The National Championships were held again this year after an enforced break. They should have been held in the Province of Dorset but Covid-19 had an effect on their arrangements and the National Association stood in in order for the competition to take place.
The National secretary Roger Wilkes knew of Barbury Shooting Ground and it proved to be a wise choice. A ground with superb facilities gave quality targets to test the 150 guns taking part. We had exclusive use of 14 stands and a part of the clubhouse reserved for refreshments.
Generally speaking, scores were high with one or two stands designed to sort out the best shooters.
At the Presentation, after the buffet meal, the trophies were handed out by Rt W Bro Phillip Bullock the Provincial Grand Master for the Masonic Province of Wiltshire. At least that is what he is now. Originally he came from Southport when it was in Lancashire.
Ten West Lancashire masons travelled to represent our Province and we have had better days. When the scores were announced and the dust settled, we ended up 3rd behind Surrey and Essex. The Provincial Team Scores were:
Essex 252, Surrey 250, West Lancashire 242, Met. GL London 241.
21 different Provinces entered this year’s competition.
The Lancashire Team comprised of Jason Rhodes (85), Andy McClements(79) and Jason Coxhead(78).
We did have some good fortune as young Joe Dodds won the Junior Class. Well done Joe it was our only silverware.
Thanks to Dave Smith for photographs
For the Watson Eden Trophy
39 Entries braved the weather for the 38 Inter Provincial Shoot at Paint Mine Woods on Sunday 3rd October. There were representatives from Yorkshire West Riding, Yorkshire North & East Ridings and West Lancashire but nobody from Cumberland and Westmorland. This was a shame as they started the competition way back in 1984 and for the second-year running have failed to compete.
7 Stands were available to shoot the 50 targets and apart from having some flying rabbits there was something for everyone. At the end of a blustery & wet morning the teams retired to the Longlands Hotel for much earned refreshments.
The Prizes were presented by W Bro Neil McGill the Chairman of the Lancaster & District Group of Lodges & Chapters
Inter Provincial Scores available for download (PDF) – Here
Thanks go to Liz & Karen for running the Office, Barry Robinson & Scott Devine for scoring and Barry Robinson for the use of the Longlands Hotel.
Special thanks to Andy McClements & Richard Dennison who organised a very enjoyable day out.
Our charity Clay day was held at Curwen Hall Farm by kind permission of our vice chairman Andy McClements who also organised and ran the event.
It was a day of two halves.
The Society had obtained a 1968 Firearms Act exemption certificate from Lancashire Constabulary to enable non certificate holders to come and shoot.
Over 20 people came to ‘Have-a-Go’, some returning from the last one. Two of our qualified coaches Mick Woods and Karl Prince made sure that all the groups enjoyed themselves and managed to hit a few clays in the process.
The weather was extremely hot, and the plentiful supply of bottled water was most welcome.
The other half for the more experienced shooters was a simulated game day.
This was held deep in the woods but was no cooler for the shooters. Dave Jenkinson who ran this part must have melted in the heat.
Most people enjoyed the experience and some good shooting by our Society chairman and his family saw them come out on top.
A magnificent raffle was held, with the proceeds going to the Lancaster Light Blue Club. Thanks to all those who bought tickets they were given £250.
Thanks to the generosity of our vice chairman Andy McClements we raised over £600 for our Society.
Our thanks go to Colin Preston, Andy and his partner Julie who ran the event, Dave Jenkinson for running the flush and out two coaches Mick & Karl. The team effort made the day a success.
