Unfortunately not as well attended as some previous years. However, some good shooting was on display as members competed for a number of prizes.
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| Robert Mead won first prize................. |
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| ...and second! Robert shot the two highest scores on the day. |
And so time moves on; targets and aims are reset!
It's time to thank our dear friend, member and committee member, Steve Reynolds who is sadly leaving us and moving away with his wife Elizabeth for a new life in Milton Abbot in Devon. We wish them every happiness. ( I haven't told him yet that Abbot Ale isn't actually produced there,he'll be heartbroken, ha ha !!)
Steve has been with us at the helm of HRC for four short but very important and influential years, being instrumental in the setting up and running of the Air Weapons Club section. He has been invaluable in so many ways, not least in giving up so much valuable time each month when I know that he and Elizabeth have had some really trying and painful times, including the loss of family members over the last few years. Thank you both most sincerely.
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| Robert Mead makes a presentation to Steve Reynolds as new Range officer Malcolm Hooper looks on |
Steve, I'm sure that all the time spent at the club wandering aimlessly about like a lost dog, drinking tea and coffee, pretending to hit targets and adjusting your sights so you can hit a barn door with a pellet will come in handy for the even slower pace of life in Devon. I'm sure you have been rehearsing for this a long time, haven't you? Oh, by the way, we are going to vote you in again at this years AGM so you still feel wanted, just in case the locals don't accept you. See you near Christmas, when the HRC group visit by minibus for the annual party at your wood burning cottage which promises to full of wine, beer Christmas cheer and locally shot fare.
Steve, you're going to be missed - just like your targets! Health and Happy days to you both.
Robert Mead
Hollybush Rifle Club
Important announcement
The shooting on the 31st of December has had to have been cancelled. We apologise for the disappointment, unfortunately this is unavoidable.
The next shooting date is 14 January 2017
Good Luck Steph!
Hollybush member Stephanie Scott joins the regular army on the 15th of March. We all wish Stephanie the very best of luck in her new career, in which she will specialise in communications.
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| Before |
Stephanie's locks will be sent to the Little Princess Trust charity which makes wigs for youngsters who have lost their hair during cancer treatment.
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| After |
Another busy day!!
The 12th of March saw the highest turnout ever at Hollybush, with shooter overflowing the shooting hut. The club has been busy all year and the next shoot on the 26th will feature the Easter competition shoot. It's sure to be another busy day and shooters are advised to book in early if they want to enter the competition.
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| Shooters overflow on Saturday (superb technique from the guy on the right). |
Murdoch Matthew
It is with great sadness that the death is announced of Murdoch Matthew
Murdoch was a founding member of Hollybush Rifle Club and over the years proved to be a loyal friend to the club, an inspiration to his fellow shooters and a fine ambassador for shooting sports.
Murdoch passed away on Saturday the 27th of February, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 77. The club sends condolences to his wife Jenny and family.
The funeral will be held at Colchester Crematorium at 11:45 on the 21 March 2016 followed by a service at St Michaels, Mile End at 12:15. Afterwards, at Milsoms, Dedham.
Valentines Shoot 2016
An unusually high turnout meant stiff competition in this years valentine shoot. Members competed over 20 yards shooting at a number of targets with different values to accrue scores. Members could shoot as many times as they chose with the scores then added together.
Steve Reynolds ran out the clear winner scoring 200 points with just 10 shots, runner up and 2015 winner Steve James managed a score of 140 in 20 shots.
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| Steve James (right) congratulates the winner Steve Reynolds. |
Jack Cottrell, junior winner, collects his prize from Robert Mead
Christmas shoot 2015
The unseasonal mild weather meant a good turnout with shooters competing at 30 yards firing at the traditional Christmas tree target, hung this year with different sized clay targets with more points awarded for the smaller ones.
This year the winners came from the same family in both the junior and senior category with senior winner Mick Dicks scoring an exceptional 145 points!
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| Mick Dicks is presented with his prize by Robert Mead |
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| Chloe and Conner are presented with their prize |
Halloween Pumpkin Competition
Shot over a distance of 20 metres at targets of differing sizes, each having a separate points value, the competition proved testing for some. In part, this was due to all competitors using the same rifle - a break barrel .177 and shooting over open sights - very different from their usual choice!
And the winners are............
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| Abi Atkinson emerged the clear winner in the junior section with a score of 60 points |
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| Runaway winner (again) of the senior section was Steve James with a score of 160 points |
Crossbow shooting is a regular discipline shot at Hollybush and at Halloween the club welcomed Graham Peel, who had a new bow that needed to be set up. Graham shot some superb groupings at 20, 30 and 40 metres including a 'Robin Hood' shot, when one bolt splits a previously shot one. Whilst it is an extraordinary shot it does destroy the bolt so nobody like to do it too many times!
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| Graham examines his double shot bolts |
Alf Salmon 1935-2015
Hollybush Rifle Club are saddened to announce the death of one of their founder members Alf Salmon. Alf passed away in his sleep on the 4th of May after a short illness.
Our commiserations and thoughts are with his two daughters, Michele and Tracy, and their families.
Alf will be 'bloody' missed by his fellow shooters
Donations, if desired, should be made to the Alzheimer's Society.
Valentines' shoot 2015
Shot over a distance of 30 metres, the valentines day competition proved a testing one. Congratulations to the eventual winner Steve James, who recorded a score of 20 , almost double that of his nearest rival
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| Steve James(right) receives his trophy and prizes from Robert Mead |
Christmas Shoot 2014
The Christmas 50 metre competition was well supported with more than a dozen members entering despite some bitterly cold weather. Robert Mead (right) ran out the winner with an excellent display of precision shooting.
Some members also entered the festive spirit by dressing up for the occasion.........
CONGRATULATIONS!
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| Murdoch sets up |
Murdoch and Jenny Mathew Celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on the 29th August. Murdoch is a founder member of the club and is still struggling for the 'perfect ten', like the rest of us, after all these years!! Congratulations to you both from all at Hollybush Rifle Club.
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| Takes aim...... |
.22 Smallbore Summer season
Hollybush .22 rimfire shooters have started their summer competition season. Members are competing in the 50 meter Summer Polar bear competition and the 100 yard 'Any Sights' competition.
The recent run of better weather has allowed the ground to dry out and provided some superb shooting conditions.
Easter Competition
The 12th of April shoot included the Easter competition, with shooters attempting to win the prizes by shooting at targets placed 10 metres in front of them. All competitors used the same gun and ammunition and shot over open sights. Due to an exceptional turnout, members were shooting the competition all day.
The N.S.R.A 'Good Luck' target was used meaning that skill and judgement were perhaps not as critical as in other disciplines. Nonetheless, some impressive scores were recorded.
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First Prize winner Stuart Heed who recorded a score of 96 points
Runner-up Peter Denny who recorded a score of 89 points
A competitor takes the stand
Easter
Shoot; Result and scores
| Stuart | 96 | First place | ||
| Pete D x 2 | 56/89 | Second place | ||
| Rob | 88 | Third place | ||
| Steve | 82 | |||
| Anthony | 73 | |||
| Franklin | 71 | |||
| Gloria | 69 | |||
| Katie | 68 | |||
| Gareth | 65 | |||
| Ashley | 57 | |||
| Nick | 53 | |||
| Des | 53 | |||
| Jane | 51 | |||
| Cliff | 49 | |||
| Pete H | 47 | |||
| Don | 39 | (Pistol) | ||
| Shirley | 38 | |||
| Jacky | 15 | |||
| Baylee | 8 |
New year off to a great start
Shooters check their targets, a bright clear morning made for some excellent shooting.
The first air rifle shoot of 2014 got off to a cracking start with a full house for most of the day.
Novice wins Christmas Prize
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| Ashley Byford receives his prize from Robert Mead |
After taking his first shots with an air rifle in the spring 15 year old Ashley Byford ran out a clear winner at the club Christmas shoot. Competitors had to break clay targets, which were 50metres away, from the prone position. Although never having shot from this position before, Ashley broke six targets in ten shots, emerging the clear winner.
