It is with much sadness that we note the passing of Tony Macklin, ex-President of Brooklyn Smallbore Rifle Club, on 25 September at the very young age of 65.  Tony took a keen interest in the club and was involved in the initial redevelopment of the Bell Road facility into our next range.  He was also a much valued search and rescue member, tramper and deerstalker.  Our thoughts go to his sons, Joe and Nick, at this difficult time.

As noted in Saturday’s email, our college shooters did extremely well in Blenheim with five being selected for the North Island secondary schools team, and three making it to the New Zealand team.  The level of shooting was very high – the cut-off for the North Island team was 95.0, increasing to 95.6 for the New Zealand team.  Wiko du Toit was 3rd highest shooter on Day 1.  Wellington College finished 2nd and Marsden were 4th out of 19 teams in the competition, and the North Island finished 11 points ahead of the South Island.  New PBs were shot by Wiko du Toit 99.7, Oscar Robinson 98.6 and Amalamo Simi 98.3.  Summer O’Dwyer was top shot in the New Zealand team, scoring 198.  Our six brought home a phenomenal 11 medals between them, as well as a number of certificates.  Congratulations to everyone involved, and a huge thanks to our coaches and team managers for the effort they have put in over the year. 

Blenheim  

Once again there were a number of incredibly good 20-shot cards shot at the club yesterday – Pratik Tailor 199.16 and 198.14, Dianne Grain 198.12, Meredith Ackrill 197.8 and Evan Little 196.11.  Pratik scored the best 10-shot score of 100.6, and Evan Little was an inner behind to lead A Grade this week with 100.5.  It was very close in B Grade with only two inners separating Callum Osborne and Craig Fair (94.4 and 94.2 respectively).  Erin Little was top shot in C Grade with 95.2, followed by Mark Riley 94.4 and Luisa Kristen 94.2.  And the best five D Graders this week were Qiyun Goh with a new PB of 97.3, Wiko du Toit 93.0, Bella Gauld 92.2, Phil Luke 92.1 and Matthew Canlas 91.3.

Grading returns are due now – please ensure yours is completed and emailed to me by next Monday 10 October.  It is the responsibility of every shooter to complete a grading return each season, regardless of whether or not they intend to continue shooting the following year.  The club return can only be compiled once every member has sent through their individual return, so please action this promptly.

Next Sunday is our final shooting week this season, a chance to fill in any gaps you may have on the scoreboard.  Our graded champions will then compete against other clubs’ graded champions on Wednesday 12 October in the WSRA Champion of Champions match.

If you have not yet ordered tickets for the WSRA prizegiving dinner and wish to attend, please email me this week or add your name to the list at the club on Sunday.  This is a great event in which we can relax and celebrate the achievements of Wellington shooters and clubs throughout the season.  Tickets are $35 each and family members are welcome to attend.  The two-course catered dinner is being held at the Royal Tiger range on Saturday 15 October at 6pm.

Our annual club prizegiving and barbecue will be held at Craig Fair’s house from 4.30pm on Sunday 16 October.

Summer shooting is available each Monday from 14 November.  This is run by Wellington Association with all profits going back to the Association.  If you are using club equipment and keen to continue shooting through the summer, please contact Craig Fair.  Alternatively you might like to try outdoor 50m shooting, held each Saturday morning from 9am to 12.30pm at the Allen Range, Dante Road, Trentham (contact David Grain) for more details.  The outdoor season will get underway on Saturday 8 October.

Upcoming events:

·         Saturday 8 October, outdoor 50m shooting, 9am, Allen Range, Dante Road, Trentham.

·         Monday 10 October, deadline for completed grading returns.

·         Wednesday 12 October, 8.00pm, WSRA Champion of Champions match.

·         Saturday 15 October, 6.30pm, WSRA dinner and awards night, $35 each.

·         Sunday 16 October, 4.30pm, BSRC prizegiving and barbecue.