Based in Norfolk, but extending to the whole East Anglian region and beyond, Grove has over 350 members and covers the majority of shooting disciplines – everything from black powder pistols up to HME rifles at ¾ mile.
The Grove was founded as a commercial enterprise by Norfolk farmer Tony Hardesty who had constructed an indoor range on his farm in Forncett St Peter. The farm was called ‘The Grove’ and so that naturally became the Club’s name too.
For most of its early life, Grove was largely a pistol club, but with some some smallbore rifle shooters and trips to Bisley to shoot target rifles. A team from The Grove won the last ever Norfolk Pistol Championships (1998) and the individual title was won by a Grove member; a fitting end to The Grove’s time as a pistol club.
After the handgun ban, the Grove continued using its private range but a committee was formed and, like many other gun clubs at that time, Grove adapted to the new legal landscape by introducing gallery rifle shoots and catering for more muzzle-loading guns.
Eventually the range building was needed for other things so Grove had to find new digs. The Club kept its tradition of smallbore rifles, pistol calibre rifles and muzzle-loaders alive by reaching agreements, firstly with the Norwich & District Parabellum Club to use its range at Surlingham, then with the Norfolk & Suffolk Muzzle Loaders Association, for access to its range at Rickinghall, and then with the Smallburgh Rifle Club range at Horsford.
We currently are holding shoots on the Thetford Converted Gallery Range, the Thetford Electronic Target Range and the Barton Road Rifle Range near Cambridge. There are practical shotgun meetings at Wetherden and short range shoots on the Elveden Estate range south of Thetford.
Prospective members are invited to Euston Range (more details in the Ranges section). Senior committee members oversee the training and encouragement of newcomers. Although some of our number do enter shooting competitions, there is no pressure to compete within the Club. We exist to appreciate and enjoy discovering sporting and historical firearms.
Grove is affiliated to the UK National Rifle Association and Muzzle Loaders’ Association of Great Britain.
Please direct membership enquiries to: secretary@grovesmallarms.com