Richard Lund’s Day

To some it is called “May Day” or just the 1st of May; but, to Roseville Rifle Club members, the 1st of May this year was “Richard Lund’s Day”. The rain clouds had finally parted and we enjoyed a barbeque lunch (indoors where the ground was solid) to celebrate the granting of Life Membership to our very own Richard Lund who has been a member of Roseville Rifle Club for 50 years.  Yes, that means he has been a member since 1972 – longer than some of our membership have been alive!

Richard LundAt the lunch there were speeches, a presentation, lots of congratulations, lots of stories and great food and wine.

Richard told us of the old WW2 vets that made up the RRC membership in the old days. He told us how our club has managed to avoid so many issues through good governance of the committee and contributions from all (not just individuals). We also got an insight into his professional life – a varied legal background that has meant he is not afraid of pushing back when required.

Richard told us lots of tidbits about the Hornsby range:

  • a bit of the history of the range and his involvement with getting a 50 year lease squared away (a lease being more important than a license);
  • how, years ago, we lost 1m to the Hospital due to bad fencing placement;
  • how the original plan was for “shared” parking with the hospital when we shot at 800m (that was when it was owned by the Commonwealth – alas that parking is not allowed now as it was never documented and the hospital has changed hands);
  • how the recent mound modifications mean the 800m firing point is now actually 800m from the targets;
  • he also explained the drainage issues which are affecting us now but that harken back to when the range was a tip.

Richard has, for many many years, been very involved in protecting the range for shooting usage – a service of his that so many may not be aware of. We all owe Richard our great thanks for this work. When you consider the loss of so many ranges in recent times – we are fortunate indeed to have certainty that our range can continue for the next 50 years – this is a testament to Richard’s involvement.

But it was not all backward looking – Richard told us of how he can now see the target better (new adjustable eyepiece on his rear sight) and his new larger tunnel. Yes, these small modifications are working – he scored 121.08 on Saturday!  We got an insight into his firearms collection, and we heard about pistol shooting too.

As we looked around the tables with old faces, new faces, and people that are moving on to new ventures, we could all realise the diversity that is the Roseville Rifle Club. Yet, for one moment in time, here we were celebrating Richard and his contribution to the life and continuity of the Roseville Rifle Club and the Hornsby Rifle range. Cheers and Congrats Richard from all your friends at RRC!

Janet Beale

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