Sheprador1973
Well-Known Member
In the interests of fairness and balance I thought I'd post a brief account of my experience of my FAC/SGC renewal in Sussex.
Back in May I was unfortunate in being faced with a very sudden and traumatic life changing event. In honesty I was suffering very badly and made the decision to contact my FEO. We both agreed that it would be wise to voluntarily surrender my guns.
I posted on here asking about gun storage and was warned about allowing the police to hold them. Many horror stories out there, but my circumstances dictated that I wouldn't be able to afford RFD storage
I met with my FEO (for the first time, he had replaced his predecessor who had completed my initial grant) to get it done. He sat me down and talked to me for around an hour. This was no b*#locking btw, he was genuinely interested in my welfare and was extremely supportive.
Fast forward a few months and I was feeling better. I contacted him again, concerned as to whether I'd be accepted for a renewal at all, which by this time was about to expire anyway. He assured me that he was going to extend my licence and would begin the process. This involved a GP letter, new references etc and did take some months. But all the while he stayed in regular contact (via WhatsApp so essentially 24 hours a day) and eventually the licences arrived through the post. I was thrilled.
I contacted the FEO to inform him and ask when he could arrange for me to collect the guns (expecting a significant wait). He told me to meet him at 12 noon that same morning and I could collect them! At the armoury I realised that he'd even donated me one of his shotgun slips for my 12G as I'd taken one along that was too short.
Upon inspection the guns were exactly as I'd left them. Nothing was missing, nothing damaged, no ammo had been used and noone had painted them pink!
Now I understand that I may well have 'got lucky' with this individual FEO, but I think it important to pass on good news as well as the bad. The service I recieved was absolutely above and beyond and I am extremely grateful for both the service, the communication and the empathy shown.
Finally, I recall at one point asking him why he was helping me so much. He replied that it was simply his job, but added 'and also because you're not a tw@t'. It struck me that sure we might not all be so lucky all of the time...but perhaps if we can show patience, respect and resist the urge to make assumptions, we might find that the police more often than not are there to help and support us? I understand there will always be exceptions but there are some real good 'uns out there too.
Hope this might help someone if they find themselves in a similar situation. Or just food for thought. Have a good weekend all
Back in May I was unfortunate in being faced with a very sudden and traumatic life changing event. In honesty I was suffering very badly and made the decision to contact my FEO. We both agreed that it would be wise to voluntarily surrender my guns.
I posted on here asking about gun storage and was warned about allowing the police to hold them. Many horror stories out there, but my circumstances dictated that I wouldn't be able to afford RFD storage
I met with my FEO (for the first time, he had replaced his predecessor who had completed my initial grant) to get it done. He sat me down and talked to me for around an hour. This was no b*#locking btw, he was genuinely interested in my welfare and was extremely supportive.
Fast forward a few months and I was feeling better. I contacted him again, concerned as to whether I'd be accepted for a renewal at all, which by this time was about to expire anyway. He assured me that he was going to extend my licence and would begin the process. This involved a GP letter, new references etc and did take some months. But all the while he stayed in regular contact (via WhatsApp so essentially 24 hours a day) and eventually the licences arrived through the post. I was thrilled.
I contacted the FEO to inform him and ask when he could arrange for me to collect the guns (expecting a significant wait). He told me to meet him at 12 noon that same morning and I could collect them! At the armoury I realised that he'd even donated me one of his shotgun slips for my 12G as I'd taken one along that was too short.
Upon inspection the guns were exactly as I'd left them. Nothing was missing, nothing damaged, no ammo had been used and noone had painted them pink!
Now I understand that I may well have 'got lucky' with this individual FEO, but I think it important to pass on good news as well as the bad. The service I recieved was absolutely above and beyond and I am extremely grateful for both the service, the communication and the empathy shown.
Finally, I recall at one point asking him why he was helping me so much. He replied that it was simply his job, but added 'and also because you're not a tw@t'. It struck me that sure we might not all be so lucky all of the time...but perhaps if we can show patience, respect and resist the urge to make assumptions, we might find that the police more often than not are there to help and support us? I understand there will always be exceptions but there are some real good 'uns out there too.
Hope this might help someone if they find themselves in a similar situation. Or just food for thought. Have a good weekend all
