The Worshipful Company of Butchers Shooting Society got off to a good start this year on Sunday, 3rd April, when Liverymen and family members headed for Grimsthorpe Estate Shooting Ground, near Bourne in Lincolnshire.
I must say that I was a little concerned as to what weather we might expect, as previous weekends had been warm and sunny , but the week leading up to the day the temperatures had dropped considerably, and the UK had been experiencing snow flurries! However, the day dawned bright and dry with no wind – ideal conditions for clay pigeon shooting.
The event was well attended with a number of new Liverymen and novices joining us on this occasion. It was particularly nice to see Marcus Fincham with his wife Lisa, together with their sons. Both boys participated, shooting well with their Webley & Scott bolt action .410, both hitting clays with less shot than the adults! Two potential candidates for the WCB shooting team in years to come as well as two potential Liveryman when they are older. Those novices taking part received tuition from one of Grimsthorpe’s qualified instructors, and by the end of the morning were all hitting clays.
Those taking part shot 100 English Sporting clays over 12 stands in an undulating woodland setting. The stands were mostly shot on report, and I must say that they were rather ‘testing’! Once the 12 stands had been shot all present made their way to the ‘high tower’ flush stand, where in teams of four a 40 clay flush with loaders was shot. High Gun on the day was Fergus Howie on 64, Second Clifford Prior 63, 3rd Past Master Mark Adams 58. The Winning Flush Team was Clifford Prior, David Prior, Don Boddy and Fergus Howie.
It was good to have a number of Liverymen present who will be representing the WCB next month at the annual Inter Livery Clay Shooting Competition, fortunately they were all shooting well, so prospect for success this year look promising!
Anyone interested in joining us at future events should contact myself for more information.
Assistant Julien Pursglove – Team Captain/Secretary