Westwood Works 1903-2003

The Rifle Club

The Westwood Works Rifle Club was one of the oldest sections of the Baker Perkins Sports & Social Club having been established in 1909. It was taken over by the Sports Club in December 1926.

It is understood that in around 1921, the "staff rifle club" had become almost inactive but things started to pick up when it was handed over to the Sports Club. In these days, the club used to shoot in the old canteen - all the tables having to be taken down, moved, and then put back again after every shoot. Despite these difficulties, the club went from strength to strength competing in the Northants league and the Engineers league.

Prominent at this time were Rupert ("Rupe") Jones and Frank Willows, two of the best shots in the county - both winning the County Championship on many occasions. Frank Willows started the ladies section at this time and it became one of the best in the country.

An outdoor Rifle Range was provided on site at the Works, opened in May 1935 by Mr. Allan R. Baker and extended in September 1940, despite the outbreak of war. The "Black Shed" was built at the end of the Rifle range in 1947 to store the Club's equipment. We believe that this range was used for large-bore (.303) rifle shooting.

This photograph looks to have been taken on the outdoor (large-bore) rifle range, probably just before WW2. The gentleman on the extreme left is Fred Costin - winner of the 1945 medals shown above - whose army experiences in WW1 are described here and rifle shooting prowess in the Home Guard in WW2 is covered here)

Is anyone able to identify the weapon held by the lady in the centre of the front row? (.22 or .303??).

The small-bore rifle and pistol range behind the clubhouse in Alma Road was, we understand, built in 1936 on the site of the first bowling green. This range was extensively re-furbished in 1974.


Date?: WW Rifle Club with trophies	1940-45: Westwood Works Rifle Club	1940s?: The Ladies Rifle Club	1945: Medals won by F.Costin	1955: Rifle Shooting Section	1963: The Winners	1965: The Rifle Club

1965: Ivor Bennett and trophies	1966: David Newbould - Rifle Club Champion	1969: Charles Durrance passes on helpful hints	1973: Rifle Range refurbished	1975: Winners of the Inter-Departmental Rifle Competition	1977: Rifle Club - Old and new members compare notes	1977: Rifle Section Prizegiving

1979: Outdoor Rifle Shoot	1979: Outdoor Rifle Shoot	1979: Annual Competition at Barnack	1979: Chris Harris - Annual Competition winner	Date?: John Firth's trophies	Early 50's?: Trophy Winners

Can you help to fill in any missing dates? If so, please see this page for instructions on how to contact us and we'll update the captions.