Interlivery Shooting Competition – Two Feltmaker Teams

Some very good shooting by all Feltmakers…

Arriving at West London Shooting School, the weather looked set for a lovely day, as 2 Feltmaker Teams limbered up for breakfast, as well as shooting. The team captains, Master Colonel Wilkinson (A Team) and Third Warden Peter Winfield (B Team), conferred over bacon rolls, and opted for an early start. A total of 105 Livery teams took part in the event, so our aim was to be in the top half. We came flying out of the traps with a good start, and most enjoyably, the two teams were able to go around the 14 stands together.

Most of the Feltmakers were shooting Over and Under 12 bores, but the Upper Warden and the Fourth Warden were shooting old English Sidelock Side by Sides, and our female shooter Caro Wood, shot with a 20 Bore. Team B were pulling ahead by the 3rd stand, and this team of Winfield, Williams, Lee and Wood shot well all day. Each stand offers each shooter 3 pairs of clays, with 2 Flushes, one where 2 team members load for the other 2 shooters (at which point Mr Winfield had to speak in Navy language to Mr Lee for slow loading!).

Despite the above misunderstanding, the event was well organised by the Gunmakers, and went off seamlessly. There was a very good buffet lunch afterwards, with prizegiving, and whilst we did not win, Team B came in 21st, with Team A, a very creditable 51st. This is great day out, and one which can be enjoyed by professionals, or those with limited experience – as there are coaches on every stand to assist. A good deal of the charitable proceeds go towards helping support gamekeepers and their families, a very worthy cause.

L to R – Fourth Warden, Caro Wood, Upper Warden, Edward Winfield, The Master, Third Warden, Mark Williams, Assistant Nick Lee