WLMCPSS Summer Charity Shoot is a ‘Big Hit’
On a warm summer July Saturday morning, Andy McClements, Vice Chairman of West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Society sets up the clay traps over Curwen Hill in preparation for the annual Summer Charity Shoot. The Summer Shoot always proving popular with opportunities for guns to have a go at a simulated flush and perhaps get their eye in on a few pre-season driven clays. This year’s shoot would be no different, drawing many masons and non-masons from all over the county.
As the temperature started to rise, guns began to register at the desk of June and Mike Casey; with teams slowly forming for the flush. An outstanding raffle was on offer, with two large summer hampers made by Samantha Dickerson and kindly presented to the society as top prizes by Lodge of Triumph’s recent new member Dave Dickerson and Sam. Along with other prizes such as champagne, whisky and a large range of wine and sweets, guests eagerly purchased tickets ready for the draw.
With the practice stands manned by WLMCPSS shooting coaches, novices tried their eye in on a ‘going away’ and an ‘incoming clay’. The practice stands were really busy with lots of guests wanting to give shooting a go. Ben Nicholas, who recently joined The Lodge of Triumph No.1061 through the Membership Pathway, thoroughly enjoyed his coaching, stating “It was great to get out with other likeminded people and have a go. I’ve shot a little before but I’d like to become more involved with the society and its shoots”.
It was also great for the organisers to see many non-masons attending, with a few familiar faces who have supported a number of the society’s other shooting events. Non-mason Dale Millard, who has supported many of the West Lancs novice days said “We always come to support the society when we can, helping raise some good money towards charity. The guys are all so welcoming and the shooting coaches really help us to enjoy our day”.
The Flush always raises a little bit of ‘healthy’ competition, especially between some of the local shoots. With 5 teams entering, each shooting two flushes, there was plenty of drives for spectators to watch. With a break in between, this gave chance for teams to try some of the outstanding refreshments on offer whilst watching other squads shoot their flushes. The food kindly donated by a Lancashire chef consisted of locally shot game pies, black pudding wellington and a range of delicious cakes and pastries. Not only can he cook, but he was a great shot too! Scores were very tight but Team 3 made up of Richard Dennison, Jason Coxhead, Ben Nicholas and Phillip Alston were the winners.
On the raffle draw, top prize of the ‘Summer Picnic Hamper’ was won by Arkholme Gun, Andy Finch and second prize of ‘Flemish Summer Hamper’ was won by Society Treasurer, Bob Smith. After a great day shooting, with splendid food and company, the society has managed to raise an amazing £1100.
Co-organiser and Committee Member David Jenkinson, added “We are all really proud of what Andy, the society and everyone involved have managed to raise today; it’s an outstanding amount. It’s also great to see masons and non-masons coming together for the love of the sport and raising money together. Events like these are useful opportunities for people to see the community-focused work masons are involved with and potentially attract those new lodge members”.
Article written by David Jenkinson
National Masonic Championships 2022
The National Masonic Championships were hosted by the Province of Norfolk at the mis Norfolk Shooting ground on 11th June 2022
Here are the final results
Individual Competitions
|
Masons |
||
|
Jason Rhodes |
87 |
West Lancashire |
|
Neil March |
82 |
Essex |
|
Dave Wilder |
81 |
Essex |
|
Super Veteran |
||
|
Clive Fry |
80 |
Essex |
|
Rob Styles |
74 |
East Kent |
|
Phillip Goddard |
73 |
Buckinghamshire |
|
John Deadman |
73 |
Cambridgeshire |
|
Ian Heyes |
73 |
West Lancashire |
|
Veteran |
||
|
Kevin Phillips |
82 |
Monmouthshire |
|
Sam King |
81 |
Met.Grand Lodge |
|
Derek Reed |
78 |
East Kent |
|
Junior |
||
|
Alfie Tweed |
48 |
? |
|
Joseph Grady |
45 |
? |
|
Ladies |
||
|
Sophie Jewry |
60 |
Norfolk |
|
Holly Coxhead |
59 |
West Lancashire |
|
Louise Jennings-Hoole |
57 |
West Lancashire |
|
Lisa Brereton |
55 |
Suffolk |
Provincial Teams
|
1/ Essex |
Neil March |
82 |
243 |
|
Dave Wilder |
81 |
||
|
Clive Fry |
80 |
|
2/ West Lancashire |
Jason Rhodes |
87 |
241 |
|
Andrew McClements |
77 |
||
|
Ian Turner |
77 |
|
3/ East Kent |
Steve Ball |
78 |
227 |
|
Gary Cordiner |
75 |
||
|
Rob Styles |
74 |
||
|
4/ Met GL |
Dave Brown |
71 |
224 |
|
Bob Parry |
72 |
||
|
Sam King |
81 |
|
5/ Norfolk |
Richard Mack |
73 |
215 |
|
Keith Kilburn |
69 |
||
|
Graham Leggett |
73 |
||
|
6/ Suffolk |
Shane Brereton |
71 |
212 |
|
Steve Munford |
69 |
||
|
Roger Nash |
72 |
|
7/ Monmouthshire |
Bob Daw |
54 |
210 |
|
Kevin Phillips |
82 |
||
|
Martin Price |
74 |
|
8/ Cambridge |
Nick Bishop |
79 |
192 |
|
Paul Ashby |
40 |
||
|
John Deadman |
73 |
|
9/ West Kent |
Tim Lindfield |
64 |
191 |
|
Stuart Darby |
63 |
||
|
Martin Liddiard |
64 |
