National Masonic Clay Shooting Championships 2018
Hosted by the Province of Surrey
10th August 2018 – Bisley Surrey
Friday 10th August saw 200 plus masons, friends and family descend on Bisley Camp, recognised as the home of shooting in the United Kingdom, where 172 vied for the 14th National Masonic Clay Shooting Championships.
Superb representation was made from provinces far and wide;
| Bedfordshire | Bristol | Buckinghamshire | Devon |
| Dorset | East Kent | Essex Hertfordshire | Hants & Isle of Wight |
| Metropolitan Grand Lodge | Middlesex | South Wales | Suffolk Surrey |
| Sussex | West Kent | West Lancashire | Wiltshire |
Shooting 100 sporting clays at the “Clock Tower” on Cottesloe Heath, a rarely available set of stands due to its proximity to the Stickledown rifle range, ended with Metropolitan Grand Lodge being presented the trophy by the RW Brother Ian Chandler, Provincial Grand Master of Surrey, with their top 3 guns scoring 269 in an incredibly closely fought contest over runners up Surrey Province, just one point behind them, and 261 to West Lancashire for 3rd place. A Masonic High Gun of 95 went to Danny Bishop, of Hants & Isle of Wight.
Junior High Gun
A full list of scores can be found here – SCORES
Ladies, junior and non-masonic guests tussled for additional trophies in their various categories with a dazzling score of 92 securing Lady High Gun for Sue Osbourne and 69 for Junior High Gun Tom Hemmings again just one point more than junior runner up Coco over from France for the event. The weather proved rather challenging varying from bright sunshine to monsoon conditions but the layout was reported by one competitor from East Kent, as “one of the best, if not the very best layouts I’ve ever shot” The Surrey Provincial Grand Director of Ceremonies W. Bro Kevin Stone, Provincial Stewards present, past and many others including W. Bro John Tofield gave their great support throughout the day and especially to our visitors.
R W Bro Eric Stuart-Bamford the Past Provincial Grand Master and an ex-Team GB shot, also provided ample assistance and help on the day. Ellie Vidler of Comfort Kitchen provided sustenance through some fine freshly cooked food and non-stop refreshments throughout the day. Incidentally, Ellie’s partner Will is soon to be initiated into Freemasonry, where he will be joining Ellie’s Father and Brother who are members of the Cherchefelle Lodge 6543. Prince David Lodge, the Surrey shotgun specialist lodge, report that clay shooting seems to be attracting a significant number of new candidates – good for the sport and good for Freemasonry. W Bro Steve Butwell undertook a keen and highly humorous approach to selling the raffle tickets for some really fantastic prizes including a 12g shotgun.
A year of great effort by the organising team and wonderful support from Provinces and guests ensured a decidedly successful and enjoyable event raising £5,500 for the 2019 Surrey Festival Appeal. We all now look forward to next year’s event which will be hosted by The Province of Suffolk.