A fine and bright Sunday morning in the countryside just outside Skipton was a perfect location for the 2024 annual War of the Roses Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition which took place at Coniston Hall.
Coniston Hall has been a favourite venue for the West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society (WLMCPSS) in partnership with the Province of East Lancashire, to battle it out with the combined team from the Provinces of West Riding and Yorkshire North Riding. Unfortunately, on this occasion the Province of East Lancashire were unable to attend.
Following a check-In and raffle ticket purchase process in the clubhouse, skilfully led by the secretary Chris Tittley and his assistant Nadine Andrews, the competitors formed themselves into small groups and made their way around the six identified traps with their score-cards. They were all keen to hit as many of the 50 clays as possible. The check-In table also displayed numerous raffle prizes which would later be distributed in the clubhouse, following the results and prize giving.
WLMCPSS Chairman, Ian Heyes said: “The WLMCPSS is always delighted to receive new members, novices and guests at their shooting days and it was pleasing to welcome James Henderson to this event as a newcomer to clay shooting and soon to be a joining member at the upcoming meeting of Country Pursuits Lodge of West Lancashire No 6615. James scored an impressive 23/50 at his first ever clay-shoot competition, well done James.”
Guests certainly enjoyed the atmosphere and camaraderie; this was especially evident when Daniel Swarbrick scored a massive 43/50 and received a bottle prize from Dr William Watson, Chairman of Yorkshire West Riding, as the Guest Top Gun.
At the presentation, Ian Heyes thanked everyone for their attendance and announced the scores. Runners up were Yorkshire with 213 points from their highest six scores and West Lancashire triumphant with 245 points. Top Gun was Jason Rhodes of WLMCPSS with 48/50, who received his Top Gun trophy from Dr Watson. Both teams were pleased to receive woven cloth badges to sew on their shooting vests.
WLMCPSS was delighted to have raised £415 for their charity account; this was made up of £180 from the shooting proceeds and £235 from the raffle. Ian Heyes thanked those who had kindly donated raffle prizes. The West Lancashire contingent moved on to The Anchor in Gargrave for a very pleasant carvery lunch.
Report and pictures by John Topping.