Ladies' Recreation Club Historical Archive

Ladies Rifle Association

"Another "terrific uproar" of those days, though paradoxically of a more friendly nature, must have been caused by the Ladies' Rifle Association. The range was below the tennis courts, near the filter beds, and so near the present courts 7, 8 & 9. In 1895 application was made to use the site as a rifle range. A certain Madame O'Gorman started this particular activity; she was the wife of Colonel M. O'Gorman, who held a staff position in the Garrison. Mrs. Prophet made an attempt in 1955 to get further information about them, but eventually the War Office reported that both had died. Madame O'Gorman seems to have been a colourful character, and it is a pity that there are no details of what she was like

Apparently, as with tennis, the shooting was enthusiastically supported, and monthly shoots were held as well as a yearly meeting. Past members still have spoons, with the initials "L.R.A." on the handles, which were prizes won in the monthly competitions.

 

1895 - Ladies' Rifle Range

Application for permission to use the proposed site for a Ladies' Rifle Range

 

1903 - General Meeting

China Mail, 24 January, 1903

1914 - Annual Prize Meeting

Daily Telegraph, 6 April, 1914

 

1928 - Report of the director of Public Works

Revolver Range for Police at Tai Hang.

The site at Tai Hang was abandoned for a more suitable and convenient one adjoining the Albany filter Beds and Ladies' Recreation Club, Bowen Raod.

The work consisted of the erection of a one storey building of brick walls and wooden roof. special arrangements were made at the eaves and in the construction of the roof for adequate ventilation to ensure the escape of the foul air caused by revolver firing