First Era
Newspapers refer to a "Rifle Club" at least as far back as 1885. These appear to have been members of the local Volunteers movement. However, a formally constituted club was not set up until 17 July 1900 at the encouragement of Colonel W. A. Wetherall, affiliating to the National Rifle Association. [1] Despite being located close to Cannock Chase, the military authorities were unable to offer range accommodation at Rugeley, and members travelled to Hednesford to use the military ranges there. [1]
Newspaper reports indicate that by 1905, the club was also shooting "miniature" (Small-bore) rifle, in competition with clubs from Stafford, Chester and elsewhere under the auspices of the Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs. This was conducted using centrefire rifles fitted with Morris Tube apparatus to accommodate smaller calibre rounds for use on indoor ranges. [2] The club earned some national fame when Mr A. Playfer won the Conan Doyle match at the 1908 Imperial Meeting. [3] [4] A site on Brewery Street was first used for an indoor "miniature" range, later moving to a purpose built range on Bow Street. [5] Outdoor shooting took place at Hednesford, Lichfield, Cannock Chase and a miniature range in Rugeley Quarry.
The club folded in 1935. [6] Following the winding up, the balance of £12 10s was donated to the Rugeley District Hospital. [7]
Second Era
By 1951 the club had been reformed, led by two Police officers - Constable Alfred Lines and Superintendent J. Brooks. The club initially operated from the old "Drill hall" on Brewery Street.
In 1952, the club numbered around 30 and opened membership to women. [8] The membership expanded as a works rifle club from the Lancashire Dynamo and Electronic Products works in Brereton was formed, supported by the Rugeley club. [9]
In 1954 planning permission was given for a range and clubroom on Wharf Road. [10] However, this does not appear to have come to fruition and in August 1960 the Club moved to new premises in a former Gas Board building on Mill Lane. [11] Spread over three floors, the premises included a substantial social space accommodating darts, snooker and table tennis, with an indoor range on the third floor. The club bought the premises in 1963. [12] [13] The nearest outdoor range however was the Staffordshire County range at Baldwin's Gate. [14] Plans were developed for an outdoor range at Chetwynd Coppice, but opposed by the Forestry Commission despite support from the local council. [15] [16]
In 1964, Staffordshire won the Queen Alexandra Cup for the first time, with three members of the club included on the county's 6-person team. [17] The club also won the Pidduck Shield for the first time - for the top team of 10 from any town in Staffordshire. [18]
In 1969, the club completed an outdoor range at Wharf Road on the site of a former coal-loading yard adjacent to the railway. [19] A new clubhouse and indoor range were completed by April 1971 and formally opened by J. Coghlan, secretary of the Central Council of Physical Recreation. [20] The Mill Lane range was sold to pay for the move.
In November 1981, Club Secretary Joe Bradbury received the "Administrator of the Year" award from the Cannock Chase Sports Council.
In November 2019, the club unveiled a defibrillator in association with the Staffordshire & District Community First Responders [21]
In 2022, the club supported British Shooting in bringing the National Finals of the Schools Shooting Championships to Cannock Chase Leisure Centre, providing volunteer range officers and administrative staff. [22]
