The Great Clay Pigeon Hunt 2002

The 5th September saw the JEC's version of the 'Glorious 12th", and although not a feather of a grouse was harmed, several clay doo's were shattered beyond recognition.

This event was very well attended by members and their families, and the staff of the Kingscliff Sporting Lodge looked after us splendidly throughout the evening. We were split up into teams, and each allocated a guide/trainer to take us around the 'Sporting Course'. Prior to the event getting underway we were given a safety demonstration and instructed on the correct method of holding/pointing (you don't aim a shot-gun), and shooting of said weapon.
Several different targets were presented to us, ranging from Springing Teal and Low Pheasant, to bolting Rabbit, the latter being the subject of a special award.., for hitting anything but the rabbit..!!

Apres-shoot, we were served with a choice of soups, sandwiches and hot sausage rolls, just the ticket after wandering the length and breadth of a clay-doo moor in the chill of an Autumn evening. After everyone had eaten and drank their fill, there was of course the prize giving, and the following participants took away the trophies.

Eddie Davies won the "High Gun" Trophy, for best overall score of the event.

Vicky Farrow took the prize for "Best Lady" with a very respectable score.

Following a 3-way tie for overall worst shot of the day, the subsequent stewards enquiry deemed a re-count would be the fairest way of settling the dispute between the contenders Kim Clarke, Mary Farrow, and Isobel Stalker. The re-count revealed that the shooters were indeed very evenly matched, as they all had failed to hit a single target..!!
Mary Farrow emerged the eventual winner after all three contestants drew lots, and went away with the "Turkey" for her 'duck'.(This was actually the most sought after trophy..!!)

Kingscliff presented Charles Rattrey with a piece of the fence he blew away, whilst attempting to hit the 'bolting Rabbit' (and promised not to sue for damages on this occasion!!)

Derek Cruden supplied a bottle of Whisky, which was raffled in aid of club funds, and this was won by Isobel Stalker.

Our thanks to the Kingscliff Sporting Lodge, who made our evening one of the most enjoyable this year, and by popular demand by those who attended the event, one definitely to be repeated next open-season on clay-doo's..!!

My personal thanks go to George Allan for assisting Isobel, who ran the event in my absence.

Jim Stalker