So Operation Rauceby….. What’s going on? Is it still happening? How’s it going? What’s the latest?
A multitude of questions indeed. So for all interested parties, here’s the very latest, progress report,
on where we’ve got, and the master plan!
Yes it’s on!
Firstly, yes the move is very much on. First mooted back in 2020, this is a big plan, and it takes
time, much effort and finances to bring it all together. The groundwork is now very much in place,
and after a few hiccups around the initial planning stages, an inevitable occurrence with any
building project on this scale, we are pretty well now running to schedule. The master plan is of
course to consolidate our business, bringing the retail shop to Rauceby, alongside our extensive
shooting ranges.
We currently have enormous trenches out front, which resemble something out of the film Tremors!
But this rather alarming landscape is all for a good cause, to house and facilitate the ground source
heat pumps, which will be used to heat the whole place. The fact that 1500 tons of soil came out
during the substantial excavation, is incredible, and it gives some idea as to the scale of the project.
Outside the proposed new building housing the retail shop, some windows have now been installed,
so it’s starting to take shape nicely. Pathways and drainage are under construction out the front too,
so it’s going to be smart and civilized when it’s all done, with plenty of easy on-site parking.
Internal Stuff
Upstairs, tucked away, we’ve got significant brass pipework and this will be controlling and
directing the heating system.
Enter the main retail area from inside, and it’s the huge and rather beautiful Oak supports that first
grab the eye, whilst huge Douglas Fir beams running overhead, are equally a stand-out feature.
Upstairs, the top floor is being worked on too, and this is coming together nicely. The idea here is to have offices, gunstore/saferoom and even more general storage.
Outside Range
Some may remember we experienced some standing water on the range a while back, so to combat
this, there’s a comprehensive new drainage system going underground. An idea of costs? Well
consider that £1400 has been spent just for new drainage pipework around the range area alone, it gives some idea as to the scale of the operation.
And on that note, here’s some other eyebrow raising figures that show the intent behind what we’re
doing. 20 tons of tarmac planings are ready to produce a hard standing for vehicles, 220 tons of
sand have been delivered, to facilitate the ground source heat pump system. 200 tons of gravel, 200
tons of hardcore for drainage; and so the list goes on.
Sleeping On The Job
Large wooden sleepers are ready to be stood end-on, to create a solid side wall, effectively dividing
the ranges into separate operational spaces. This will allow one range to stay live, while the other caters for a larger groups, private group bookings etc…
This effectively means one range can stay open and
working, whilst the other is brought to a halt for tuition for that large group for example. The gist is
that they can run independent of each other, allowing flexibility. A third range area stands ready to
be utilised on the left, so there’s great potential.
A further solid wall will be constructed to the far left side, again out of sleepers, which will be
substantially more durable than the old hay bales originally employed. Finally, to the left side of the
range, and behind the newly proposed side (sleeper) wall, we plan to have a sizeable array of solar
panels, where long term, these are intended as the main source of power, pretty much powering
everything.
So When….?
So this all begs the question, when are all these plans likely to be finalised, and when will the shop
be open?
Obviously, with an undertaking of this size, arriving at an exact date for the grand opening
isn’t easy. That said, all things considered, we very much hope to be finished sometime in October
2026, so thanks for everyone’s patience.
Exciting times indeed!
