The Essex area held its annual fundraising charity clay shoot in the beautiful grounds of on 7 June, with the kind permission of the Newman family. I don’t think there could be a prettier spot to hold such an event, with the house and gardens as the backdrop and panoramic views over Saffron Walden. Even the weather on the day was perfect.
There were seven stands set out, each mimicking a different quarry species for a simulated flush. The four-person teams then had to pitch their wits against the course setter and see if their teamwork could match the challenge presented. There was also a pool shoot of five pairs, for anybody keen enough to be humbled by the extremely difficult second bird.
Plenty missed the fast and arcing long crosser from the right, but the £10 entrance fee for the privilege went to a good cause. The first four stands were set in Ring Park below the marquee and Temple of Victory monument, which nestles among the trees up on the top of the hill. The teams all had a specified stand to start on to help the flow of shooters around the course.
If they were lucky, they would get one of the gentler ones — such as the flighting ducks or driven partridges — to start on. Less lucky, they may have had to begin on the extreme pheasants or Argentine doves. That would be a baptism of fire but also fantastic fun.
Sixty-one teams entered this year, a record number for the annual clay day. The start time had to be brought forward to make sure everybody had finished .
