This Is Guernsey

By Aaron Scoones

Island shooting clubs are joining together to resurrect the Guernsey Shooting Federation. The federation collapsed about five years ago.

But under the stewardship of the Guernsey Clay Target Shooting Club Club president, Mick Le Pelley, representatives from the island’s different shooting disciplines met at La Villette Hotel with a view to securing greater co-operation.

‘We had an initial meeting and everyone is keen,’ said Le Pelley.

‘Twenty-two people turned up from all the shooting factions and we’re now going to come up with a constitution and actually set it up in the new year. I’m really pleased that there was so much interest.’

Le Pelley said the reason why the federation has started afresh is a case of strength in numbers.

‘We’re looking to push shooting in general and to address any issues that come up,’ he said.

‘We’ve informed the police firearms and they are interested that we’re forming a body. They can now address one body instead of all the bodies.’

The Federation also has plans of organising shooting festivals in the future.

Former deputy Roger Berry chaired the inaugural meeting and, according to Le Pelley, will guide the organisation for the next year.

A committee will be formed with representatives from the various shooting disciplines.

The groups that are involved include the four clay shooting clubs, the full-bore and small-bore rifle set ups, the island’s shooting conservation society and the air weapon organisations.

Elizabeth College Cadets have also shown an interest and the island’s archery club, the Bowmen of Guernsey, were asked to be on board as well, ‘because their sport is very similar to ours,’ said Le Pelley.