Latest News from the The Schools Challenge
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14 Jan 10 - January's 2010 Best Buy's!
Last Chance to buy NEW guns at OLD prices and NO VAT increase!
Browning 525 Sporter grade 2.5 30" m/c only 5 available New £1100
Browning 525 Classic Game 28 & 30" m/c, Left handed also at same price New £1250
Browning 525 Classic Sporter 28 & 30" Left handed as well New £1399
14 Jan 10 - SNOW 2010!
SNOW 2010!!
Due to the snow this January lots of customers were disappointed that they could not get to our annual SALE.
So we will leave our SALE prices the same on clothing & guns until the end of January 2010 so you will not only save on the price but also on the VAT as well!
13 Jan 10 - TSC 2010 Entry Form, rules, newsletter - book early!
The 2010 Schools Challenge Entry Form is now available for download
as an Adobe Acrobat 
pdf file.
Download the Entry Form for 2010. (380kb)
Please take a moment to read carefully the
Rules and Conditions for 2010 (180kb).
NB:- There have been a few changes, so please do have a read
The new Newsletter is also now available for download:-
Newsletter - January 2010 (250kb).
You can download Adobe Reader here:-
23 Dec 09 - Schools Challenge dates announced for 2010!
We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2010 Schools Challenge events!
10 Aug 09 - TSC Young Shots Game Day - 17th and 18th December 2009
NB:- DATES CHANGED to 17th/18th December 2009
The game day which has been running for 3 years has been one of the most successful events in the Schools Challenge calendar.
This is a TWO day package:-
The FIRST DAY is at our shooting grounds with our professional shooting instructors, and they will teach you the etiquette of game shooting as well as how a day’s game shooting works. This day will start at 9:30 and finish at approximately 4:30 with a talk about game shooting at the end.
The SECOND DAY is at Waddesdon Manor Estate, Buckinghamshire. This is a charming shoot set in undulating countryside with beautiful scenery and woodland, which we feel is an excellent example of a professionally run game shoot. You will have the opportunity to shoot 3 drives, beat 3 drives and pick up 3 drives, giving you the chance to see exactly how the shoot works. We'll shoot 3 drives then a break for sausages and soup, followed by 3 more drives, a break for lunch on the shoot, followed by 3 more drives in the afternoon, finishing at approx. 5:00pm.
This package is a special price of only £229 all inclusive, and is open to boys and girls aged under 21, that have a basic shooting ability.
Places are limited - to book yours, ring David or Nicky on 01844 238 308 or to see more young shots info check out the home page at www.theschoolschallenge.co.uk
This event is kindly sponsored by:-
Browning, Express Cartridges,
Stratstone Land Rover Cheltenham,
The Shooting Gazette Magazine
01 Aug 09 - New Schools Challenge magazine articles
We've been featured in a number of magazines recently, and thought you might like to have a read, and maybe see yourself in a picture? Some of our winners have been featured, and there's some great info about what we've been doing.
You'll find copies here:- link to reports page
25 May 09 - TSC Bredon 2009 Results and Newsletter
The 2009 Schools Challenge at Bredon Newsletter and Results page is now published.
25 May 09 - Young Shots Days - August 2009
Following the success of previous events, The Schools Challenge is repeating its very popular Young Shots Days...
Summer Holiday Young Shots Days.
For only £99 all inclusive - All at our famous shooting school in Oxford!!!
These days are run for youngsters to improve their shooting under the expert guidance of the Oxford Gun Company instructors. Tailored for minimum groups of six, we assess each individual's level of shooting and work with them throughout the day to improve their skills and have a fun day out. For Only £99 all inclusive
These days are available on a first come first served basis.
- Tuesday 4th August 9:30am-4:30pm
- Thursday 6th August 9:30am-4:30pm
- Tuesday 11th August 9:30am-4:30pm
- Tuesday 18th August 9:30am-4:30pm
(This day will be tailored for game shooting for the coming season)
For more information or to book your space
CONTACT US
19 May 09 - Toggi Leather Boots Just Arrived!
We are now stocking Toggi Leather Country Boots.
Hamilton Knee length boot with combination leather upper & waterproof membrane. TR rubber sole unit with removable foot bed. In Dark Copper & Light Tan sizes 36-46
Houston Ladies knee length boot with combination leather upper & waterproof membrane, elasticated leather covered gusset. TR rubber sole unit with removable foot bed. In Chestnut/ Brown sizes 37-42
Coloumbus Calf length waterproof country boot. Crazy horse and tumbled leather upper with Cordura gaiter. Waterproof membrane, thermo rubber sole unit with removable footbed. In Dark Copper & Light Tan sizes 36-46
07 May 09 - TSC Bredon 2009 - photos now available
A selection of photos from the 2009 The Schools Challenge at Bredon are now available to be viewed and purchased on the Photo Eventers website.
You'll find the link in our photo gallery
22 Apr 09 - Bredon Schools Challenge - entries on the day!
Bredon - The Schools Challenge - 3rd May 2009
We've received a fantastic number of entries for The Schools Challenge at Bredon School this year.
See our future events page for more details:- Future Events
The shoot will start at 10am, and last entries will be at 3pm. Due to the response we've had this year, we've now got extra staff involved, and hence we can now take entries on the day - but those who've pre-booked will be given preference. When you've finished your round, you can shoot the course again for £10 for fun! Also, Mums and Dads can shoot for fun for £10 too, so get them to bring their guns with them and see if they can do better on the same targets!
We'll also have The Browning Rabbit Mania with the first prize of a Browning worth £1,500 - this is a re-entry shoot, so you can keep trying to improve your score!
There'll also be the Webley & Scott pool shoot.
If you require any more information please ring:
Oxford Gun Co:- 01844 238 308
David Florent:- 07860 271107
Dan Martin:- 07921 951477
We all look forward to seeing you all there and remember we have the Bredon Fete the next day!
12 Apr 09 - TSC Oxford 2009 - photos now available
A selection of photos are now available from the 2009 The Schools Challenge.
You'll find them in our photo gallery
22 Mar 09 - Bredon Fete & Country Fair details
Monday 4th May 2009, Bredon School, Tewkesbury
Bredon Fete & Country Fair is being held on Monday 4th May 2009, at Bredon School near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.
This is a great day out for all the family, and The Schools Challenge will be there in association with Prescott Shooting - check out the poster for more details of the £1,900 worth of prizes, and lots more info about the day...
The poster is available as an Adobe Acrobat pdf file.
Download the poster/details. (390kb)
You can download Adobe Reader here:-
22 Mar 09 - TSC March 2009 Newsletter
The March 2009 Schools Challenge Newsletter is now published, available as an Adobe Acrobat pdf file.
Download the newsletter here. (339kb)
You can download Adobe Reader here:-
19 Mar 09 - Schools Challenge 2009 - RESULTS published
The result from the 2009 Schools Challenge are now published. Photos and the latest newsletter will follow shortly.
24 Feb 09 - Rules and Conditions published - PLEASE READ!
The rules and conditions for competing in The Schools Challenge 2009 have now been published.
Please take a moment to read them, to ensure you comply before the day, and will have all safety equipment with you and understand what you must do to compete safely and fairly in this year's Schools Challenge!
We're looking forward to seeing many of you on 11th March!
10 Feb 09 - Easter Young Shots and Experience Days - dates...
We are pleased to announce the dates for the Easter Holidays Young Guns Days!
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Young Shots Day - £110 | 7th April 2009 |
| Young Shots Day - £110 | 14th April 2009 |
| Country Sports Experience Day for newcomers to the sport - £95 | 16th April 2009 |
We do hope you'll be able to join us in 2009 - do get in touch to book your place, or for further information. Do book early to avoid disappointment...
12 Jan 09 - TSC 2009 Entry Form - book early!
The 2009 Schools Challenge Entry Form is now available for download as an Adobe Acrobat pdf file.
Download the Entry Form for 2009. (78kb)
You can download Adobe Reader here:-
12 Jan 09 - Schools Challenge Newsletter
The 2009 Schools Challenge Newsletter is now published, available as an Adobe Acrobat pdf file.
Download the newsletter here. (78kb)
You can download Adobe Reader here:-
19 Dec 08 - Young Shots Game Day - photos available shortly
This year's Schools Challenge Young Shots' Game Day was again a huge success, with over 20 boys and girls taking part, and having a great day.
Photos from the day will be available shortly on Don Brunt's www.doublebarrelledpicturecompany.co.uk website.
The Double Barrelled Picture Company specialises in shoot related photography and is recognised as a leader in the field. Whether you are booking a corporate clay day or a day's driven pheasant shooting, Double Barrelled will ensure you take away the memories of your day's sport. With various packages available to suit all pockets, clients can choose whether they want CD's of the day's images, prints or even personalised hard-bound coffee table style books.
05 Dec 08 - Young Shots' Game Day 15/16th Dec - LAST CHANCE to book...
The Young Shots' Game Day on 15th/16th December is almost fully booked, so do give David a ring NOW to book your place and avoid dissappointment.
More details can be found here
Ring David on 01844 238 308 for
further details, or to book your place.
03 Nov 08 - Schools Challenge dates announced for 2009!
We are pleased to announce the dates for the 2009 Schools Challenge!
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| The Schools Challenge at Oxford | Wed 11th Mar 2009 |
| The Schools Challenge at Bredon School | Sun 3rd May 2009 |
| Bredon Fete and Country Fair | Mon 4th May 2009 |
We do hope you'll be able to join us in 2009 - do get in touch to book your place, or further information. Do book early to avoid disappointment...
09 Oct 08 - Oxford Gun Special Autumn/ Winter Offers 2008
Electronic Ear Phones
Browning Electronic Ear Phones
RRP £120.00 Special price £75.00
Peltor Tactical Sport Electronic Ear Phones
RRP £145.00 Special price £99.00
Glen Troll Boots
Ideal whatever the weather!
BUY 1 GET ONE FREE
You pay £14.95 for one boot and get the other boot FREE!
09 Oct 08 - Oxford Gun Special Autumn/ Winter Offers 2008
Pigeon Carousel
2 Arm with speed control. A popular carousel with speed-control.
Foldable arms for easy transportation. Includes battery and wire, does not include pigeons.
09 Oct 08 - Oxford Gun Special Autumn/ Winter Offers
Deluxe Pigeon Hide
Collapsible camo hide with four sides and tough construction. Simple and quick to erect and move. Recommended by international wildfowel and pigeon shooters.
RRP £99.99 Special Price £69.99
23 Sep 08 - Young Shots Game Day 15th/16th Dec '08
We have lots of youngsters that have been shooting at our grounds for the past few years. Recently many have expressed an interest in game shooting - so we've decided to put a game shooting day together! But, not just 1 day, but a 2 day package!
The first day will be at our shooting grounds with our professional shooting instructors. They'll teach you the etiquette of game shooting and how to shoot game with the correct shooting style, as well as how a day’s game shooting works. This day will start at 9:30am and finish at approx. 4:30pm with a talk about game shooting at the end.
The second day will be at Waddesdon Manor Estate, Buckinghamshire. This is a charming shoot, set in undulating countryside with beautiful scenery and woodland which, we feel, is a good example of a professionally run game shoot. You will have the opportunity to shoot 3 drives, beat 3 drives and pick up 3 drives giving you the chance to see exactly how a shoot works. We will have 3 drives then a break for sausages and soup, followed by 3 more drives. Then lunch on the shoot and shoot some more drives. We'll finish at approximately 5:00pm.
This package is a special price of £229 (all inclusive.) It's open to boys and girls aged between 12 and 21 - but places are limited, so book your place early by ringing David on 01844 238 308
Visit The Schools Challenge homepage for more details of other events
20 Aug 08 - Ladies Day 2008
Wednesday 10th September 2008
9:30am – 4:30pm
Itinery
9:30am Arrive for tea, coffee and breakfast.
10:00am Choose teams of 5 ladies at random for the shoot. Shoot 50 sporting practice.
12:30pm Buffet lunch in “The Old Barn” and a chance to peruse clothing from major suppliers for 2007/2008 shooting fashions.
2:00pm Shooting competition in the same teams as the morning’s practice.
4:00pm Afternoon tea & prize giving in “The Old Barn”.
Scores from the competition are recorded and there are prizes to 5th place.
Cost £60 per person.
Fibre Wads ONLY please. The competition is open to individuals & groups.
Please call for an entry form or book in over the phone... it couldn't be simpler!
19 Jun 08 - Young Guns Summer Holiday Fun Days 2008
Full size poster here...
For The Young Shot - Mon 14th July & Tues 12th Aug.
This day will be aimed at young shots that are at a competent level but want to improve.
This day will start at about 9:30am with a brief introduction in the shop you will then shoot through the morning with a break for refreshments, lunch will be at approximately 1pm with an educational video which will be followed by an afternoon of more challenging Targets. Throughout the course we will work on improving your gun mounting, basic technique and different ways to hit those targets that get away!!! The day will then end at 4:30pm
All welcome open to ages 12 to 21. The day will cost you £110 per person all inclusive.
Country Sports Experience Day - Tues 19th Aug 2008
Why Not Try A Country Sport?
This day is a taster of clay shooting, Archery, air rifle shooting & Gun dog handling.
The day starts at 9:30am with an Introduction into shooting by one of our instructors. You will then experience half a day’s clay shooting (with a refreshment break half way through), lunch will be at approx. 1pm with an educational video which will be followed by an afternoon of archery and air rifle shooting. Finishing at approximately 5pm.
All welcome open to ages 12 to 21. The day will cost you £95 per person all inclusive.
Young Handlers Day - Tues 5th Aug.
This day is aimed at all youngsters who are interested in learning about how important a dog can be on a game shoot. Learning the basics from training to manners, picking up to beating.
Tha day starts at 9:30am with an introduction into gun dogs by your instructor followed by some hands on training, a break, more handling, then we will break for lunch. After lunch you will take part in a competition. All welcome open to ages 12 to 21. The day will cost you £70 per person all inclusive.
29 May 08 - Bredon 2008 Schools Challenge results and newsletter
The results and newsletter from the Bredon 2008 Schools Challenge are now available in the results section.
Bredon Results and Newsletter 2008
20 May 08 - Pigeon Shooters Bargain of the year!
A Classic Game 28" M/C, 3" chambers & steel proofed.
14 1/2" stock with a recoil pad for more comfort shooting on a summers evening. Matt finish barrels to reduce reflections.
This Gun is great value for money at £499.
With each gun you will get a FREE PIGEON HIDE
A pop up cave pigeon hide with a camo carrying back pack all for £499
This offer is very limited so you will have to be quick!
17 May 08 - Baby Booming at Oxford - an article by Don Brunt
Baby Booming at Oxford - an article by Don Brunt
The Oxford Gun Company’s Schools Challenge event continues to go from strength to strength. Now in its third year the event has become so popular that it was oversubscribed with some schools having to be turned away due to a lack of spaces, the 160 entries that did get in though were treated to an excellent competition that had that major event feel to it which can be so difficult to create.
David Florent is nothing if not determined and his tenacious approach to the event showed in the number of sponsors that turned out to both support it and donate prizes that wouldn’t have looked out of place at a shoot far bigger than this.
Nobody would deny the importance of getting youngsters involved in the Sport which guarantees its long term future, however school teams have a special contribution to make as many of those who shoot in such teams come from non shooting backgrounds. Many of the schools themselves have only recently introduced the sport to their curriculum and one can think of few better ways to raise the profile of the sport positively amongst the general public than having it supported by the education system.
The event itself is open to children from prep school age through to 6th formers and both in the individual and team events children were competing from different social and economic backgrounds, giving them a chance to meet and talk to people outside of their normal circles.
Shot over a 60 bird 8 stand course the Sporting layout had something for everyone and was not by any stretch of the imagination an easy round, Nick Hollick shot it and returned a score of 56 only five clear of the highest scoring child on the day. Shooting a double squadded morning and afternoon rotation it was always going to be a challenge to get everyone through on time but things went pretty much according to plan and the last shot on the sporting course was fired at around 5.00pm. With so many schools putting in teams it looked like Millfield, often on top at events like this were going to have to work hard for the win but as the scores were counted it looked as though this time they had been frozen out of the top 3. Bradfield College in fact took the last step of the podium just 5 clays adrift of runners up Wellington College whilst Old Swinford Hospital A team proved that state schools can beat the best of the Independent sector by a convincing margin of 12 targets.
Millfield though took their revenge in the form of their Ladies team who as usual shot very well to take the Ladies Team victory with a score of 163. They also managed to bag the Ladies individual win courtesy of Georgia Boscawen’s score of 43, five birds clear of Ruth Baver of Tudor hall who was in turn one clear of A Williams of Millfield.
In the Senior event it was Ben Bowley of Bradfield whose 49 gave him a winning margin of two from Seaford Colleges Chris Whittingham whilst Oliver wall of Kingsley College was a further clay adrift. Ben may have taken the honours in the Seniors event but Oliver Meekins 51 in the Prep School class must go down as the performance of the day. Keep an eye out for this young man; we may be seeing more of him in the pages of this magazine in the future if he continues to shoot like this.
The Florents are now looking forward to 2009 and scratching their heads as to how they can go one better than this year.
For more info visit:- www.theschoolschallenge.co.uk
17 May 08 - Schools graduate to Oxford - an article by Don Brunt
Schools graduate to Oxford - Don Brunt
Three years ago David Florent of the Oxford Gun Company started a small event called the schools challenge, it was designed to encourage the next generation of youngsters into the sport, to support them and to highlight the benefits of having shooting on the curriculum to schools. Today the Schools Challenge has become one of the leading lights on the school shooting calendar and this years event was in fact oversubscribed, over 160 entries from around the country took part competing as both individuals and teams, with ages ranging from prep school through to 6th form.
Of course it’s just another shoot and they do it solely for profit you might say but you get the feeling that it means more than that to David and the Florent family who put in a tremendous effort to make sure that the event gets bigger and better each year. For example the list of sponsors who donate prizes would look more appropriate for an English Open or other major than an inter schools shoot. In addition David has worked closely with Express to create a low recoil cartridge especially for use by youngsters and this Stealth load kills well enough that it has already straighted the 50 bird sporting at the ground.
The day of the competition itself dawned wet and grey but the high spirits of the arriving competitors were not dampened an iota and by 10.15 the first rotation of squads were out on the 8 stand 60 bird layout, it soon became clear that the next generation of shooters are no slouches when it comes to busting clays with some good scores emerging early on. Millfield School from Somerset have a habit of dominating such events and fielded a large contingent of shooters, however as their sunny afternoon round progressed it became apparent that this time the win would be beyond their grasp. In fact in the team event it was the A team from Old Swinford Hospital in the West midlands who took the win by a convincing 12 target margin from Wellington College while Bradfield College took third place. A consolation though was on the cards for Bradfield in the form of Ben Bowley who took victory in the Individual competition with a creditworthy 49 ex 60. Millfield managed to salvage a little pride thanks to the strong performance of Georgia Boscawen who shot her way to the top of the individual ladies leader board, obviously inspiring her team mates to greater heights as Millfield Girls also secured the ladies team trophy. However a special mention must go to Oliver Meekins whose victory in the Prep school class was courtesy of a fantastic score of 51, the best score of the entire day.
For information on next years event contact David on 01844 238308 or visit www.theschoolschallenge.co.uk
| Score |
10th | Worth School B | 153 |
9th | Seaford College Senior | 154
| 8th | Millfield School Girls | 163 |
7th | Lord Williams School | 179 |
6th | Worth School A | 180 |
5th | Millfield School Boys B | 191 |
4th | Millfield School Boys A | 192 |
3rd | Bradfield College A | 193 |
2nd | Wellington College A | 198 |
1st | Old Swinford Hospital A | 210 |
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Individuals Results | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Oliver Wall, Kingsley 6th Form College | 46 |
| 2nd | Chris Whitingham, Seaford College | 47 |
| 1st | Ben Bowley, Bradfield | 49 |
| Senior Ladies Results | Score | |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd | Andy Williams, Millfield School | 37 |
| 2nd | Ruth Baver, Tudor Hall | 38 |
| 1st | Georgia Boscawen, Millfield School | 43 |
04 May 08 - Stealth Cartridges Launched
At The Oxford Gun Company we’ve been teaching youngsters to shoot for many years.
One of our main concerns over the years is what we consider to be the over development of cartridges. The trend to develop increasingly fast cartridges has had two sides affect - more recoil and increased noise. We feel that both of these aren’t good for youngsters. With this in mind we’ve worked with Roger Hurley from Express to produce a cartridge with light recoil, which still kills well.
These cartridges are ideal to help minimise the effect of shooting on growing youngsters.
We’re proud to be using these cartridges at this year’s Schools Challenge.
30 Apr 08 - The Schools Challenge 2008 - Results and photos
We'd like to thank all the schools and individuals for attending this year.
We had over 160 entries from private and state schools all over the country.
The winners and full results are published on the
2008 Results Page
The photos can be found in the Pics-4-U Photo Gallery
