On Saturday, May 27th, 2023, something exciting happened for the Provincial Clay Shooting Team! They warmly welcomed their fellow brethren from the province, along with their families and friends, to experience the thrill of this wonderful sport.

Clay Target shooting is a fantastic activity that can be enjoyed by almost anyone, thanks to the wide range of shotguns available and the various shooting styles. No matter your preference, there’s a style that suits everyone’s taste.

This special day saw an impressive turnout, with brethren coming from all corners of the province, accompanied by their families. It’s worth noting that all masonic competitions happily accommodate not only the gentlemen but also the ladies and even the younger siblings, or “colts.”

It’s fantastic to see the popularity of clay shooting growing within masonic circles. The National Masonic Clay Shooting Society now boasts an impressive membership of 32 provinces. These provinces eagerly compete against each other in exhilarating inter-provincial shoots. Furthermore, there’s an annual national championship that takes place in a different province each year, adding even more excitement to the mix.

During the Try It Day, the participants were divided into squads and started off with an important safety briefing led by the club chairman, Bernie Connolly. It was crucial to ensure that everyone was aware of the necessary precautions and guidelines.

After the safety briefing, the real fun began as the participants made their way to various shooting stands. From these stands, clay targets were launched in different directions—some flying from left to right, others coming towards the shooters, and some moving away from them. These clay targets, with a diameter of approximately 150mm, imitate the flight of game. Traveling at speeds ranging from 4 to 8 miles per hour, these discs challenge the shooters’ skills and accuracy.

As the day progressed, something magical started happening. The participants began to gain confidence and successfully hit their targets, breaking the clays with their well-aimed shots. The atmosphere was filled with joy and excitement as their colleagues cheered and applauded each improvement. Smiles lit up the faces of those attending, capturing the satisfaction of mastering the sport and witnessing progress first hand.

It was truly a heart warming sight to see the camaraderie and support among the participants as they celebrated each other’s successes. The Try It Day proved to be an excellent opportunity for everyone to not only experience the thrill of clay shooting but also to bond with their fellow brethren and their families in a friendly and encouraging environment.

For the past 15 years, the East Kent club has been actively involved in promoting clay shooting within the fraternity while also raising a substantial amount of money for charitable causes. Their efforts have not only contributed to the world of clay shooting but have also helped shine a light on the principles and values of Freemasonry.

Interestingly, the club has witnessed the conversion of several shooters who have become freemasons themselves. It’s a testament to the shared interests and connections that can be formed through the world of clay shooting and the fraternity.

It’s worth noting that the East Kent club, along with all provincial shooting clubs, associations, and societies, warmly welcomes women and juniors into their fold. They recognise the importance of inclusivity and have established categories in their competitions that cater to participants of all backgrounds and ages. If there are any wives, partners, family members, or juniors who are interested in exploring the sport of clay shooting, the club encourages them to reach out. They are more than willing to offer guidance and support to newcomers, ensuring a smooth introduction to the sport wherever possible. Details below.

In essence, the East Kent club, as well as other provincial shooting clubs, associations, and societies, are dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Their aim is to not only promote the joy of clay shooting but also to provide opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to engage in the sport and be part of a vibrant community.

East Kent Clays recently help donate a “Cold Cot” to an amazing charity, “Abigals Footsteps”, to read about this amazing achievement, follow the link. https://eastkentfreemasons.org/cold-cot-donation/

To find out more information about the East Kent Clays and Clay Shooting within Freemasonry, have a llok at the National Association of Masonic Clay Shooting. https://namcss.org

If you have an interest in Clay Shooting or would like to know more, contact Roger, details below.

Contact Roger Wilkes at  eastkentclays@gmail.com or 07768 123449