Behind the Scenes

The venue for the second GP of 2009 was my home club Millride. Here is a look at behind the scenes to offer some insight into what it takes to put on an FT GP.
It started some weeks ago with a few work parties to determine where the first 28 targets would go. Paint marked the spots, new brackets were fixed and lines of sight were cut. A meeting established what new equipment was required and it was Dave Pitt who set about purchasing rope, paint, whistles, stakes, gazebo, nails, cable ties etc. Well done Dave!

On the Saturday before the event it began with the shooting line and then the targets were positioned, strings attached and sight lines cleared; the amount of spring growth was incredible but by lunch time 28 targets were in position and ready for action. A short respite whilst the rain came down and we moved to the wood. This is our usual shooting area so needed less preparation, it was here that we could position some high targets so ladder work was required. The numbers that adorned each target and lane were the work of Daz Tomes! With the wood complete it was off home for food a quick beer and an early night.
Dawn signalled the start of the shoot day and very soon after we assembled for business. Check the targets, the line, the numbers, assemble the gazebo, position the chrono, check for loo roll, put out signs, put out the plinkers, clocks on each lane, measure and stake out the silhouettes and there were 150+ cards to hand out; thanks to Sam!
A few competitors chose to walk the course. Here Dave Schofield offers Phil and Greg some pointed advice!
All was now ready and after a few words from our Chairman, Ian Stoddart, the GP was underway.
One thing out of our control was the weather and it was foul. Strong wind was only interrupted by gale force wind and horizontal rain. Check out Phil Tetstall's windicator!
The conditions were by far the worse I have experienced and even the best were finding it tricky; his words were not printable!
Dave tries to read that wind ...and Paula looks to be reading a book!
I watched Tony Fouracres have a real mare in the field but he kept smiling and recovered to score 29.
Inevitably when it seems impossible to most some manage to produce high scores. Neale Marklew from Far Coley posted an impressive 38 and James Woodhead went one better with 39.
I marshalled the morning session and watched many shaken heads as targets remained upright but I remained optimistic that when it was my turn things would go okay!
With freshly painted targets the afternoon session began. I was on lane 1 with Mark "Berty" Bassett and Rich Chasemore. I watched Berty miss the first pair but was still convinced I'd manage; how wrong I was. Those first two misses were the only I saw in the field and after 20 targets only 6 had bit the dust. The wood brought some welcome relief and a few more fell over including this one which would later bring unexpected reward!
The afternoon round was complete but the work was far from over. The targets came in quickly; I saw these and thought about stamping on them.
Many hands had worked hard in preparing for this event but two people deserve a particular mention. John "Jonta" Cox and Darren Tomes for their tireless work and innovative thinking.

Whilst the hustle of work continued there was need for a shoot-off in A grade. Mark Charlton secured his second win of the season with a fine kneeling shot on target 34; hard luck to Michael C Cotter. Well done Mark!
So GP2 was over and a victory for James Woodhead. His 39 was not threatened in the afternoon that is except for one man, Marc Fisher, who scored 37 with a springer!!

Despite the weather it was a great experience that left us all tired yet satisfied. Finally me, Roy and Greg shared a shandy in the Parkbrook contemplating our poor scores but still keenly awaiting Iceni!