The 28th edition of Big Shots, the clay pigeon shoot organised in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has raised £35,000 for the charity.
The fundraiser, which is supported by Furniture Village, took place on Wednesday 7th June and was once again held at Holland & Holland in Northwood, Middlesex.
Around 150 attendees from companies including Blum, Crofts & Assinder, Emma Sleep, Emmiera Group, Harrison Spinks, Haskins, Hypnos, Furniture Village, Ocee & Four Design, Panaz and Tempur made up 36 teams.
After breakfast, Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, welcomed the guests, before the team from digital agency Biglight 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 attended a drinks reception before sitting down to a three-course meal. The day finished with a charity auction and raffle, followed by the results of the shooting competition, with the awards presented by Amanda Waring, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Jonny Westbrooke says: “We are immensely grateful to all who joined us at Big Shots, making it an unforgettable day while raising a substantial amount for our charity. This generous contribution will have a great impact on the lives of those entering and already involved in the UK furnishing industry. We extend our thanks to all the sponsors who played a vital role in the success of the event, with special recognition to Furniture Village, our principal sponsor and event supporter."
Charlie Harrison, MD of Furniture Village, says: “Yet again, Big Shots was a fantastic day, with the smiles on people’s faces testament to the success of the event. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped raise a tremendous £35,000 for our industry charity - it provides vital help to people from our fabulous trade who may have fallen on tough times. Furniture Village is delighted to support the Big Shots event and we look forward to helping make the event bigger and better next year, so make sure to save the date in your diary.”
The full results were: Top Team – Clay Crackers (pictured); Runner-up team – Ocee & Four Design; Top Flurry – Clay Crackers; Top Novice Shots – The I Deal Boys; Top Male – Christopher Shaw; Top Female – Lizzie Shaw; Top Gun Novice – Darren Walpole; Lowest Male shot – Ian Hiscock; and Bottom Team - Tempurmentals.
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 or wine pull – 25(F) Squadron RAF, Biglight, Blum UK, Celtheath Limited, Colourfast World, Davy’s, Emma Sleep UK, Emmiera Group, Exponential-e, Gary Smith, Global Furniture Alliance, Holland and Holland, Hypnos, Ideal Furniture, Luke Macdonald of Sworders, MasterSofa, Pro Auction and Sarah Westbrooke.
The 29th edition of Big Shots will take place on 12th June 2024.
Pictured: Charlie Harrison and Amnada Waring (centre) presented the Clay Crackers with their Top Team award
