The Inter-Livery Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition

Since 1993 the event, in its current format, has been organised by the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners and takes place on a Wednesday in May at The Holland and Holland Shooting Grounds in Northwood, Middlesex. The idea for an inter-livery competition originated in the early 1980s with the Worshipful Company of Basket Makers, however, after a faltering start it was resurrected in 1991 by the Worshipful Company of Environmental Cleaners. Whilst in 1991 just 25 participants took part in the event, in recent years the number of individual shots has risen to as many as 420 individuals.

The competition annually raises thousands of pounds for charity and enjoys the support of The Lord Mayor of the City of London. Each year, besides contributing £1000 to that year’s Lord Mayor’s charity, cash prizes are also awarded to the winner of each of as many as 12 separate classes for donation to a charity of the winner’s choice. Over £80,000 has been raised for charity in the first 15 years of competition.

The format for the day is, typically, registration and breakfast from 7.30am with the commencement of shooting at 8.30am. Shooting at two identical ten stand courses plus a ‘flush’ continues through to an excellent buffet lunch, including a hog roast, which is served from 12.30pm onwards. Prize giving and a raffle take place at 3.30pm.

The day is expertly organised with minimal delay at stands. The Shooting Society has a tradition of welcoming guests as team members. The individual fee for entry to the 2008 Competition was £145.00. The cost to non shooters was £45.00.