​These last couple of month have really been hot ones, like last months article It aint Half Hot Mum, my Pappy (Grandfather) would love this weather, the stories he told of being in the tropics in WW2 and him sun bathing on deck, he really was a sun worshipper, I remember often him led on his Z Bed in his private garden sun bathing, his shorts being pulled up like a sumo wrestler with his taters hanging out whilst he snored his head off, such fond memories.

The Three Amigo's

The boys are back in town a nostalgic pigeon shoot (crop protection) with my Ole Dad and uncle Dave, although I left the boys shooting as I had to get to a physio appointment in a swimming pool.

None the less we had a wonderful time together and our dogs Goose, Tilly and Tess worked brilliantly.

The boys tell me I missed some great shooting, if only the trees could talk eh lads, lol a bit of a family joke.​

Feeling happy that we got to spend some quality time together.

The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity

One Friday in July along with a plethora of our brethren from Gordano lodge and many other lodges from across Somerset Freemasonry and other provinces volunteered for The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity to put on a days course and trout fishing for a local Sen charity.

Every young person caught a trout including under my tuitition the lovely lady in the wheelchair who had had a stroke, with only one arm working we managed to get her to hook and land her trout too, she took this home for her dinner this night, I think her smiles say it all really.

Everyone enjoyed the course fishing where they caught a variety of different fish species.

The lunchtime BBQ was most enjoyed with one lad having 3 huge burgers, he thought he was going to burst afterwards.

A wonderful day had by all, a huge shout out to our many volunteers you folks make this happen.

Here we are pictured in front of our new marquee and trailer.

Freemason or not, if you would like to volunteer for us please get in touch, no fishing experience necessary as full training is given, if you would like to sponsor a fishing day or volunteer for us please drop us a line on the contact details below
Tel; 07443113424
Email: mtsfcsomerset@gmail.com
Web: www.mtsfc.org.uk​

As our mantra says Were Catching Smiles !!!

The Sausage and Cider Farm Party​

Gordano Lodge In association with King Alfred Lodge and The Axbridge District Rotary Club.

As the title suggests, put this date in your diary, more details to follow as we add more things going on, this one is not one to miss.

Full details on the event poster.
Big Barn Farm Party at
The Willows
Westhay Farm
Wolvers Hill
Banwell
Somerset
BS296LE

Tickets In Advance £12pp under 10s £6 and includes a Farmers style BBQ.
Tickets available from Email: sambateman1965@outlook.com
or Tel: 07976782581

All proceeds are going to the Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance.

The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity Part 2

What a weekend with my fellow volunteers we helped put on a fishing event at Ham Green Lakes NR Bristol for The Pill and District young people and families charity.

The morning session was by far the busiest with everyone catching up and down the lake, the afternoon was slower but still busy.

It made my heart sing to hear young people and their voices echoing up and down the lake, I got one I got a fish.

The real hero's of the day are our dedicated team of volunteers, who tirelessly rock up and make each event happen, I as chairman of the branch can't thank these wonderful selfless people enough.

Again we proved our charities mantra for we were CATCHING SMILES.

If you would like to volunteer for us, mason or not, you don't even need to be able to fish as full training is given, or maybe you would like to donate or sponsor one of our worthy events.​

Please drop us a line via the contact details below
Tel: 07901251119
Email: mtsfcsomerset@gmail.com
Website: www mtsf.org.uk
Charity No: 1141630 

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club's famous monthly breakfast shoot.

The sun shone all day so we headed for the shade of the woodland shoot up at our home ground of The Mendip Shooting Ground.

We had young sports shooting with their parents, we had several guests all of whom are candidates for Freemasonry this next season from several lodges across Somerset, we had brethren from other provinces joining us too.

As always we started off the day with a hearty breakfast in the Shooting lodge cafe.

The shooting itself was fun and challenging and the usual fun and jovial banter that follows.

We finished off with coffee and cakes back at the shooting lodge and having some fun totting the scores up.

Several brethren and their wives spending money on new kit and a new gun too.

A truly wonderful days shooting Great Fun and Camaraderie was had by all.​

If you would like to join us as a member or come along as a guest at one of our many events, please contact us via our website link below.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Pass It On Young Sports Air Rifle Rang

Thursday night it's our family sub power air rifle range night, NR Nailsea North Somerset.

Were also looking for volunteer range officers, no experience necessary as full training will be given.​

Please call DO NOT TEXT 07501962893 to book in or for more information.
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

Pass It On Young Sports in association with The Bridlington Rifle Club are holding a sub power air rifle range day at the Brislington Rifle Clubs range site.

Date: 12th of September 2026
Time: 10am til 4pm
Venue: Brislington Bristol BS44JU
Tel: 07501962893
Email: passitonyoungsports.org@gmail.com
Website: www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk​

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL please contact us asap.

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles, well until next time, stay safe and well one and all.​

The Sun Worshippers
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

​I remember back in 1976 the summer was like this and went on for weeks, there is a photo somewhere of me in just a pair of shorts, I looked like Moglis out of The jungle book novel, it was commented many times I was feral on the farm and looked like an Indian boy, this latrest heat wave reminds me of just this.

Full news article on the link button below

​Woodspring Pigeon Shooting and Wildfowling Club

One of our permissions was being hit badly by a fox getting into the chickens and ducks.

A scarecrow was put up, electric fencing all round but still it was getting in.

I was shooting rabbits on another farm with another club member.

We headed over and as the night fell this dog fox trotted in, taking me by surprise on the thermal spotter one second it was not there then blink and it was.

I still love using my NiteSite Wolf on my 243 lead injector shooting off the Primos Gen 3 trigger sticks.

Both farmers were very happy with our efforts and asked if we could come back soon.

Livestock and Crop Protection at its finest here at The Woodspring Pigeon Shooting and Wildfowling Club.

What a memory that is now.

Woodspring Pigeon Shooting and Wildfowling Club

An old farmer friend called me out to a permission I have shot for almost 40 years.

Can I go look at the barley fields at the crop is turning blue with pigeons.

One field is now un shootable with a shotgun due to so much building in the area, so that will have to be an air rifle approach there, the other big field is shootable, but being as there is horses next door, houses and a main road adjacent I didn't think it was suitable due to the sound disturbance.

This is where my Hush Power Mossberg 410 comes right in handy with 3 inch Lyvale subsonic cartridges, just sounds like a party popper in the distance and knocks the pigeons flat when your on target.

Shooting from the truck I kept Goose and Tilly my cocker spaniels busy for a couple of hours.

I must say I do love the 410 calibre and is now my go too gun for all my shotgun shooting really.

Or The Somerset Squirrel Initiative if you would like to help control grey squirrels for conservation reasons.

If you need our clubs services, please drop us a line on the website link below 
www.woodspring-pigeon-shooting.co.uk
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

#cropprotection #livestockprotection #pestcontrol #vermincontrol #pigeonshooting ​

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles, we are a bit rushed this month as were out on the crops and controlling grey squirrels for The Somerset Squirrel Initiative, check our website out for more details www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

Well until next time, may I wish you all dry powder and straight barrels.

It Aint Half Hot Mum
By The Ole Ole Hedge Creeper.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk 

I am heading up my team yet again at an awesome venue.

We just held a most wonderful day of fly fishing and course fishing for a local SEN School, even those in wheelchairs we made sure got to the lakes and got to fish, every young person no matter their physical ability got to course fish and fly fish for trout, they all caught their first trout on a fly too.

We also had a wonderful BBQ lunch and in the afternoon after fishing we held a brilliant medal and certificate presentation for each young persons, these were presented by our awesome APGM for Somerset Russ Woodland.

The entire day was funded by the lodges and brethren of Somerset Freemasonry.​

If you would like to get involved you don't have to be a Freemason, volunteer, donate or do you have a school or charity or group of people with special needs in Somerset?

Ravenswood School – Jacklands Fishing Day


On Wednesday 6th May, 8 pupils from Ravenswood school had the pleasure of participating in the Mason’s fishing day at Jacklands Fishing Lake, Tickenham. All pupils learned about the joy of fishing as a leisure activity, developed new techniques for fishing, and all pupils took home a fish for their supper which they were delighted about.

Rob Collins and his team were so encouraging and supportive, and for many of our pupils, for whom this was a first experience of fishing, they have gone away with a new experience and a renewed sense of self-belief and confidence as a result.

It was amazing to see how this activity allowed everyone (staff included!) to flourish socially, personally and develop a new sense of self-esteem in a different environment outside of school.

A massive ‘thank you’ once again to Rob Collins and his team for providing this wonderful experience for our pupils.​

Ms Becky Mitchell,
Assistant Head, Ravenswood School.

Below are a couple of photos from some of the lodges that have graciously sponsored the Somerset Branch of The MTSFC in the last few weeks, King Alfred pic of Sean Biggins the Worshipful Master with Rob Collins the Worshipful Master of Gordano Lodge and Paul Bateman King Alfred Lodges Charity Steward. Also Wraxall Lodge donating, the photo is self explaining.

I hpe you have enjoyed this months humble scribbles, as you can see I don't just hunt, shoot and fish, I do a lot of work for charity too, well until next time.

AVA GOOD UN MUCKERS FOR TIZ PROPER JOB I TELLE.

​Sea Shanty Shenanigans And Masonic Fishing
​
By The Ole Hedge Creeper

Putting the Ole Mossberg 410 Hush Power with ELEY Ammunition to good use, what a memory that is I telle muckers.

Goose my cocker spaniel really had his work cut out retrieving all these Corvid's etc.​

It was not just what they were eating, it's the poo over everything they are ruining everything in my friends cattle yard too.

I have had Foxes attacking the lambs, this was dealt with quickly and efficiently using with my trusty 243 for the foxes, also with the Corvid's attacking the lambs taken with my trusty ole S410 and couple of pigeons from the grain mill.​

The pigeons will do nicely for my Countryman's breakfast cooked at the back of the truck and washed down with a fresh brewed mug of Yorkshire Tea.

The Stalking Show 2026.​

As always I attended the Stalking Show with my team representing Pass It On Young Sports.
Whilst there I received an invitation to attend the after show party, I don't normally go as I tire very easily nowadays, but the show owners were very insistent I picked up something for the kids.

Along with my team I went along.

The show has started this NEW Countryside Awards Event, I sat there totally unaware of what was about to happen.

I received the very first award they have ever awarded, this award is for my dedication to service, to Country Sports and Young People.

I was and still are in shock, a complete surprise this was and I am blown away, it was the greatest pleasure nay honour to receive this award and I can't thank The Stalking Show team highly enough for this great honour and award.

It now sits pride of place with my British Empire Medal on my mantle piece.

But never forget this is totally a team effort what we do at Pass It On Young Sports, I couldn't do what I do without my amazing team of volunteers nationwide.

As we say at Pass It On Young Sports.

Teach Them Right, Coach Them Well for TOGETHER WE CAN INSPIRE.

This picture screams a million words to me, never was there a truer word said in jest.

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club's pop up breakfast shoot.

We originally booked this mid month shoot at Woodspring Clay Shoot NR Weston Super Mare, alas the venue was closed for a family wedding, so we re arranged to go up to our home ground that is The Mendip Shooting Ground NR Wells Somerset.

We started off with our normal meet and greet at the shooting lodge cafe for a hearty breakfast and a gallon of tea before heading out shooting.

All the boys had a wonderful time busting clays with the usual jovial banter, this was highlighted by one of Somerset Freemasonry brilliant PAPGMs who has a cracking sense of humour.

This day was one of our first training days where we are coaching our team for next year's National Masonic Shooting events we are heading up here in Somerset.

It is our chairman (Me) who is our head coaches job to train our Somerset Youth Team for said event and others, young Rhys his 12 bore, I have coached him since he was 6 years old with air rifles and Sam here shooting with a Berretta 20 bore, both young men really broke some fantastic long crosses and more, I think the smiles says it all as was the proud look on his dad's face.

If you're subscribing craft member your edible to join our club, if you have a young person who is family etc they are eligible to shoot on our youth team, so drop us a line via our website link below.​

We meet on the first Sunday of each month, full details on our website on the link below. www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Above and below pic approx. 10 years apart of Rhys and The Ole Hedge Creeper both at shooting events.

Coaching Sam one of our youth shooting team members.

Josh my vice chairman who is part of the clay preservation society, there is a story in this photo below.

Having fun coaching The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club below.

Happy St Georges Day one and all, also enjoying the masonic ladies night at lodge with a farmer friend and TV and Film Star, King Of The Jungle Christopher Biggins, a jolly fine fellow too.

Pass It On Young Sports England Famous Taster Day April 2026.

The shine rose over the eastern hills and shone bright all day as all the volunteers arrived at Jackland's Fishing Lakes NR Nailsea North Somerset to build this now famous taster day.

A true celebration of the Countryside and Country Sports.

Mags our national secretary set up the reception desk next to the Bristol Fly Tyers guild and Somerset branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity.

Outside, Feral Bush Craft, The Somerset Squirrel Initiative, North Somerset Bee Keeps, Weston Ferret rescue, birds of prey, the Big Cat Man and The Pass It On Shooting and Fishing Club set up the sub power air rifle and pistol range and course fishing and fly fishing for trout.

The gates opened and the young sports and their families never stopped arriving all day, we were literally rammed to capacity all day, mere videos, photos and words do not do this wonderful day the justice it truly deserves.

Sending a massive shout out to all our volunteers as you guys made this day a triumph as well as Jackland's Fishing Lakes.

Our next Taster Day is the 20th of September 2026 back at Jacklands Fishing Lakes NR Nailsea North Somerset.

Our weekly rifle range is every Thursday NR Nailsea North Somerset too.​

If you would like to know more about any of our events etc please call our secretary on Telephone: 07501962893
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

The Somerset Squirrel Initiative.

Yesterday we held our official launch of the initiative here in Somerset at The Pass It On Young Sports Countryside Celebration Taster Day at Jacklands Fishing Lakes NR Nailsea.

We were packed out all day with questions and kids filling our word search all about red and grey squirrels and conservation.

We talked to several prominent land owners and possible folks wanting to come on the Lantra course and become Somerset Squirrel Rangers.

Our next event with be on the Pass It On Young Sports stand with The Grey Area group at The North Somerset Show.​

If you would like to know more about what we do or have squirrel problems on your land etc.
Drop us a line via our Facebook Page or our website on the link below.
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

I hope you have enjoyed catching up with me in my humble scribbles, there have been lots more adventures, I don't have time to write about them here, pop over to my face book fan page as they are all on there too, click on the link buttons and videos on this article for more inspiring bits etc.

Remember when dealing with negative people etc, forgive easily and go to bed each night with a clean heart, you will sleep more soundly, let karma deal with them as GOD sees fit.​

Cheers The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Happy St George's Day One and All.

Massive apologies for not putting pen to paper sooner as it were, I have read all your many emails, smoke signals, carrier pigeon messages etc.

I have been so busy this April what with shows, taster days, shooting club events and masonic fishing gigs etc, I quite simply have not had time to write anything.

I will I promise get on to this in early May some time after the bank holiday Monday .

I have 2 events and one show to head up in that time too.

The first being this Sunday the 26th of April, full details on the poster below or click the event button below.

but for not TTFN

Cheers The Ole Hedge Creeper
​

A piece I saw on an American Duck Hunters Page, no matter where in the world you are, there's something truly special when you finally become a wildfowler, when you finally get the gift of a Wildfowler sight as written so passionately about in my first book and the chapter entitled Teal Time, books available from my website.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk ​

The Somerset Squirrel Initiative

Is a conservation club type group of like minded conservation individuals, who are all Lantra qualified in this field for Grey Squirrel management and Red Squirrel, Wildlife and Habitat Conservation in Somerset.
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk​

Have you got an estate, a farm, woodland, Forrest, cops or land that needs grey squirrel control and help with conservation issues????

Drop us a line on our Facebook Page or via our website link below.
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

Volunteer Chef Lecturer.

Yesterday I had the greatest privilege nay honour honour to be a guest lecturer at a very prestigious catering college.

I was there volunteering as the chairman of my shooting club the Woodspring Pigeon Shooting and Wildfowling Club www.woodspringpigeonshootingclub.co.uk , doing my game prep master class.

This lesson was so special as all of the brilliant young chefs were all SEN young people.

I met so many great young people here and was really inspired by them.
All fresh game I had shot, rabbits, wood pigeons and grey squirrels.

They learnt how to pluck the birds, skin and gut the rabbits and squirrels, butcher everything and then get cooking.

I did a whole section on conservation, ethical food, and how our countryside works, this was greatly enjoyed by all.

These young chefs came up with some wonderful recipes, it was so nice to see my KFR and Pop Corn squirrel recipes being done.

I awarded 2 young chefs top spots by giving each of them a signed copy of my game cookery recipe books, I especially loved the Jamaican version of my KFR and the Cream of Squirrel Patties with a tarragon sauce.

Every young chef also received a game recipe leaflets collection from me too.
These young chefs were brilliant and really inspired me greatly.​

If you would like me to come along and do something like this or a talk drop me a line.

The Shoot Club Christmas Party

What a wonderful Pass It On Young Sports Christmas Party we had, all the young sports had a wonderful time and the shooting club Christmas League Presentation was well attended with lots of surprise winners too.​

Best Friend and mums Kate and Jenna taking top scores in the ladies shooting, a bit of jovial banter was when Jenna asked me to present Kate with a medal for being able to shoot over big mountains, this got big round of applause Ans a lot of laughs too.

Capricorn Birthdays 3 Days Apart​

Dad
Sending out a mahoosive Happy 76th birthday today to my ole Dad and Masonic Brother, a truly inspirational man who has taught me and inspired me more than he will ever know.

Happy Birthday Dad looking forward to a virtual beer and partying like its 1949

A Calling To My Church

I promised a friend I would call in to the church of my boyhood and light a candle for family and friends.

Not sure why but I really had a spiritual calling here to do this.

I met the vicar and several other people from the church, really nice people god bless them.

A very nostalgic time spent there, I prayed and even read a small part of the bible.​

All I can say is I had a spiritual moment whilst on my own there and feel I have some new guidance for 2026 for my young sports and for myself, watch this space.

Grey Squirrel Management Course​

We have this grey squirrel management course running in the North Somerset/South Bristol area, just off the M5/M4 corridor, email Ryan for booking details.

A Celestial Farewell to 2025:​

The Moon Meets the Seven Sisters
As the clock ticks down on the final hours of 2025, nature is putting on a display far more ancient and beautiful than any fireworks show. On New Year’s Eve, look up into the winter sky to witness a stunning cosmic dance.

Our bright, glowing Moon will be gliding incredibly close to the Pleiades star cluster—also known as the "Seven Sisters." In mythology, these sisters were transformed into stars to save them from pursuit, shimmering eternally in the night sky. To see them reunited with the Moon on the very last night of the year feels like a special omen of peace and wonder for the year ahead.

When: The night of December 31, 2025

Where: Look for the bright Moon; the tiny, dipper-shaped cluster of blue stars will be right nearby..

Tip: If you have binoculars, grab them! The glare of the moon can make the sisters shy; binoculars will help them sparkle against the lunar glow.

The Wolf Moon​

January 3, 2026 The Sky Unleashes the Super Wolf Moon

The first Full Moon of 2026 doesn’t arrive quietly.
It rises bigger, brighter, and closer than usual, igniting the winter sky with raw lunar power.

This is the Full Wolf Moon at perigee a true Supermoon, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter, glowing low on the horizon like a burning ember in the cold night air.

As ancient legends echo through time, the Moon climbs while wolves once howled beneath it, marking survival, resilience, and renewal at the heart of winter. Tonight, that same Moon watches over us again ancient, powerful, and unchanging.

This isn’t just a full moon.
It’s a celestial opening statement for 2026.

Happy New Year From The Marsh

2025 Good By, Hello 20026.

What a way to see out this long year but to go out Wildfowling with my best boy Goose my cocker spaniel.

The full wolf moon rising as the sun sets, the smell of the water, frost around our ears, the air as still as a mill pond, wildfowl in the air, whistling wings all around me and the voice they gave us singing was enchanting as they drop in paddles down slipping air wiffling all the way in.

I just couldn't fire a shot I was so enjoying mother nature at her finest.

So Goose and I came home with full hearts and an empty game bag.

Time for a well deserved warming glass of port and a fine meal Goose got a fine meal too, then we drift off to sleep In front of the fire with good film.

Now that's living like a country king with his hound by his side I telle.​

Happy New Year one and all.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

​The Incomer

A land owner was losing livestock and asked could I pop along and deal with this red devil 

So I popped along at dusk and set up the Ile 234 on the trigger sticks with the NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops, also using the NiteSite Spotter for a change instead of the Night Pearl Thermal.

I watched hares and rabbit frolic, bats Fleat through the air, a barn owl water the field and deer quietly and gracefully meander about delicately feeding on the meadow grass.

I knew Charlie was about as I could hear vixens calling in the valley bottom NR the woodland.

Just then I spotted him on a direct route to the lambing shed, I gave a hare distress call on my hand he froze then came bolting in, I had to bark at him to stop.

A really easy text book shot as a single shot echoed through the night as the rooks in the rookery shouted their distasteful call, then silence again as mother nature returned to it's calm of peace and quiet in the night air.

Nothing beats being out in mother nature I telle.

One thing I love is a spot of ratting with dog or air rifle, here a solo mission for an hour with my air rifle and NiteSite Viper produced this nice little bag.

The Wetter The Weather The Better The Hunt.

It's been said you have to be a little crazy to be a wildfowler.

Nothing beats a good wind, a little rain in the air and the sound of wildfowl slipping air, paddles down coming to my calls.

This evening flight was no different, a brace of Green Heads (Mallard) my Ole dog retrieving them in fine style what a memory made.

I love all country sports but wildfowling has a special place in my heart right next to traditional ferreting ​

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club
Monthly Breakfast Shoot.

It was blowing a hooley and raining sideways, this didn't dampen our enthusiasm or stop our Somerset Brethren and Guests enjoying a wonderful mornings clay busting at The Mendip Shooting Ground Somerset.

The day as always starts off with a Mighty Mendip Full English Breakfast washed down with a pint of fresh brewed tea or coffee.
Then out on the sporting layout for some clay busting.

Some of us are part of the clay target preservation society too lol.

After the shooting it's back to the club house for some jovial banter, coffee and cakes and to tot up the scores.​

Why not come and join us, full details of all our events and how to become a member of The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club are on our website on the link below www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

​Gordano Lodge recently held a wonderful 3rd degree ceremony and held an Italian Banquet night as part of our culinary journey through Freemasonry Universal.

​Read the full inspirational news story on the website link below.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humbles scribbles of an old Countryman with his trusty hound by his side.

All that's left to say is I wish  one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

I will see you all on the other side in 2026 for some more wonderful adventures together.

Brother Dad and I at my Installation as Worshipful Master Of The Lodge

​What a month and it all ends with me being installed as Worshipful master of one of my Masonic lodges I am a member of, so I will start this month a little back to front, below is a lodge report off their social media site.

​Gordano Boys on TourGordano Lodge Installation of our new Worshipful Master
As the photos come flooding in from the many brethren who attended Monday night's fantastic installation meeting, I feel it only fair to share them in their own unique parts.
These photos are from many of the brothers of all eminences from many province's all over the UK not just Somerset.

All who travelled all the way down to share the night with their friend and brother our new WM and to enjoy Gordano Lodges famous hospitality.
The ceremony was first class and masterfully led by the out going Master, DC and all the other PMs of the lodge, to a packed to the rafters temple.

Many non members asking and wanting to take part in the ceremony to make it even more special for their friend and brother our new WM.

The 3 sets of tools especially stand out as all were given by non Gordano Members.
There were many brethren of very senior rank in attendance as well as a plethora EAs, FC and MM a testimony of the high regard they hold for our new WM who finally attained the chair of KS.

A plethora of The Adair Club was there to support in good numbers too including our illustrious Chairman.

The festive board again was packed to the rafters with a waiting list to dine.
This really was a jolly enjoyable evening, the laughter, chatting and joviality was inspirational, especially the magic trick of vanishing gavel on the WMs table, this caused much laughter.

The Indian Banquet was quite simply excellent and not a plate went back with food on it, you could say this was a meal you could really get your teeth into.

The evening ended all too quickly as nobody wanted to leave.

It was remarked yet again, where but in Freemasonry can you find a packed room full to the rafters of good men from all walks of life, all happy to be in each others company.
Next month Gordano Lodge are holding a 3rd degree ceremony with our new light blue team, come see these inspirational young masons in action for their first time.

The evening is also a celebration of Italy and our brethren there, finished off with a fine Italian Banquet.

We are trying show Freemasonry Universal in a Culinary Journey for all our ceremonies with a different country each month, this is our New Worshipful Masters idea and it is already a success on its first night.

If you would like to join us book in quickly as we will be packed out once again, drop our secretary an email for the summons at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or for booking in for dining contact pr.dukamp@gmail.com

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or click on the website link below.
www.somersetfreemasons.org

Read the full inspirational news story oof this wonderful evening  on the link button below.

​Gordano Boys on Tour 

My first visit as WM with several other Gordano members to my mother lodge Tyntesfield Lodge in Nailsea.

We saw a wonderful first degree ceremony and MCV and had a lovely festive board too.
Bro Dad as he is the lodges Adair Club Rep presented Bro Malick with his official Adair Club Badge and I as the NW Adair Club Rep presented Bro Prosper from Southey Lodge with his badge.

A wonderful night spent with good men and Masons at my Mother Lodge.
​
If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop
Gordano Lodge 6244 a line.
or email us at gordano.lodge@gmail.com or click on the website link below.
www.somersetfreemasons.org

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Clubs monthly breakfast shoot at The Mendip Shooting Ground Somerset.
What a fantastic shoot we had, well attended, the sun shone and we even had lady shooters joining us.

A scrumptious Mighty Mendip Full English breakfast each too with a gallon of tea.
Now that's got to be one of our best breakfast shoot days to date.​

If you would like to join us brethren or even challenge Somerset to a friendly shoot day or see our events then please click on our website link below.
www.somersetmasinicshootingclub.co.uk

The Incomer
A land owner was losing livestock and asked could I pop along and deal with this red devil.

So I popped along at dusk and set up the Ile 234 on the trigger sticks with the NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops, also using the the NiteSite Spotter for a change instead of the Night Pearl Thermal.
I watched hares and rabbit frollic, bats Fleat through the air, a barn owl water the field and deer quietly and gracefully meander about delicately feeding on the meadow grass.

I knew Charlie was about as I could hear vixens calling in the valley bottom NR the woodland.

Just then I spotted him on a direct route to the lambing shed, I gave a hare distress call on my hand he froze then came bolting in, I had to bark at him to stop.​

A really easy text book shot as a single shot echoed through the night as the rooks in the rookery shouted their distasteful call, then silence again as mother nature returned to it's calm of peace and quiet in the night air.
Nothing beats being out in mother nature I telle.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Cold Calling
It was a bitterly cold night when my farmer chum called and said we have a brace of foxes attacking the lambing barn.

We have chased them away several times as has the old farm dog but still they won't leave.

I got there set up with the Ole 243 mounted on the trigger sticks with my NiteSite Eagle RTech Dark Ops.

They were attacking from the den at the woodland at the top of the hill, the old farm dog chased them to earth several times but still they came back.
I set up just as it got dark and waited, right on qué I spotted them with my NiteSite Spotter.

They sat at the base of the hill and the first one dropped to my shot, the other ran on and I called it back in and shot it not ten yards from the other.
I wish I could say it was a brilliant long shot, but no I like it easy less chance for error both inside a 100 yards.​

Again these two stick in my memory for so many reasons.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Field Craft and Tracking.

This one really was a tricky red devil.

He kept giving the farmer and his son the slip.

So on a very wet , windy cold night I was asked can I go deal with some rabbits and a problem fix that was attacking live stock.

The call started with a strong Somersetshire accent saying Bis that ye, my neighbour Farmer Fred says you be the best man to call for dealing with problem fixed.
I do chuckle when I get those sort of calls.

I dealt with a few rabbits before dusk with the 22lr then switched to the 223 as Dark. Started to fall.

I already had an idea where this fox was coming from after tracking him, I used an old trick my Pappy showed me almost 45 years ago, this works like a charm and got the fox where I wanted him and masked my scent too.​

Well the rest is history really, I would love to say it was a shot of a life time, but was really text book, I do like it that was less chance of a miss etc.
www.throlehedgecreeper.co.uk

Daytime Fox Control.​

This one really gave me the run around, until I tracked it and worked out it's seemingly irrational pattern.

Attacking live stock and always finding it's way around the electric fences, farm dogs and the farmer with his shotgun.

Come HELP!!! I need you was the call.

No good calling it as he had already been educated by others who missed it taking pot shots, both by day and by night.

Tracking and time learnt field craft and well thinking like a fox put this red devil in the bag.

A single shot rang out in the late afternoon, then the peace and quiet of mother nature was resumed.

I left leaving nothing but footprints and memories, with mother nature none the wiser I was there.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Pass It On Young Sports sub power Air Rifle Range Night

What a Spooktacular Halloween air rifle range night we just had.

The shooting was quite simply brilliant withe the Christmas League in its last few weeks, everyone is bringing their best game.

A huge shout out to Norman for standing in as RO as Jon our normal ROb was off ill with the dreaded lergy.

A big shout out to Laura for arranging all the Halloween games and buffet, didn't the kids look great.

A truly wonderful night's social target shooting.

If you would like to join us every Thursday at this NR Nailsea North Somerset sub power Air Rifle Range Night.​

Please CALL, DO NOT TEXT our secretary on Tel 07501962893
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles about my adventures both in mother nature and not, I hope you enjoy the poem above I wrote for remembrance Sunday all those years ago, I believe its still very relevant to this day, until next time I say proper job mucker one and all.​

November Fall
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper,co.uk

Wait For it lads, or as Sherriff  Beufort T Justice said in Smokey and The Bandit, Hold up with that car wash Gentlemen.

Wildfowling On The Moon

It's that time of year when everything is in season again, Wildfowl, Game and all natures bounty to be foraged, it's a particularly good year for mushrooms.

Sat there watching the moon come up over my decoys, the sound of wildfowl on the wing and they slipped air paddles down toy calling right into my spread.

So many fond memories of evening flights like this.

Ahhhh I am fully alive again after a summers slumber. ​

The Magic Of an Evening Flight.

I don't know why both morning and evening flights are good with great memories of both.

But evening flight for me holds such magic, the setting sun, the wind at your back, the sound of wildfowl on the wing, their whistling wings as they pass over, turn to my call dropping in in wings set paddles down right into my decoys.

The sound of the ghost riders in the distance (wild geese) getting closer and responding to my calling, as you strain your eyes scanning the horizon for their wing tips.​

Yes evening flight is definitely my magical time spent in mother nature's living larder with my Ole dog by my side

Air Arms S200

Such an underrated air rifle but in the right hands it can be deadly effective in the field as well as on the range.​

Right there is some good eating.

An Early Morning emergency Call from a farmer friend who keeps some pet hens.
Not a bad hour with the Ole 223 pre breakfast.

I certainly didn't expect that start to a day that's for sure.

Come quick there's a fox trying to get into my hen house enclosure.

So I grabbed the first rifle out of the cabinet this day it was the 223 s turn to saddle up and ride out.
I was there in 20 mins by the time the clock turned 30 mins I had it in the bag and said put the kettle on farmer.

Back home in time for breakfast too.​

Now that's how its done boys.

My Ole Air Arms S410.

Another cracking day proving an air rifle and good field craft fills the bag.​

Out of my entire collection of Air Arms Air Rifles, the S410 is my favourite above the S510 but only just

Today's Food Heaven.

Ahhhh winters on the way so we kick off autumn in fine style.

Winter food is my favourite style of cooking, just look at this oxtail stew cooked in the slow cooker, with root vegetables and proper Herby dough boys (dumplings) served with a home baked sour dough crust bread and fresh local proper salted butter.

Nom nom nom, now That's Eating Like A Country King.

All the meat came from Perry and Son Butchers, the veg from a farmers garden, the butter and bread mix from the farm Shop.​

Get it in you son horse it down Nom Nom Nom stick a fork in me I am done, pass me another cider.

An Emergency Call

I was just about to decide what to have for my tea, the wind was blowing a hooley and the rain driving sideways.

A very old friend and local land owner called, can you come quickly I have a pair of foxes attacking my hen houses in the orchard right now.

I grabbed the Ole 223 and the 243, I always carry a back up of everything just in case, I have been caught out with equipment failures before.

I got there pulled the thermal spotter out and saw said foxes, added the thermal clip on to the 223 and well shot the first fox from the seat if the truck.
This was when disaster struck, the thermal clip on scope lost all clarity, nothing else for it go old school with my night master clip on lamp and the 243 the scope on that gun works better with the lamp.

Spotting with the thermal spotter fox no 2 came in and again off the bonnet of the truck I took the 2nd fox.

What can I say equipment let's you down but old school and field craft always wins the day.​

A quick cup of tea and I went home with an Indian takeaway not bad for 2 hours out not moving from my Ole truck I say eh.

The Solo Mission

An old farmer friend was losing live stock to a daytime fox, he asked me to pop along and see if I could stop this red devil.

Alas nothing showed but sat in the comfort of my truck rifle at the ready with my binoculars scanning the paddocks, I had a lovely time watching nature.

Wild mallard dropping into the ditch pond, geese flying over head, rabbits frollocking and feeding in the late afternoon sun.

A green woodpecker singing from a telegraph pole, also known as the rain bird in many cultures, for if she sings it will rain within 24 hours, she did not lie.

The farm cat stalking the young rabbits, a dash a flash and a squeal as he trotted off to the barn with his dinner.

All this and so much more just sat watching quietly from the comfort of my truck.
I am glad Charlie did not show as I did not want to disturb nature this day, I will go back soon.​

Just another day and adventure in the life of a Countryman.

The Importance of Checking Zero.

Before heading out on live quarry I always check zero, or if I miss one shot it's tools down until I then re check a zero on a paper target.

I was taught the quarry deserve the very best humane shot no matter if it's a rat or bigger quarry.

Especially between batches of ammo or using a different brand of ammo etc.

This day was no different, I checked zero it was slightly off, not enough to miss but enough for me to find tune.

The night fell and I went to deal with this red devil that was taking the livestock.​

A single shot rang out in the dark of night and all fell silent again, leaving mother earth in peace once more.
Also if you miss a fox you educate them making the job so much harder the next time.