13 Dec 2023 Community

The Hopton Clay Pigeon Shoot raises over £600 for The Kirkwood

This year’s Hopton Clay Pigeon shoot was a great success and raised over £600 for The Kirkwood, they held the shoot back in May of this year.  

Ben Wightman of the Hopton Clay Pigeon Shoot was delighted that his association raised a great amount of funds and was proud that his event went so well, he commented: “Early in 2022 we started collecting funds for The Kirkwood. This was at the request of two long time shooters, and joint winners of our previous annual charity shoot, Dave Thompson and Ben Brisby.

“Since we started shooting at Hopton Quarry in 2016 we have provided tea, coffee, cake, and biscuits free of charge. This is something I felt very strongly about with the intention of encouraging everyone to take time out and socialise, building on the shooting community spirit.  My only ask from this was if people could donate to a charity of our choice.  In 2019 we decided to host an annual charity shoot where all the profits went to our selected charity. Many of our suppliers, customers and friends jumped on this idea and donated prizes from clothing to bottles of wine and shooting experiences at other locations.  

“In May 2023 we held our The Kirkwood shoot, a 100-target sporting event. For those not in the know this was a combination of 100 fast moving, mainly air borne targets some exceeding 40mph in speed and up to distances of 60 to 70 yards.  As usual our friends and members turned up in force and contributed to make the day the success that it was. 

“The weather, as with most outdoor sports plays a big part in attendance and luckily, we were blessed with sunshine. Scores ranged dramatically but no one was disappointed, and the high score went to a local shooter Gugsy Ahmed. 

“In addition, we had a large number of prizes, these were awarded along with trophies to multiple classes of age and ability including under 16’s which we always support as part of our youth engagement. 

“We had a good number of new shooters that had never shot before.  This is always great to see as one of our goals is to find and support the new generations of shooters that will take our sport into the future. I would urge anyone to come join us (or another club) for a few hours, speak to the people that make the sport what it is and have a go. I guarantee even if it’s not for you, you will not regret it.                    

“As a rule, part of being the high gun (score) at our charity shoot means you get to decide who we support the following year. In winter 2021 Dave and Ben tied with two very respectable scores. I spoke to then the following week and both, with no reservations, said they’d like to collect for the Kirkwood. 

“I was over the moon with this decision, over the years we have supported some large, very well-established charities but none this close to home. Living local to the hospice I’ve always been aware of the work they do and on many occasions over the years friends and family have worked, fund raised and supported this amazing organisation. 

“My first real dealings with The Kirkwood were in 2010 when they helped a good friend with her mum as part of an end of life care plan. I saw first-hand the physical and emotion strain that gripped the whole family. 

“Behind the scenes I witnessed The Kirkwood keep the whole thing afloat with such attention to detail that no one else seemed to see. After speaking with Ben and Dave I realised they had seen the same as me and shared the same feelings of thanks and appreciation of what The Kirkwood stands for.              

“I feel extremely proud to be part of the Support Life movement and even more so to have guided our members in helping raise what we have for The Kirkwood. 

“I am a firm believer that even the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference and I hope that our actions over the last year have not only inspired but also made a difference to at least one person when they need it.  

“As a club I hope we will work alongside the hospice for years to come knowing that they will make a difference to someone no matter how big or small. 

“I’d like to thank The Kirkwood for all they do, in addition I would like to give thanks to all those (too many to name) that contribute time and effort to make what we do such a pleasure. 

“Should anyone wish to join us for a shooting experience, if you reference The Kirkwood we will make further donations for every shooter.”

With your support, we are able to give those in our care the chance to make the very most of their last Christmas. Will you help by making a donation today? For more information and to make a donation, please click here: https://www.thekirkwood.org.uk/christmasappeal