YOUNG people in Bromsgrove will soon be able to make the most of a 25-metre indoor shooting range, thanks to a £69,999 Community Covenant Grant from the Worcestershire Partnership.
The money was one of two donations – the other – for £11,270 – was handed to Norton Worcestershire Regiment Group to help it deliver a programme of activities to do with the history of the Norton Barracks.
The money will also be used to provide a lasting legacy of the contribution and impact of the Worcestershire Regiment on the Bromsgrove community and beyond. This will include the installation of information boards providing a history of the Worcestershire Regiment in the barracks and a commemorative garden within St Peter’s Garden Centre.
Mjr Mark Banwell, Bromsgrove School’s contingent commander, said the range would be a superb asset to the 330 cadets in the school’s combined cadet force.
“The facility will act as a hub for local target rifle shooting enthusiasts, bringing together the international level coaching talent which exists within both Bromsgrove Rifle Club and the Combined Cadet Force with local young people with a view to creating a centre of excellence for the West Midlands area.”
He added the academy would also be running a coaching programme for disabled students attending Chadsgrove Special School with whom they had a strong link with.
Dennis Hodgkins, secretary of the Norton Worcestershire Regiment Group, said the Norton Barracks had been home to the Worcestershire Regiment for 85 years.
And, the distinctive keep, which was converted into apartments, was situated within the heart of the community but may residents were unaware of its important history.
He added: “We are delighted to have received this funding which will enable us to deliver an exciting programme of work to provide a lasting legacy to the contribution and sacrifices made by the regiment for both this county and our country.”
