Cirencester and District Air Rifle and Pistol League.

THE Cirencester and District Air Rifle and Pistol League which has an 82-year history, will have a new home from April 1 – Down Ampney Village Hall.

The sudden closure of the Social and Services Club in Cirencester – the league's home for the past four seasons – by the landlord, Cirencester District Council, left the shooters in a difficult situation, having a large portion of their competitions to complete and no obvious base.

After investigating a number of possible venues, the league has settled on Down Ampney Village Hall.

Tony Clack, league secretary for 41 years, said: "We are now very pleased to announce that Down Ampney Village Hall has come to the rescue.

"After some modifications and adjustments, we are able to fit in eight separate shooting lanes with plenty of room to the rear for the individual teams to control target allocation and scoring.

"Because of the reduced capacity, it may now be necessary to wait for an available position so we ask that the younger contingent, who need to get back for homework and school the next day, be given priority.

We start again on Tuesday, April 1 and we look forward to enjoying our shooting at this venue for many years to come, and hope to encourage more shooters to attend."

The change of venue does, however, mean that the traditional Monday night shooting slot is no longer available to the league.

"Due to other commitments, the hall is only available on Tuesdays," said Clack.

"After many years of shooting on Mondays, it may be a little difficult to adjust, but all members canvassed so far have agreed to continue.

"Thank you all for being patient throughout this transition and welcome back."