The Cobb Europe Charity Shoot – now an established annual event in the UK poultry industry in aid of Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire – attracted a record turnout from across the sector.
Altogether 27 teams and 108 individuals competed for trophies at John Bidwell’s shooting grounds at High Lodge, Darsham, Suffolk. The all-day event is now in its seventh year.
“Each year, we have managed to increase attendance,” said John Vincent, Cobb Europe Director of Quality Assurance. “There was no lack of healthy competition and friendly rivalry between the teams and it was again a most enjoyable day – thanks to the hard work of many at Cobb and High Lodge who helped with the organisation.
“It has now become a well recognised industry event and the opportunities to network are there for everyone’s benefit. Of course, we’ll try to raise the bar again next year!”
The competition consisted of a 60-bird sporting layout, with 4, four man, 100 bird team flushes. John Bidwell added: “It was wonderful to host yet another successful Cobb charity shoot at High Lodge. I’m proud my team is able to help with these events and pleased to see the standard being raised every year.”
The scores were very close with the winning team for the fourth time Chapmans Shavings, with 332/400, with P D Hook second with 327/400 and ABN Bury St Edmunds third with 324/400. The winning individual, with 55/60 was Richard Newstead from ABN Walsingham, and with 51/60 Eric Chapman came in as runner-up.
Claire Beavis, of PD Hook, said: “The Cobb clay shoot was a thoroughly enjoyable day, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There was an excellent variety of clay traps and we were well fed and watered! It was a great opportunity to network with people throughout the industry and a great fund-raiser for charity. A very well organised day by all at Cobb!”