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As is made quite clear on my blog, this is just one of many community chest awards I have made to worthy local organisations. The link to the ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ report air gun accidents illustrates exactly why it is important that people learn about the proper use of such weapons in a controlled and properly licensed environment. Launceston Rifle and Pistol Club (as all such clubs) is very strictly monitored and licensed by the Police. If anyone is interested to learn more or even to try out the new rifle in a safe and well-supervised range then they should contact the club who would be delighted to show them around.

I am a former member of the Launceston Rifle and Pistol Club.

The importance of safety is always at the forefront of one's mind at the club due to the thorough steps taken by those who run it to ensure that each of its members behaves safely and sensibly at all times, with qualified range officers present whenever shooting was taking place.

I find it interesting that you link an article which was written almost ten years ago to support your view when in fact it supports councillor Folkes' actions, and I have quoted a number of sections of the text below to demonstrate this:

"Too many people wrongly believe the weapons are harmless toys, say the specialists in children's surgery and emergency medicine at St James' University Hospital in Leeds."

This is precisely why local clubs should be encouraged and funded, providing a safe environment where people of all ages can learn to respect guns and use them safely. Indeed, "the Leeds doctors call for air gun use to be restricted to supervised target ranges."

"It is estimated that there are 4m air guns in UK households."

Doctors at St James' recorded 73 patients with air gun injuries between 1996 and 2001."

Half were under 18. Some children who were injured were as young as four."

However, within the safe environment of a local shooting club, such incidents are surely far more rare. Indeed, recommendations "include stricter legislation on the ownership and use of air weapons, promoting awareness of their hazards by wider education of the public, parents and retailers, and restricting use to supervised target ranges."

"It is time for a co-ordinated approach from the public, police, sporting organisations, manufacturers, and retailers, and politicians."

This is exactly what councillor Folkes' actions encourage.

"Too many people wrongly believe the weapons are harmless toys, say the specialists in children's surgery and emergency medicine at St James' University Hospital in Leeds."

Which begs the question as to why air-rifles should not be classed as a "firearm" and licensed accordingly?

Well we all know how good a money manager Councillor Folks is, this would seem to be another prime example of just that.

Why not just abolish all these leisure related grants?

backofanenvelope wrote:-
"Why not just abolish all these leisure related grants?"

And while we're about it, lets abolish all the community centres and leisure facilities that the council help to fund. We could then move on to abolishing all the other schemes and services that the council pay for or contribute to that have no relevance to the majority of those here in Cornwall, Social services etc.

The whole idea of these payments is to help community projects continue, to help "community" continue. They help make life more enjoyable for the community as a whole. To pick on one or two grants to projects that "we" may not agree with, or consider to be frivolous, is completely missing the point, and is, in fact, just a case of stirring the dark and smelly.

I disagree with spending billions of pounds on loosing the peace in Iraq, money that would be far more beneficial spent on things like Morris Dancing clothes, etc.

"I disagree with spending billions of pounds on loosing, (sic) the peace in Iraq?

Britain has no troops presently stationed in Iraq.

Slimslad wrote:-
"Britain has no troops presently stationed in Iraq."

Who said they did?

Slimslad wrote:
"Britain has no troops presently stationed in Iraq."

You are correct Slimslad. Why Iraq has been brought into this topic I never know.

"We could then move on to abolishing all the other schemes and services that the council pay for or contribute to that have no relevance to the majority of those here in Cornwall, Social services etc."?

Where is this going, P_Trembath?

"Iraq", then "abolishing Social Services"?

A ramble through non-relevant issues, that have no bearing on the subject.

This started with a smart alec piece by Mr Smith; slipping in a crack about gun clubs. And Councillors. Personally, I have no problem with Mr Foulkes' activities. And just for the record, I didn't agree with the invasion of Iraq and I don't agree with the war in Afghanistan.

Slimslad wrote:
"A ramble through non-relevant issues, that have no bearing on the subject."

With this blog getting going again, it is understandable that some are a little rusty, and a little over excited maybe.

youngcornwall wrote:-
"With this blog getting going again, it is understandable that some are a little rusty, and a little over excited maybe."

So it would seem!