At the weekend, it was wonderful to welcome Old Bloxhamists to Edge Hill Shooting Ground for the School’s first alumni CPS event. In particular, it was great to welcome captain Ollie Hill (Ry 85-88) and former Bursar Nigel Halfpenny (Staff 86-10). It was in 1987 when Ollie approached Nigel to start a Clay Pigeon Shooting team and the rest, as they say, is history! This suggestion from a then 14-year-old student has led to hundreds of children taking part in the sport and the School’s incredible achievement of winning many national awards.
In fantastic surroundings at Edgehill Shooting Ground, and under clear skies, players were competing in teams for the Best Team award and a High Gun award. Over varying targets, some of which were mounted on cherry pickers and trailers, it was a 50-bird shoot. With scorecards in their hands, the shooters set off moving between targets and once all teams had shot, the scores were totted up. It was a draw for the High Gun award, and so everyone congregated outside the Club House to watch a ‘shoot-off’ between Richard Crofts (Wn 97-02) and Bruce Sheppard (Cr 94-01).
At the end of the event, Pam Eagles, Head of Shooting, spoke to thank the shooters for attending and expressed the importance of the sport at Bloxham School not only in success and trophy wins, but in forging friendships which have lasted for decades.
Simon Batten, OB Resident Secretary, gave his thanks to Pam for helping to organise the day, to captain Ollie Hill for his idea for the event and to the Edgehill Shooting Ground for hosting us so excellently. Ollie awarded Bruce Sheppard with the High Gun award and Ross Jones (Wn 96-00) accepted the award for the Best Team from Nigel.
The shooters had a wonderful afternoon and there was much excitement and anticipation for the next CPS event and to encourage more OBs to get involved. The afternoon carried on at The Castle Pub in Edgehill where shooting successes and school days were discussed over a few drinks.
We are already looking forward to the next Alumni Clay Pigeon Shooting event. Thank you to all the Old Bloxhamists who came and made the event a great afternoon. If you would be keen to get involved, please get in touch.
To see photos from the day, please click here.