2020 Range Build Diary
Expanding our facilities during challenging times
Building Through a Pandemic
2020 was meant to be a year of exciting expansion for Pinhoe TSC. Plans were approved, funding secured, and contractors ready to start. Then COVID-19 arrived. Despite the challenges, our members persevered, and we successfully completed Phase 1 of our range expansion. This diary documents that remarkable journey.
Project Overview
Project Name:
Scott Langley Range Upgrade
Timeline:
March 2020 - December 2020
Budget:
£85,000
Project Lead:
Building Committee
January - February 2020: Planning & Preparation
January 15th - Project Approval
The committee unanimously approves plans to upgrade the Scott Langley range with new electronic target systems, improved ventilation, and enhanced lighting. The £85,000 project will be funded through a combination of grants, member contributions, and club reserves.
Planned Improvements:
- • Installation of 8 electronic targets for 10m and 20m disciplines
- • Complete electrical rewiring for increased capacity
- • LED lighting upgrade for consistent illumination
- • Enhanced HVAC system for temperature control
- • Acoustic improvements for reduced noise
- • Refurbished firing line with new benches
February 10th - Contractor Selected
After reviewing five bids, we select Devon Build Ltd for the construction work and Target Systems UK for the electronic target installation. Both companies have experience working on shooting ranges and understand our specific requirements.
February 28th - Final Preparations
Range cleared and equipment moved to temporary storage. Members organise a cleanup day to prepare the space. The range is scheduled to close March 2nd for construction to begin. Estimated completion: June 2020.
March 2020: Construction Begins… Then Pauses
March 2nd - Demolition Starts
Contractors begin stripping out old wiring, lighting, and target frames. The range looks worse than ever - exposed wiring, holes in walls - but it’s all part of the process. Exciting to see progress!
March 16th - National Lockdown Announced
Work comes to an abrupt halt as COVID-19 lockdown is announced. Contractors down tools, materials deliveries are suspended, and the range sits partially demolished. We don’t know when work can resume. The club closes to members, and all activities cease.
Unexpected Challenge
The pandemic created unprecedented uncertainty. With the club closed and income stopped, we had to carefully consider whether to proceed with the project. The committee met virtually to assess options and decided to continue when possible, recognising our members would need quality facilities when shooting could resume.
March 28th - Adjusted Plans
Committee holds emergency Zoom meeting to discuss options. Decision made: project continues when possible, but with adjusted timeline and potentially scaled back if funds become tight. Priority is completing electronic target installation and electrical work; cosmetic improvements can wait if necessary.
April - June 2020: Slow Progress During Lockdown
April 15th - Limited Work Resumes
As construction is deemed essential work, contractors return with strict COVID protocols. Reduced crew size means slower progress, but at least work continues. Electrical rewiring progresses with social distancing measures in place.
May 1st - Supply Chain Challenges
Electronic target components delayed due to European factory closures. Original June completion date now unrealistic. Target Systems UK works to source alternative suppliers. Estimated new completion: September 2020.
May 20th - Member Volunteers Step Up
With lockdown restrictions easing slightly, member volunteers help with non-specialist work. Painting, cleaning, basic carpentry - all done by members eager to get the project moving. Amazing team spirit!
“I never thought I’d be painting walls at the club at 7am on a Saturday, but it felt good to contribute. We all wanted our range back.” - David Wilson, Member
June 15th - Electrical Work Complete
Major milestone: all electrical rewiring finished and certified. New LED lighting installed
- the range already looks dramatically better. Capacity increased from 30A to 100A to support electronic targets and future expansion.
July - September 2020: Electronic Targets Arrive
July 8th - Targets Delivered!
After months of delays, the electronic target systems finally arrive. Eight Megalink electronic targets for 10m air pistol and 20m rifle. Installation begins immediately.
July 22nd - First Target Tests
First target goes live for testing. Club officers invited to test fire and provide feedback. The instant scoring feedback is incredible - no more walking downrange to check targets! Minor calibration adjustments needed, but system works beautifully.
August 5th - All Targets Installed
All eight electronic targets now installed and networked. Central scoring system displays all shooting positions simultaneously. Wireless scoring tablets allow RCOs to monitor from anywhere in the range. This is going to revolutionize our training and competitions!
August 20th - Club Reopens (Limited)
With COVID restrictions easing, the club partially reopens. Only 4 members allowed at a time, strict cleaning protocols, but it’s wonderful to have people shooting again. The new electronic targets are an immediate hit!
“Shooting on the electronic targets for the first time was like stepping into the future. Instant feedback on every shot - you can see exactly where you’re hitting as you shoot. Game changer for training!” - Sarah Mitchell, Junior Squad Captain
September 10th - HVAC Installation
New heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system installed. Maintains consistent temperature year-round (critical for competitive shooting where temperature affects ballistics). Much quieter than old system too!
September 30th - Acoustic Improvements Complete
Sound-absorbing panels installed on walls and ceiling. Combined with the improved ventilation, the range is now much more comfortable for extended shooting sessions. Noise levels reduced by approximately 40%.
October - December 2020: Finishing Touches
October 15th - New Firing Line Benches
Custom-built firing line benches installed. Adjustable height, integrated storage for equipment, and ergonomic design. Members with back problems particularly appreciate the improvement!
November 5th - Cosmetic Work
Final painting, flooring repairs, and detail work. The range looks fantastic - modern, clean, professional. Hard to believe it’s the same space that looked like a demolition site in March!
November 20th - Final Inspections
All systems inspected and certified. Electrical safety certificate obtained. Health and safety assessment passed with flying colors. Range officially approved for full operation.
December 5th - Grand Reopening!
Official reopening celebration (COVID-safe with limited numbers). Committee members, major donors, and key volunteers attend. Ribbon cutting, demo shoots on the new electronic targets, and reflections on the challenging year.
Club Chairman’s Speech (Excerpt):
“When we started this project, none of us could have imagined the challenges 2020 would bring. But our members showed incredible resilience, adaptability, and commitment. What you see here isn’t just a renovated range - it’s proof that our shooting community can overcome any obstacle. Thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially during such difficult times.”
December 31st - Project Complete!
Final costs tallied and project officially closed. Came in slightly over budget (£92,000 final cost due to COVID-related delays and material price increases), but additional costs covered by generous member donations. Range operating beautifully and already booking solid for training sessions and competitions.
Project Outcomes
Technical Improvements
- ✓ 8 electronic targets (10m & 20m)
- ✓ Complete electrical upgrade
- ✓ LED lighting system
- ✓ HVAC climate control
- ✓ Acoustic improvements
- ✓ Ergonomic firing line benches
- ✓ Networked scoring system
Member Benefits
- • Instant shot feedback improves training
- • Competition-grade facilities
- • Year-round comfort with climate control
- • Reduced noise for better concentration
- • Accommodates more shooters efficiently
- • Modern, professional image attracts new members
By the Numbers
9
Months Duration
£92,000
Final Cost
300+
Volunteer Hours
100%
Member Satisfaction
Lessons Learned
- Flexibility is Essential: The pandemic taught us to adapt plans quickly and make decisions with incomplete information.
- Member Involvement Matters: Volunteers contributing labor saved thousands and created stronger community bonds.
- Communication is Critical: Regular updates (even when there was little progress) kept members informed and engaged.
- Quality Over Speed: Delays were frustrating, but taking time to do it right produced outstanding results.
- Invest in Fundamentals: Prioritizing electrical and structural work over cosmetics proved wise when budgets tightened.
What’s Next?
With Phase 1 complete, planning begins for Phase 2: Pinnbrook range improvements scheduled for 2021. Lessons from the 2020 build will inform that project, and we’re optimistic about continued facility enhancements.
Thank You
This project succeeded because of our amazing members. From the building committee who planned every detail, to the volunteers who painted walls and moved equipment, to the members who donated financially - thank you. You’ve given Pinhoe TSC facilities that will serve shooters for decades to come.
Experience Our Upgraded Facilities
Visit Pinhoe TSC and shoot on our state-of-the-art electronic target range.
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