OddJob Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Yesterday I took a group of 12 students up the The Fennes in Braintree for the first outing of the school shooting club that I am starting. The day started with some slightly bleary eyed students turning up for a minibus ride to The Fennes, it is their summer holidays after all. Other students arrived with their parents at the ground and there was a general feeling of excitement, and some trepidation from a few. The event was a fully sponsored day by the Essex wing of the CPSA as a drive to get more young people in to shooting so it was absolutely free for all students, allowing great accessibility for all. Shooting started at 11:30 with the students getting their first breaks very quickly thanks to the tuition of the instructors. The result was some huge grins, and a degree of amazement, from both the students and parents. Most of the students had never shot before yet the results were excellent, even putting my shooting to shame! To the amazement of all, the shooting kept coming with five stands being visiting in all; there were a lot of faces as if it was Christmas day. By the end of the day the enthusiasm was palpable both from both students and parents, one of the parents even going out straight after for his first shoot. The top score of the day was 38/50 for a chap who had shot relatively regularly, second place being a student who had never shot before getting 36/50 which was a result in more ways than one for him. I have to publically thank the CPSA for their support of young shots and allowing us to access the event. Thanks must also go to the staff and instructors at The Fennes for organising the event and supplying their time free of charge. Also, to the man who is mentioned in 40% of all threads on here, Terry (bakerboy) who has offered his help, support and even a gun donation to the club as well as popping along on the day despite having to look after his grandson. A journalist was there on the day so we may well make it in to the shooting press meaning you'll have the misfortune of seeing my face. The challenge now starts of running the club that is accessible for all despite financial constraints. I can't wait to see them winning trophies next year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Great stuff Hope it thrives and your able to produce a few more world and Olympic champs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 There was an air of excitment, and smiles so broad it was unbelievable. These were great bunch of kids well behaved (as were the parents) unlike youth football matches as I recall. The students very quickly got to breaking clays, and all appeared to have a really good day out. Neal deserves a great deal of respect for what he is trying to achieve (and he will achieve it) but with Budgets the way they are, getting equipment and funding is going to prove hard, so if any out can offer help or redundant equipment, I am sure Neal and the students will be happy to take it off your hands. I hope I am not speaking out of terms here Neal if so let me and I will edit. A big well done to Teacher (Neal) and pupils Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 A good time and event by the sounds of it to all involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OddJob Posted August 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 Not at all Terry, thanks all for the kind words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted August 11, 2011 Report Share Posted August 11, 2011 A good time had by all, by the look of it, and well done to Bakerboy for yet again giving up his time to help some Newbies. It's very unusual to see the CPSA get any form of acknowledgement, let alone praise, by anybody from Essex on this forum, it just goes to show how locally lead initiatives can bring potential newcomers into the sport, long may it continue. Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
88b Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 Well done gentlemen , looks like everyone enjoyed it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onefulham Posted August 12, 2011 Report Share Posted August 12, 2011 A good news story, well done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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