Big Shots, the annual charity clay pigeon shoot organised in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has raised £42,000 – the largest amount in recorded memory.
The 29th edition of the fundraiser, which is supported by Furniture Village, took place on Wednesday 12th June and was once again held at Holland & Holland in Northwood, Middlesex, one of the UK’s premier shooting destinations.
Around 150 participants from companies including Blum, Castelan Group, Emmiera Group, Harrison Spinks, Hypnos, Furniture Village, Ocee & Four Design and TCM Living made up 38 teams.
After breakfast, Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, welcomed the guests before the team from Emma Sleep signalled the start of the 100-bird competition by firing Holland & Holland’s antique cannon. The teams then made their way round eight stands, manned by Holland & Holland’s gun stewards, set in the estate’s 60 acres of open countryside.
Once the final shots were fired, guests were able to relax and chat during a drinks reception before sitting down to a three-course meal in the clubhouse. The day finished with a charity auction and raffle, followed by the results of the shooting competition, with the awards presented by Brian Ahern, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “Big Shots returned with a bang this year, with the event raising the largest amount in recorded memory. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so memorable. We really appreciate all the sponsors who helped make the event a success, especially Furniture Village, our principal sponsor and event supporter."
Charlie Harrison, MD at Furniture Village, comments: “We were delighted to support Big Shots which was, once again, a wonderful event and a great success. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped raise an amazing £42,000 for our industry charity. It does vital work to help people from our trade who may have fallen on tough times and guides aspiring young talents seeking to carve their path in our sector.
"Furniture Village is thrilled to support the Big Shots event – not only is it for a great charitable cause, but it was also a very fun day for our team. We were thrilled to exceed last year’s total amount raised and we are already looking forward to next year’s event, so make sure to save the date in your diary.”
The full results of the competition were: Top Team – Clay Bashers; Runner up team – The Chosen Men; Top Flurry – Hypnos Hot Shots Legacy; Top Novice Shots – The Fighting Twenty Fifth; Top Male – Liam McPartland; Top Female – Lizzie Shaw; and Top Gun Novice – Christopher Shaw.
The Furniture Makers’ Company would like to thank main sponsor and corporate member Furniture Village as well as the other companies that supported Big Shots through sponsorship or a donation to the auction, raffle and wine pull – Akante, Biglight, Blum UK, Castelan, Colourfast World, Davy's, Emma Sleep, Emmiera Group, Global Furniture Alliance, Hypnos, Ideal Furniture, J&C, Stressless, Luke Macdonald of Sworders, and the RAF.
The 30th edition of Big Shots will take place on Wednesday 11th June 2025.
Pictured: Top Team Clay Bashers, with Charlie Harrison and Brian Ahern
