Class B

Class C

Every month, we try to vary the Sporting layout at Leigh Mill to give variety of targets, maintain a challenging layout for all class of shooters, from A through to novices. Comments received indicate that the work done by the layout team is achieving that target. Owing to the mud at the top of the field, it was impractical to include the quarry area this month, the layout comprised eight stands that included rabbits, teal, driven, with both report and simultaneous pairs. Some were more difficult than others, all were shootable as the scores demonstrate. It must be acknowledged that the October shoot was more difficult than usual, as the best scores were achieved by re-entry competitors, who made up the majority of class winners.

Sunday 27th. NOVEMBER, IS THE LAST SHOOT OF 2005

AT LEIGH MILL - WE HAVE DECIDED TO CANCEL THE DECEMBER SHOOT AFTER REVIEWING PREVIOUS YEARS ATTENDANCE, THE NUMBER OF WEATHER-RELATED CANCELLATIONS AND THE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING ADEQUATE TRAPPERS.

Consequently, the next shoot after November shoot will be Sunday 29th January 2006.

We will be maintaining and overhauling the automatic traps in order that breakdowns and delays at the stands are minimised, however the management apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The planned increase in subscription has been dropped for 2006, remaining at £25, however a small increment will be necessary for shooting cards - this will be £1 on all 80-clay cards, but 50 clay and junior concessions will remain unaffected.

Finally, we do not recognise CPSA classification, preferring to classify shooters within the club and according to demonstrated skill. This works well most of the time, but occasionally leads to comments. Consequently, we have decided to classify "first-time at Leigh Mill" shooters in A class for the first two visits, allowing us to accurately classify in future. It is a process adopted at other shooting grounds, and we will try it for a few months

I look forward to seeing you at Leigh Mill or please contact me at rog.kemp@tiscali.co.uk I log on once/twice week so please be patient for replies

Class B

Class C

Every month, we try to vary the Sporting layout at Leigh Mill to give variety of targets, maintain a challenging layout for all class of shooters, from A through to novices. Comments received indicate that the work done by the layout team is achieving that target. Owing to the mud at the top of the field, it was impractical to include the quarry area this month, the layout comprised eight stands that included rabbits, teal, driven, with both report and simultaneous pairs. Some were more difficult than others, all were shootable as the scores demonstrate. It must be acknowledged that the shoot was more difficult than usual, as the best scores were achieved by re-entry competitors, who made up the majority of class winners.

Next shoot is Sunday 27th. NOVEMBER, WHICH WILL BE THE LAST SHOOT OF 2005 AT LEIGH MILL - WE HAVE DECIDED TO CANCEL THE DECEMBER SHOOT AFTER REVIEWING PREVIOUS YEARS ATTENDANCE, THE NUMBER OF WEATHER-INDUCED CANCELLATIONS AND THE DIFFICULTY IN FINDING ADEQUATE TRAPPERS.

Consequently, the next shoot after November shoot will be Sunday 29th January 2006.

We will be maintaining and overhauling the automatic traps in order that breakdowns and delays at the stands are minimised, however the management apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The planned increase in subscription has been dropped for 2006, remaining at £25, however a small increment will be necessary for shooting cards - this will be £1 on all 80-clay cards, but 50 clay and junior concessions will remain unaffected.

Finally, we do not recognise CPSA classification, preferring to classify shooters within the club and according to demonstrated skill. This works well most of the time, but occasionally leads to comments. Consequently, we have decided to classify "first-time at Leigh Mill" shooters in A class for the first two visits, allowing us to accurately classify in future. It is a process adopted at other shooting grounds, and we will try it for a few months.

I look forward to seeing you at Leigh Mill or please contact me at rog.kemp@tiscali.co.uk I log on once/twice week so please be patient for replies

Class B

Class C

Windy day and some difficult targets kept scoring lower than usual. Lower than usual entry, although many shooters didn't put their score cards in. The "Teal" report pair on stand 6 was popular and generally attracted high scores, tho' the air was a bit blue around stand 7 with the crossers over the pond.

Hope we'll see you in October

Safe shooting, Roger

(2nd and 3rd tie, prizes are split between them)

Class B

Class C

Very busy day, plenty of new faces enjoying our sport, including several first-time shooters. The loan guns were in high demand - a reminder is needed that photographic proof of identity and a credit card are required before guns are loaned out. There is no charge for the loan, but it must be remembered that unscrupulous individuals must be prevented from absconding with the guns.

The "back-field" where three traps of the eight, were located is proving very popular, we intend to continue using this area unless the weather deteriorates and causes access difficulties through mud. In the meantime, enjoy the challenges presented by our field set-up organiser, Terry, with his team. Stands 4, 5 and 6 showed low scores, but I'm afraid that Stand 8, the driven pair located in the woods, were very difficult for most "C" shooters, registering low scores. The problem was the height of the pair, fairly low, and the consequent short length of the presentation time. The "B" and "A" shooters, with their experience, were able to get them, but it was noticeable that only three scores of 10 were achieved. It is always a problem getting the balance right with regard difficulty of targets presented, and to those who commented (complained) - we get as many comments regarding easy targets as difficult ones - you can't please all the shooters all the time.

A reminder again that prizes are to third place in A, B and C, to be collected within 3-months please. After 3 months, prizes will be forfeit. Initiated from the August shoot.

We look forward to seeing you at the shoot in Featherbed Lane, next one Sept.24th.

Class B

Class C

Very busy day, plenty of new faces enjoying our sport, including several first-time shooters. The loan guns were in high demand and our normal shooting time was extended by an hour to cope with demand.

Following layout reorganisation, we are now back in the "back-field" where three traps of the eight, were located. They included the quarry, a pair of dropping-crows and the rabbit. Scores were slightly lower than usual, the crows appeared to give many a problem, as did the driven pair in the woods, but stands Two and Six were easier and helped boost some otherwise low scores.

As usual, a shootable but challenging layout.

Prizes are to third place in A, B and C, normally collected the following month, however some winners are very slow in collecting them resulting in reluctantly, a decision to impose a 3-month time limit for collection. After 3 months, prizes will be forfeit. Problems are caused, particularly with shells where staff are supplying large quantities of shells on shoot days to cope with prizes, and having to put them back into store due to non- collection.
Sorry to impose this but it will be initiated at August shoot.

Safe shooting and regards - Roger

Class B

Class C

Sincere apologies for the delay in providing an update on scores. I can only confess my incompetence at maintaining my e-mail link, so Chris at Carp Trading trading has been very patient with me. Regrettably, Chris was not able to attend this month, but I believe that he will be at the July shoot (31st. July) with a selection of stock available.

June shoot again was well thought out. It was reduced in area by not using those trap positions used in May simply because of environmental reasons - we are committed not to inflict damage to trees, so alternative layouts will be provided with this consideration in mind. Regrettably the May shoot did not go far enough in avoiding damage - rest assured, good layouts will continue to be presented.

Many novice shooters turned up and Stand 8 in the woods gave them particular problems - a low, fast driven report, with limited visibility due to the undergrowth. Stand 1, a driven pair, also was more difficult than it appeared, and there were some red faces amongst experienced shooters who misjudged the speed and angle.

A surprise in "A" when James Ayres took the honours, beating our usual winner, Ben Ayres into joint second place by 6 points. Well done James.

Class B

Class C

Good use of the expanded shooting area gave an excellent 80-clay sporting layout, with again ground features contributing to making challenging but not impossible targets. Stand 3 presented a dropping-pair with a long delay and short presentation time, the scores showed this stand to be the most problematic in a layout where normally the clays are visible almost from the call. Stand 6, a driven, dropping report pair was the opposite and almost guaranteed to put points on the scorecard and bring smiles to novice faces.

Shooting started slightly late as the club secretary was probably the only person unaware that "Croydon was closed" following a fire, but we normally aim for a 10 am start.

Unfortunately, Chris from Carp Trading was unable to join us this month, so the selection of shooting accessories and clothing normally displayed was not available.

Finally a reminder that we are happy to loan guns free of charge providing our proof of identity criteria are met - photographic identification (passport, gun licence) and a credit/debit card - both from yourself or someone in your party. These will be retained until the gun is safely returned. We welcome lady and junior shooters, and our staff are happy to spend time with novice shooters - again free of charge.

Look forward to seeing you at Featherbed Lane - look out for the sign 150 yards on the right as you pass the White Bear Pub on your left.

Class B

Class C

Notes from Leigh Mill

A new and innovative shoot layout by Terry led to an excellent 80-clay competition shoot. Stand scores showed a mix of "relatively" easy stands to maintain the novice's morale, and challenging stands for the more expert. Of particularnote were the crossing report pair in the quarry (I've shot at LM for over 20 years and didn't even know the quarry was there!), and the pair located at the rear of the storage container. Eight stands each of 10 clays, provided something for everyone. I must admit, that my favourite was the Teal on stand 6, though the pair on four were "interesting". Much of the layout change was initiated by our landlord in response to EU-driven concerns regarding shot-damage to trees. In this instance, it prompted us to be more creative in our layout and open hitherto unused areas - certainly the response from shooters was very positive, even enthusiatic, and it makes a change to be able to demonstrate social responsibility. Subject to landlord approval, (and weather) we will continue to adopt this new approach.

Unfortunately, attendance was low, presumably many thought that there would be another Sunday in the month. Leigh Mill shoots last Sunday each month with the exception of December. Please feel free to bring novice shooters - we still make no charge for juniors when accompanying a full-price adult, we loan guns (photo-id card is mandatory), and our prices remain amongst the cheapest in the county.

Regrettably, our sale price for ammunition has had to rise to help meet additional costs this year - we now charge £3.25 for 25 shells, an increase of £0.25. Sorry about this but the club cannot absorb all increases- you are still welcome to bring your own shells.

Our next shoot is SUNDAY 29th. MAY, opening is 0900, but no shooting (compliance with local authority regs) until 1000. We finish about 1300, but this is dependent on demand-you may be too late if you turn up at 1o/c!

Class B

Class C

Class B

Class C

Class B

Class C