Shooting on new ground
The annual Inter Livery Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition is the most fiercely contested ‘competition’ among the Livery Companies, and this year was no different with over 70 Livery Companies taking part. With three WCB teams signed up, we were looking forward to a day of camaraderie and fun!
Since its introduction by The Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners some 28 years ago, the event was held at Holland and Hollands Shooting Ground, but this year it changed location to the West London Shooting School, which is the oldest and highly prestigious independent shooting school in the country. The money raised goes towards The Lord Mayor’s Appeal making a difference to people’s lives across London and beyond.
The event is now shot over two days, with the WCB shooting on the second day. This year the WCB entered three teams of four, with the usual ‘combatants’ once again supporting the Company, this year we also entered a Court team. A Court team must include The Master, a Past Master and two members of The Court. So, this year we were pleased to welcome our Master Andrew Parker, Past Master Stuart Thompson, Assistant Peter Wright with myself bring up the rear.
No-one really knew what the day would bring weatherwise, but in the end it was a dry, bright, warm sunny day. The organisers and the staff of West London Shooting School had done a fantastic job in setting up the layout. Those taking part agreeing that the change of location and alterations to the format were all well accepted.
After a hearty breakfast and the safety briefing and the format for the day, it was out onto the stands to do battle. Each team of four shooting 80 individual birds followed by an 80 bird team ‘flush’ with loaders, with the introduction this year of a two man 20 bird flush and an individual 10 bird flush both with loaders. The targets leave the ‘trap’ at 60 mph and are thrown to simulate the flight of various game birds and corvids, with the flush simulating a pheasant drive. As ever there was the ‘high tower’ stand (very high tower) which once again sorted the men out from the boys. Plus the introduction of a number of ‘rabbit’ targets where the clay rolls along the ground and can catch you out by suddenly jumping up in the air! with Liveryman Clifford Prior showing everyone how it’s done in style on the crossing pairs!
There were 126 teams taking part equating to 504 shooters. Our noticeable performer again this year was Liveryman Nick Allen coming 10th overall with a score of 68, also winning The Captains Cup, with Nigel Sampson 25th on 61.
The Court Team came 46th with a score of 267 and the Butchers ‘A’ being coming 11th on a score of 310 and Butchers ‘B’ 64th on a score of 250. The ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams being Liveryman Nick Allen, Nigel Sampson, Neil Stoddart, Richard Taylor, Nick Sherwood, Clifford Prior and Dave Smith, (the full results can be viewed together with photos of the event at https://www.interliveryshoot.com)
As always, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who took part and for giving of their time to support the Company and The Court for their generous sponsorship of a team. If you fancy taking part next year, please contact me to register your interest early and watch the WCB website for further information. The provisional date for next year 15th/16th May 2024.
Assistant Julien Pursglove Captain & Secretary