Big Shots fundraiser raises £35,000 for charity

The 28th edition of Big Shots, the popular clay pigeon shoot organised in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has raised an enormous £35,000 for the charity. The fundraiser, which is supported by Furniture Village, took place in early June and was once again held at Holland & Holland in Northwood, Middlesex, one of the UK’s premier shooting destinations. Around 150 big hitters from companies including Blum, Crofts & Assinder, Emma Sleep, Emmiera

Group, Harrison Spinks, Haskins, Hypnos, Furniture Village, Ocee & Four Design, Panaz andTempur made up 36 teams.

After a tasty 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 leisurely made their way round eight stands, manned by Holland & Holland’s excellent gun stewards, set in the estate’s 60 acres of stunning open countryside.

The sun was shining by midmorning with the air filled with the sounds of cracks and pops and laughing. Once the final shots were fired, guests were able to relax and chat in the summer sunshine during a drinks reception before sitting down to a delicious threecourse meal in the club house. The fun-packed 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, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “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, managing director at Furniture Village, said: “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.”

Full results of the competition were: Top Team – Clay Crackers, Runner-up Team – Ocee & Four Design, and Top Flurry went to Clay Crackers.