2011

• Herts County Competitions 2011

2010

• Club Team Competitions 2010
• Astor Final 2010
• Imperial Meeting July 2010
• End of Season Shoot 17th October 2010

2009

• End of Season Shoot - 19th October 2009
• Welwyn Phoenix Rifle Club at the City RC Open Meeting 2009
• Welwyn Phoenix RC County Competition Results 2009
• Shooter Certification – First WPRC Graduate joins as a Full Member
• Imperial Meeting July 2009
• Welwyn Phoenix Triumph at Herts County Championship (again)
• County Astor Cup Heat – May 10th 2009
• HRA Captains Day 2009
• Hertfordshire Clubs Challenge Shield 2009

2008

• Welwyn Phoenix score again in County Events
• County Astor Cup Competition
• 139th Imperial Meeting July 14th to 27th 2008
• HRA County Championship 2008
• End of Season Shoot

2007

• 138th Imperial Meeting July 13th to 28th 2007
• HRA Captains Day 2007
• First Guest Shoot with Welwyn Phoenix

2006

• Bullet Call
• Welwyn Phoenix Grand Slammers
• Welwyn Phoenix Rifle Club End of Season Empire Match, Sunday 15th October 2006.
• Welwyn Phoenix Triumph at HRA County Championship

HRA Captains Day – 27 March 2011

Individual Captains Day Prize Competition
In keeping with our successes from the past, the County opening Individual Captains Day shoot was anticipated to produce some Gold and at least some Silver for WPRC marksmen. We brought a team of seven, in fact about 37% of the total entry of 19. Were we complacent? Hopefully not but we didn't quite cut the mustard. The opposition turned up in force if not numbers and had a field day. Andy Daw of Watford did the Double – a rare achievement

Best placed WPRC shooters were:

Captains Day prize - Handicap competition
Nick Verduyn Placed 7th
Winner – Andy Daw, Watford RC

Top Gun Score
Colin Skellet Placed 4th
Winner – Andy Daw, Watford RC

Full results can be viewed here http://www.hertsra.org.uk/
Click on What's New and Captains Day Result

Herts Clubs Teams Challenge Shield
The afternoon team competition now synonymous with the opening County shoot was again very well attended, with teams representing five County clubs. Tradition dictates that the previous winner organises the shoot and 2010 belonged to WPRC, so it was with pleasure that they provided the necessary services this year.

Teams of six shooting 2&10 over 300 and 600 yards was the format and we were blessed with a beautiful spring afternoon with light but tricky winds. Taking best 4 to count from six to allow all teams to compete was unanimously agreed.

Some excellent scoring was achieved and after their mornings laxities WPRC provided a solid team performance to win by a convincing margin.

Top Gun of the afternoon to take the individual prize was Andy Daw from Watford RC with an impressive 100.13, creating a unique Treble for the day's competitions, having cleaned up in the mornings HRA Captain Day.

Team results were as follows:

Welwyn Phoenix 388.32, Colin Skellett 99.12
Old Berkhamstedians 378.32, Phil Wilcoxon 97.9
Watford 373.34, Andy Daw 100.13
Old Haberdashers 357.23, David Allen 94.7
Cheshunt 354.19, Oliver Miller 92.6

Club Team Competitions 2010

Our self awarded status of ‘Premier Club in the County’ comes with the responsibility to maintain that position with successful individual and team performances.    

2010 did not disappoint

Captains Day   28th March 2010
Our Captains Day winner this season was a very welcome surprise. Allan Skellett breaks away from his university studies only rarely to shoot with WPRC. His small bore shooting in Southampton is seemingly keeping him honed to produce winning performances at full bore also. It was very rewarding to see him take the silver with Alistair in 3rd place from a field of 11 Hertfordshire club shooters.

Herts Clubs Challenge Shield  28th March 2010
Despite a lack lustre performance in notably difficult windy conditions, WPRC managed a win, beating OB’s and Old Habs into second and third place respectively.

Astor County Heat  9th May 2010
It’s always a good feeling to retain a trophy and our total score in the County Heat was nearly the best we had ever recorded. A 607.61 saw us well clear of OB’s with 603.61 and Radlett, Watford and Old Habs bringing up the rear. With this result, we were delighted to accept the honour of representing the County in the main event at the Imperial Meeting in July, for the second year running and for the fourth time in the clubs history.

Details of the result were as follows:

WPRC Team

Astor Final  16th July 2010

At the Imperial Meeting 2010, the TR competitions opened on first Friday, with WPRC representing the county in the Astor Final for the second year in succession. Our qualifying score of 607.61 in the heats would have put us in 10th  place in the final but difficult windy conditions challenged all teams and although we did not appear to shoot well with 597.52 ,  our 17th place ex 23 was our best finish of the four occasions we had made it to the final. The team was:

Alistair Bullen
Ashley Coleman-Cooke
Colin Skellett
Mike Carlin
Nick Verduyn
Bob Jackson

Mike Carlin was a very pleased top gun with 101.10

Herts County Competitions

In comparison to recent year’s successes, 2010 was less remarkable. The main event however again belonged to one of our own.

Nick Verduyn won the County Championship for the fourth time and was runner-up in three of the remaining competitions.

WPRC Herts Individual Competition results in 2010

Imperial Meeting July 2010

An Imperial Meeting over for another year. High summer, wind, no floods and some notable successes to record.

Dick Hayden as expected carried the Club colours at the opening ceremony and despite battling against considerable ocular challenges shot through most of the Match Rifle events. It must be recorded that this was Dick’s 50th Imperial meeting. In the wake of that amazing Milestone we mere TR shooters are but novices. Well done indeed Dick.

After the Lord Mayors show the procession of TR comps opened on first Friday, with WPRC representing the county in the Astor Final for the second year in succession. Our best ever qualifying score of 607.61 in this years heats in May would have put us in 10th  place in the final but difficult windy conditions challenged all teams and although we did not appear to shoot well with 597.52 our 17th place ex 23 was our best finish of the three times we have made it to the final. The team was:

Alistair Bullen
Ashley Coleman-Cooke
Colin Skellett
Mike Carlin
Nick Verduyn
Bob Jackson
 
Mike Carlin was a very pleased top gun with 101.10

All except Mike then proceeded to do battle in the individual competitions. The abiding notable success this year was Prize List places for everybody. Most comps fielded around 1000 competitors so this was some feat.

Ashley Coleman-Cooke blasted off with a 98.10 and a 27th place in the Century. Nick Verduyn made four prizelists. Two aggregates, a passable Donegall in 105th place ex 1008 and finding his sharpshooter skills, a splendid 21st place in the McQueen with a 50.7 .

Club Captain Alistair Bullen battling in ‘A’ class again this year gained his highest ever Grand Aggregate position at 119th with 684.61 and a Bronze bar. Prize lists in the Conan Doyle 35th, Times 200th having shot 9 cooking bulls and finishing with a flourishing V to clinch the coveted ‘last A in’ slot on the prizelist and 263rd in Queens 1st Stage all followed. Unfortunately he was just counted out in Queens 2nd Stage with his 143.16 .

Club President Bob Jackson had a rare glory Meeting, with a 74.7 and a 67th place in the Telegraph and a 17th Place in the Clementi Smith Aggregate with 173.21. After 20 years in the wilderness he was in 1st place on the range in the Alexander with a 50.9 among 1096 other competitors, just dropping his second to count out of the V and into the bull. The subsequent tie shoot with five others saw him eased into 2nd place overall, a Silver Bar, commemorative tankard and happy memories – not bad for a pensioner!

Colin Skellett might be disappointed with three prize lists but his success as ‘O’ class winner in the TWP Sighters Aggregate following on from last years ‘T’ class winning position, proves he can at least read the wind before it gets serious. This was followed by a 91st in the Times with 50.7 and 41st in the Alexander again with 50.7 . However Colin’s  Everest in 2010 was selection in the English XX team against the Combined Services. The team WON and Colin produced an excellent 3rd highest score in the team.

What a great week! Some tragedies as usual but all eclipsed by success. See all scores below.

Bring it on 2011.

End of Season Shoot 17th October 2010

Our customary final club meeting of the season was held on Sunday 17th October, which with sub-zero conditions at 0830 looked a rather bleak prospect. Bisley however delivered a sublime day. By 0930 the sun was up in a cornflower blue sky, the frost had melted and the flags were totally lifeless.

A rather select band of just seven members proceeded to do battle over four ranges and continued to enjoy unbroken sunshine and light or non-existent winds. Scoring on the day was high, with most exceeding their handicaps and success was spread far and wide. Coupled with the competitions shot over the season, the 10 trophies up for grabs were shared evenly between five members.

James Greenway at last prised the Donegalll trophy away from Richard Malet after three years, while still leaving Richard still pretty satisfied with his overall win in the EOS Tankard. Bob Jackson recorded a rare success in the Pemberton Cup, while Alistair Bullen edged Colin Skellett out of a win in the Holland Shield after a third countback, Colin Skellett created another club record with a remarkable 599 ex 600 in the 7.62 Trophy. Maybe it’s time for a rule change in this competition as most of his success came at 300 yards!

Prizes were presented after shooting and details of all competitions were as follows:

End of Season Shoot - 19th October 2009

Our customary final club meeting of the season was held on 19th October. A host of competitions at distances between 300 and 1000 yards awaited a spirited turnout of eleven members, who enjoyed sunshine and imperceptibly light, often dangerous winds.

With both handicapped events and straight gun score competitions to shoot, members of all abilities were able to enjoy the day, battling with their nerves their fellow competitors and the winds which seemed to come from nowhere.

As mentioned in earlier reports it was Colin Skellett that was on everyone's mind following his excellent season on the ranges. He did not disappoint here either but did not have it all his own way as the results listed below will show.

Highlights were certainly Colin's performance, in scooping up five of the ten trophies but also Richard Malet's win in the Donegall Trophy for the third time in three years was a notable achievement. Mike Carlin had a great shoot at 600 yards to post his first Club trophy win, just edging Colin into second place.

Prizes were presented after shooting and details of all competitions were as follows:

Welwyn Phoenix Rifle Club at the City RC Open Meeting 2009

Welwyn Phoenix member Colin Skellett had a remarkable run in the well attended City Open meeting held at Bisley on 12/13 Sept.

The Saturday competition was at short range, with a 'Queen's 1' format (2+7 shots at 300, 500 and 600 yds) in the morning and a 'Queen's 2', (2+10 shots at the same ranges) in the afternoon. Although achieving a maximum score of 105 in the morning, Colin was beaten into second place on V-bull count. In the afternoon competition, Colin dropped a point at 300 yds (scoring a 49.9) and was clear at 5 & 600 - his score of 149.21 was enough to win the 'Barker' cup by a single V. Several Hertfordshire competitions are shot concurrently with the 500 and 600 yard City competitions. Having not dropped a shot at either range, morning or afternoon, Colin also won these.

The Sunday shoot was 2+15 at 900 and 1000 yds. In 'tricky but readable' wind conditions, Colin dropped a point at 900 and a further three at 1000. - Ending up one point and quite a few Vs off the lead.

The City Championship is however decided on the aggregate score made over the two days. Colin's aggregate was 400 ex 405, which would have been sufficient to win the City Open Championship by the considerable margin of four points - unfortunately, not expecting to shoot so well, he hadn't entered the City aggregate competitions. Oh ye of little faith!

A summary of the 2009 Hertfordshire County competitions is available below. Our successes in this seasons events has been remarkable and is most unlikely to be surpassed in the future.

Welwyn Phoenix RC County Competition Results 2009

Throughout the season the County organises seven competitions open to all members of Hertfordshire Rifle Association affiliated clubs. In addition the Herts Open is, as it's name suggests, an open competition with no restrictions to entry.

In previous years the best individual performances recorded were in 2003 and 1998 when Tim Webster and Nick Verduyn (WPRC) respectively won three out of the seven competitions.

In 2009:

• Colin Skellett of WPRC eclipsed the former record by winning six out of the seven competitions (not shooting in the remaining Melville Competition).
  
• Nick Verduyn of WPRC won the remaining Melville and was in second or third place in five of the other competitions.
  
• Richard Malet and Alistair Bullen also featured in the prizes.
  
• Our Club Team won the Herts Astor team heat and went on to represent the County at Bisley in the Astor Final in July.

It is inconceivable that this feat will ever be repeated and we feel justifiably proud for the Club and particularly for Colin Skellett in what has been a bumper year for WPRC.

WPRC Herts Competition results in 2009

Shooter Certification – First WPRC Graduate joins as a Full Member

New and prospective members of WPRC have always been able to enjoy excellent coaching from experienced members at the many shoots run by the club. Continuous improvement through coaching in a friendly club atmosphere has been one of the main stated aims of Welwyn Phoenix RC since its formation in 1982.

Coaching sessions in the past have always been carried out on an informal best practice basis. Following the introduction of stringent controls by the MoD which were imposed on the NRA and its affiliated clubs in late 2008 all shooters are now required to obtain a Certificate of Competence before being accepted as Full Shooting Members by affiliated clubs. As a result of this, all those new to full bore shooting are required to attend a formal NRA training course run over four day-long sessions and pass a final assessment test prior to achieving this vital qualification.

In Spring 2009, WPRC was selected by the NRA as one of their affiliated clubs qualified to run these courses and the club has recently celebrated with its first graduate Anthony Lewis who obtained his Certificate of Competence on September 27th this year.

Anthony is seen here on the ranges at Bisley, receiving his Certificate from Club President Bob Jackson and being promoted from provisional to Full Member status.

For more details of courses run by WPRC click on the 'Provisional Member Training' link at the top of the home page.

Imperial Meeting July 2009

In keeping with tradition Welwyn Phoenix RC were well represented at the annual Imperial meeting in July this year. Dick Hayden carried the responsibility as the only club competitor in the Individual Match Rifle events while we had a strong turnout of five in the Individual Target Rifle competitions. For the first time since 2004, WPRC represented the county in the Astor Final. Competition is very tough in this event and we finished 19th ex 23. This, despite our best ever recorded team score of 608 ex 630 beating Cambridge University, Cornwall, Devon and Oxfordshire. Individual scores were as follows:

Individual Target Rifle competitions.

For the first time since 2002 Ashley Coleman-Cooke shot over the long weekend and was happy enough to take away a nice HPS in the Donegall at 300 yards.

Not so fortunate with the prize lists were both club captain Alistair Bullen and president Bob Jackson, but never the less ‘we were there’.

Enjoying the less rigorous ‘O’ class for the first time since 2000, Nick Verduyn had a great weekend, with no less than five Prize Lists, two HPS’s and four Aggregate Prizes.

Finally, and certainly not before time, Colin Skellett broke his ‘T’ class duck. Next year he will be rightfully placed among the vast majority as an ‘O’ after securing seven prize lists, one HPS and goodness knows how many Aggregate prizes. Well done Colin!

Full results are shown below.

Welwyn Phoenix Triumph at Herts County Championship (again)

Three members of WPRC shot in the 2009 Open Hertfordshire County Championship, held at Bisley on 31 May.  The competition was shot over 4 ranges, with 900 & 1000 yards in the morning and 300 & 600 in the afternoon.

The final scores for the title of County Champion were very close with only 2 points separating the top 8.  WPRC’s Colin Skellett took the honours and the magnificent trophy with a score of 190.19, only 1 V bull ahead of the next shooter.  Last year’s winner WPRC’s past Captain Nick Verduyn, was one of three shooters on 189, but took 3rd place due to his higher V count.

Current Captain of WPRC Alistair Bullen however, showed the rest how it should be done with a top score of 193 (but ‘only’ 17 Vs).  Unfortunately for Alistair, he elects to shoot for the County of Norfolk, so was ineligible to receive the magnificent Herts Championship trophy.

All in all, another strong showing from Welwyn Phoenix.

Full results are on the HRA website.

County Astor Cup Heat – May 10th 2009

In keeping with WPRC's good start to the season, our team's effort in the County Astor Heat was no exception. It was not an awesome performance but good enough to ensure that the Club will be representing the County later this year at the main event in July.

Details of the result were as follows:

HRA Captains Day 2009

With this event moving several weeks later into early April to try and attract a better turnout our plan seemed to have worked. With 17 competitors it proved to be a recent record, nobody being able to recall such a well attended HRA season opener.

WPRC were well represented with their Clubs Shield team of six all entering this individual handicapped competition, held on the morning of Sunday April 5th.

We can report mixed fortunes as the results below will show. However our penchant for providing winners did not leave us disappointed with Colin Skellett cleaning up both the Top Gun Score and the overall Handicap prize. Scores were tight at the top and our Richard Malet made a score well over his 2008 average to finish in third place only just behind Phil Northam from Watford R&PC. The picture of the top three tells it all.

WPRC performances were as follows:

Records will show that WPRC have provided the winner in this competition for five of the last six years. A Full results table can be viewed on the HRA website at www.hertsra.org.uk

Hertfordshire Clubs Challenge Shield 2009

The dubious honour of organising this Herts Clubs team competition falls to the winner from the previous year. In our fourth consecutive year as organiser, WPRC made a special effort to recruit new interest. With five teams shooting, the efforts were well rewarded and
Cheshunt R&PC received an especially warm welcome as the newcomers to this event. The combining of HRA Captains Day with a team event in the afternoon was again popular and with fine weather and tricky winds the Challenge Shield lived up to its name.

In keeping with the tradition of this event designed for teams of six, those clubs unable to field a full team determine the final format. In 2009 we elected to shoot best 4 scores from 6. Shot over 300 and 600 yards the final result was a close run thing. After the first distance, Watford with193.19 led WPRC with 193.18 by one V bull. OB’s in third place had amassed 190.18. All was to change at 600 yards, with Old Berkhamsteadians finally gaining the upper hand by a solitary point over Welwyn Phoenix with the same V count.

Final scores were as follows :

Old Berkhamsteadians 381.33
Welwyn Phoenix 380.33
Watford 376.35
Old Haberdashers 333.9
Cheshunt 327.11

OB’s will have our support in the drive to attract further new teams to enjoy this competitively relaxed format in 2010 and hopefully grow the interest in HRA events in the future.

Two Hertfordshire County events were again staged as season openers in 2008 to encourage a good turnout from participating County Clubs. WPRC were well represented in both.

County Captains Day – Morning, 16th March 2008
This competition for individual shooters is run under handicap conditions encouraging emerging talent to shoot against the more experienced. Often it is found that experience will influence the result particularly if early season conditions of high winds and rain make the going more difficult. WPRC fielded three competitors in the group of 10 shooters.

Not faring quite as well as in the previous two years when we took first place, Colin Skellett and Nick Verduyn managed to produce a rare tie for 3rd place.

• Shooting calendar 2008
• Captains Day results - Results table provided by www.hertsra.org.uk >>>

County Clubs Challenge Shield – Afternoon, 16th March – Team competition

Following on from the morning shoot, three County Clubs assembled for the afternoon Challenge Shield. With the top 4 scores to count at one distance only, due to target problems, WPRC retained the trophy for the third consecutive year.

WPRC 189.15 (A.Bullen, A. Skellett, C. Skellett, N. Verduyn)
Old Haberdashers 187.13
Watford & District 183.12<

County Astor Cup Competition – May 11th 2008

The selection of a County Club team to represent the County at the Imperial Meeting in July is serious stuff and as always WPRC were focused on the task this year.
2008 saw a far better performance than last year….but still not quite good enough. Radlett RC again provided a lesson in how to shoot in difficult wind conditions as the results show below.

Radlett RC	599.55
WPRC	593.42
Old Berkhamstedians	587.51
Watford & District	569.34
Old Haberdashers	492.39

139th Imperial Meeting July 14th to 27th 2008

In comparison to last years Imperial Meeting the weather conditions could not have been more different. Replacing torrential rain, competition cancelling floods and hot humid conditions, we had to accept continuous cool blustery weather. Great for camping but, Oh! so difficult to handle on the range.

WPRC fielded a slightly smaller team this year, with Dick Hayden again our only representative in the Match Rifle events.

Aliatair Bullen, Nick Verduyn and Bob Jackson competed in the Target Rifle competitions.

The spectacular successes achieved by Alistair in 2007 had a double edged effect, of propelling him into the more competitive ‘A’ class for this years events. Shooting in difficult conditions throughout the week, two Prize List places were achieved and with a 146.17 he was exasperatingly just one V bull short of a Queens Final Place.

Nick on the other hand had been demoted from ‘A’ class, in which he had shot for at least the past 12 years. His new ‘O’ status coupled with very steady shooting throughout the weekend, was rewarded with no less than 15 Prize List placings. Almost impossible until you realise he featured in every Aggregate available. A consummate all-round performance.

Club President Bob Jackson, coping neither with 6 minute wind changes, nor the lack of practice earlier in the season, enjoyed himself immensely. As always …………..we were there. Results follow.

HRA County Championship 2008 - Welwyn Phoenix bring home the silver AGAIN

Hertfordshire Rifle Association held their 2008 County Championship on Sunday 31 August, with Alistair Bullen, Colin Skellett and Nick Verduyn flying the flag for Welwyn Phoenix.

Following on from Colin Skellett’s 2007 success, WPRC really showed the way this year by filling 1st, 2nd, and 4th places.

With an almost perfect 249 ex 250, Nick Verduyn, past Captain of WPRC blew the rest of the field away. ‘Trailing’ in 2nd and 4th places, were Alistair Bullen 244, and Colin Skellett 243.

This really was top drawer stuff, Nick’s only dropped shot being in his 74 ex 75 at 1000 yards. Oh! wouldn’t he have loved that in a Queens Final.

The trophy is to die for, as can be seen from the inset photograph. Made in 1865 from solid silver, ornate and wholly Victorian. It will look so good on the mantelpiece Nick, where it has been twice before.

Well done.

End of Season Shoot

Not only did we attract an excellent turnout of ten shooters, but the traditional thick early morning mist did not show up, so an on time start was possible.

The traditional draw provided some very fair pairings for the ‘Pairs Handicap’ event and after the ‘Warm up Shoot’ of 2&7 at 300 yards which saw Richard Malet shoot the only possible on the range and win the wine, the competition in earnest was under way.

Ten to count at 300 and 600 yards followed in gentle wind conditions, which produced excellent performances from very many competitors at both distances. A double possible from Colin Skellett saw him take the ‘Rosebowl’ with the highest handicapped score at 600 yards.

All was to change over the lunch break. Faced with increasing fresh to strong and variable winds at 900 and 1000 yards in the afternoon, experience started to tell. Alistair Bullen provided the only possible at 900 yards with a 6v count just to rub it in. There were valiant efforts to hang on with very creditable performances from over half of the field but all was to change as we moved back to 1000 yards for the final shoot of the day.

The wind strengthened and it was hard for many to hold the black, let alone the bull. Again Alistair showed how practice at this distance and in challenging conditions, is essential if good scores are to be achieved. His 46.6 (6 v’s and 4 inners!) gave him an unassailable and thoroughly deserved lead to take the overall championship for the 5th year in succession.

Another memorable EOS where nobody got wet in mid-October.

A full results table is shown below.

138th Imperial Meeting July 13th to 28th 2007

With the British summer having deteriorated to record rainfall levels in May and June, the prospects for another scorching Imperial Meeting were very slim. The doubting Thomas’s were not disappointed, but despite awful weather forecasts, five hardy souls from WPRC along with another 1100 equally determined shooters embarked on the road to seeking shooting glory or at very least the satisfaction of being able to say ‘I was there’.

Dick Hayden, our only representative in the Match Rifle events, shot all his competitions in the first week. The weather WAS awful but shooting continued with downpours on every day. It seems amazing to us lesser mortals, that these competitors with targets almost completely obscured at 1100 and 1200 yards can manage scores of 196.19v ex 200, the winning score in the Edge this year. Dick lasted until First Wednesday, when the supplies of dry underwear and his patience ran out. He decided that staying on till the last MR events on Friday was a call beyond duty and beat a welcome retreat home.

Maybe he was psychic or just fed up. Or he could be just playing mind games against everyone, making the sport like a simple game of bluffing in poker. However it proved to be a wise decision. The main force from WPRC were due to start their competitions on Friday morning, but following a torrential storm in the early hours which carried on most of the day, the ranges were nearly washed away for the second time in 13 months. Shooting was cancelled at 0930 when lightening strikes on Century were falling 100 yards in front of the Cadet International Match shooters. Both the Century and Hutton competitions were abandoned without a shot being fired.

The rain continued to fall, forming a large lake between the 100 and 300 yard firing points, deep enough to sail canoes later in the day. Alistair Bullen, Nick Verduyn, Colin Skellett, and Bob Jackson sought shelter and solace until the sun came out in the afternoon. The attached pictures show what effect the storm made on a normally dry and dusty Bisley in July. As a result, two butts were out of action for most of the meeting, and shooting was a lottery. Some were lucky and shot in high temperatures with amazing humidity, those unfortunates who got rained upon, really got a soaking. Thankfully as the final week progressed the weather improved and by Friday deep rutted campsites and endless muddy tracks were the only obvious signs of the deluge that had prevailed for most of the first ten days

However the talk on camp was all about shooting successes and failures and as usual our group from WPRC had both to report. To be fair, there were very few absolute catastrophes and happily we can report some remarkable successes which may be hard to repeat in future years. The high points can be summarised as follows:

• Everyone got on at least one Prize List.
• Nick failed to challenge his 172.24 in the Stock Exchange and missed the Prize list. He actually had a 24th place!
• Colin made 3 Lists, but somehow cleverly managed to retain his Tyro status.
• Nick made 19th in the Times and 20th in the Wimbledon both on the same day.
• Alistair finished 148th in The Grand Agg. and secured his A Class – not before time.
• Alistair made a tie shoot in the Wimbledon with 50.9 and finished 5th with 25.2

And finally the icing on his cake………….

• Alistair Bullen was a clear winner of The Corporation with a 50.9 at 1000 yards. Beating Queens Prize winners, European Games Gold medallists, all the current Palma team and 1062 other competitors. ‘The Corp’ is regarded as the premier single distance competition at The Meeting and has always been the turning point of everyone’s Grand Aggregate. A fabulous achievement by our Club Captain, made possible by considerable dedication and hard work.
  
  
  
  

'If you're not working what the Hell!!'

HRA Captains Day 2007 - Welwyn Phoenix score again in County Events

Two Hertfordshire County events were staged as 2007 season openers in late March this year. Both held on the same day to attract turnout, WPRC were well represented in both.

County Captains Day – Morning, 25th March - 300, 500 and 600 yards
This competition for individual shooters is run under handicap conditions encouraging emerging talent to shoot against the more experienced. Often it is found that experience will influence the result particularly if early season conditions of high winds and rain make the going more difficult. WPRC fielded three competitors in the group of 10 shooters and yet again led the way against their other County Club adversaries.
Colin Skellett, Nick Verduyn and Alistair Bullen all produced very creditable gun scores to be 3rd, 4th and 5th respectively. But even better, when the handicaps were applied, the overall result improved considerably with a win for Colin, with Alistair and Nick in 3rd and 7th places. A great start to 2007.

Full results:

County Clubs Challenge Shield – Afternoon, 25th March – Team competition

It had been agreed that the scheduling of the HRA Challenge Shield should be coincident with the HRA Captain’s Day shoot, as this had worked well the previous time. The 2007 HRA Challenge Shield was to follow the Captain’s Day shoot. Since Welwyn Phoenix RC prevailed at the last Challenge Shield, then it was our honour to organise 2007 competition. Having booked targets, sent out invitations and made sure the Captain’s Day shoot had not been re-scheduled all was in hand.

Three Hertfordshire clubs entered the 2007 Challenge Shield.

The afternoon was slightly over cast, but not too bad considering the time of year. Slight disaster on the target front, the targets that were booked had been cancelled so we were informed by the range office. No butt markers were available, but 2 electronic targets at 500 yards were available.

The team captains were consulted and a change of format agreed. The new format was to be 2 convertible sighting shots plus 10 to count shot twice at 500 yards, for each member of the 6 man team. However, as two clubs could not filed a full complement this was amended to best 5 of 6 scores to count. An agreeable rota was constructed to allow the three teams to share the 2 electronic targets. We were back on track.

Disaster, the electronic targets were not working after the lunch time recess. It was almost an hour before the targets were up and running again. Coupled with the fact that we were still in the winter season for shooting hours, gave us only 2 hours to complete the shoot. It was not possible to shoot everyone twice, as there was not enough time. So, it came to the best 5 of 6 from one detail at one distance. Welwyn Phoenix RC managed to prevail for a second consecutive year, followed by Watford OCA.

Therefore WPRC have the honour of organising the 2008 HRA Challenge Shield.

First Guest Shoot with Welwyn Phoenix

With the prospect of shooting at 300 and 600 yards on a beautiful warm spring day, the opportunity paid off for eight visitors to Bisley recently.

WPRC’s policy of opening it’s doors to those who would like to try full bore shooting paid off for a large group of guests who joined Club Members for a day on the ranges.

The group comprised both complete novices and some who were renewing their interest in the sport. Following a comprehensive safety briefing, each visitor was allocated a coach and mentor for the day. They then proceeded to get down to the serious business of ‘hitting the black’.

It was gratifying for coaches to see that all of their charges achieved a considerable degree of success and progress throughout the day. Notably those that had been away from the sport for extended periods were able to ‘get back on the bike’ with amazing ease.
Examples of success during the day were:

• Total novice at full bore 43 ex 50 - 600 yards
• Not picked up a target rifle for 18 years 46 ex 50 - 600 yards

Keen, talented or good coaching. You decide!

Plenty of target space enabled members to also enjoy a good days shooting, but all agreed that the winner of the day was Target Shooting, which seemed to be certain of some new recruits in the very near future.

To our guests; Ian, Mike, Martin, Pat, Brendan, Bridget, Mehbub &Adrian; thanks for joining us. We know you had a great day – the smiles said it all, particularly when the V Bulls were signalled from the butts.
See you again SOON!!

To the members who attended; a great team effort – thanks for your support.

Bullet Call

It is becoming increasingly difficult to buy competitively priced Sierra Bullets for our club reloads in the UK. We have in the past managed to obtain enough bullets by using members who were visiting the US either on business or on holiday to bring small quantities back with them in their luggage.

The call goes out again! Our stocks need replenishing.

We can arrange for bullets to be consigned to any address in the USA for personal collection. The size of the packages is small; the weight around 12lb (5.5kg) per box of 500 bullets.

These need declaring at customs on leaving the US, but as inert bits of metal they carry no restrictions save the weight in your baggage. Of course they are not loaded ammunition, which sometimes needs to be pointed out to an ill-informed customs officer.

So, please come forward. We need your help.

Call Bob Jackson if you intend visiting the US and he will talk you through the process and arrange delivery to your chosen US address for your collection.

Welwyn Phoenix Grand Slammers

Following our article recently published about the achievements of Alistair Bullen in last seasons Club competitions, we have to advise that it contained an element of
under-reporting.

Not that our illustrious Captain did not have a remarkable season on the ranges. Far from it!

We reported that Alistair was the first member to achieve the Mini Grand Slam by winning all four of the seasons Concurrent competitions. We have looked into the archives and find that this was actually first achieved by a youthful Nick Verduyn back in 1998. So we have TWO Mini Grand Slammers.

What Alistair achieved by adding victories in the two main End Of Season shoot competitions in the same year amounts to the first FULL GRAND SLAM in the Club’s history.

For the record here are the two performances in detail:

Well done again!

Welwyn Phoenix rifle Club End of Season Empire Match
Sunday 15th October 2006.

The weather forecast for the 2006 End of Season shoot promised a dry day and as luck would have it the forecasters were correct. The day started out overcast, but without the fog of the previous few mornings. Turn out was less than last year’s EOS shoot, with the 6 of the 7 confirmed attending members assembling prior to the start of shooting. As well as an empire match, the EOS shoot includes a handicap pairs competition. First item on the agenda was to draw the pairs using the time-honoured system of drawing names from a hat and as there was an odd number, one shooter was going to have to be paired with himself.

The draw resulted in some interesting partnerships, with the favourites being either the combination of Colin Skellett and Nick Verduyn or Mike Hayden who was teamed with himself. Colin, Nick and Mike all have the ability to shoot to their average or better, so it almost seemed a certainty that it would be between those two pairings.

The first drama to unfold was not on the target, but the fact that the marker for our target had failed to turn up. Following a visit to the range office, the marker on the adjacent target doubled up to mark our target as well. This could well have slowed proceedings, but thankfully the marker was superb. The warm up shoot of 2 convertible sighters with 7 to count at 300 yards saw Colin, Nick and Mike all return an HPS of 35 with Nick taking the honours with a vee bull count of 5 ex a possible 7.

The morning started to brighten up as we started the Empire match with 2css plus 10 to count at 300 yards. Good steady shooting from everyone, with Nick shooting another HPS. We then fell back to 600 yards to shoot 2css plus 10 to count, but since we had lost time whilst the marker was arranged, the shoot was truncated to 2css plus 7 to count. Strong shooting from everyone again, with Mike joining Nick in shooting an HPS at 600 yards. That was the short range over, long range after lunch!

The afternoon started off in the same vein as the morning, no marker! Well, the marker was in the butts, but due to a slight logistical error was not on the target that we expected. Communication with the butts secured the services of a marker on the appropriate target at 900 yards, but the marker was isolated from the butt supervisor and a radio, so the order of the day was don’t miss the target!.
Again we were blessed with an attentive marker, and good light conditions. Everyone shot above average for the 2css plus 10 to count at 900 yards, with Alistair Bullen shooting the only HPS.

As soon as the last detail had finished at 900 yards, the first detail were on the 1000 yard firing point, and a runner dispatched to retrieve the lone marker. Light conditions changed to give a poor sight picture, with the black aiming mark becoming more like a grey blur. The wind appeared to be more fickle than it really was, which caused a bit of an upset. All the south paws were on the first detail, with leftie Dick Hayden showing the rest of his detail how it should be done. His fellow shooters struggled with the conditions, as did those on the second detail. Alistair joined Dick in shooting above handicap in the third and final detail at 1000 yards.

Now to calculate those handicap scores. After 900 yards, Mike Hayden paired with himself was just ahead of Colin Skellett and Nick Verduyn, however there was a complete change of fortunes following the 1000 yard shoot. Alistair Bullen and Richard Malet took the handicap competition, followed by Dick Hayden and Paul Knight. Steady, consistent shooting was rewarded!

Prize giving followed the shoot and after a remarkably consistent season from our Captain, the EOS competition results were really no surprise. Alistair Bullen has lead from the front all year and thoroughly deserved his almost clean sweep.

Go to the seasons full results table >>>.

Welwyn Phoenix Triumph at HRA County Championship

Hertfordshire Rifle Association held their 2006 County Championship on Sunday 21 May with Alistair Bullen and Colin Skellett flying the flag for Welwyn Phoenix.

The long-range details at 900 and 1000 yards were shot in the morning with light rain and a somewhat variable wind, though fortunately not as strong as it had been the day before, when shooting on Stickledown was abandoned due to the target frames being blown out).

Conditions worsened over lunch however and heavy rain caused problems at 300 yards, particularly for those using ‘Eagle Eye’ supplementary lenses in the foresight. There was also the problem of trying to keep a legible target plot – pencils don’t work very well on soggy paper! The conditions were so bad, that the final shoot, scheduled for 600 yards, was abandoned and the competitors retired to the City RC clubhouse to add up the scores – after which the weather seemed to brighten up a bit!
Much to his surprise and considerable delight, the competition was won by Welwyn Phoenix’s Colin Skellett, with a score of 140 ex 150. WPRC club captain Alistair Bullen was one of three shooters, one point behind, on 139.

Due to the adverse weather conditions, the 600 yard shoot was abandoned.

"Congratulations Colin – yet more prestigious silver to clean."

Next Events

18/03/2012
300AM 600PM

01/04/2012
300 / 600

13/05/2012
500 AM /600 PM

23/09/2012
500 AM, 600PM

04/11/2012
300AM 600PM

more details...