Friday 24th September 2021 marked our third Annual Clay Pigeon Flush day at Pennsport Shooting School, in the stunning Berkshire countryside. After many weeks of uncertain weather, guests arrived in high spirits with the forecast of a sunny day ahead.
Following a hearty breakfast, the school’s founder, Nick Penn, who has tutored a variety of clientele including HRH Prince Charles, led an introduction before teams were paired up and readied for the off. Eager to begin, our twelve teams set off to compete for the top spot at each of the eight stands, including the notorious ‘In the Heavens’ which saw shooters aiming up into the clear blue skies. With both experienced shooters and those new to the sport performing particularly well, contention for first place continued right up to the last shot.
By the time the teams made it back to the marquee, the whole area was bathed in the warm glow of September sunshine. Attendees handed in their scorecards and gathered outside to enjoy a well-deserved drink. Bel & the Dragon served up a delicious BBQ lunch with colourful salads. As everyone finished their first course, a cheese board was prepared.
Throughout the day, guests were offered an additional chance at being a victor as they purchased tickets for our raffle with three large Fortnum & Masons hampers up for grabs.
Following lunch, the charity’s founder, David Nicholls retold the story of his son Daniel’s accident and updated guests on the important work the charity funds. nsif’s Charlotte Mitchell thanked guests for their participation, before our live auctioneer, Nick Bonham of the famous auction house family, kicked off proceedings. Twelve generously donated lots were presented, including: a training session for twenty people at a Premiership Rugby club, a four-course dinner for six with wine pairing at the Michelin-starred restaurant The Waterside Inn, a wine weekend with Willi Opitz in Austria, a shoot day for eight at one of Wiltshire’s finest schools, Prescombe, two rods on the famous Bagnor Estate Chalk Stream with dinner for six at The Woodspeen, and three nights at the Mandarin Oriental Geneva
Spirits were high throughout the day as people mingled in the sunshine. To top it off the event raised almost £30,000 of which will go towards vital SCI research.
A very special thank you to all in attendance and especially to Helen Storey, Alastair Storey, Nick Penn & team, Nick Bonham, the Bel & the Dragon team, those who contributed to the day, and everyone that supported the event. Your support helped make the day a success and helped raise funds for ground-breaking work into changing the future of spinal cord injury.
