News 2010
Whitehaven Shootings  The Club was contacted by the BBC to comment on shotgun licenses in the aftermath of the tragic shootings in Cumbria . Ken Pritchard volunteered to be interviewed live in which he addressed the question of the process for obtaining a shotgun / firearms license and the discipline expected of license holders , the need to meet storage requirements and to pass a CRB check ; etc. A point was raised about any connection between GP's and the police to which the only reply possible was there appeared to be no real process after the license has been granted . Ken commented that in his view it would be a good idea , subject to the problem of privacy laws and client confidentiality ( which in such circumstances of public interest he disagrees should interfere therewith ) , for this to be reviewed whereby if a GP becomes aware of psychological issues they can contact the police with a view to temporary removal of the guns to protect the license holder and the public .     Ken followed the debate and further commented in email to the program which was read out :   Callers comments are largely centred around "licensed" gun users ; the unfortunate fact of our modern world is that unlicensed , illegal guns are readily available and used by drug dealers , gang members , etc.  - these are the real "mental" cases ; not the shooter who wants and agrees to be monitored by the police . I think this is a far more serious issue and there are significantly more people killed over the last 10 years by illegal guns yet no real debate on this bigger issue .   Secondly , a caller suggested that all license holders be forced to become members of clubs . This may help as you can at the moment obtain your license and shoot on approved grounds or rough shoot with land owners permission without being a member of a Club who may provide further safety guidance as part of their operation . However , the caller went on to say that all the guns should then be left at the Club premises . Premises that will typically be unattended overnight ; will have hundred of guns in one location which will invariably be in a quiet rural area with easy access for thieves . I don't think this is practical at all . At home they will be in a specific approved gun cabinet ; ammunition will be stored in a separate safe location and it will be monitored by the police on renewal of licenses ; etc .   One caller suggested that to own a gun you have to have a mental condition . It is a sport with hundreds of thousands of participants . If we are all mental then the country has a huge problem as members range from all backgrounds but typically including doctors ; police officers ; solicitors ; accountants ( myself ) ; justices of the peace , lord mayors ; etc . etc. i.e some of the pillars of society must all be mental ?     Adrian Pope Hits 74 Out Of 75 Well Done Adrian April 18th 2010 Adrian Pope warmed up before representing Warwickshire on Sunday afternoon by shooting an incredible 74 out of 75 at Sutton gun club.     News 2009 John Russell  It is with great sadness that we recorded the passing of John Russell and as a mark of respect the Club held a minute's silence in his remembrance on Sunday 6th December. 2009 On January the 10th 2010 the Club contributed the raffle takings and a total of £235.00 was collected for a donation to Cancer Research in memory of John.     Andy Russell thanked everyone for their kind contributions.    If any member not in attendance wishes to make a contribution; which is going to Cancer Research; then please forward to Ken Pritchard or Les Allott.
Chairman’s Report - December 2009   COMMITTEE   After surviving an initial year as Chairman, the remaining members of the committee and I are offering ourselves for re-election for the coming year.  As you will all know the committee comprises of myself the chairman Alan Kyte, Winston Chambers as vice chairman, Ken Pritchard as treasurer, Martin Morris, Alan Shelley, Paul Beaumont and Hayley Morris continuing in her role as club secretary.   HENRY HILL CHARITY CUP   This trophy continues to prove very popular and all monies raised from this year’s shoot have been donated for 2009 to the Children’s Acorn Trust.  The suggested charity to be supported for 2010 are the Macmillan Nurses.   SPONSORS   Once again many thanks to all our sponsors throughout 2009.  Your continued support is vital to the club, we hope that as many of you as possible will continue your support for 2010.  Any additional sponsors are always appreciated, so please liaise with Hayley to arrange mutually suitable dates, and then attend with your prizes on the day indicating how you wish the prizes to be awarded.  If you so wish to have some input to the layout of your sponsored shoot please be sure to attend by 8am at the latest on your verified date.   SHOOT ROTAS   This bring us onto this subject, as throughout 2009 the current rota system has worked well, however there are always plenty of opportunity for members to form teams and help to lessen the work load.  The set up being a vital function with in the club and can be most rewarding, so if anyone is interested in helping out, please contact one of the committee members for assistance.                   MOST IMPROVED SHOT   The year the award goes to Graham Cotton and Jack Kaminski. Who have both been consistent in improving their scores throughout the year.  SO CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU TWO!!!   WEDNESDAY NIGHT SHOOT   These have once more proved very popular throughout the summer and this is virtually all down to the efforts of Nick Baines who was ably assisted by Roger Strange.  Once again MANY THANKS to you both for your time and effort, it’s appreciated.   CARTRIDGES   Our arrangement with LyalVale Express to supply us with cartridges at favourable prices is proving to be very popular with you all and sales are steadily rising.   MEMBERSHIP   Membership remains healthy, currently running at 104, with regular Sunday shoots numbering in excess of 40 guns.  A number of new members having joined this year are largely due to Alex Gobran’s excellent Web Site.   UNPAID HELP   This has to be one of the main ingredients in the successful year we have had during these times of recession.  I would therefore like to take this opportunity to THANK YOU all and you know fully who you are, for your time and efforts given for our mutual benefit.   Finally I would just like to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!   Alan Kyte   Chairman   1st December 2009
Jack Pope Wins The English Open
Well Done Jack May 10th 2009 The club is proud to congratulate Jack on his achievement. The English Open was held at High Lodge, Suffolk. Jack won the "B" class with 83 out of 100 by 3 clear shots, and came 3rd overall (all classes) in the Junior rankings, which is up to 21 years old; and he is not yet 17.
News 2008
Chairman’s Report - December 2008   Committee   Most members will know that I will be standing down as Chairman at the AGM after 3 years in office. For next year the remaining members of the current committee namely Winston Chambers (Vice Chairman), Ken Pritchard (Treasurer), Martin Morris, Alan Shelley, Paul Beaumont, are offering themselves for re-election. Ken has agreed to continue as treasurer and Hayley Morris as Secretary. It has become a convention of the last 10 years or so that it falls on the outgoing Chairman to seek out a member who will take office. I am pleased to say that Alan Kyte has agreed to become Chairman and is formally nominated by the committee for election at the AGM, in the absence of any other nominations made in accordance with the Club Rules and Regulations. I would like to say thank you to all members especially Nick Baines for all the help and support I have had over the last 3 years.   Henry Hill Charity Cup   This has become a most popular trophy with all donations going to a charity, voted for at the AGM. Anne Hill has presented the trophy which makes it that more special. This year’s suggested charity was a favourite of Henry’s; Acorns.   Sponsors   Thank you to all the kind people who have sponsored the shoots this year. As you are all aware the system of sponsoring a shoot has changed and has worked very well indeed. So if you would like to sponsor a shoot speak to Hayley, pick a date and turn up with a prize or prizes. All we ask is that before shooting starts you write on the board how you intend to award prize(s) and if you want to have input into the setup please arrive no later than 8 am.   Most Improved Shoot   This year’s award goes to a relatively new member, Scott Bayliss. Scott shoots with us on a regular basis and has continued to improve, which his scores have shown, well done Scott.   Trophies   With the donation of a very nice trophy cabinet (thank you Hayley Morris) all trophies are to be returned and kept at the Club. The future winners will now receive an engraved cut glass crystal glass; very nice they are too.   Shoot Rota   In the New Year Kris Bache and myself will be standing down from setting up. This will leave 2 teams of Ken Ratcliffe and his boys and Murray Smith. It would be ideal to have another 2 teams. This is the most difficult job at the Club but can be the most rewarding. So anyone interested please see a committee member.   Wednesday Night Shoots   We had a few cancelled nights due to poor weather but in general were quite successful. Nick Baines again doing a marvellous job but mostly on his own. This cannot continue relying on a couple of people if these Wednesday nights are to continue; perhaps a different system could be put in place. Numbers were down, another issue to be addressed. Members ideas and input would be appreciated.   Web Site   Our web site is working very well with the help of Alex Gobran. Could all members give your email details to Hayley as email is quicker and cheaper to operate. Most of our interest and new members have come via the web.   I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.   Paul Fletcher   Chairman   10th December 2008.
Club News - May 2008    Improvements   The fully electronic radio controlled layout for the Compact has now been commissioned and will be available on Wednesday evenings from May to August.  The new radio controlled facility means that we now have a two person flush on the Compact layout which will be available on Sundays and by request on Wednesday evenings.  On Sundays this will be available in parallel with the 75 bird sporting layout as required.   The club have also purchased a new Promatic sporting double trap in the club’s continuing quest to remain as the premier private members club in the area.  This new trap will enhance considerably the sporting layouts on a Sunday providing a variety of targets from double springing Teal to driven Grouse.  A new challenge to be undertaken.   Other News   The club in line with the national trends is seeing a small decline in the number of shooters probably caused by the economic climate, the increasing cost of cartridges and fuel putting shooting into the top luxury bracket for some members.  Let us hope that things will get better in the coming months and we shall see the number of competitors rising again when the warm summer days arrive.  The club continues to attract new members and is in a sound position providing excellent shooting across a range of disciplines each week.
Chairman’s Report - December 2007    Henry Hill Charity Cup   After the very sad loss of Henry this year the club set up the Charity Cup in memory of Henry and every year we will select a charity at the AGM. All proceeds from the raffle and donations on the day from members if they wish along with a donation from the club. The two charities to vote for at the AGM will be Macmillan Nurses and St Giles Hospice. Our thoughts are with Ann Henrys wife and son James.   Sponsors   The committee has decided to alter the formula for sponsorship. The club used to take a £50.00 payment from the sponsor this will be altered to no payment. We want now to encourage more sponsors which will hopefully increase shoot entries; all we ask is for prizes for shoot winner(s) on the day. Thank you to all the sponsors for the last year please phone Heidi the club secretary to arrange another date.   Most Improved Shoot   This year this prestigious trophy goes to Greg Hope, Greg joined the club around six months ago and his shooting has improved every week, so well done Greg.   Membership   Our membership has increased again this year with the new members shooting most weeks, welcome to you all.   Unpaid Help   This one to me is the nucleus of any good club and Sutton Gun Club is very lucky. I will not remember all who help but you only need to see what we pay out and what is done around the club to realise the club saves a lot of money, without their efforts the committee’s job would be very hard. Nick Baines, Sid Kilroy, Alan Shelley, Martin Morris, Alex Gobran, Mike Davis, Ken Pritchard, Ken Ratcliffe and his mad team, the committee as a whole, Thanks.   Cartridges   The Club will now be supplying cartridges. Because of the cost of cartridges increasing all the time we thought it was time the club made arrangements to purchase from a direct source, passing on the good price to our members. Whatever the cost of a thousand, the club will add a small handling charge. The supplier we will be using is Express. Anyone interested speak to myself or Les for prices. A notice will be displayed in the club house for future reference.   Wednesday Night Shoots   Another profitable year. Many thanks from the club to Nick Baines for all his hard work on the setting up, and was very happy nobody shot all 25 of his setups. See Nick if you wish to help next year.   Secretary      Carol Mason stepped down this year after years of great service to the club so many thanks to Carol.   Honorary Membership   The committee proposes to introduce honorary membership to members who are 65 years of age or more and been a member 25 years or more.   Committee   I will be standing for one more year as Chairman and the following will continue on the committee, W. Chambers (Vice Chairman), Ken Pritchard (Treasurer), Martin Morris, Alan Shelley, Paul Beaumont, Murray Smith and Heidi Morris (Secretary).   If I have forgotten anyone I’m very sorry, but do have a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.   Paul Fletcher   Chairman   18th December 2007.
Club News - November 2007 Welcome All new members - Enjoy your shooting. Treasurer Alex Gobran leaves the post of Treasurer. A huge thank you to Alex for all his efforts. Alex will continue to run the website so anything you would like to discuss & suggest please give him a call, just don’t ask him to drive a mini bus!! New officers to the club We now have a new Treasurer he is Ken Pritchard and would welcome any shooting tips!!  We also have a new Secretary in Heidi Morris, and yes she is Martin’s daughter but thankfully for her & us she doesn’t look like him. Sponsors   The Club has a good history of kind sponsors so if anyone interested old and new members see Paul Fletcher. Shoot Rota For various reasons we have worn out some of our Set up teams, so we would welcome some new blood to give it a go, stab proof vests will be provided. Trophies All winners are kindly reminded that when you take your trophy home you are responsible for it’s condition & well being, this is to be brought back on time the following year. The trophies we have go back quite some years so it would be a shame to loose any of them. Also if anyone would like to donate a new trophy named after yourself or your company to be shot for every year see Paul Fletcher. Breakfast Some will have noticed our new 50 year old Chef, his name is Chris and cooks a fine sarni at very agreeable rates. He will be at he club most weeks.
Henry Hill  (1953 - 2007) RIP It is with great sadness that we record the tragic death of Henry Hill, a long term member of the club.  Henry has been battling multiple sclerosis for some years and died on 23rd May 2007.  He will be greatly missed at the gun club and it was most humbling to see Henry fighting his disabilities and still shooting most weeks even though he had difficulty walking.  Henry was one of life’s gentle people, was liked by everyone, always had a cheery word and could be seen encouraging the younger members of the club to improve their clay shooting.  His memory will live on and he will not be forgotten.  Our condolences go out to his wife Ann, his family and friends at this very sad time.   The funeral is at Sutton Coldfield Crematorium at 14.30 hours on Monday 4th June 2007.
Club News - July 2007 The handicap system at the gun club is interesting and believed to be unique.  All new members gain a handicap after three months membership based on their average score on sporting shoots which is subtracted from 75 (all sporting shoots are 75 birds) and the difference then halved.  The actual handicap for all members is shown on the results page of the web site.  The system has been in place for about three years and has provided a very fair system and caters for all levels of shooter.  We have had many different winners of trophies and prizes which encourages everyone to keep trying to improve their scores.  It is pleasing to see members shooting above their handicap and winning a prize.

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