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Clay pigeon shoot
12/10/2010
On Saturday 11 September seven teams of four people from local businesses met at Royal Navy Shooting Range in Portsmouth for day of shooting clay pigeons and clay rabbits. The event was organized by Navigate, Life in Petersfield, Britannia Reeves, and Simply Store.
Armed with earplugs, tea and coffee and a shotgun, participants took to the stands to fire practice shots at the ‘birds’ that were projected from the trap in all directions. Even those who had not picked up a gun before were surprised to learn that, with guidance from their team leaders, they could aim and hit the clay with a proper stance and aim.
Adrenalin was high and ears were ringing as bits of shrapnel from incoming pigeons flew though the air. Pros and novices alike took shots at the ‘birds’ and not one person came away without hitting at least a few targets.
"It was so good to see everyone smiling and having a good time even though it was pouring down,” said Andy Shotbolt, managing director of Britannia Reeves and Simply Store and a loyal member of the Royal Navy Shooting Range, "We love taking novices down to the club: it’s fantastic to see peoples’ faces the first time they hit a clay.”
A hog roast was greatly deserved after a morning of practice shots and competition heated up in the afternoon when the shots started to count towards the winning team. Even the Life Magazines all-girl team racked up a few points so that they didn’t quite come last in the end result.
The winning team were happy to receive bottles of champagne and a trophy from Gareth Gammon, managing director of Navigate, and individuals collected a small token for their outstanding (or not so outstanding) efforts in hitting the targets. Keith Cripps received the award for the most hits and Graham Martin was praised for his clay pigeon conservation effort.
All had a great day and tired contestants went home satisfied with the day’s successful shooting, full bellies, an aching arm and a better aim for clay pigeons.
