PW_4_2025

Sports

Breaking into three groups, Clive, Jules and Sam talked participants through the basics. Most people managed to hit at least one clay during the 20-shot practice session, which was no mean feat with clays travelling at up to 60kph, with a variety of trajectories, angles, elevations, speeds and distances. Some of the clays at a stand firing over a pond were particularly testing! After a hearty lunch and with the weather holding fine, participants returned to the stands and things got serious for the competition proper. The competition comprised of 10 clays from each of the three stands, one of which the participants hadn’t shot from during the warm up. One of the spectators who hadn’t taken part in the warm up was even persuaded to take part in the competition and was consistently hitting clays by the end of the day. Regional secretary Steve Bretherton was delighted to present Cambridgeshire Branch member Andy Chatfield and BTP Branch member Bart Lubojemski with certificates for placing first in the expert and novice categories respectively. Both members received £50 vouchers to spent at Giles Marriott Ltd. It really was a great day out for members, family and friends, with one participant remarking ‘I really enjoyed myself and it was good to catch up with colleagues old and new’. A collection by Thin Blue Line charity ambassador Clive Wood at the end of the event raised £120. Huge thanks go to Jules and Sam for giving up their time but also for their good humour, patience and excellent coaching throughout the day. Thanks too to Stu Anderson from Cambs Branch, who also helped the day go smoothly, especially when one of the clay launchers broke down and needed a replacement battery. The IPA and the event organisers would like to thank the event sponsors, Giles Marriott Ltd of Leicestershire. The company provided several shotguns free of charge, shotgun cartridges at cost and £100 worth of prizes. Nor does the support provided by Giles Marriott Ltd end there – Julian is offering a free gun fitting to any Section UK member (usually around £100). Just go to: https://www.gilesmarriott.co.uk/contact-us/ or call 01858 882145 and ask for Jules.

POLICE WORLD Vol 70 No.4, 2025

29