Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 27
4 RANGER
CLAYS, CARPENTERS AND A
BRIEF ESCAPE FROM OUTLOOK
Once in a blue moon, when the Outlook inbox
is quiet, the phone remains silent and no new
crises emerge, the Chief of Staff and Adjutant
are afforded the rare privilege of a day away
from headquarters. Thankfully, on a beautiful
spring day in April, The Worshipful Company
of Carpenters provided Major Crossley and
me with exactly that opportunity.
We were invited to attend their annual
Livery Clay Pigeon Shoot as guests. Leaving
behind the glow of Outlook and the constant
battle with meetings and staffing actions, we
headed for the countryside.
It quickly became apparent that we
were among individuals considerably more
proficient with a shotgun than either of us.
While some competitors dispatched clays with
impressive efficiency, Major Crossley and I took
a more measured approach, ensuring a healthy
proportion survived the day unscathed.
Despite our mixed marksmanship, the event
proved outstanding. The hospitality provided
by the Carpenters was exceptional, and the
opportunity to engage with members of one
of the City’s historic Livery Companies was
both enjoyable and fascinating. As the day
progressed, stories of spectacular shots became
increasingly ambitious, while memories of
missed targets became ever more selective.
Whether discussing Company traditions
over lunch or searching for the whereabouts
of a missed clay, the atmosphere remained
warm, welcoming and good-humoured
Once in a
blue moon,
when the
Outlook
inbox is
quiet…
A gentleman’s sport’s afternoon
throughout. By the end of the day, while
neither of us were expecting calls from Team
GB shooting coaches, we had thoroughly
enjoyed ourselves and were extremely grateful
for the invitation.
Our sincere thanks go to The Worshipful
Company of Carpenters for their generous
hospitality and for providing a rare and muchappreciated escape from the headquarters
routine. We returned refreshed, reinvigorated
and, most importantly, to only a moderately
increased number of emails awaiting our
attention.
We are pleased to report that Corporals
Josh Yates and Tom Kempster fared
considerably better at the Livery’s Gold Day at
the RAC Golf Club in Epsom.
Capt T. Rice
Tom, newly made
Liveryman and former
Green Jacket
An amazing daty on the green
The Adjt just happy to be outside again
RIFLES The Bugle 27
