WOW! What a turnout, there was a good showing of hard work and comradery and fellowship. In short we all had fun. 22 members and their kids showed up, and the result was that all ranges, including Range 5 and the Archery Range, were cleaned and made ship-shape. We also filled up about 10 garbage bags with tin cans and garbage that had somehow accumulated behind the wall of Range 4, in the territory of the Archery Trail and Range 5. It would appear that the 3 Gun club enthusiasts need to ensure to make some time to picking up their brass, members of our Workbee troop were on their hands and knees digging out the casings among the gravel. We will also need to put up a 45 gal drum for garbage in that area.

We made time a coffee break and had hotdogs for lunch (thanks Linda). At the end 2 door prizes were given out, one was a trigger lock and the other a rifle sling (thanks Dave for looking after that). We were able to open all ranges by 13:00 hrs. and range 2 was operating at capacity by 14:00. From the noise it was evident that the others were also well used. It was also quite evident that a lot of our Workbee gang took advantage to shoot and to have some fun after our work.

I took the opportunity to canvass all in regards to whether or not to schedule the 3rd Saturday of every month (from 08:30 to 14:00hrs after which time the facilities are open to all) for Workbee activities, or the 3rd Sunday on which all ranges are closed all day while our Archery members use the Archery Trail. As you all know I have recommended that the 3rd Saturday would be the preferred day. All members of the team agreed, stating point blank that their Sunday is a Family Day for them. Some people go to church or plan to spend the time on family activities. On Saturday they are willing to come, one of the main reason’s given is that they can use the ranges once the work is finished and bring their family along. Most of them work during the week, and Saturday and Sunday is the only day they have off.

They also stated, in fact everyone there did so, that they would not come out on a Sunday, especially when they can’t use the facilities after we have finished our work. I know that there is some objection from some of the sub-club directors who stated that this would result in them losing one possible Saturday opening for some of their activities, such as competition or tournaments. At present we have 1,500 members, and our President has suggested that we should increase that to 2,000 members. Maybe so, that is for our membership to decide, but we also have to ensure that the majority of our members, who are not part of a sub-club, are able to use the ranges when it is their time off from work.

Obviously, there are times when we need our range facility for club events, such as our Open House or rentals during the weekdays, etc. That leaves at least 3 other Saturdays for either free of any events or used by our sub-clubs, but most importantly it leaves plenty of time for all of our members to be able to use our facilities. The question is all about priorities.

Workbee members that attended will attempt to be at the AGM to express their support, I hope we have a huge turnout of all our members, this is your club, make your voices heard, not only regarding my suggestion, but anything you would like your Board to do. The agenda for that meeting has been posted on our web site, if you want to express your thoughts, this is the time. See you there.

Regards
Hardy Staub, Director
Workbee Coordinator
Open House Organizer