Lancashire Day is traditionally observed on 27 November each year. However, for a group of West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society members, the festivities began earlier this year when they travelled to Yorkshire to compete for the prestigious War of the Roses Trophy.
This marked the 10th consecutive year that the trophy has been contested between the Provinces of Lancashire and Yorkshire. Although the scores have been closely matched throughout the years, Lancashire has consistently emerged victorious, securing the trophy on all 10 occasions.
A total of 44 Masons and guests representing three Provinces – West Lancashire, with 18 shooters, Yorkshire West Riding and North and East Riding with a total of 13 shooters – and in addition, a total of 13 guests which included three lady guests, made their way to Coniston Shooting Ground, near Skipton, for the annual competition. The event was expertly organised by West Lancashire shoot captain Mick Woods and featured over 50 targets spread across six stands.
Once all scores had been tallied, Lancashire once again claimed victory, winning by a margin of 33 targets. The High Gun and leading scorer for Lancashire was Jason Rhodes, achieving an impressive score of 46. Richard Laucota was the top scorer for Yorkshire, finishing with a score of 41.
The West Lancashire team comprised the top six shooters from the Province: Jason Rhodes, Dave Smith, Derek Carr, Ian Heyes, Andrew McClements and John Bruffell. Together, they secured the win for West Lancashire.
Chairman of the West Lancashire Masonic Shooting Society, Ian Heyes, expressed his gratitude to everyone who had attended and supported the competition, offering special thanks to Chris Tittley, Sue and Lawrence Alston, as well as Mick Woods for their dedicated efforts in organising the event and managing the administrative tasks throughout the day.
After the awards ceremony and raffle had concluded, with monies raised at this event totalling £420, the majority of participants proceeded to the aptly named Masons Arms in Gargrave, Skipton. Where everybody enjoyed a pleasant and sociable lunch, reflecting on the day’s competition and celebrating the camaraderie among the Provinces.
If there is anyone (Masons and non-Masons) that would be interested in experiencing clay pigeon shooting in the Province of West Lancashire, details can be provided by contacting the secretary Chris Tittley, by email chris.tittley@gmail.com
Beginners or novices are more than welcome to attend at one of their forthcoming ‘Have A Go Stands’ events planned for Sunday 11 July 2026 at Ribble Bank and on Sunday 26 July at Curwin Hill Farm, Caton near Lancaster.
Report by Chris Tittley.