Clay Pigeon Shooting Club, Sporting Clays, Uppermill, Saddleworth, Greater Manchester.

Added: 28/02/2010

Shoot Summary

It was a great turnout from the members on what was a cold (ish) but dry day. Nice to see so many of you and thanks to all those who renewed their memberships.

Just to remind you all, you have a grace period until 28th March 2010 to renew. Anybody not having renewed by this time will be required to pay the joining fee in order to renew their membership. Please do not put us in this awkward position.

Moving things around a bit made a challenging shoot for most although there were a few good scores put in.

Just to keep things fresh in your minds:

Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot (Farmers Shoot)

Saturday 20th March 2010

The 2010 Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot will be held on Saturday 20th March 2010 at Running Hill CPC.

So far the history of this competition:

2005 - Farmers
2006 - Running Hill CPC
2007 - Farmers
2008 - Farmers
2008 - Running Hill CPC

A good turn out will be essential if we are to turn around the past trends.

Booking-in from 11.30 start shooting 12.30-13.00. The event will be followed by a complimentary buffet at the Church Inn from 14.00, this promises to be a great event mark it in your diary so as not to miss it.

Special thanks to Julian and Chris Taylor at The Church for waiving both room charges and corkage on the port.

Added: 24/02/2010

Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot (Farmers Shoot)

Saturday 20th March 2010

The 2010 Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot will be held on Saturday 20th March 2010 at Running Hill CPC.

So far the history of this competition:

2005 - Farmers
2006 - Running Hill CPC
2007 - Farmers
2008 - Farmers
2008 - Running Hill CPC

A good turn out will be essential if we are to turn around the past trends.

Booking-in from 11.30 start shooting 12.30-13.00. The event will be followed by a complimentary buffet at the Church Inn from 14.00, this promises to be a great event mark it in your diary so as not to miss it.

Special thanks to Julian and Chris Taylor at The Church for waiving both room charges and corkage on the port.

Added: 20/02/2010

2010 AGM Summary

Thanks to all of you who turned out to support us at the 2010 AGM. For those of you who couldn''t make it here is a brief summary.

No increase in the cost of membership.
Clays only price increase .50p/50 members and guests and .25p/50 juniors
Members full shoot price to increase by 50p both 12g and 20g
Junior full shoot price to increase by 50p both 12g and 20g
Non-Members shoot price to increase by £1 both 12g and 20g
£1500 charity contribution agreed
Existing Executive commitee to continue unchanged
James Bradshaw stepping down from Non-Executive commitee with Andy Longton coming on board. Peter Cooper continuing in his current role
Andy Moore awarded The Crowther Cup for services to the club

A copy of the 2010 AGM Report is available here.

Added: 14/02/2010

Shoot Summary - 14/02/2010

Thanks to all of you who turned out for our first shoot of the year! It was a fantastic morning with "Bluebird Skies" and much warmer than of late.

The new online scoring is now live, click here to view it.

Just to remind you, the 2010 AGM will be on 19th February 2010 at The Church Inn, Uppermill from 7.30pm, we would encourage and welcome members to attend.

Also, the 2010 membership is now due; you will again have a grace period until 28th March 2010 to renew. Anybody not having renewed by this time will be required to pay the joining fee in order to renew their membership. Please do not put us in this awkward position. Thanks to those who have already done so.

We are looking for nominations for the Crowther Cup, it is awarded to a member who has made a significant contribution to the club in any sort of way. To send your nomination click here use our suggestion form or email me.

Added: 03/02/2010

Update

The club should reopen on 14th February 2010. The loss of 4 shoots has had an impact on the clubs financial situation but not to any critical level.

One of the things these closures illustrated to me was the difficulty in communicating with you all, many of the details on file were out of date, when you get your Membership Details form could I ask you to fill it in and return it ASAP

Your first point of call for up to the minute club information should be the website, this is by far the most effective way of getting important news out to you all. I understand that not everyone has Internet access so communication between you is also very important.

The 2010 AGM will be on 19th February 2010 at The Church Inn, Uppermill from 7.30pm, we would encourage and welcome members to attend.

Also, the 2010 membership is now due; you will again have a grace period until 28th March 2010 to renew. Anybody not having renewed by this time will be required to pay the joining fee in order to renew their membership. Please do not put us in this awkward position.

You will all shortly be receiving your Renewal Reminder, AGM notification and Membership Details Update form.

The website has also had a facelift, not so much in looks but more in functionality. The gallery has been improved, it is now simpler to manage and easier to use through the "Lightbox" viewer.

I am also pleased to announce that it has been migrated across to a commercial host that is able to provide greater resilience and reliability.

Now the site is on a more stable platform I have rebuilt the online scoring feature, obviously the only data in there at the moment is test data, when we get shooting again this will all start working.

Added: 28/01/2010

31st Jan 2010 - Shoot Closed

Shoot Closed 31st Jan 2010

We have again visited the shoot to find that it is highly unlikely we will be able open on the 31st Jan 2010. The lane is still going to be impassible for all but tractors with tracks still approaching 2ft deep.

Even if people were prepared to walk up the lane we would have problems with parking as the road is seriously reduced in width and we would be causing an obstruction.

If that wasn`t bad enough even if we were to open it would be difficult to get the equipment out of the container as this is still almost completely buried under 7ft of snow!

We were hoping that the milder weather would have melted the majority of it but alas as you can see it hasn`t. The forcast is for another cold snap which won`t help the situation.

A decision as to is we will pay someone to clear the lane will be made the middle of next week, if any of you have access to the means to do this please let me know. If not it will cost the club an estimated £50-£100.

Added: 16/01/2010

Shoot Closure - 17th Jan 2010

Andy had a drive up yesterday afternoon and reports Church lane is blocked up to the shoot. The lane itself has 2-3 ft drifts and would be impassable even with 4 X 4.

The shoot at this stage will not be going ahead, please check back for the latest status.

Sorry for the disappointment, I`m pretty sure the next one will be OK.

16/01/2010 - 09.48am - Shoot Closed

The 2010 Calendar has been worked out, you can download a copy here.

Added: 02/01/2010

Sunday 3rd Jan Shoot Closed

I have just had a drive up to the shoot and it wasn`t pretty. Church lane is barely passable up until The Church Inn then very bad beyond and to the shoot. The lane itself has 2-3 ft drifts and would be impassable even with 4 X 4.

The shoot at this stage will not be going ahead, please check back for the latest status.

02/01/2010 - 11.09am - Shoot Closed

The 2010 Calendar has been worked out, you can download a copy here.

Added: 20/12/2009

20/12/2009 - Shoot Summary

As many of you know the shoot was abandoned due to the bad snow conditions. We did manage to pull a few traps out for people who managed to get there to have a bit of a play but there were only 3 or 4.

Anyway, the Commitee would like to thank you all for your support in 2009 and wish you all a Merry Xmas and a prosperous New Year.

The next scheduled shoot is now 3rd January 2010, we look forward to seeing you then.

The 2010 Calendar has been worked out, you can download a copy here.

Added: 23/11/2009

23/11/2009 - Shoot Summary

Thanks again all of you who turned out on another cold day, on the whole we were lucky in that we didn`t get drenched as is the norm for this time of the year.

I would like to add that numbers are down and whilst it may not be the best of experiences we could really do with your support even when the weather is poor. We setup the shoot in all weathers so that you the members can enjoy the shoot, just wrap up warm and come and show that our efforts are appreciated.

The club continues to grow and improve, our last goal as far as our risk assessment goes was met this week with the purchase of full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for our trappers. This will make their job much more bearable during the coming winter months.

We are looking for some of those plastic door strips (those used in factory loading bays that keep the heat in but allow fork-lifts etc to come and go) if anyone can lay there hands on enough to cover the door to the hut we would be most appreciative.

Anyway, time to go for now, thanks for your continued support we look forward to seeing you at our next shoot on the 6th December 2009.

Added: 09/11/2009

08/11/2009 - Shoot Summary

To quote Admiral Husband Kimmel "there was a nasty nip in the air today" and indeed there was, it was one of the coldest days of the year so far.

It looks like winter is upon us so be prepared, warm clothing, hats and gloves should form a part of your kit for the remainder of the years shoots.

It was a quiet day, again perhaps due to the cold and/or it being Remembrance Sunday, we would like to thank you all for the respectful way you took part in our 2 minute silence.

We look forward to seeing you all at our next shoot on the 22nd November 2009, remember to wrap up well.

On a separate note, did anyone find a Shotgun Certificate in a green wallet at the ground on Sunday, if so please email me or call 07710 188478 so I can put the members mind at rest.

Added: 05/11/2009

8th November 2009 - Remembrance Sunday

As you will no doubt be aware 8th November is Remembrance Sunday:

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the guns of Europe fell silent. After four years of the most bitter and devastating fighting, The Great War was finally over. The Armistice was signed at 5am in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France on November 11, 1918. Six hours later, at 11am, the war ended.

At 11am we will be holding a two minute silence in memory of all the people who have given their lives in defence of our country in conflicts both past and present.

We will also allow a futher 10 minutes for the service at Pot`s and Pan`s to complete.

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England`s foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Added: 13/10/2009

11/10/2009 - Shoot Summary

Another day when the weather couln`t make its mind up. Those shooting early on got drenched whilst those shooting later at least got some sunshine and respite from the fog.

It was nice to see so many familiar faces and indeed some new ones too, a couple of visitors with gift vouchers enjoyed their shoot (despite the cold wet conditions) and it looks like at least one of them could be joining in January.

Thanks agin to the members who turned out for the 2009 Charity Presentation, for those of you who are interested you can see the photos here.

Added: 05/10/2009

Tom Butler Memorial Cup

Thanks to those of you who turned out for the 2009 Tom Butler Memorial Cup. The numbers were well down on what we normally expect at this event which I believe was due to the weather. I would appreciate some feed back from those who didn`t attend as to the reasons so we can avoid any pitfalls for future events.

Thanks to all of you who turned out to support this event and in particular to those who helped run the event. Thanks must also go to Steve Butler and his family for sponsoring the event with prizes and the magnificent Tom Butler Memorial Cup in memory of his farther.

So for the results:

Team Name	Relentless
1	Iain Ferguson
2	Barry Slater
3	Andy Moore
4	Dean Moore
5	Mike Wallerd
Score	156/250


Team Name	Hit `n Miss
1	Craig Pemberton
2	Phil Strudwick
3	Alan Wood
4	Stephen Lees
5	Eric Sharples
Score	138/250


Team Name	The Committee
1	Danny Bradshaw
2	Paul Moreland
3	Andy Longton
4	Andy Moore
5	ICatherine Longton
Score	121/250


Team Name	Puckersley Pirates
1	Steve Butler
2	Sue Butler
3	Ian Hatton
4	Ian Chrisham
5	Andy Longton
Score	118/250

Team Name	The Trappers
1	Shane
2	Clarkie
3	John
4	Ben
5	Dean Moore
Score	93/250


Team Name	The Archers
1	Michael Shaw
2	Ian Bell
3	Gary Gooder
4	Simon Shaw
5	Helen Shaw
Score	74/250

Another great result for the trappers, well done guys.

Gully Shoot

1st - Danny Bradshaw 21/25
2nd - Andy Moore 19/25
3rd - Rob Godfrey 17/25

Added: 22/09/2009

2009 Charity Presentation

In previous years the charity presentation has passed off as a relatively low key affair, this has been commented upon by numerous members who would like to play a part in it all. With this in mind the 2009 charity presentation is on the 30th September 2009 downstairs at The Church Inn, Uppermill from approx. 7.30. Could you please be prompt as the press tend to get a bit tetchy over time.

This year The British Heart Foundation, Tameside Special Care Baby Unit and Macmillan Cancer Support all have received awards from our charity pot.

I aim to get as many of the local press to attend to raise the profile of not only the club but the charities represented.

If you can attend please do, not everyone has email so if you could help spread the word that would be great.

Added: 14/09/2009

14/09/2009 - Shoot Summary

Thanks to those who turned out on Sunday, it was a great shoot even though attendance was down a little.

Thanks for your patience as you were probably aware there were only 2 of us there to run it this time due to holidays and prior commitments of the others.

The Womans Institute who visited in the afternoon enjoyed their shoot, several made enquiries about returning in the future and one intends to join along with her husband. Thanks to Steve Dickinson and Bill Francis for their assistance in running the event.

We are in the process of organising the 2009 charity presentation, last year a number of members expressed an interest in being involved. We are hoping to arrange this for the 30th September at The Church Inn approx. 8pm. Please note this is not finalised, you should check back here frequently and/or enquire at the desk at the next shoot on the 27th September.

OK, now just to let you know about our next event.

3rd October 2009
The Tom Butler Memorial Flush

Sponsored by:

Trophies & Prizes - Steve Butler

Anybody interested in sponsoring the catering should contact Paul on 07710 188478 or paulm@rhcpc.co.uk to discuss futher.

Booking in will start at 11.30am with the shoot beginning at 12-30-13.00.

The format will be 5 person teams, the cost per person will be:

1st Round - £25.00*
any subsquent rounds £20.00

We have changed the way we charge for this event in that people shooting more than once enjoy a discount on their subsequent entries.

*this includes 50 cartridges and a potato pie reception at The Church Inn, Uppermill from 17.00.

If you cannot make up a team of 5 don’t worry may people will be in the same position so we will team people up accordingly.

We will also be running a side competition in the practice gully for a bit of extra fun.

1st Prize    250 Cartridges
2nd Prize    Free Shoot
3rd Prize    Pewter Shotgun Pin

A person may enter more than once but may only take 1 prize; any person taking 1st Prize must present a current valid shotgun certificate in order to claim prize.

Charges for the Gully Shoot will be:

25 Clays & Cartridges    £7.00
Entry to the Side-Comp (optional) £3.00

Members and non-members welcome. If you are likely to be attending could you contact Paul on 07710 188478 or email paulm@rhcpc.co.uk to let us know so we can make the appropriate catering arrangements.

Added: 05/09/2009

Credit where credits due

The club has been looking for a 20G club gun for some time now, this need becoming more pressing with the Women’s Institute visiting on the 13th September. I had tried to source one locally but all were either too expensive or never bothered getting back to me as was the case of one gunroom whom will remain nameless.

Anyway, I managed to find several reasonably priced guns using gun trader but they all seemed too far away. The lure of a bargain was too much and despite the distance I took a punt at:

R Bamford Guns
207 The Green
Eccleston
Nr Chorley
PR7 5SX
01257 451274
http://www.rbamfordguns.co.uk

My experience if typical is worth informing you about. The shop whilst maybe a little small has a surprising amount of stock available to suit all budgets. They offer a range of general shooting clothing and accessories as well as a good range of new and used Airguns and Shotguns.

The 20G we purchased is in incredible condition for a sub £300 Rizzini, E and certainly constitutes a bargain even taking into consideration the drive out there.

The service was efficient and friendly as well as generous. The one thing that really stood out for me was their willingness to accept a club cheque as payment even though I did offer the cash as an alternative (i don`t doubt they did some checking but still without a guarantee card this was a gesture of goodwill).

Here`s an idea why not take the missus over to Botany Bay and while you’re in the area drop in and see them. Tell them your from RHCPC and you never know they may offer you a nice deal.

Added: 19/07/2009

19/07/2009 - Shoot Summary

Thanks again for your support, despite the day looking nasty early on a good number of you turned out to shoot. This was vindicated as the weather cleared a little with as few patches of rain thrown in.

After the disater with the lightning/database server I can ow regrettably confirm that all scoring data entered since October 2008 has been lost. With this huge gap in the scoring I propose to start over.

Before I do I intend to migrate the site accross to a commercial host that can offer greater reliability, I intend to introduce some new functionality at the same time.

So all things being equal we hope to see you all at the next shoot on the 2nd August 2009, this shoot is the 2nd Leg (home) of the 2009 Saddleworth Cup. Booking in will start around 09.45 at the clubhouse. This event will be followed by the presentation of the Saddleworth Cup at the Church Inn, Uppermill followed by refreshments and a complimentary buffet, more details to follow.

If anyone would like to sponsor this event they can contact Paul on 07710 188478 or email paul@rhcpc.co.uk.

Take care, see you all soon.

Added: 23/06/2009

21/06/2009 - Shoot Summary

Yay, finally up to date again.

2009 - Timberyard Flush Results

Thanks to all of you who turned out, the weather again held off which made the shoot even more enjoyable.

We try to change the shoot each week to keep it testing, this has obviously been good in improving peoples scores.

This week 3 shooters managed to put in personal bests, and they are:

Ben Francis	27/50	54%
Chris Brown	23/50	46%
Mick Goodier	34/50	68%

Anyway we look forward to seeing you on the 5th July, take care.

Added: 22/06/2009

2009 Timberyard Flush - Results

Sorry about the delay in getting the results up, I`ve been a bit busy with work.

Thanks for all of you who turned out to make the event a success. The lucky break in the weather made the day even more enjoyable.

The results:

Team Name	The Commitee
1.	Peter Cooper
2.	Mark Shuttleworth
3.	Andy Longton
4.	Steve Curran
5.	Paul Moreland
Score	183/250

Team Name	Rip Raps
1.	Andy Ripley
2.	Neil Brookes
3.	John Buckley
4.	Lol Smith
5.	Pete Russell
Score	160/250

Team Name	Andy`s Empty Sack
1.	Andy Moore
2.	Jeff Nathanial
3.	Mark Shuttleworth
4.	Iain Ferguson
5.	Pete Russell
Score	156/250

Team Name	Klay Klub Klan
1.	Paddy
2.	Daniel Wilcox
3.	James Crowther
4.	Andy Hobson
5.	Nobby
Score	143/250

Team Name	Hit `n Miss
1.	Craig Pemberton
2.	Phil Strudwick
3.	Grant Hilton
4.	Rodney Bamforth
5.	Andy Longton
Score	140/250

Team Name	SS Assasins
1.	Craig Spencer-Smith
2.	Phil Gibbon
3.	Mark Shuttleworth
4.	Pete Russell
5.	John Buckley
Score	133/250

Team Name	Off the Nest
1.	Bill Francis
2.	Stuart Crowley
3.	Ryan Townrod
4.	Justin Henthorn
5.	Rob James
Score	124/250

Team Name	Steve`s Tornados
1.	Steve Butler
2.	Lee Clarke
3.	Graham Baxter
4.	Ken Henthorn
5.	Justin Henthorn
Score	124/250

Team Name	The Trappers
1.	Shane
2.	Matty
3.	Ben
4.	John
5.	Pete
Score	117/250

Team Name	Give Us a Break
1.	Ian Chrisham
2.	Eric Sharples
3.	Brian Polwin
4.	Alan Wood
5.	Stephen Lees
Score	115/250

On behalf of the commitee I would like to thank all the members who`s offered their hearty congratulations, it is this friendliness and sportsmanship that makes this club. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

More importantly big congratulations to the trappers who for the first time in the events history managed to finish above bottom spot (shame on you team Give us a Break, lol). Great shooting lads, long may it continue.

The usual contenders fought for the top scores on the gully, James Crowther taking top spot with an impressive 23/25. Andy Hobson took 2nd place from John Buckley on the toss of a coin with 19/25 each.

Now some thanks:

Alan Waterhouse for kindly sponsoring the prizes.

Graham Baxter, Ken & Justin Henthorn and Iain Ferguson for their help running the traps.

Steve Curran (stirling job on the gully fella).

Special thanks also to John Buckley of Site Welding Services for the new door, for those of you unaware the old one was wrecked by the latest break-in a few weeks back.

The trappers also deserve a thank you for their continued good work.

Finally to my fellow committee members and to you the members thanks for making it all work so well.

Added: 26/05/2009

24/05/2009 - Shoot Summary

Thanks to all of you who turned out on Sunday, the fantastic weather made the shoot one of the nicest dates this year.

The turnout was quite low considering, this was no doubt due to it being a bank holiday; with many getting away for a short break.

Our new trap made its first public appearance, the double chucker allows us to safely (unless you are Darren Hartley of course) throw a driven pair from the top of the gully.

On a serious note Darren was hit by a shard of broken clay and suffered a minor but unacceptable cut to his head. With this in mind when the driven pair are set there will be an exclusion zone taped off in the fall out area. Members waiting to shoot are advised to:

Keep into the side of the quarry whist waiting to shoot.
Observe the exclusion zone AT ALL TIMES.
Wear appropriate protective equipment (headwear and eyewear as a minimum).
Remain vigilant AT ALL TIMES.

There were no personal bests this time round.

A date for your diaries Saturday 13th June 2009 - Sponsor TBC.

The first of our 2 annual flushes, please note this event is open to members and non-members.

Pre booking is not required but a courtesy email/text to give me an idea of numbers would be useful.

Booking in will start at 11.30am with the shoot beginning at 12-30-13.00.

The format will be 5 person teams, the cost per person will be £25.00, and this includes 50 cartridges and a potato pie reception at The Church Inn, Uppermill from 17.00. If you cannot make up a team of 5 don’t worry may people will be in the same position so we will team people up accordingly.

The gully shoot has proven to be successful and so will again be run for a bit of extra fun.

1st Prize 250 Cartridges
2nd Prize Free Shoot
3rd Prize Pewter Shotgun Pin

A person may enter more than once but may only take 1 prize; any person taking 1st Prize must present a current valid shotgun certificate in order to claim prize.

Charges for the Gully Shoot will be: 25 Clays & Cartridges £7.50 Entry to the Side-Comp (optional) £3.00

Please check the website regularly as we will be announcing some more important dates very soon.

Added: 11/05/2009

10/05/2009 - Shoot Summary

Good to see so many of you after the break for lambing, it was also nice to hear peoples comments as to the work done whilst we were closed. The improvments make the club more functional and provides more room for shelter from the weather.

The course was a little harder than normal though some people turned in respectable scores; Graham Baxters 39 the higest on the day.

The tough course only saw 2 personal bests:

Drian Dunbavin a.k.a killer	34/50	68%
John Williams	34/50	68%

One member equalled their personal best:

Mick Goodier

31/50

62%

Well done to you guys `n gals see you on the 24th May 2009

Added: 05/05/2009

Shoot Re-opens Sun 10th May

After what seems like an age we have been given the green light to re-open on the 10th May 2009 after the lambing closure.

During the closure we were able to get some much needed maintenance done to the facilities. Thanks to all of you who offered your help even though we didn`t call upon it.

Thanks also to my fellow committeemen, it was a long day but you all put a great deal of effort in and it shows.

A couple of mentions though:

Ian Whiston for supplying the Plexiglas for the skylights.
Rob Godfrey for supplying Bricks and Mortar.
Steve Dickinson for his work lime-washing the walls.

We look forward to seeing you all again on the 10th May 2009.

Added: 05/04/2009

2009 Saddleworth Cup 1st Round

Firstly thanks to Andy Ripley at Highmore CPC for hosting the 1st Round and to the staff of The Red Lion, Austerlands for the warm welcome and fantastic hot beef butties.

As usual the top 12 scorecards from each club makes up the events team score. The top 12 scorers were:

Running Hill CPC		Highmoor CPC
Jeff Nathaniel	44	P Turner	49
Rob James	40	T L Tod	46
Pete Russell	39	M Turner	43
Graham Baxter	38	A Procter	42
Paul Moreland	36	John Buckley	41
Justin Henthorn	35	C Lyons	39
Andy Moore	35	D Salt	39
Iain Ferguson	34	Russ	39
Peter Bamforth	34	A Pilling	39
Peter Cooper	34	A Waterhouse	38
Craig Pembertonl	33	Mel Hewitt	38
Daniel Bradshaw	32	Steve Butler	38
Total	434		491

Ken Henthorn also putting in a 32 missing out on a top 12 spot on alphabetic terms.

Thanks to all of you who turned out, even those members who have dual nationality (look down the Highmoor team list, you will see a few familiar names).

The Highmoor team shot exceptionally well with 5 shooting 40`s and a 49. We trail the competition by 57 points which is quite a deficit, we will have to be on our best form if we are to turn it around at the return leg. We will announce the date & time as it becomes available.

*********IMPORTANT NOTICE*********

2009 LAMBING CLOSURES CONFIRMED DATES

12th April 2009 - Closed
26th April 2009 - Closed

10th May 2009 - Back to normal opening.

Added: 29/03/2009

29/03/2009 - Shoot Summary

What a glorious morning, todays shoot managed to take place in a break in the recent wet weather. Whilst it was a bit chilly at times the "Bluebird Sky"was fantastic.

The conditions brought out the best in many of you who managed to put in personal bests:

Andy Bradshaw	23/50	46%
Danny Bradshaw	36/50	72%
Neil Brooks	42/50	84%
Craig Pemberton	21/50	42%
Mark Shuttleworth	33/50	66%
Lol Smith	32/50	64%
Ian Whiston	33/50	66%

A couple of members equalled their personal bests:

Gary German	34/50	68%
Mick Goodier	31/50	62%

Well done to you guys.

Some pictures of the 2009 Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot are available in our gallery, click here.

Now details of the next club event:

Sunday 5th April 2009

The away leg of the 2009 Saddleworth Cup will be a 50 bird sporting shoot and will be held at Highmoor CPC on the Sunday 5th April 2009 at 10.30am. Refreshments and food will be available after the shoot at a location to be announced shortly.

This is a great inter-club competition, all members are invited to attend as usual the top 12 scores from each side will make up the team score. It is a nice friendly shoot run by non other than Andy Ripley.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - 2009 LAMBING CLOSURES

Yes folks it`s that time of the year again, seems to come round quicker and quicker the older I get......

The exact dates will be confirmed very soon as it stands the shoot scheduled for 12th April is still going ahead, though I must stress that this is to be confirmed.

The shoot scheduled for 26th April is confirmed as being cancelled.

We anticipate a return to shooting on the 10th May.

Added: 22/03/2009

21/03/2009 - Stanley Hague Memorial Trophy

Thanks to all of you who turned out to make the 2009 Stanley Hague Memorial Trophy a massive success.

Special thanks to Peter Russel of Russel Kenyon Painting and Decorating Contractors for again sponsoring the catering.

Also to John Buckley of Site Welding Services for providing 2 wheels of Stilton. Once again John it was indeed very nice Stilton and went very well with the copious amounts Port that flowed.

I myself am writing this now nursing a fairly severe hangover, LOL.

The 2nd wheel was auctioned off with the winning bidder choosing a charity for the money to go to.

Thanks to Cath and Rachel for their generous bid of £56.50 their chosen charity will be The Cats Protection League.

Whilst this is a memorial event it enjoys some very real rivalry between the Farmers and the club, the event history shows the Farmers well on top.

2005 - Farmers
2006 - Running Hill CPC
2007 - Farmers
2008 - Farmers

This year we managed to turnaround the trend and take the 2009 event 413 to 405.

Running Hill CPC		The Farmers
Peter Cooper	33	John Buckley	46
Mick Goodier	32	Chris Crowther Snr	38
Justin Henthorn	40	Chris Crowther Jnr	32
Ken Henthorn	33	James Crowther	31
Karl Highton	33	Sam Ellis	27
Ian Hughes	33	Peter Furness	36
Andy Longton	32	Andy Hobson	24
Andy Moore	34	Joe Jackson	37
Dean Moore	34	Dave Jones	35
Paul Moreland	32	Ray Hostrell	33
Jeff Nathaniel	35	Ivan Pullar	29
Alan Waterhouse	42	Jerry Slater	37
Total	413		405

* highest scoring 12 cards from each side decide overall score

Individual top gun prizes went to:

Running Hill CPC - Alan Waterhouse 42/50 (84%)
The Farmers - John Buckley 46/50 (92%)

Well done to you both, you take away a fine bottle of Port and a pewter shotgun pin badge.

The newly introduced Crowther Cup this year is awarded to Bill Francis, many of you may not know but Bill (and his son Ben) put a great deal of time and effort collecting clays, disposing of rubbish etc. It is often the the unseen hero`s who go un rewarded and this award hopes to change that.

Anyway, as I said I`m nursing a hangover and I think I`ve mentioned everything I need to (still got to do the scoring, groan...). We look forward to seeing you all next Sunday.

Added: 15/03/2009

15/03/2009 - Shoot Summary

Thanks again for all of you who turned out today, it was a good day fitting of the nice weather.

The mini`s on Stand 1 caused a bit of interest but judging by the scores entered no too many problems. We try to make each shoot interesting and varied, keep an eye out for Mini`s, Midi`s and Batteu in upcoming shoots.

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests:

Danny Bradshw	33/50	66%
Ian Ferguson	37/50	74%
Jeanette Ferguson	11/50	22%
Gary German	34/50	68%
Karl Highton	34/50	68%
Craig Pemberton	15/50	30%
Ian Whiston	31/50	62%

A number of shooters equalled their personal bests:

Neil Brooks	36/50	72%
Sue Butler	31/50	62%
Andy Longton	32/50	64%
Mel Hewitt	39/50	78%

Just a reminder about the upcoming event.

Saturday 21st March 2009

The 2009 Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot will be held on Saturday 21st March 2009 at Running Hill CPC.

So far the history of this competition:

2005 - Farmers
2006 - Running Hill CPC
2007 - Farmers
2008 - Farmers

A good turn out will be essential if we are to turn around the past trends.

Booking-in from 11.30 start shooting 12.30-13.00. The event will be followed by a complimentary buffet at the Church Inn, this promises to be a great event mark it in your diary so as not to miss it.

Special thanks to Peter Russel of Russel Kenyon Painting and Decorating Contractors for again sponsoring the event.

Also to John Buckley of Site Welding Services for providing another fantastic wheel of Stilton.

Members are advised of the importance of this shoot for the club and are encouraged to leave the car at home and make the most of the free port and food on offer. It really is a good do.

Added: 01/03/2009

01/03/2009 - Shoot Summary

After the cancellation of the last shoot it was nice to see such a good turnout, we managed to shoot approx. 55 rounds today which is a record for the club I believe.

It was nice to see the weather being a bit kinder and this no doubt contributed to the good turnout.

A good number of people renewed their membership, we would like to remind you that the deadline for doing so is the 29th March anyone not having done so will forfeit their place in favour of new members on the waiting list. There will be NO exceptions to this rule.

After initially getting better tthe issue of litter and shells being left where they fall is again becoming an issue, long after the members have left the trappers and committee are still running around in the rain packing the shoot away. This packing up job can take about an hour at the best of times, this is made worse when we have to spend time picking up spent shells and other litter. There really is no excuse for this as we provide bins for the purpose.

The official line is that: "Anyone who persistently leaves their empty shells on the floor and/or fails to ensure their litter is placed in the bins provided will be deemed to be deliberately contaminating the land we shoot on and asked to leave the ground".

As members we owe a duty of care to Chris Crowther and the land he allows us to shoot on, any members should challenge other members who deliberately ignore their responsibilities. Any grievances should be directed to a member of the committee.

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests:

Dave Clarke	30/50	60%
Darren Hartley	32/50	64%
Karl Highton	31/50	62%
Stephen Lees	32/50	64%
S Reid	27/50	54%

A number of shooters equalled their personal bests:

Daniel Wilcox	29/50	58%
Craig Spencer-Smith	37/50	74%
Garry German	30/50	60%
Mel Hewitt	39/50	78%

Well done to you all, we look forward to seeing you at the next shoot on the 15th March.

A couple of dates for your calendar:

Saturday 21st March 2009

The 2009 Stanley Hague Memorial Shoot will be held on Saturday 21st March 2009 at Running Hill CPC.

So far the history of this competition:

2005 - Farmers
2006 - Running Hill CPC
2007 - Farmers
2008 - Farmers

A good turn out will be essential if we are to turn around the past trends.

Booking-in from 11.30 start shooting 12.30-13.00. The event will be followed by a complimentary buffet at the Church Inn, this promises to be a great event mark it in your diary so as not to miss it.

Special thanks to Peter Russel of Russel Kenyon Painting and Decorating Contractors for again sponsoring the event.

Also to John Buckley of Site Welding Services for providing another fantastic wheel of Stilton.

Members are advised of the importance of this shoot for the club and are encouraged to leave the car at home and make the most of the free port and food on offer. It really is a good do.

Sunday 5th April 2009

The first leg of the 2009 Saddleworth Cup will be a 50 bird sporting shoot and will be held at Highmoor CPC on the Sunday 5th April 2009 at 10.30am. Refreshments and food will be available after the shoot at a location to be announced shortly.

Added: 17/02/2009

2009 AGM Summary - Update

A copy of the 2009 AGM Summary is now available.

2009 AGM Summary - Click Here

In the meantime we look forward to seeing you all at the next shoot on the 15th February 2009.

Take Care

Added: 15/02/2009

15/02/2009 - Shoot Abandoned

Sorry to those of you I wasn`t able to contact and turned up at the shoot today.

We arrived to find the lane blocked to all but the most capable of 4x4`s and a low lying fog covering the ground.

The fog was so bad that visability was down to around 20m, after waiting to see if it would clear it became apparent that it wasn`t going to do so.

As CPSA Safety Officers we not only have a duty of care to the members but also a legal responsibility too.

It was decided that it would be unsafe to run the shoot in such conditions andso we were forced to cancel the shoot.

Sorry for any inconvienience but safety must come first.

From the hut to stands 2 & 3

From the hut to stand 4

From the hut to stand 5

Added: 07/02/2009

AGM Summary

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members who turned out last night, and despite the weather there were quite a few of you.

It shouldn`t suprise us anymore as the level of support we get from our members is pretty fantastic; long may it continue.

I will post a downloadable AGM summary on Monday but in the meantime in brief:

We will introduce:

The Crowther Cup, this will be awarded to any members who in the eyes of the other members has achieved something notable/done something above and beyond to benefut the club.

There will be 4 Quarterly competitions, each will be split into 3 classes of shooter. There will be a trophy for 1st place in each class. John Buckley has kindly offered to sponsor the trophies for the 1st Year. Thank you John.

Membership has increased to £25 from £20.

We have reached our maximum number of members and so new memberships are now not being taken, anyone wishing to become a member will have to pay a non-refundable £10 joining fee and join a waiting list. As memberships become available they will be offered on a first come first served basis.

Cath Longton was duly elected as Treasurer.

There have been several offers of sponsorship for events throughout the year which is excellent and again goes to show the level of support we have from the members.

Chris the landowner is happy with the way we continue to respect his land and welcomes our initiatives to prevent undue wear and littering. We thank you for your continued support in this.

A charitable donation of £1500 has been agreed, this is likely to go to an Arthritis charity as a way of putting something back into resarch that has helped Chris`s father Harold who like approx. 9M other people in the UK suffer from one form or another. There are also approx. 12,000 children who suffer from juvinile forms making this a problem for all ages and a worthwhile cause to support. When we have more information we will pass it on in due course.

Thanks to Chris and Julian for the use of their facilities last night, we appreciate it.

We look forward to seeing you all at the next shoot on the 15th February 2009.

Added: 02/02/2009

01/02/2009 - Shoot Summary

It was a quieter day than some recent shoots, no doubt the cold kept some of you at home. It wasn`t actually that cold, the dusting of snow made the hill look fantastic and a pleaseure to be out in them.

The conditions cannot have been that bad with a number of you putting in personal bests:

Sue Butler	31/50	62%
David Clarke	26/50	52%
Gary German	30/50	60%
Karl Highton	27/50	54%
Andy Longton	64/100	64%
Daniel Wilcox	29/50	58%

One member equalled their personal best:

Jeanette Ferguson

10/50

20%

Anyway it was nice to see you all see you at the next shoot on the 15th February.

The 2009 AGM will be held on 6th February 2009 at The Church Inn, Uppermill. Downstairs in the conservatory 7.30pm kick-off. We hope that you can make it.

Added: 18/01/2009

18/01/2009 - Shoot Summary

Another cold but otherwise fantastic day, we continue to appreciate the support of the members. Another great turnout from the members and a number of new faces.

It`s a difficult balance with so many new faces, sometimes we expierience slight delays at the stands. We should be mindful that we were all beginners at some point and be patient. These people are the shooters of tomorrow and will ensure the long term survival of the club.

It was nice to Andy Lees again, for those of you who don`t know Andy he was one of the founding members of the club who put a massive amount of time and effort into getting the club going.

It has come to our attention that there are rumours circulating that Phil Gibbon was asked to leave as Treasurer and I would like to clarify this once and for all. Phil put a great deal of time and effort into making this club the success that it is, Phil took the decision to step down for personal reasons that really are his own business. There is NO truth whatsoever in the rumour he was asked to leave, his parting left a massive gap in the commitee and will be missed as Treasurer. Fortunatley Catherine Longton has agreed to take on the role.

Scoring 4th January

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests:

Ben Francis	25/50	50%
Andy Lees	33/50	66%
Alan Wood	33/50	66%

Scoring 18th January

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests:

Steve Dickinson	35/50	70%
Stephen Lees	27/50	54%
Andy Longton	31/50	62%

Also well done to the following shooters who equalled their personal bests:

Grant Hilton	25/50	50%
Philip Jump	36/50	72%
Craig Spencer-Smith	37/50	74%

Membership for 2009 is now due, like last year we would ask that you renew no later than the end of March. Anyone not having renewed by this time will be asked to pay non-member rates. Please do not put us in this awkward situation.

The 2009 AGM is provisionaly being arranged for the 6th Febuary, please check back here reguarly for updates. I will of course be sending you out notices by snail mail too.

Also making an appearance again was Big Red, Andy`s pride and joy; sporting a nice new shiney winch. This will no doubt be put to good use pulling you guys and gals out of the field when you get stuck.

I must congratulate you all on the responsible approach to the spent cartridge issue, today the number of shells left lying around was minimal and was much appreciated. Please continue in this mindset and all will be well.

In order that we can maintain the low cost of a shoot we have taken a decision to increase membership to £25, this is the first rise in membership costs for over 3 years and still represents good value for money.

Special thanks to Ian Whiston for the plexiglass to repair the skylights and Andy Moore for the logs to keep the home fires burning.

The shooting schedule for 2009 is now available, click here to download as PDF.

Added: 16/01/2009

2009 Shoot Dates

The shooting schedule for 2009 is now available, click here to download as PDF.

Added: 22/12/2008

21/12/2008 - Shoot Summary

Thanks to all of you who turned up for the last shoot of 2008. The club continues to grow from strength to strength largely due to the level of support we get from the members.

A special thank you to Chris Crowther. We thank you for the use of the land and wish you and yours the very best for Xmas.

We continue to urge members to respect the land and do not let your actions jeopardise this relationship.

I would like to thank my fellow committee members for all their hard work and sacrifice over the past 12 months; it has at times been hard but in retrospect well worth the effort.

Thanks also to the current trappers who work in all weather in order that we may bring the shoot to you. They thank you for their Xmas tips which totaled £75.

On behalf of the committee I would like to wish all of our members and guests a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

NOTICE

If the field is closed off to vehicles please take care where you park. There is space for several vehicles on the approach to the gully (No.5) all other areas should be considered risky and avoided. These spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.

We cannot guarantee that any vehicle that becomes stranded will be recovered, nor can we provide any guarantees that a vehicle being recovered will not suffer damage. You bring your vehicle to the shoot at your own risk.

If there is no room then you should park at the junction with the road at the bottom of the lane and walk up the track.

Under NO circumstances should the lane be used as a parking zone, farm and emergency vehicles need un-restricted access to the lane at all times.

Added: 19/12/2008

Appointment of InterimTreasurer

Following the resignation of Phil Gibbon we have been scouting for a replacement. The position is one of the most important ones within the club and so finding a suitable person has been difficult.

Catherine Longton was approached and accepted our invite to take on the role on an interim basis until the members at the AGM can ratify the appointment in January (date to be announced).

Catherine has been an active and enthusiastic member over the last 2 years; she comes from a banking background and so is ideally suited to this position. The commitee feel that they can work with Catherine in this position and continue to refine and grow the club.

Finally I would like to pass on the clubs appreciation for the work put in by Phil over the past couple of years, his role as part of the overall team has enabled this club to grow from strength to strength. We wish him every success in his future endeavors.

Next Sunday 21st December is our last shoot of 2008, it would be nice to see a good turnout from the members at what is essentially our Xmas shoot.

Complimentary mince pies will be served.

A little Xmas cheer (2.2MB)

Added: 07/12/2008

07/12/2008 - Shoot Summary

What a fantastic shoot, the weather whilst being cold was excellent giving great visability and an awsome panarama.

We enjoyed a higher than average turnout which is always nice to see. The support the club has from its members is one of its greatest assets.

One of the other main principles we try to maintain is the freindly manner in which we welcome new faces to the shoot, the 3 guys I escorted round on Sunday have all expressed an interest in becoming members as a result.

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests:

Darren Etchells	31/50	62%
Michaela Etchells	10/50	20%
Ian Whiston	29/50	58%
Alan Wood	29/50	58%

Thanks to those who chipped in towards the trappers Xmas tips, there will be a final opportunity to do so if you wish at our next shoot on the 21st December.

Added: 23/11/2008

23/11/2008 - Shoot Summary

Well what to say? How bloody cold was it! It was good to see so many of you turn out on a cold wet winter morning. Despite being men down and plagued with technical problems the shoot seemed to go well.

My fellow committee members have asked me to pass on our sincere thanks to the members who are getting involved and helping us set up the shoot, this help is even more appreciated during the bad weather.

Not wanting to repeat myself but the issue of litter and shells being left where they fall is becoming an issue, long after the members have left the trappers and committee are still running around in the rain packing the shoot away. This packing up job can take about an hour at the best of times, this is made worse when we have to spend time picking up spent shells and other litter. There really is no excuse for this as we provide bins for the purpose.

The official line is that: "Anyone who persistently leaves their empty shells on the floor and/or fails to ensure their litter is placed in the bins provided will be deemed to be deliberately contaminating the land we shoot on and asked to leave the ground".

The weather didn`t seem to dampen the spirits of you, many of you again turned in good scores.

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests despite the awful weather:

Darren Hartley	31/50	62%
Andy Longton	29/50	58%
Jeff Nathaniel	41/50	82%

A number of shooters equalled their personal bests:

Grant Hilton	25/50	50%
Andy Moore	44/50	88%
Mark Shuttleworth	32/50	64%

Well done to you all, we look forward to seeing you at the next shoot on the 7th December.

We are still looking for 1, maybe 2 young people (aged 16+) who would be interested in a job as a trapper. If you are interested or know someone who might be give me a shout on 07710 188478 or mail me paulm@rhcpc.co.uk

Also, as winter is upon us we would be grateful for any bags of firewood members may have access to.

Added: 10/11/2008

10/11/2008 - Shoot Summary

Thanks to all of you who turned up on what turned out to be a nasty wet and windy day.

The wind howled making the targets particularly testing and yet the scores that were turned in were not as low as you might expect.

What was noticable was the number of cards we found in bins, I had no idea you were all so competitive. Come on guys `n gals its only a bit of fun, no more cards in bins please.

Well done to the following shooters who put in personal bests despite the awful weather:

Tony Johnson	30/50	60%
Phil Jump	36/50	72%
Peter "two-smokin` barrels" Russell	33/50	66%

One member equalled their personal best:

Mick Goodier

30/50

60%

Well done to you all, this is a real achievement in those conditions.

We look forward to seeing you all again at our next shoot on the 23rd November 2008, lets hope the weather is better.

Also, as winter is upon us we would be grateful for any bags of firewood members may have access to.

Added: 04/11/2008

Remembrance Sunday

As you will no doubt be aware 9th November is Remembrance Sunday:

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918 the guns of Europe fell silent. After four years of the most bitter and devastating fighting, The Great War was finally over. The Armistice was signed at 5am in a railway carriage in the Forest of Compiegne, France on November 11, 1918. Six hours later, at 11am, the war ended.

At 11am we will be holding a two minute silence in memory of all the people who have given their lives in defence of our country in conflicts both past and present.