A warm, sunny morning set the scene perfectly for this year’s West Lancashire Masonic Clay Pigeon Shooting Society (WLMCPSS) Provincial Shoot, held at Ribble Bank Field Sports Clay Pigeon Shooting Ground in Hesketh Bank. The event built on the success of last year’s introduction of the new classification system, which continues to ensure fair competition by allocating trophies according to each member’s shooting ability, based on their average score over the previous 12 months.
After a welcome coffee and the traditional bacon sandwich in the shoot cabin, members and guests purchased raffle tickets and registered with WLMCPSS Secretary Chris Tittley and treasurer Lawrence Alston before heading out to compete. Following registration, Ian Heyes, Chairman of the WLMCPSS, delivered the official welcome with shoot captain Mick Woods then briefed the competitors on the day’s course layout and the variety of traps to be used.
WLMCPSS were delighted to welcome all attendees, including Graeme Mitchell of the Southport Group, who was joining as a new member along with a strong contingent of guests which included travelling guests from Yorkshire, bringing the guest list to a total of 10 competitors. The competition commenced promptly at 11am, with entrants rotating across 10 stands and shooting a total of 60 clays. Competitors organised themselves into small groups and made their way around the ground, testing their skills on a diverse range of targets.
All 27 entrants had completed the course by 13:15 and scorecards were presented to the scorers to validate their results. As in previous years, the notorious rabbit stand, (rabbit targets are designed to simulate the speed and movement of real game and breaking them is one of the most satisfying shots in clay pigeon shooting) proved to be the undoing of many, prompting a mixture of laughter and groans as scorecards were handed in.
The chairman then announced the winners, each receiving their respective classification trophy and a certificate of achievement. The top score (High Gun) of the day was Andrew McClements, achieving an outstanding score of 45. The other classification winners at this 2026 Provincial Shoot were Martin Stokes, Veteran Class scoring 45; Dave Smith, Class AA scoring 44; Mick Woods, Class A scoring 37; John Bruffell, Class B scoring 38; Ian Turner, Class C scoring 42; Guest Winner (female) Gemma Smith scoring 44 and Guest Winner (male) John Broadhead scoring 47.
Following the awards presentation, the raffle was drawn and thanks to some generous contributions, which included a donation from Ribble Bank owner Sam Slinger, the event raised an impressive £370. In closing the event, Ian Heyes expressed his appreciation to all attendees for their support, to those who donated raffle prizes and to the members whose efforts ensured the smooth running and success of the 2026 Provincial Shoot.
If anyone (Masons and non-Masons) 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 Ribblebank and on Sunday 26 July at Curwin Hill Farm, Caton near Lancaster.
