Sixteen-year-old Olivia Hill, a sixth-form student at Paston College, North Walsham, is a champion in the making.
This talented young shooter, who took up the sport less than two years ago, has already reached a high competitive standard, and is training hard for her climb to the very pinnacle of success: the Olympic Games. Combined with unwavering support from her mum, Lisa, the financial assistance from Pellpax will provide Olivia with the means to train hard and to attend competitions.
Olivia – currently the only competing 10m Precision Air Rifle shooter in Norfolk – is a member of the Norfolk County team, the National Scout Rifle Squad, and the GB Rifle Talent Squad. In March this year, Olivia was accepted by the England Rifle Academy (an ESSU project), established for the enhanced coaching and training of talented individuals. Besides shooting practice at North Walsham Rifle and Pistol Club, and Norwich City Target Club, Olivia’s training schedule includes balancing exercises, dry firing, and a conditioning programme for stamina and strength.
Gaining Personal Bests
In February this year, Olivia took part in her first international competition, the 41st InterShoot event in The Hague, Holland. She performed well and was delighted to achieve a personal best score. In 2018, there will be many more opportunities for Olivia to build on her experience.
In April, Olivia will be competing in the British Open Airgun Championships at Bisley Shooting Ground, in Surrey. This year, the competition has been pushed back from its usual slot in February, so that competitors can enjoy the new rules that see women and juniors shooting a 60-shot match (as opposed to the former 40-shot), which brings ladies’ and juniors’ events in line with the men’s. Later in the year, Olivia will be taking part in the ESSU competition, also held at Bisley.
Over the coming months, Olivia will be doing some product testing for Pellpax. Keep an eye on the Pellpax blog page to find out how rifles from some of the top manufacturers fare in Olivia’s capable hands.
Based in Ireland, Regael is one of Europe’s fastest-growing wholesalers of outdoor activity goods, and on the back of its reputation for first-class customer service and top-quality products, the company is rapidly expanding.
This is good news for Regael’s UK customers, as the Irish-based company will soon be taking warehouse space in England, on the same industrial estate as its oldest and largest UK retail customer, Pellpax.
Darren Kirk, Pellpax’s Managing Director: “We were, I think, Regael’s first UK customer.We liked the idea that the brands they were offering were, in many cases, well known in other parts of the world, but new to the UK, which gave us something different to offer our customers.”
Regael is delighted with the new premises. Susan Chapman, Regael’s International Sales Manager, says, “The challenge for us, I suppose, is getting used to the demand from the UK! To be honest, this has surprised us, and occasionally we have had popular items out of stock. However, we’re adapting quickly, and the new warehouse will give us far more capacity, enabling us to fulfil our fairly unique style of wholesaling.”
Whilst offering great deals on large-quantity orders, Regael believes in helping retailers by not insisting on a minimum order quantity, meaning that its wide range of products for the outdoor pursuits market is accessible and convenient to all approved retailers, large or small.
“We offer next day deliveries to the retailer,” Susan explains. “Alternatively, we can drop ship, under plain label, to the retailer’s customers, if they prefer. This means that retailers don’t necessarily have to stock the larger items. If they sell an item via the Internet, or from a catalogue in store, they can take payment and then arrange for us to deliver to their customer direct.”
So what impact will this move have on Pellpax?
“Having Regael’s UK warehouse literally a few doors away from us will certainly help build the relationship,” says Darren. “And I’m hoping,” he adds, “that it will have quite a large impact on shipping costs!”
As a result of Regael’s commitment to excellent customer service, more and more retailers are ordering from the Irish company. Providing customers with expert product knowledge, and with the means of resolving queries or issues very quickly, Regael has won the confidence of many industry partners. Now, with a presence in the UK, and with a helping hand from a trusted customer, Regael is becoming a vital and highly valued member of the UK outdoor pursuits community.
Based in Norfolk, Pellpax is a nationally recognised company, led by a strong ethos of giving something back to the community. Sponsorship of twenty-year-old Amy Brown, an exceptionally talented Olympic skeet shooter from Newcastle upon Tyne, is one way in which Pellpax helps to nurture the future of British shooting sports.
Darren Kirk, Pellpax Managing Director, explains: “Occasionally you stumble across someone with an exceptional talent or skill. Left un-nurtured, that talent may blossom, or it may not get the chance to grow to its full potential. Sometimes all it needs is some help – a little push, or encouragement. We feel that, in some small way, we can help those who have the potential to be the stars of the future.”
The first step on Amy’s shooting career ladder was success at the Target Tokyo trials, after being scouted by an APSI (Association of Professional Shooting Instructors) coach during the summer of 2015. Since then, she has competed in national competitions all over the UK, and in international events in Holland, Serbia, Málaga, the UK, and Malta. Amy’s performance at the 2017 International Malta Grand Prix was testament to her enormous capacity for focus and perseverance; knocked back by illness, she won bronze, just days after being discharged from hospital.
Amy says, “Winning a bronze medal at the International Malta Grand Prix last year was my proudest moment to date. I came back after illness and persevered through the entire competition. I came third in my first ever senior competition.”
Amy is a student at The University of Northumbria. Juggling higher education with a sporting career isn’t easy, but Amy’s tutors have always been sympathetic to her athletic commitments, and this support from Northumbria University has been extended to a Performance Athlete Scholarship. Her daily routine involves a tight schedule of lectures and seminars, fitness training with the university sports team, and shooting practice with her coach, Iain McGregor,one of the most highly qualified and experienced shotgun coaches in the UK.
Amy talks about the logistics of balancing study and training: “I take my work with me and complete assignments whilst I’m away training. The university are extremely understanding with this, and we work together to fit my academic studies in with my training.”
But intense training comes with financial cost.
“Pellpax have made all the difference,” says Amy. “I use approximately 1200 cartridges per month, and they’re expensive, so the harder I train, the higher the cost.”
Pellpax supplies Amy with Hull Pro One cartridges, which deliver such high performance that they have been selected by the World Class Performance Programme as the Olympic training load.
Pellpax contributes to Amy’s travel costs, too. “There are plenty of competitions I couldn’t have attended without their help.”
During training and competitions, Amy wears Pellpax clothing, and gives a glowing review of the warm sweatshirts and joggers that she has been enjoying during this winter’s low temperatures.
“There’s a strict training regime at the university, which has continued throughout the cold weather and heavy snow. My warm Pellpax clothing has been wonderful!”
Training to be a world champion, as well as studying for a university degree, might be enough on most people’s plate – but Amy is an exceptional lady. Together with her younger sister, Erin, she co-ordinates a ladies’ and girls’ shooting club. Proceeds from monthly meetings are donated to charities such as Bloodwise, an organisation striving to defeat all 137 types of blood cancer, and the Great North Air Ambulance.
This year, Pellpax’s Golden Girl will be shooting at international competitions in Malta, Italy, and Spain. And after that?
There is no hesitation from Amy: “I want to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. That’s my dream.” Then she adds, “I’m enjoying the journey towards it. I’m training hard and meeting so many people. It’s a really nice experience.”
… And Pellpax will be with her all the way.
If you are interested in providing further sponsorship for Amy, please contact Amy at [email protected].
Based in Norfolk, Pellpax is a nationally recognised company, led by a strong ethos of giving something back to the community. Sponsorship of the Norfolk Branch RMA (Royal Marines Association) is one of the ways in which Pellpax contributes to local fundraising, with national impact.
The Royal Marines Association was established in 1946 to support those Marines who were being ‘demobbed’ (now referred to as the ‘transition’ to civilian life), to look after those in need, and to keep the serving and retired community in touch with one another. That continues today, through the Association’s network of support, stability, and friendship, run by members, for members. For cadets, servicemen, reservists, and veterans, and for those who are facing medical discharge or embarking on civilian life, the RMA is the constant thread that runs through the lives of the entire Royal Marines Family.
As Martyn Holmes, Norfolk Branch Treasurer, explains
“It’s a sort of benevolent network. Members look out for where assistance might be needed, and then try to find the most unobtrusive way of providing it – in passing, as it were. Quite often, it’s just as simple as keeping in touch.”
Most of this local support can be achieved at little expense, and therefore the bulk of locally raised cash goes to Central Funds, to help provide greater assistance for the most deserving cases.
Firing for Fundraising
Norfolk Branch is a part of East Anglia Region, which, for seven consecutive years, has raised more money for the RMA than any other region. Much of this success is due to Norfolk Branch’s unique way of engaging with the public; it’s called the Zero-Danger-Area Firing Range.
Having to be seen to be believed, the Norfolk Branch RMA’s unique (and literally zero-danger) firing range is the brainchild of one of its members, Jaime Graham. Coached by former Royal Marines, members of the public can test their skills with real weapons, in complete safety. It’s a popular attraction at outdoor events, such as the annual Norfolk Show, and people return, time and time again, to improve on their scores.
Pellpax helping to break the ice
With sponsorship from Pellpax, the Zero-Danger-Area Firing Range is, of course, a means of fundraising. But it serves an even more important purpose: it helps to break the ice. The target-shooting activity puts people at their ease, and interaction follows naturally, resulting in people’s greater understanding of how the organisation can support its members – but more importantly, an understanding of why this support is needed in the first place.
Pellpax is proud to support the Zero-Danger-Area Firing Range, and to contribute to the welfare of active and veteran Royal Marines. As Pellpax boss, Darren Kirk, says: “Freedom doesn’t come free, and often it’s the men and women of our armed forces who pay a heavy price on behalf of us all.”
Serving and retired Royal Marines and their families, as well as Royal Marine Cadets, can join the RMA through the website: https://royalmarinesassociation.org.uk/. Donations to the RMA, to support those of its community who are in need, can also be made via this website.
A friendly company with a professional approach … Great friendly service, good communication … A rare breed of online business with full traditional personal telephone service.
These are a few of the many positive comments from Pellpax customers, reflecting the efficient and reliable delivery service that’s unique to Pellpax. You may have been on the receiving end of this delivery process, or you may be considering a first-time purchase. But have you ever wondered how it all works?
Legislation has always stipulated that shotguns, rifles, and associated ammunition are sold on a face-to-face basis by a registered firearms dealer (RFD). There is now a law that requires all air guns and silencers to be sold under the same conditions. As a registered firearms dealer, Pellpax has a legal requirement to deliver these products, in person, to the customer; items that don’t fall into this category, such as pellets and clothing, are dispatched immediately, by courier, and will be delivered within a few days.
Every weekend, Pellpax’s fleet of vehicles sets out to deliver to households all over England and Wales. Between Friday lunchtime and Tuesday afternoon, Pellpax drivers will have visited up to 300 addresses, and it’s not uncommon for one driver to cover more than 1,000 miles. This huge task is achieved by putting into practice the teamwork and open communication that sets Pellpax in a class of its own.
Having taken an order, the sales team will mark the delivery location on a map of the UK, using colour-coded pins. The IT department provides information for the customer, using sophisticated software that can calculate routes and the approximate intervals between drops – assuming that a driver doesn’t lose his way! This can happen, of course, and so can delays caused by roadworks, accidents, and traffic congestion.
In these cases, the driver will make a phone call to the customer, with an apology and an explanation, and will provide a new estimated time of arrival. In a case where the time cannot be made up, the driver will also contact the customer next on the list. The Pellpax driver will always keep customers informed regarding the time of their delivery.
If your order is placed before midday on a Tuesday, it will be delivered to your door between the Friday of that week and the following Tuesday. An order placed after midday on Tuesday might still be dispatched for delivery three days later, or it may be delivered during the following weekend, depending on your location. In all cases, though, Pellpax staff will keep you up to date with information, and if you have any queries, they will be pleased to help.
Friday noon is a busy time at Pellpax headquarters. Every item has already been double-checked; all guns have been assembled, zeroed in, and tested, so they’re ready to shoot when you take them out of the box; and each package has the customer’s name written clearly on it. The packages are loaded into the vehicles in reverse order of delivery, locked in safely, under the eye of a security camera. Each driver takes with him a folder, containing all the paperwork for each delivery, and taped to the front of the folder is Pellpax’s Certificate of Registration as a Firearms Dealer.
When a driver sets out, he programmes the post code of the first drop into the satnav and checks that the estimated arrival time displayed is approximately the same as that shown on the paperwork. After each drop, the driver enters the next post code, and so the process goes on throughout the weekend. Because Pellpax has a policy of personal service, intervals between drops are calculated with the inclusion of a considerable period of time for customer care.
Pellpax drivers are not just couriers, but are an integral part of the team, working closely with all other departments. Like all members of the Pellpax staff, drivers are knowledgeable about the products they deliver and about the sales process. In the event that a driver is ill, and unable to work, it is not unusual for a staff member from another department to take on the role of driver for a weekend.
Here are some more comments from Pellpax customers:
Great delivery driver, so helpful, kept me updated on when and what time my delivery was coming … Another perfect delivery from Pellpax, on time as usual, would recommend 100%.
The Pellpax Bullet, accompanied by our very own road hog….
It’s been a busy summer for the Pellpax Bullet. Designed and built by skilled craftsmen at GSG Shepherds’ Huts, in Norwich, our bespoke trailer has certainly turned a few heads at shows and carnivals this year.
About two years ago, we decided that it would be good to get out and about a bit – to be a part of some of Norfolk’s marvellous events – and therefore we needed a trailer. Our trailer had to be big enough to display equipment, with storage space for additional stock, and standing room for staff. It had to be fully mobile, stable, spectacular, and safe … and it had to be shaped like a bullet.
Bullet’s Construction
The Bullet’s frame is constructed from semi-circular plywood ribs, which are joined together to form hoops, and the exterior cladding comprises narrow strips of Accoya, giving the illusion of a curve. Accoya is the world’s leading brand of acetylated softwood – a material that is dimensionally stable, extremely durable, and resistant to decay. The interior cladding is painted softwood, and the floor is made of engineered oak. The Bullet’s coned nose is a complex structure of studwork and cladding.
Out on show
A customer checks out the Bullet’s offerings.
On the weekend of June 24th and 25th, we took the Bullet to the Suffolk Armed Forces Week celebrations in Felixstowe. Our next-door neighbours were the Royal Marine Association (RMA), with their zero-danger firing range, and it was a pleasure to talk to these guys about the work that the RMA does for the Royal Marine family. This was a particularly busy and exciting weekend, as the Royal Marines’ Darell’s Day celebrations were being held in Felixstowe at the same time.
In August, we joined thousands of others at the ever-popular annual Cromer Carnival, famous, among other things, for an aerobatic display by the Red Arrows. Since the 1950s, the focus of Cromer Carnival has been a parade of floats on the Wednesday of carnival week; but during the first half of the 20th century, all the fun happened on the new pier, built in 1901. Amazingly, Cromer has been enjoying an annual week-long fair since the 1280s!
One of the most popular events in Norfolk is the Aylsham Agricultural Show, held each August Bank Holiday Monday at the Blickling Estate. The only problem with this one-day show is that you’re hard pressed to fit everything in! This year there were classic cars, military vehicles, marching bands, dog training displays, rural crafts, art exhibitions, cookery theatre, hot-air balloon rides, sheepdog trials …
And alongside all of this, we were delighted to welcome people to the Pellpax Bullet, and we received some lovely comments. Our favourite was from a little boy, who asked us if the Bullet was a submarine!
Stay tuned to the blog for details of further adventures on the Pellpax Bullet. To learn more about the construction of the Bullet, go to GSG Shepherd’s Huts.
A marching band performing at Suffolk Armed Forces Week. Credit: Felixstowe Forward.
On the weekend of June 24th and 25th, the Pellpax Bullet took part in the Suffolk Armed Forces Week celebrations in Felixstowe, where the Royal Marines were celebrating one of their earliest victories.
As proud sponsors of the Royal Marines Association (RMA), an organisation that offers support and friendship to the entire Royal Marines Family, we were keen to find out more about the marines, their history, and the special network of support that is spread worldwide.
The Admiral’s Regiment
On October 28th 1664, The Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot was formed, under the leadership of the Duke of York and Albany (the future James II of England), who had been appointed Lord High Admiral at the age of three – a nominal, rather than operational, position. Almost from the beginning, the abbreviation, “The Admiral’s Regiment” was frequently used.
Towards the end of the second Anglo-Dutch Wars (March 1665 to July 1667), Landguard Fort, near Felixstowe, was successfully defended by the marines, under the leadership of Captain Nathaniel Darell, in a battle against Holland’s Regiment de Marine, a new corps formed in December 1665. This first land battle honour for The Admiral’s Regiment – which, in 1775, became His Majesty’s Marine Forces, and later, the Royal Marines – is recorded as one of the last opposed attacks on England.
As a defeat would have left the country poorly placed in the peace negotiations that followed, Captain Darell is considered a hero, and is honoured annually on ‘Darell’s Day’ at Felixstowe.
The Battle of Landguard Anniversary
This year marks the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Landguard and the first major land victory of the marines. So, this year, the Suffolk regional Armed Forces Week celebrations were centred around that historic event, resulting in a spectacular weekend.
More scenes from the main stage at Suffolk Armed Forces Week. Photo: Felixstowe Forward.
Taking part in the celebrations were members of the Royal Marines Association, founded immediately after WWII to help marines who had been injured, or who were suffering from what is today recognised as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Rundle, who served in the Royal Marines for 33 years, is President of the East Anglia Region of the RMA. He explained what this voluntary organisation is all about.
“The RMA is run by members, for members, offering practical and emotional support to cadets, servicemen, reservists and veterans – and also to their families. Because of recruiting nationally, and from Commonwealth countries, former marines are scattered all over the UK and, indeed, the world. The RMA helps to keep us all within the fold of the Royal Marines family.”
The Work of the RMA
Mark has been active in the RMA for many years. He talked to me about some of the ways in which members of the Royal Marines family are given assistance.
“Some veterans are men who have lived productive civilian lives since retiring from military service. But then, when they grow old, and their wives are ageing too, they might need a bit of help with shopping and housework; maybe they’re widowed, and are just in need of company; and there are those, of course, who need full-time care. Having been self-reliant all their lives, these are, of course, also the very last people ever to dream of asking for any help.
Historical re-enactment during Suffolk Armed Forces Week. Photo courtesy of Felixstowe Forward.
“Not all veterans are old. Some are young men who have been physically damaged in recent conflicts. The NHS is brilliant at saving lives and putting our wounded servicemen on the road to rehabilitation. But the prosthetic legs provided by our stretched health service are basic; they’re just made for walking. Our young amputees want to run; they want to row boats and ride bikes, climb up mountains, and ski down them.”
Mark explained that to provide the men with this quality of prosthesis, we must raise funds and look to the USA, where top-of-the-range legs can easily cost $50,000 a pair (and for complex needs can cost much more). This is an area where funding is so vital, where quality of life hangs in the balance. Mark told me about Captain Jon White, who lost three limbs – two legs above the knee, and his right arm – in an explosion in Afghanistan.
“Royal Marines charities made a grant of £97,500 to enable him to travel to the USA for the fitting of, and training with, the specialised limbs required. He is just one of many who need our support.”
The RMA also cares for the families of marines. Mark told me about a Norfolk couple whose son was killed in Afghanistan just a few years ago.
“They focused on their grief, not realising that they were surrounded by the Royal Marines family. With the couple’s permission, an acquaintance arranged for RMA volunteers to attend the funeral, and the Association was able to provide some support during following years.”
The stalls at the event, including the Pellpax Bullet, in the distance. Photo courtesy of Felixstowe Forward.
When Mark first joined the Norfolk Branch of the RMA, he was amazed to learn that the members had coordinated their efforts to engage with the public at fund-raising events by using their very own “Zero-Danger-Area” Mobile Air Rifle Range. Having specialised in weapon training as a junior officer, and with years of experience of all manner of firearms, he was sceptical: “I couldn’t see how a portable air-rifle firing range could be made completely safe.”
Zero Danger Area Range
It seems, though, that the RMA Norfolk Branch really is in possession of a bone fide zero-danger-area range. Having to be seen to be believed, the Norfolk Branch RMA’s unique firing range is an inspired contraption, and the brainchild of one of its members, Jaime Graham. An air rifle is fired, completely safely, down a large-diameter pipe; after puncturing the target at the end of the pipe, the pellet passes into a sealed bullet-catcher through a thick carpet fabric, which absorbs much of the pellet’s energy; the pellet strikes a steel plate, set at a 45° down-angle, and is deflected downward into felt.
The whole arrangement completely prevents any possible chance of a backward ricochet. To complete the safety of this unit, which allows for three shooters at any one time, each air rifle muzzle is fixed into the firing end of its pipe, ensuring that pellets can only travel safely down the pipe and into the bullet-catcher.
Members of the public can therefore test their skills with real weapons, in complete safety, and they can do so on two levels: the relatively easy Rifleman competition, where scoring on a large bull is ‘inward’ (meaning that if a pellet touches a dividing line on the target, the competitor is awarded the higher score); and at the advanced, and much harder, outward-scoring Marksman level, on each of five, much smaller, bulls. Coaching by former Royal Marines helps to break the ice, as everybody naturally wishes to shoot just that little bit more accurately. Competition is often fierce, with many people returning time and again to better their scores and thus try to secure “bragging rights” among their friends!
The Pellpax Bullet makes it debut at the big event. Photo copyright Pellpax 2017.
However, despite its appearance at fund-raising events, the portable range was never intended to be purely a money-making tool. People are sometimes reticent about talking to military personnel; they are shy, maybe, of the uniforms and the medals, and wary of an organisation rooted in British history, yet unfamiliar to so many of us.
Mark told me: “The purpose of the range is to help us engage with the public. The target-shooting activity puts people at their ease, and interaction follows naturally, resulting in the general public’s greater understanding of how the organisation can support its members – but more importantly, an understanding of why this support is needed in the first place.”
Norwich 100 Bike Ride
In his four years as a member of the RMA, Martyn Holmes, former Chairman of the Norfolk branch and present Hon. Treasurer, has twice completed the 100-mile route of the popular Norwich 100 Bike Ride, raising over £2,000 for the cause.
“Since I left the Royal Marines in ’92, the war in the Middle East raised its ugly head, and our troops were so deployed. Since then, we’ve seen hundreds of deaths and horrendous injuries from all arms of our forces, as well as families who have been torn apart. If raising a few quid to add to the coffers helps in some small way, then that makes sense to me.”
Cycling 100 miles is a feat beyond the capabilities of most of us, but Martyn made the achievement despite being hampered by damaged hips.
Soldiers check out the guns, blades and archery equipment. Photo copyright Pellpax 2017.
“I developed osteoarthritis in both hips, almost certainly from yomping with 100-plus pounds on my back over the mountains of Arctic Norway, followed by 20 years on firearms ops within Norfolk Police. My active careers took a toll on my hips, and, as a result, I had bi-lateral hip resurfacing. That basically means I have metal hip joints. I did the ride with a good friend, who was there in case my hips seized up – and they nearly did!”
If you’re wondering what yomping is, it’s long distance marching, carrying full kit. This load comprises: a Bergan rucksack, usually weighing well over 100lbs; fighting order, containing basic survival kit, water, and ammunition; a helmet and body armour; a radio; and at least one weapon.
Yomp is the Royal Marines’ very own acronym of ‘your own marching pace’, but as any marine will tell you, it’s actually carried out at the much faster pace that your commander thinks you should be yomping at – which isn’t quite the same thing, really …
Pellpax Sponsorship
Thanks to the dedication of its members, the East Anglia Region RMA has, for the last seven consecutive years, raised more money than any other RMA region in the whole of the UK. And now Pellpax is lending a hand too, in the form of sponsorship. Pellpax has donated four air rifles for the mobile range, as well as regular donations of pellets, competition prizes, and rifle maintenance.
Talking about the Armed Forces Weekend event, Mark said, “The new Pellpax Bullet trailer was stationed next to our firing range. The Pellpax team told people, ‘You can look at these rifles here, but you can have a go with them over there,’ and the RMA volunteers pointed out Pellpax as ‘our very kind new sponsors’. The synergy was wonderful.”
Mark summed up the essence of the RMA. “Our members make the Association what it is, and it’s their activity that is reflected in the way we are organised and run. It’s their efforts which raise the funds to enable these life-changing interventions.” The RMA’s message to its members is, “We’re the constant thread that runs right through your life, providing camaraderie, support, stability, and practical help. Once a marine, always a marine”.
Here at Pellpax, we have been putting together a very special touring exhibition stand called ‘The Bullet’, for some time.
It’s finally ready to go, and so we took it out on its inaugural journey last weekend 24th-25th June to the Suffolk Armed Forces Weekend. We’re happy to report that we had a busy stand throughout the two days.
The reason we were invited is because we are proud sponsors of the Royal Marines Association (Norfolk Branch). Their president, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Rundle has agreed to speak to us for an interview for the blog, so watch out for that in coming weeks!
We will be endeavouring to attend more events during the rest of the summer, so keep an eye out for announcements. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the event.
Pellpax is proud to announce we are now members of UKARA. Great news for our airsoft customers
We are pleased to announce that Pellpax is now a member of UKARA (UK Airsoft Retailers’ Association), the organisation that is dedicated to the promotion of airsoft and to public safety.
The Violent Crime Reduction Act of 2006 introduced tight restrictions on the use, ownership, and sale of realistic imitation firearms (RIFs). In response to these new laws, an association of UK airsoft retailers was formed, for the purpose of producing a system for monitoring the sale of RIFs, and thereby protecting the airsoft sport and trade.
Frank Bothamley (centre), head of UKARA
UKARA operates an effective and politically acceptable system, which protects retailers of airsoft equipment, whilst maintaining the safety of the public. The UKARA database holds a record of all participating airsoft players and game sites, and is available to retailers for verification of sales and purchases. This system allows retailers to check that RIFs are being sold only to legitimate purchasers.
Permitted RIF purchaser groups include, amongst others, film and theatre producers and participants in organised historical re-enactments. But it’s airsoft players who form the largest RIF purchaser group in the UK, and skirmishers can find an increasing range of airsoft equipment at Pellpax. If you’re new to the game, and thinking about buying your first airsoft gun, expert advice is available from our staff members.
The UKARA chairman is Frank Bothamley, a former designer of DB2 databases, who co-founded Firesupport Ltd and Free Fire Zone, an airsoft skirmish site near to Peterborough. I asked Frank about the work that UKARA carries out on behalf of the airsoft industry.
The ICS CXP-08 Crane Stock AEG
“We successfully lobbied for the airsoft limit to be set higher than 1 joule. We achieved a recognised definition in law for airsoft guns, and we got 6mm and 8mm pellets officially tested to prove that they were not lethal at the limits advertised by the Home Office. We meet regularly with the home office and have contact with FELWG [Firearms and Explosives Licensing Working Group]. We continue to speak to the CPS [Criminal Prosecution Service] and border controls about the impact of PCA [policing and crime act] 2017.”
At Pellpax, we stock many brands of airsoft guns and accessories. We have recently added ICS products to our range, including the ICS WW2 M3 Greaser AEG, which has an effective range of approximately 50 metres, and the small, compact ICS CXP-08. We’re also pleased to have available some two-tone airsoft rifles and pistols for customers who are not yet registered to an airsoft club in the UK. Note that it is against the law to alter the appearance of these items in order to render them more realistic.
The Malta Grand Prix 2017 took place from June 10 to June 18 at the Malta Shooting Sport Federation (MSSF) ranges at Bidnija, a tiny village in the northern part of Malta. The MSSF was established in 1908, and in 2008 it produced a book, A Century of Organised Shooting Sport in Malta. In his introduction, president Saviour Portelli says that the work of the MSSF “makes shooting sport the primary sport in Malta, and thus our country expects shooting to provide the first Olympic medal”.
In temperatures reaching 30°C, Amy and her fellow competitors shot daily from 9a.m. to 7p.m. For a whole week, the athletes spent most of their time in each other’s company, and, despite an abundance of competitive spirit within the group, there was plenty of camaraderie and bonhomie. Amy told me, “Training and competing alongside these excellent shots gives me inspiration to push forward.”
Amy with seasoned shooting coach, Iain McGregor
Malta wasn’t Amy’s first experience of shooting in intense heat. In the summer of 2016, Pellpax funded her trip to Málaga, where she trained hard and competed in the Junior Grand Prix, winning Gold in the Junior Ladies event.
Amy is trained by coach Iain McGregor, who is based at Auchterhouse, in Dundee. Iain has been coaching for more than 30 years, and has achieved all three levels of International Sports Federation Coaching Certificates. He is one of the most highly qualified and experienced shotgun coaches in the UK, and holds international qualifications at the highest level.
Amy’s first step on her shooting career ladder was success at the Target Tokyo trials, after being scouted by an APSI (Association of Professional Shooting Instructors) coach during the summer of 2015. Since then, she has competed in the British Championships, the Captain’s Cup, the Grand Prix in Holland (winning team gold and high gun and shooter of the competition), and international competitions in Serbia and at Bisley Shooting Ground, in Surrey. In the past nine months, Amy has won a Gold in Málaga and a Bronze in Malta – her first senior competition.
May receiving her trophy
Results like these don’t come easily. Amazingly, Amy is studying for a degree in Law at Northumbria University, in Newcastle. Despite a heavy study workload and a gruelling training regime, Amy is a regular visitor at the campus gym, where she works out to build and maintain her stamina and upper body strength. (“It’s vital to maintain a high level of training at all times.”)
In her pursuit of excellence, Amy has had to tackle many mental challenges. Travelling to new places and living among strangers can be daunting, but Amy doesn’t give in to nerves. She continually pushes herself to her limits, overstepping the bounds of her comfort zone.
“It’s made me mentally stronger and more capable of holding my nerve in competitions.”
Amy’s next competition will be in Finland, mid-July. We all wish our Pellpax Girl every success!
This talented young shooter, who took up the sport less than two years ago, has already reached a high competitive standard, and is training hard for her climb to the very pinnacle of success: the Olympic Games. Combined with unwavering support from her mum, Lisa, the financial assistance from Pellpax will provide Olivia with the means to train hard and to attend competitions.
