Shadowchaser Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 I've seen on their FB page that this Sunday is to be their final shoot. "Due to unforeseen circumstances and with a very heavy heart Sunday 23rd February will be the last shoot here at Rishton Clay Shoot. Thank you all for supporting us over the years. It’s been an incredible 53 years you are all amazing. Thank you again and hope to see you all on our last day." I haven't been for a few years, but my understanding is that it was still very popular. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonepark Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 Was a good friendly shoot when used to go there in the 2000's before going back up to Scotland Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 It was quite well attended in January, when I was there. I shall have to make an effort to get there this Sunday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobbyH Posted February 19 Report Share Posted February 19 any ideas on why they have closed? ’unforseen circumstances’ could mean anything I know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowchaser Posted February 20 Author Report Share Posted February 20 8 hours ago, BobbyH said: any ideas on why they have closed? ’unforseen circumstances’ could mean anything I know No idea. I heard it from someone else and then checked the FB page for info. Seems to me like something has happened suddenly rather than it being a long term plan, but that's just speculation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 First went to Rishton in 1982. Always been a well attended, well run shoot. Run by the Threlfall family, latterly with the layout set up and run by John Roberts and his wife Allison. To my knowledge, only two people have ever straighted it - John Roberts and Mark Threlfall. A shame to see it go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 (edited) 1 hour ago, Gordon R said: First went to Rishton in 1982. Always been a well attended, well run shoot. Run by the Threlfall family, latterly with the layout set up and run by John Roberts and his wife Allison. To my knowledge, only two people have ever straighted it - John Roberts and Mark Threlfall. A shame to see it go. We were not far off straighting it, Gordon ! 😂 John Roberts bought a trap off me in the late 90's. Edited February 20 by Westley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 Highest I ever got there was 47 /50 - won a silver memorial trophy in about 1986. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 7 hours ago, Gordon R said: Highest I ever got there was 47 /50 - won a silver memorial trophy in about 1986. I did manage a 59.......... But that was out of 75 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted Sunday at 09:32 Report Share Posted Sunday at 09:32 Now re-opening from 6.4.2025. No longer being run by John and Alison Roberts, which is a great loss. They put on very decent targets and kept things running for the last few years. A tough act to follow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Westley Posted Sunday at 10:02 Report Share Posted Sunday at 10:02 Thanks Gordon, I shall look forward to revisiting it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowchaser Posted Sunday at 19:44 Author Report Share Posted Sunday at 19:44 I always thought that John and Alison were part of the Threlfall family to be honest. Who is running it now and what do you think is likely to change? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted yesterday at 16:07 Report Share Posted yesterday at 16:07 John and Alison are not related to the Threlfalls. Mark Threlfall - top shot and top lad ran it for his dad (Eddie) for many years. Mark's health suffered and John / Alison took over. A few of the Threlfall family were always involved. Eddie's wife, the late Brenda, took the entries whilst other relatives did the food side. Looking at Facebook entries, it looks like Keith Nixon of Racing Leathers / Shotgunwise will be taking over. I know Keith - he is a decent lad, but I have no idea of how things will change, if at all. The toilets need upgrading. It used to be an excellent 50 bird shoot - just turn up and shoot, but during Covid, it went to 75 birder, with squad times. Personally, I preferred the old 50 birder. When it changed to the 75 birder prices went up, in addition to the extra 50% of clays. There seemed to be a sharp increase in the cost of clays and the food. Some friends won't shoot there, because of the increased cost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadowchaser Posted 22 hours ago Author Report Share Posted 22 hours ago I haven't shot it since before the pandemic mainly due to the squad times and 75 birds. I don't mind shooting 75 at certain grounds now and then but 50 is a nice number. I thought at some point they'd move back to the "turn up at anytime and shoot 50" days. The last time I went they'd moved onto a sort of porta cabin style toilet. Speaking of toilet facilities at clay grounds, I find them lacking. Blackpool's facilities are poor and Toplands (a nice friendly farm run shoot) is just a porta loo round the back of the hut. Not good if you need more than a pee and not appealing for any women. I know Kelbrook built some new facilities a few years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted 18 hours ago Report Share Posted 18 hours ago Blackpool's toilets are way better than Rishton's. Whilst the Portacabin at Rishton was okay when it was first installed, nowadays it is not good, with no water to clean hands. In the north west, the only toilets I would regard as good are Coniston and Manchester Clay Club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yellow Bear Posted 9 hours ago Report Share Posted 9 hours ago 8 hours ago, Gordon R said: the only toilets I would regard as good are Coniston and Manchester Clay Club. I would add Catton Hall to this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordon R Posted 9 hours ago Report Share Posted 9 hours ago Forgot about Catton Hall - some years since I have been. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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