop weinig beteken het. Die
toegewydheid van die Bestuurs-komittee en die troue ondersteuning van die lede beteken dat
vuurwapenversamelkunde in die PWAV kerngesond is. Dit is gevolglik nie onvanpas om nou reeds my
dank en waardering teenoor die lede van die Bestuurskomitee en al die lede van die Vereniging uit te
spreek nie – dit is julle wat maak dat die PWAV die leier onder die leiers is en dat ek nie vrees om
vuurwapens en versamelkunde voor enige forum te verdedig nie. Baie dankie!!
I believe we, once again, succeeded in presenting members with an interesting practical and theoretical
programme. A safe and pleasant environment has been created in which members could use their
collectable firearms and where they could learn about similar and diverse interests, obviously all
firearms related. Attached to this newsletter you will find the 2014 programme. You will note that we did
not change much to the winning recipe and we trust that, once again, you could look forward to
interesting events.
However, only you will ensure, through your active participation, that we live our dream. Our safety
record is still intact – by considering (not presuming) all guns loaded at all times until you personally
have accepted responsibility that it in fact is unloaded; by keeping your finger off the trigger until the
sights are on target; by knowing your target and what is behind it; by not pointing any firearm,
muzzle-loader or air-gun at anybody or –thing you do not intend destroying; and by always ensuring
that alcohol and guns do not mix, we shall keep it that way.
Ons is sommer baie trots op die PWAV se nuwe webwerf wat vroeg in 2014 vir lede toeganklik sal
wees. Aangesien Hubert Wentzel dit self administreer behoort die jongste informasie (nuusbriewe,
kompetisie-uitslae, fotos, nuusflitse, ens) meer geredelik beskikbaar te wees. Ons sekretaris behoort
binnekort gebruikersname en toegangskodes aan lede te verskaf. Besoek dus asseblief ons webwerf
en sê ons wat jy dink en waar jy dink verbeterings aangebring kan word. Behalwe vir die lede
wat betrokke is by die Vuurwapenversamelkunde-program, is daar weining wat ons biblioteek besoek.
Op die webwerf sal julle ook ‘n volledige lys boeke vind – gebruik dit asseblief, ons weet dit is baie duur
om dit self aan te koop.
The recent NAACCSA AGM, which was held at Fort Schanskop, was a huge success. All member-
associations were represented and delegates’ contributions were generally positive and constructive.
The difficulty that some associations have in assessing persons as collectors; classifying members in
collectors’ categories; and assessing firearms for collectability still amazes me. We once again made
power point presentations to ensure a proper understanding by all of these issues and we are
confident that most concerns have been addressed.
Prohibited and restricted firearms are still a cause for concern, especially since the ministerial Committee
of Enquiry into the CFR has asked pertinent questions in this regard. We got the impression that the
Committee had some preconceived ideas about these firearms and their use or abuse. We managed to
allay the commissioners’ fears and concerns and trust their report to the minister will reflect this.
Corruption surely is one of their concerns – and probably with some degree of justification. However,
whether their belief is based on fact or fiction, is not known and once again we trust they will not colour
their report with unsubstantiated facts or fictitious scenarios. The fact is: no prohibited firearms and
probably less than a small handful restricted ones have been stolen or lost or used by the owners in the
commission of any crime.
NAACCSA is currently working on a proactive strategy in preparation for any eventuality (such as more
restrictive amendments to the FCA) that might come our way in 2014. It is good to know that NAACCSA
takes firearms and ammunition collection and the rights and interests of individual collectors very
seriously and will not leave any stone untouched to protect these.
Having said this, it is important to reiterate our position regarding dishonesty, bribery, corruption, fraud
and any of this behaviour and any member who is proven to have committed any of these atrocities in
obtaining licenses or permits or having sidelined the NAACCSA processes and procedures in applying
for firearm licenses, will be severely dealt with. This was also one of my messages to the NAACCSA AGM.
Although I am inspired by many to have adopted this attitude, in Bushido: The Soul of Japan, by
Inazo Nitobe (1899) it is paraphrased appropriately: “Here we discern the most cogent precept
in the code of the samurai. Nothing is more loathsome to him than underhand dealings and crooked
undertakings.” I wish I could get government and others in power to understand this basic truth.
Despite SAGA being in a process of transformation it has managed to play a significant role in
protecting the rights of ordinary gun owners – not only in South Africa but also in the international
arena. Through the World Forum on Shooting Activities (WFSA) SAGA made a presentation on
the Arms Trade Treaty to the United Nations and associated itself with the very clear position of
Canada, where the latter’s representative stated as follows:
“Canada should continue to refuse any notion of being forced to adopt international legislation that could
prove injurious to our lawful and responsible industry and the personal freedom of all Canadians.
The ATT does little to enhance the safety of those who need it most, yet it does serve to undermine
the states parties freedom to craft their own laws to fight crime. The citizens of Canada, the
sport shooters of Canada support Canada's decision not to sign. I urge Minister Baird to stay the
course and refuse to support any treaty that will do Canada more harm than good.”.
I regard it as undermining our sovereignty and it simply is not in our country’s interest to do so.
The schools and universities have closed, people have taken leave and there is, as always this time
of the year, a relaxed atmosphere among many if not most. Please bear in mind, though, that you
need to survive the holiday season. While e-toll roads, higher fuel prices, increases in prices
of all commodities, a weak Rand, drought and the like contribute to an economic recession, major
retailers (in all areas of commercial activities) again look forward to making huge profits. If you have
children (especially teenagers) you will not avoid the assault on your financial resources. Good luck
in managing that! I am more concerned about the assault on your and your family’s mental, spiritual
and physical wellbeing. You need to remain prepared, sharp, focused and alert; and you must know
your rights, what to do when “the chips are down” and be prepared to execute your decision without
undue hesitation. Remember the police cannot protect you – you are on your own. To be prepared is
to have Zanshin. This is absolute, focused alertness – total dominance! How do you get there? Great
master of the martial arts, Funakoshi’s first rule is: “You must be deadly serious in training. When
I say that, I do not mean that you should be reasonably diligent or moderately earnest. I mean that
your opponent must always be present in your mind, whether you sit or stand or walk or raise your
arms”. Not all of us are prepared to train like this or to live in such state of mind, but then, not all of
us survive lethal and other serious confrontations. It is a matter of choice.
Ek wens al ons lede en hul geliefdes ‘n vreugdevolle feesseisoen toe. Mag julle vrede, vreugde, geluk,
goeie gesondheid, veiligheid en alles wat mooi is ondervind. En vir al die Christene onder ons – jubel
en vier fees want vir ons is die Redder gebore – ervaar ‘n ware Christusfees.
Diligentia Vis Celeritas
John Welch
EDITORIAL COMMENT
A hearty word of congratulation is extended to our Chairperson John Welch on his recent election as
Chairperson of the National Arms and Ammunition Collectors Confederation of South Africa, which
took place at Fort Schanskop from 8 to 9 November 2013. NAACCSA now boasts with 3 members of
its executive also being members of the PAAA executive. These are:
Dirk Coetzee (Secretary) and Stef (Minuting Secretary).
The year 2013 saw some shocking developments at the Central Firearms’ Register with allegations
of corruption and other serious offences being leveled at several of its members.
This year also saw a very worrying development having taken place, during September 2013, where
an internal SAPS communique regarding accreditation of training service providers was brought to
our attention. What concerned us deeply was that it appeared that a training monopoly was or had
been created in terms of which the SA Professional Firearms Trainers Council (SAPFTC) was
acknowledged by SAPS as the only association through which training providers could be accredited.
It was not clear whether any consultations of any nature had taken place with firearms interest groups.
NAACCSA wrote the following email to the Secretary of SAPS:
We understand an instruction has gone out from the SAPS to the effect that (i) proficiency certificates
issued by SASSETA accredited training providers are no longer valid; (ii) SASSETA is either no longer
functional, or is longer involved in this process; and (iii) previously issued certificates will have to be
re-endorsed by the “SAPFTC”, whatever that is.
Given the huge implications of this development it would be helpful if (i) We could be informed about
it (and other firearm owner groups as well); (ii) How the process is supposed to work; and (iii) How this
development is aligned with Regulation 14 regarding the requirements of the South African
Qualifications Authority Act, 1995 (Act No. 58 of 1995) read with the Skills Development Act, 1998
(Act No. 97 of 1998 for proficiency and Competency Certificates?
The Secretary responded as follows:
I spoke to SAPS about this matter and they are dealing with the matter. SAPS will issue a letter to
address the concerns raised in response to the Division Visible Policing’s circular of August 2013. A copy
of the letter will be forwarded to service providers as soon as possible. An urgent meeting has also been
called with SASSETA and the SAPFTC on 18 September 2013 to address concerns in respect of the
decisions taken and further consultation required. Further communication will follow after the meeting.
Shortly after the publication of the abovementioned internal police communique it was withdrawn, but
rumours were heard that the original instruction was once again revived early November.
On 8 November 2013 Afriforum brought an application in the North Gauteng High Court on behalf of
certain firearms training associations against inter alia the National Commissioner of Police. The following
is a media report about the matter:
“The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has granted AfriForum an urgent order against national police
commissioner Riah Phiyega and the SA Professional Firearms Trainers Council (SAPFTC). The civil rights organisation's
community safety head Ian Cameron said on Friday the court case came after the police compelled all
service providers to apply for accreditation with theSAPFTC before 1 November. "The latter is managed
by competitors in the industry, and members of the board of SAPFTC are service providers themselves.
This means they are now able to regulate their competitors," he said.
"This is a huge victory for AfriForum and service providers in the firearm training industry, and the
order also ensures the validity of the current accreditation of service providers." He said AfriForum
believed that the SAPFTC has created a monopoly whereby it would have been able to control,
manipulate and inhibit the operations of its competitors in the industry. He said SAPFTC would
also have been able to obtain confidential information about its competitors.
"The sustainability and viability of other service providers would have been endangered by such a
measure." In instructing SAPS to accept and process applications for firearm licenses and competency
certificates, Par. 1.2.1 of the interim court order states: “To accept firearm training certificates or proficiency
certificates issued by firearm training providers who were before 1 November 2013 accredited with
SASSETA and the SAPS in respect of unit standards which entitle such firearm training providers to
provide firearm training to members of the public or other applicants for purposes of applications for
firearm licences and competency certificates in terms of the relevant provisions of the Firearms
Control Act, No. 60 of 2000 and the relevant regulations made in terms of the Act.”
This order returns to court on 22 January 2014 when argument will be heard on various aspects and
where after the court will make a new order.
Accordingly the status quo remains, in that all firearm training providers who have been accredited with
SASSETA and SAPS prior to 1 November 2013, may continue to provide such firearm training for
purposes of competency and proficiency certificates in terms of the FCA.
Stef Grobler
LEDESAKE
Lede moet asseblief seker maak dat hulle verklaring dat hulle nog in goeie naam van
die Vereniging is, onderteken en aan die Sekretaris gestuur is. Dit sluit natuurlik die
uitstaande lidmaatskapfooie in.
Members who have still not paid their annual dues for 2013/14 must take note of
the effect of regulation 5 - once the matter has been reported to the CFR, a
member will lose membership, his competence, licenses and declaration and
categorisation as a collector.
John Welch
PAAA Web-site update
It has been almost a year now that the PAAA web-site was taken off-line due to security concerns and
web-site administration issues. A review of the design and administration of the website was done by
the PAAA Management Committee and the end-result was a totally fresh and revamped web-site.
The domain name remained the same: www.paaa.co.za
The new web-site is live and general access for paid-up members will be effective mid January 2014.
The site consists of a public and restricted (members only) area. Only paid-up members will receive
member-access. The site will contain a wealth of PAAA information ranging from our constitution,
procedures, the latest statistics and practical event scores, a dedicated events photo library, a
comprehensive archive with all past newsletters, annual reports, upcoming events and our on-line year
planner.
As result of the security concerns with the previous access control system, a new approach was
implemented utilising your e-mail address as first-line validation followed by a unique password. This
process implies that your password on record with the PAAA needs to be correct in order to register
on the web-site. The registration process will be a self-driver process by each individual member to be
vetted by an administrator (like is the case with most modern web-sites).
In order to simplify matters though, all members with email addresses on record for whom we have
received signed membership update forms, will be pre-registered by the web-master. Such members
can expect an email requesting them to validate their registration.
Members without e-mail need not despair. We can manually register you for access. We are looking
forward to the new site, its features and your continued interest!
More functionality and features will be introduced over time as you get familiar with the new look and
feel. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact your new inhouse web-master, Hubert Wentzel at 082 881 4333 or hubert.wentzel@eoh.co.za
BOOK REVIEW:
Collecting Classic Military Bolt Action Rifles by Paul Scarlata
ISBN: 0-917218-96-5
The collector quality book Collecting Classic Military Bolt Action Rifles by Paul S. Scarlata, published in 2001, is a
hard cover book of 280 pages which is well illustrated with over 400 professional photographs.
Paul Scarlata is no stranger to readers of firearm publications, both local and foreign, as he is a regular
contributor to Magnum magazine. He is based in the USA and the content of this book also reflects it.
The book is one of the best I’ve read regarding the subject. I use it regularly for research and when
writing motivations. While there are a number of specialized books dealing with a specific rifle model
or manufacturer, there aren’t that many books that cover the subject so broadly and in such detail as
this book does.
In short, the book covers most if not all the military bolt action rifles ever produced. All the rifles
contained in the book are bolt action rifles chambered for metallic cartridges. The book does not
cover the earlier muzzle loading black powder service rifles but however gives a very good introduction
in the first chapter on the single shot, mechanical action black powder rifles like the Martini Henry rifles
that were chambered for a metallic cartridge. The book is logically organized and divided into
chapters, which to a certain extent reflects the chronological development of the rifles. The first three
chapters are devoted to the chronological development of the ammunition and makes for very
interesting and informative reading – even if you are not an ammunition collector. The first chapter then
covers the so-called first generation cartridges and is essential in laying the foundation for the rest of the
book so that the reader can better understand where it all began. A very useful addition to the first
chapter, and repeated throughout the book, are proper photos of the relevant cartridges that allow
the reader to see what the cartridges mentioned in the chapter look like.
The second chapter covers the so-called second generation cartridges and rifles when the first steps
were taken towards smaller calibre jacketed bullets, albeit still loaded with black powder. This step
was not very successful due to the excessive rifling fouling caused by the black powder in small bore
barrels and this is also reflected in the short chapter as there were clearly not that many success
stories at this stage of ammunition development.
The third chapter then covers the final development of the small calibre jacketed ammunition loaded
with smokeless nitrocellulose powder. Scarlata also adds pictures not only of the cartridges, but also
of the cartridges loaded onto the relevant stripper clips. This in itself is unique as I have never
witnessed all of these different cartridges on its associated stripper clips. It must be remembered that
this book covers military rifles and each and every one was designed for use with a stripper clip. This is
the first time that I was able to see what five 7.7x58mm rounds for the Japanese Arisaka rifle look like
when loaded onto their stripper clip. You will also see the peculiar three round stripper clip for the French
Berthier loaded with rounds. Three round stripper clip?! Yes, indeed!
After having established the baseline regarding relevant ammunition, the rest of the book continues
in a chronological order by starting with the French 8mm Lebel and Berthier rifles. The base models are
well illustrated with pictures including each rifle’s best known feature. Each rifle’s bolt is also
photographed and pictures of these rifles in actual military use are also included. This is the design
followed for each chapter in the book.
Scarlata’s approach to the grouping of the rifles might seem strange and it might take time getting
used to, but there is “method in the madness”. Instead of taking Mauser as an example and capturing
all the different Mausers in chronological order, he identified the few basic and initial models and
grouped them together with their derivatives in a single chapter. You will therefore find Mauser rifles
in three different chapters. The first deals with the Model 1888 Commission rifle and its derivatives
and many will be surprised to see that the Dutch Mannlichers and the Italian Mannlicher-Carcano are
inlcuded here along with pictures of their stripper loaded ammunition and bayonets. Then follows the
Lee-Enfield chapter that starts with the Mk. I used during the Anlgo Boer War and ends with the
7.62x51mm Indian Ishapore variant. Krag-Jorgensens and Mosin-Nagants are covered each in their
own chapters which also includes the Finnish Mosin-Nagants.
The second Mauser themed chapter deals with the Model 93/95 and its variants, also including the
Japanese Arisaka and the P14. I was very much surprised to see the P14 being included in the Model 95
chapter as I have always been under the impression that it was based on the later Model 1898. See,
never too old to learn. This chapter’s subheading reads “Vertroue in God en die Mauser” which is quite
apt as it covers the Model 95’s use during the Anglo-Boer War.
No book on military bolt action rifles will be complete without the Mauser M1898 and this is then also the
largest chapter in the book starting with the original M1898 and ending with the Yugoslavian Model 1948
which was still being manufactured in the early 1960’s. The book ends with a chapter entitled
“Odds and ends” that covers rifles that fit in nowhere and again the French do not disappoint with their
MAS 36.
This book is essential for every serious collector of military bolt action service rifles of which there
are many in our association. This is the book that you need to have as a reference when doing your
research for a license motivation. I cannot recommend this book highly enough as it reads easily
and contains a treasure trove of information. This book is not an in-depth study of each and every
different Mauser rifle featuring each and every possible national crest or proof mark. There are other
books that cover these and if that is what you are looking for then I suggest that you find those books.
If you want a book that delves a bit deeper than your general run-ofthe-mill information then this book
by Scarlata is the one for you. I have one on my bookshelf which I regularly read and I want to
encourage every member that collects these rifles to get one as well. This book is available from Zimbi
Books and if they are out of stock Zimbi Books will most certainly order one for you. The book is in
the R400 to R500 price range and it is worth each and every cent, if not more. The PAAA also has in its
library a copy available for research.
Piet Winterbach
VUURWAPENVERSAMELKUNDE (VVK) KNOWLEDGE OF FIREARM COLLECTING (KFC)
Hoe om 'n vuurwapen te leer ken, verstaan en versamel
Privaat vuurwapenversamelings en die gepaardgaande wapenkennis en versamelkundigheid van
versamelaars maak wêreldwyd 'n toenemende bydrae tot die bewaring en dokumentasie van 'n
uiters waardevolle en onvervangbare erfenis van versamelbare vuurwapens.
Versamelbaarheidswaardes sluit in historiese, tegnologiese, tematiese, wetenskaplike, opvoedkundige,
kulturele, herdenkings-, beleggings-, rariteits-, artistieke en erfenis-waarde. 'n Tipiese voorbeeld van
so 'n erfeniswapen is die Suid-Afrikaansvervaardigde Z88 Compact pistool.
'n Vektor Z88 Compact pistool, een van 'n eenmalige en beperkte produksie van ongeveer ses Z88
Compact pistole wat in Suid-Afrika vervaardig is. Tipiese versamelvrae:
Wat is die versamelbaarheidswaardes van dié wapen, en hoe word dit geïdentifiseer, beskryf en verstaan?
'n Toegewyde vuurwapenversamelaar verwerf wapenkennis en kundigheid om versamelbare wapens
te identifiseer, beskryf, verstaan en bewaar deur voortdurende bestudering van hierdie wapens en
bronne van inligting asook uitruil van inligting en kennis met ander versamelaars.
Derhalwe is 'n belangrike versamelaktiwiteit van die PWAV die uitbouing van wapeninligting en deel
van verworwe kennis met ander versamelaars dmv praktiese deelname aan georganiseerde
studieprogramme, tema-uitstallings en gestruktureerde tweemaandelikse seminare.
Op dié wyse sal toegewyde versamelaarlede in die PWAV in die toekoms 'n vuurwapenversamelkunde-
sertifikaat kan verwerf. Lede van die PWAV Uitvoerende Komitee en die Vuurwapenversamelkunde
Komitee is tans besig met die ontwikkeling van vuurwapenversamelkunde-standaarde waarvolgens die
sertifikaat aan lede toegeken sal word.
Hierdie aktiwiteite en standaarde vind beslag in die gedefinieerde VVK-doelwitte en die VVK
aktiwiteiteprogram wat deur die VVK Komitee bestuur word, soos hieronder meer breedvoerig
uiteengesit.
VVK doelwitte
Die doelwitte van die PWAV VVK-program word soos volg saamgevat:
1. Vuurwapenversamelkunde (VVK)
Ontwikkeling van Vuurwapenversamelkunde d.m.v. vuurwapendokumentasie en navorsing volgens
spesifieke standaarde en publikasie van die navorsing vir o.a. gebruik deur lede en seminaaraktiwiteite.
'n Belangrike fokus is wapenversamelbaarheid en versameltemas in ooreenstemming met die PWAV
Grondwet en vuurwapenwetgewing.
2. Ledebetrokkenheid
Bevordering van ledebetrokkenheid by VVK-aktiwiteite en praktiese aktiwiteite om wapenkennis,
versamelvaardigheid en wapenveiligheid van lede as 'n geheel te ontwikkel.
3. Seminaaraktiwiteite
Seminaarbeplanning, -fasilitering en -gesprekleiding om te verseker dat VVK-aktiwiteite gekoördineerd,
leersaam, veilig en wettig verloop.
Vuurwapenversamelkunde Komitee
N.a.v. die instelling van 'n vuurwapenversamelkunde komitee (VVK Komitee, Knowledge of Firearms
Collecting Committee) deur die PWAV is die volgende lede (in alfabetiese volgorde) as VVK Komiteelede
vir 2013-2014 gekoöpteer: Corrie de Wilde, Danie Joubert, Werner Louw, Charl Meiring, Wentzel Muller,
Olof Vorster en Hubert Wentzel
Driejarige aktiwiteiteprogram 2013-2015
Die VVK Komitee beplan en bestuur 'n driejarige VVK aktiwiteiteprogram vir 2013 tot 2015 met
hooftema Vuurwapens as Historiese en Tegnologiese Erfenis met Verwysing na Suid-Afrika / Firearms
as Historical and Technological Heritage with Reference to South Africa.
Dié hooftema bestaan uit die volgende jaartemas van ses tweemaandelikse seminare elk waarin o.a.
na die wapenerfenis van Suid-Afrika verwys word:
2013 jaartema
Die pas afgelope en suksesvolle jaartema vir 2013 was Invloedryke kleinwapen-ontwerpers, vervaardigers
en hulle wapens in die geskiedenis /Small-arm designers, manufacturers and their arms that changed
history
2014 jaartema
Die vuurwapen as 'n sisteem / The firearm as a system
Beklemtoon die tegnologiese werking van vuurwapentipes
2015 jaartema
Een potensiele onderwerp is volgens die versamelwaarde-kriterium nasionale erfeniswaarde vasgestel as:
Bekende vuurwapens en hulle verbintenisse met prominente persone en gebeure, met verwysing na Suid-Afrika
Stel jou visier op volgende jaar
Al die lede van die PWAV word hartlik deur die VVK Komitee uitgenooi om die VVK-seminare gedurende
2014 met entoesiasme by te woon. Op die wyse sal aktiewe lede nie net eie wapenkennis verbreed en
verdiep nie, maar ook dmv deelname aan seminaar-uitstallings en besprekings ook daadwerklike bydraes
lewer tot voordeel van medelede sowel as die uiteindelike dokumentasie en bewaring van die wapenerfenis
in privaatversamelings.
Andrie Meyer
ACTIVITIES
The Activity Programme for 2014 is to be found elsewhere in this newsletter and members are encouraged
to diarise the events and to attend in great numbers. We would particularly like to see you bringing your
good ladies as well as the youngsters for a good outing.
Coffee is offered at every activity and it may be advisable to bring your own mugs as the cups we provide
are from Styrofoam and not as sturdy as your favourite mug or cup.
It was particularly gratifying to see the interest shown at out recent year-end function which was held at
Bluegum on Saturday 15 November. There were quite a number of youngsters present and the activity
at the .22 range was well attended. It may, in future, be advisable to bring along a mat or similar aid
on which to lie when doing the prone-position shoot. The range surface is dusty and clothes unfortunately
get very dirty.