Inter-Livery Charity Clay Shoot 2022 – 18 & 19 May 2022

Pictured Clockwise from the top left. Peter Tero, Anders Kongsbak, Sabia Sultan and John Moore (non-Livery)

This year’s Inter-Livery shoot was held on the 18th and 19th of May at the Holland & Holland shooting ground in Northwood, Middlesex. The weather was gloriously sunny and dry, not always the case in

the past and the grounds looked fantastic as we all convened for breakfast and our briefing. Well over 400 guns took part, representing over 50 City Livery Companies from the ancient to the most recently formed organisations.  WCIT was well represented on the day by 3 full teams. 

The shoot, now in its 28th year,  was structured in the time honoured fashion – an 80 bird English Sporting layout over 10 stands (4 pairs each).  All manner of targets were thrown, simulating everything from driven pheasant to rising teal and bolting rabbits.  In addition, and perhaps the highlight for many,  is the four man, 80 bird flush emulating a drive over high trees.  80 clays are thrown over the guns in the space of two minutes with dedicated loaders allowing shooters to keep their focus on the targets.  As always it was an adrenaline rush and a great feature of the day.

This year a clever innovation was introduced in order to raise some extra money. Proceeds were donated to charities working with struggling retired gamekeepers and charities supporting the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. During the flush a random orange clay was sent out. If it was hit then the team were fined £40 each, to be split between those charities. Most teams played the game and shot the bird regardless of the fine and a large amount of money was raised on both days.

The event is an opportunity to experience a lovely day out with fellow Liverymen from a host of different companies, meeting new people and chatting to old friends whilst enjoying some good shooting and raising money for charity.

As expected WCTI did not achieve the higher scores, however apart from the obvious first place prizes, donations for charity are spread across participating teams and its pure luck to be allocated one.  The good news is that one of our teams was awarded a £500 donation to a charity of choice.  Of course this money will be passed to an organisation chosen by the WCIT.

All in all a great day was had by everyone in the awesome surroundings of Holland & Holland’s shooting grounds.  H&H are an old London gunmaker established in 1893 and there were some magnificent examples of their work on show in the gun room. 

Liveryman Nick Harris thanked the organisers for another successful and enjoyable day, noting the squad were looking forward to returning next year.