History

The history of Chipstead & District Rifle Club

Chipstead & District Rifle Club was formed in 1906. We understand from early records, that on 5th December 1906, a group of some 30 parishioners all met at Peter Aubertin Hall, Elmore Road, Chipstead, and the rifle club was duly formed, with William Milburn being made Chairman and President, Reverend J. Hervey as Hon. Treasurer, and Mr. A.J. Norris as Hon. Secretary. These, amongst others, were some of the founding members.

Indeed, in 1950, a book was published, written by a then member and President, Major A. Talbot-Smith. At the time of writing that book in 1950, two of the original founding members were still alive, Mr. F.E. Goad, and Mr. F.G. Barnard, who was still serving the Club as Vice-President.

At that time, CDRC shot at two ranges, the 25 yard Chipstead range, at Vincents Green, where we shot small bore rifle. We also shot .303 full bore at 100 yards at Merstham Range, which was in Greystone Lime Works. Small bore was also shot at Merstham.

Competitions were shot annually at these ranges, and trophies awarded. Indeed to this day, those same competitions are still shot, and those same trophies awarded to our members.