Blind Shooting Club Celebrates 25 Years of Inclusivity and Achievement

In a remarkable milestone, the Blind Using Guided Sights (BUGS) Shooting Club, which is dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired individuals, celebrated its 25th anniversary. This local club, known for fostering an inclusive environment for people with vision impairments to engage in shooting sports, held a commemorative event last week at the St Austell Rifle and Pistol Club. The celebration was a testament to the club’s enduring impact, welcoming both past and present members, volunteers, and a host of special guests.

A group photo of the members, volunteers and supporters of BUGS

Affiliated with iSightCornwall, Cornwall’s sole charity focused on aiding those with sight loss, BUGS Shooting Club has been an innovative space since 1999. It offers a unique shooting experience using air rifles with adapted sights that emit sounds to guide shooters towards the bullseye, enabling participants to compete irrespective of their vision levels.

The club has seen its members achieve national recognition, with standout performances in competitions across the UK and abroad. Dan Lowe, a member of the club, recently secured third place in a national competition, showcasing the high level of skill and dedication within the group.

The anniversary cake

Kevin, a club member, expressed pride in the club’s groundbreaking work for the visually impaired, emphasising the joy of seeing members achieve their personal goals. The success of BUGS Shooting Club over the years highlights the important role of iSightCornwall volunteers. These volunteers are instrumental in the club’s operations, offering their time and expertise to support the members in various capacities, from transportation to range safety and equipment maintenance.

Carole Theobald, iSightCornwall’s Chief Executive, praised the invaluable contributions of these volunteers, attributing the longevity and success of the club to their dedication. She emphasised the profound impact of such clubs on individuals, providing them with opportunities to learn new skills, meet people, and gain confidence.

(L-R) Long-standing BUGS member Joe with club organiser Paul (quoted)

The 25th-anniversary celebration was a momentous occasion, enriched by the presence of founding members, former volunteers, and supporters, including the Lewannick Amateur Dramatic Society (LADS), which has donated nearly £7,000 since the club’s inception. Attendees enjoyed a buffet, themed cake, and a walk down memory lane through displays of the club’s history.

Paul, one of the club organisers, extended heartfelt thanks to iSightCornwall and all who have supported the club over the years, reflecting on the joy of celebrating such a significant milestone together.

(L-R) BUGS member Tracy with Range Officer and volunteer Steve

iSightCornwall continues to support individuals with sight loss across Cornwall, offering a range of social and activity clubs aimed at fostering independence and active lifestyles. The charity, established in 1856 to aid visually impaired Cornish miners, remains committed to reaching and assisting the over 22,000 people living with sight loss in Cornwall today.

As BUGS Shooting Club looks to the future, its 25-year legacy of inclusion, achievement, and community stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.