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New Year, The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

1/1/2026

New Year
The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

Every Day Is A Blessing

People get depressed, down or low, (not me) I have always got a good PMA, some forget that every day is a blessing and tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

As I look out over Mother Nature today I thank god for all I am and all I have.

I have had some disappointing news in the last 24 hours, my Christmas Holiday had to be cancelled due to a flood in my accommodation, but understand it's god's will for some reason that's unknown to me yet.

I am about to head into the hospital as I type for more tests and treatment.

I am not looking forward to this afternoon but understand things must be done to stay as healthy, fit and well as I can with age related problems, this getting older aint much fun now is it, I ache in places I didn't know could ache lol.

So remember folks every day is a blessing on god's green earth

The Solo Mission

I still say to this day, I still have not come across a better NV unit than my NiteSite Eagle Dark Ops.

This just suits my style of night shooting, weather for rats, rabbits, foxes etc.

This solo mission really stands out in my memory for so many reasons, but most of all I harvested some fine fresh organic wild meat from Mother Nature's living larder nom nom nom.

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

Uncle Dave
Sending out a mahoosive Happy Birthday to my Uncle Dave today, this man has inspired me in so many ways.

He taught me the ways of a Countryman from a passion for how to use a rifle and indeed a pistol back in the day, tracking to field craft, game prep right through to a passion for game Cookery.

Here in this pic I had the pleasure nay Honour to teach him how to fly fish and catching his first trout on the fly.

I think his smile says it all, I hope to have you back out in the field with me soon uncle Grizzly Adam's.

The Ole Hedge Creepers Birthday

Now that seems quite apt for me don't it?

Capricorn is usually depicted as a goat, but in Hellenic Mythology he is the god Pan.

Pan ruled over forests and woodlands, flocks and shepherds.

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

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Deck The Halls

9/12/2025

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Deck The Halls

As I write about the last months adventures I start off on a sombre but happy note too, as we start off on remembrance Sunday, sad as I remember all who we have lost and what they fought for and paid the ultimate price, but happy too as I remember so many Family and Friends who laid down their lives and I remember the happy times we spent together, below is a poem I wrote may years ago and there is a spooky story behind it too.

The British Warrior
---------------------------

With Sword and Shield in Hand.

With Bayonets Fixed We do Stand.

To Fight and Defend Against The foe.

On This Our Land or Far From Home

We Stand And Fight For Those In Need.

And For Those Who Might Be freed.

Who Need our Mighty Shield and Sword
And for The Grace of The Almighty Lord.

Who Prayers We Answer Upon His Word

With Honour and Courage We Do Fight.

So Our Loved Ones Can Sleep Safe at Night.

Now as then in Days of Old
Our Warriors Fight with bravery un told.

So that In a Britain Free and Proud.

Tyranny may never ever cast A cloud.

Upon Our Leaders In Which we Trust.

We Hope They Send us in Fair and Just.

To Stand and Fight and Halt The Flow

Of Tyranny’s Evil Darkening Glow.

But If In Battle We Do fall.

Still We Stand Beyond The Wall.

Our Spirits still Fight On Strong and Tall.

Within The Army of The Lord of All.

Now As You Remember us Upon This Day.

Our Strength our Courage We Do Pray.

You Find the Honour and the Strength.

To Keep Fighting on for Your Defence.

Knowing Behind You We Still Stand.

With Bayonets Fixed and Sword and Shield in Hand.

Against All Foes and Tyranny.

Of This Land or far from Home.

We Still fight for our Queen and Throne.

We Are The Fallen We Still Stand.

With Bayonets Fixed to Defend our Land.

And if Upon My Grave You Stand.

Look for My Sword and Shield.

STILL IN HAND.

By Rob Collins (jnr) 11.11.12

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.

Shooting Over My Dogs

What a wonderful afternoon spent working my dogs and shooting over them, I think they enjoyed it more than me.

Flushing game and vermin and using my old 20b I have not had out in a while on a really lovely sunny cold afternoon.

Finished off here flighting some pigeon on a flight line from a crop to the woods.

A really nice afternoon and now the dogs are snoring as they are tired out.

The Playful Fox and The Cat

Last night I sat and watched a cat and a fox play together and follow each other and share a meal together.

Now I have seen this many times in different locations around the country whilst out on fox jobs etc.

I have seen foxes kill cats, I have seen cats fend off foxes, I have seen them hunting together and so much more.

I have even written an article on it in my Out Foxing Charlie series.

But last night seemed very different to other times.

Now the Tom Cat I know is from a building across the way, the fox looked like one of this years very big cubs.

As I sat there and watched this fox sat by my truck I was enchanted.

I opened the bedroom window and well tried to interact with it, first thing I noticed it didn't run away? It just sat there staring at me.

I tried a rabbit squeak nothing not interested, rat, vole, hare nothing, just sat there scratching his ear looking at me.

He seemed preoccupied looking down my car park, I thought he's waiting for another fox or maybe that Tom Cat that's been hanging about.

Yes entrance stage right said Tom Cat, the cat jumped on to the fox in a playful way, they both rolled around dancing with each other.

I must say I was very entertained as was Goose my cocker spaniel who wanted to join them for other reasons.

I think this fox and Cat are being fed together and the fox is most certainly not scared of humans.

Your thoughts here folks let me know what you think or do you have similar stories etc???

A Hunting Family

So many memories from a life spent in the field, especially with these two old reprobates, my Ole Dad and his brother Uncle Dave.

This one really stands out from being asked to deal with a vein and a game problem on a prestigious holiday camp in Devon in the closed season (winter).

We ferreted by day and shot by night for the rabbits, we worked our dogs the in the afternoons through the woodland land and their ark areas, we roost shoot pigeons.

We ate and drank like country kings back at the caravans when we were not out mooching.

Such Fond memories of a time spent with family.

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.

Hunting By Day and By Night.

Country Sports never fails to make memories.

Here on a prestigious holiday camp in Devon.

Walther RM8 and a NiteSite combo at night for the rabbits and walked up rough shooting over our dogs in their woodlands.

What a wonderful time we had too.

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

Making Memories

It's a cold night.

But I gotta say the ole NiteSite Eagle Rtec on the 17hm really did the business tonight in some icy cold conditions.

Of course the nut behind the butt had a bit to do with it too.

A mixed Bag

Whilst out feeding my birds, I always carry a shotgun, over the years I have shot foxes NR my feeders and a multitude of vermin, pests and game.

This day was no difference, a brace of mallard that Goose my cocker spaniel flushed and retrieved from the river, then I drove to the top end of the shoot and bagged this brace of tree rats and a pigeon off my feeders.

Some fine eating there, harvested from Mother Nature's living larder.

Memories like this are not made sat in an armchair

Woodcock 1881

What a memory made.

One bird I really like to shoot and eat is the Woodcock, I only ever take a brace for my table.

Here taken over my spaniel using my circa 1881 Peterson's and Sons of Peterborough 16 Bore.

This made a fine meal to start off with followed by a roast partridge with all the trimmings.

There's something so special about shooting over your own dog with this traditional English old gun.

The Solo Mission

I still say to this day, I still have not come across a better NV unit than my NiteSite Eagle Dark Ops.

This just suits my style of night shooting, weather for rats, rabbits, foxes etc.

This solo mission really stands out in my memory for so many reasons, but most of all I harvested some fine fresh organic wild meat from Mother Nature's living larder nom nom nom.

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.

News story link button

Christmas is coming and the Goose is getting fat.
Are you are looking for that perfect gift for your Countryman or Country Woman???!!!!
Here's an international Game Cook Book with real recipes from the international cooking and hunting world.
Then look no further, Home & Away is here and ready for book signing, as with all my game cookery books, this one is filled to the top of the pie lid with recipes from my travels around the world and here at home.
Something for everyone with a celebration of fresh wild game, ethically harvested game from Mother Natures living larder.
Why not treat yourself to the perfect food heaven cook book.
This book also includes a full game preparation section too.
This cook book is bringing wild game from field to fork, and cover both fur and feather and even fish.
I am rather proud of this one too.

Click on this website Author link heading for my book sales details.

We also celebrated St Hubert's Day in November, that's the patriate Saint of Hunting.

Every Day Is A Blessing

People get depressed, down or low, (not me) I have always got a good PMA, some forget that every day is a blessing and tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

I actually deal a lot with mental health issues as The Armed Forces Covenant Officer for our local council, so I do know a little about what I am talking about here.

As I look out over Mother Nature today I thank god for all that I am and all that I have.

I have had some disappointing news in the last 24 hours, but understand it's god's will for some reason that's unknown to me yet, I had a holiday planned but alas the accommodation is wrecked with the latest bad weather, so as I say the lord must have other plans for me.

I am about to head into the hospital as I type for more tests and treatment for a few age related ailing's, this getting older lark does not come alone, as I always say, youth is wasted on te young.

I am not looking forward to this afternoon but understand things must be done to stay as healthy as I can.

So remember folks every day is a blessing on god's green earth.

NOEL” by J.R.R. Tolkien was written in 1936, but feels like it was written during the days of old for reading in one of the old Norse Stave churches.

This beautiful piece of poetry is a great blessing that warms the heart and touches the soul.
Merry Christmas one and all.
Grim was the world and grey last night.
The moon and stars were fled.
The hall was dark without song or light.
The fires were fallen dead.
The wind in the trees was like to the sea, and over the mountains’ teeth
It whistled bitter-cold and free.
As a sword leapt from its sheath.
The lord of snows up reared his head, his mantle long and pale
Upon the bitter blast was spread.
Hung o’er hill and dale.
The world was blind,
the boughs were bent, All ways and paths were wild.
Then the veil of cloud apart was rent, and here was born a Child.
The ancient dome of heaven sheer
Was pricked with distant light.
A star came shining white and clear
Alone above the night.
In the dale of dark in that hour of birth, One voice on a sudden sang.
Then all the bells in Heaven and Earth together at midnight rang.
Mary sang in this world below:
They heard her song arise.
O’er mist and over mountain snow
To the walls of Paradise, the tongue of many bells was stirred
in Heaven’s towers to ring.
When the voice of mortal maid was heard, that was mother of Heaven’s King.
Glad is the world and fair this night
With stars about its head, the hall is filled with laughter and light,
And fires are burning red.
The bells of Paradise now ring
With bells of Christendom, Gloria, Gloria we will sing.
That God on earth has come this night.
If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge a line or email us at [email protected]
or click on the website link below www.somersetfreemasons.org

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.

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club Breakfast Shoot Link button

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The November Fall

6/11/2025

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The November Fall

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 [email protected] or for booking in for dining contact [email protected]

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at [email protected] 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 Lodge News Story Link Button, click here

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 [email protected] 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

Another Solo mission that's stuck in memory.

The NiteSitevEagle Dark ops is still my favourite NV.

I have found nothing that beats it for my style of shooting.
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

The British Warrior
---------------------------
With Sword and Shield in Hand.
With Bayonets Fixed We do Stand.
To Fight and Defend Against The foe.
On This Our Land or Far From Home
We Stand And Fight For Those In Need.
And For Those Who Might Be freed.
Who Need our Mighty Shield and Sword
And for The Grace of The Almighty Lord.
Who Prayers We Answer Upon His Word
With Honour and Courage We Do Fight.
So Our Loved Ones Can Sleep Safe at Night.
Now as then in Days of Old
Our Warriors Fight with bravery un told.
So that In a Britain Free and Proud.
Tyranny may never ever cast A cloud.
Upon Our Leaders In Which we Trust.
We Hope They Send us in Fair and Just.
To Stand and Fight and Halt The Flow
Of Tyranny’s Evil Darkening Glow.
But If In Battle We Do fall.
Still We Stand Beyond The Wall.
Our Spirits still Fight On Strong and Tall.
Within The Army of The Lord of All.
Now As You Remember us Upon This Day.
Our Strength our Courage We Do Pray.
You Find the Honour and the Strength.
To Keep Fighting on for Your Defence.
Knowing Behind You We Still Stand.
With Bayonets Fixed and Sword and Shield in Hand.
Against All Foes and Tyranny.
Of This Land or far from Home.
We Still fight for our Queen and Throne.
We Are The Fallen We Still Stand.
With Bayonets Fixed to Defend our Land.
And if Upon My Grave You Stand.
Look for My Sword and Shield.
STILL IN HAND.
By Rob Collins (jnr) 11.11.12

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old, Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

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

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October Dreams

19/10/2025

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October Dreams

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.

There's No Squirrels Here

A local land owner called me out saying I am told we don't have squirrels, but what's damaging the trees like this (ring barking) I did chuckle.

A couple of hours over a feeder produced these and I will go back again.

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.

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles of The Ole Hedge Creeper and Goose The Cocker Spaniel at my side.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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Whistling Wings and The Ghost Riders

21/9/2025

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Whistling Wings and The Ghost Riders

MY TRUE LIFE HERO

Right there in the centre pic is my Pappy(Grandfather) my true life hero,

He is a man who had a passion for teaching the young sports and who instilled that passion in me.

Royal Navy man boy who fought in the 2nd world war.

Only in recent years after his passing we found out what a true hero he really was.

Although he never spoke of it, a natural born leader and inspiration to many especially his 3 sons and many grandchildren and more.

So when you see me inspiring the young sports look in my eyes for there you see my Pappy.

The original Ole Hedge Creeper who had forgotten more than I will ever know.

Rest easy Blue us Collins boys got this you taught us well.

www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

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.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Frampton Country Show 2025

What a most excellent show this was, the rain held off for most of the day, the show looked lovely and the country people and more came out in force and supported the show.

On our Pass It On Young Sports stand we also had Brendan Anderson from The UK and Ireland Red Squirrel Protection group, he was a huge hit as was my dear friend Michael Perry from Perry and son butchers next door.

I did my hilarious pigeon shooting and wildfowling demo in the Countryman's show ring, this as always was a massive hit and drew large crowds as the laughter and applause could be heard right across the show.

A truly wonderful day spent with real country folk, already looking forward to next year now.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

This is one of my favourite photos I have ever taken.

My daughter Emilie shooting rats off the gantry down in to a sileage clamp at dusk with her air rifle.

She accounted for a good bag before the light faced and we switched to the NiteSites.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Wood pigeon Whisperer

Air Rifle V Shotgun

The shotgun boys from the shooting club were out on all the adjacent crop fields, this kept the birds moving.

I was on a small field next to a series of horse paddocks where the Ole Air Arms S510 was the perfect tool for the job.

Using 4 decoys in my deadly Diamond D pattern and time learnt field craft and no hide I filled the bag.

Not bad for only a couple of hours, the Ole dog enjoying herself doing the retrieving.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

What a memory made this was, an air rifle, field craft and a good Ole dog fills the bag.

Just goes to show you what the skills of a countryman are.

The shotgun boys on near by fields had a lot of shot but didn't fill the bag on this day like I did.

I on the other hand sat in the hedge row no hide armed with my Ole Air Arms S410 a dog and a jack puke cammo mesh top.

I put out a few decoys after watching the flight line and the pigeons own patterns.

In no time at all I was dropping pigeons and replacing each decoy in turn with dead birds, the Ole dog enjoying the retrieving too.

Just goes to show what time learnt field craft, patience and precision shooting can do for you eh.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Three separate hunts and 3 memories that will live in my memory banks forever for so many reasons.

Deer stalking with the Ole 243, rabbit shooting with my lovely little Air Arms S410 and pigeon shooting with my old dog by my side.

Best of all they all put sustainable organic wild meat on my dining table.

My famous Royal Bunny Burgers, Wood Pigeon Burgers and citrus Venison Sausages all perfect for the BBQ and more.

All my recipes are available in my game cookery books available from the website link below.

By golly great memories and wonderful food, what more could an old school Countryman ask for eh.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Sweet Seventeen HMR

A cracking little round for that little longer pest control and precision shooting.

Plus what you can turn the vermin you shoot into.

Southern fried popcorn squirrel and pan seared wood pigeon breast on on a bed if pan fried new Herby potatoes.

Now that's eating like a country king nom nom nom.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Arabic Aromatic Sheiks Delight

My Puppies recipe as in my first book The Ole Hedge Creepers Recipes From The Hedgerow.

Here using all the fresh shot wood pigeon nom nom nom

Books available on my website link below
www.theolehedgecreeoer.co.uk

I hope you have enjoyed reading my humble scribbles as much as I have enjoyed remembering them and writing about them.

Don't forget all my recipes and more are available from this website in my books page, just click on the picture link below.

So that's so long for now from Goose and myself.

Cheers From The Ole Hedge Creeper

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A Sea Of Stubbles

12/8/2025

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A Sea Of Stubble's

Amen to that, I have never been a people chaser, recent events have proved this, something to remember when you try to use me or disrespect me, my door shuts very quickly and will not re open, for I will not allow the same snake to bite me twice.

The Story of The Chicken, The Fox and The NiteSite.

Several years ago I was called to a free range chicken farm, the hens were getting hammered by foxes both by day and by night.

Everything had been tried to keep the foxes out, a small fortune was spent on electric fencing, it was all live as one of my young sports found out.

Two different sets of foxes, ones that attacked by day and ones that attacked by night.

A scaffold tower was erected for me to shoot the daytime ones, this worked very well and I dealt with those foxes very quickly, there is a famous photo of mine with the chickens surrounding the shot fox.

Now I did not deem the tower safe to shoot from at night, so I shot from my truck, rifle at the ready with the NiteSite on scanning the area where the attacks had been the worst hit, all the hens were locked away and bed down.

So there I am sat in the pitch black of the night, the only light is on the screen of my NiteSite.

All of a sudden the hen in the photo came out of the darkness flapping and landing on my arm. Let's just say I think I left a brown stain on my car seat.

Soon after this still with the hen on my arm I shot a fox, I entitled the photo there he is boss that's the fox that ate gladdis lol
Funny stories that can only happen in country sports eh lol
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club in Association with The Adair Club are proud to host our annual Targets Shooting Day.

Date and Venue;
The 16th of August 2025.

The Mendip Shooting Ground, Somerset.

10am until finish.

This is for Clay Target Shooting, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Target Shooting.

All welcome Family, Friends and Young Folk.

There is a fantastic cafe restaurant there serving breakfasts up to full meals, kids most welcome.

This is also Gordano Lodges annual Clay Shooting Day too.

If you would like to know more or get in contact with us via the website link below.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

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 as we used too, it does not happen often enough now days.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

A Day of Two Halves.

An old farming friend asked me to pop along to see what the shooting club boys could do about a feral pigeon and rat problem in one of his grain barns, before this year's harvest.

Whilst there could I pop over and look at Pappy's Meadow there were alot of pigeons hitting the wheat, I have arranged to go back properly and clear the grain barn with some of my young sports and other fellows from my shooting club.

I popped out on the crop for not even an hour, just me Goose and Tilly my cocker spaniels, an old school side by side shotgun, a box of cartridges, sat bolt upright on a flight line, we picked up a few more than in the pic and I still had half a box of cartridges left, I have arranged to go back and decoy it properly.

The evening was spent at a very dear old friends riding arena clearing some rabbits, Big Mike Joined me with his new toy a 22lr, he had alot of fun using it and here with his personal bag after 2 hours, again we have arranged to go back again soon.

All in all a truly wonderful day of 2 halves.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Right Tool For The Job.

I am often asked what is my favourite gun?

I answer this quite easily.

I always say use the right size hammer to hit the right size nail in the hole.

I wouldn't use a 308 for rabbit control now would I.

Also Shotgun V Air Rifle for crop protection?

Now the Shotgun can be put to great use as can the air rifle.

This particular day we had several shooting club members protecting crops in the area, this kept the birds moving.

I was on a small field of crops very NR houses, a main road and next to a horse paddock.

The tool for the job here was The Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter, with 4 decoys and no hide just say in the hedge line shooting off the primos trigger sticks.

Nice and quiet with no obtrusive bangs of the shot gun, this was a good test of not only my Marksmanship skills but my decoying skills too.

So there's my answer, choose the right tool for the job in hand.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Axbridge and District Rotary Club

Yesterday I had the greatest honour to attend the Axbridge Rotary Club in Somerset, Presidents hand over lunch.

I was the guest of my dear friend Paul the new President and his lovely wife Sam.

A truly fantastic afternoon spent with inspirational wonderful people, a fine meal was had too.

I was truly inspired to hear how much they had raised for local charities etc and how much work they do for our local communities.

I think I want to know even more now about what the Rotary Club does and possibly help out.

A really lovely day spent with lovely kind hearted people, it was an honour to be there.

If you would like to know more about The Axbridge and District Rotary Club, volunteer or donate, or the rotary club in general, click on the website link below.
https://axbridgedistrictrotary.org.uk/

Making Memories

This hunt really sticks out in my memory for so many reasons.

Great Squirrel management and Red Squirrel Conservation at its finest.

The feeders were being hammered by the greys, my under keeper said there were no greys in this small 1 acre woodland, I disagreed.

Goose and I sat in a hide at first light and before breakfast we had these, later that day I went back and shot some more.

Goose my Cocker Spaniel had a wonderful time retrieving them all and I had a lovely time using the brilliant Air Arms S510 TDR, pin point accurate just what you would expect from any Air Arms air rifle
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

An old permission

I got called in to a very old permission of mine, I have not shot here for a couple of years as I left another air gunner to look after the place as they had nowhere else to shoot.

My old friend called me in saying we have not seen the other fellow for over a year and he does not answer his phone.

Ok it's not a big place but for an avid air gunner there's a fair bit of sport to be had right across the quarry list.

I popped in and while drinking a mug of tea in the landowners garden I shot these rabbits in the veg garden.

Not a bad hour me thinks, now I will go back to looking after this place myself.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

An impromptu Shoot

A farmer friend had cut all his crops apart from one very small 3 acre field, he asked could I keep the birds off for a day or 2 until he could cut it as he was calving.

I popped along sat on a flight line for a couple of hours right next to my truck, no hide no decoys, just shooting with an old single barrel BSA 12 bore, field craft and the dogs.

Now Goose my cocker spaniel is already a well accomplished gun dog, but his mum Tilly we rescued 5 years ago, now this dog has gone from being totally gun shy to really being interested in a shoot day.

She now works cover and trotts along quite happily on a shoot day.

She had no interest in retrieving anything not even a ball or dummy.

That was until this one pigeon this day, she seemed eager to retrieve a shot bird but Goose was always too quick for her, I put him on a lead much to his disgust.

Next bird down I let Tilly go all by herself, she faffed around alot, but then blow me she picked it up and brought it right too my hand, steady as you like no fuss just here you go dad, I let her retrieve another 9 all in the same way some were good long retrieves too.

What a couple of hours that was we all left the field proud especially Tilly, Goose was not so happy but I let him retrieve the last 2 so he left happy too.

What a wonderful couple of hours sat on the back of my truck
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Glorious 12th

The start of the grouse season.

What a memory with my Ole girl Brook on this very day, the poor man's grouse.

Pigeon shooting gives you no finer sport and good eating, presents you every shot in the book and your trusty hounds get to enjoy the day too.

I have shot, hunted and fished all over the world, but there's nothing that beats a good days pigeon shooting.

Except ferreting that is for me my favourite country sport.

What a memory and what a dog Ole Brook was.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Well thats enough for now, the temp gauge is reading 36 degrees and the cold beer is calling me from the fridge, I hope you have enjoyed reading my humble scribbles as much as I have writing and remerging all the adventures.

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June A Month Of Mad Dogs and Englishmen

6/7/2025

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Mad Dogs and Englishmen
June The Month Of The Tropical Sun

I have just raised a glass to salute all those that took part in D Day 81 years ago today.

Especially my Pappy (Grandfather) Ole Blue or Sandy to his Navy Chums.

He was a gunner on the HMS Norfolk, along with the HMS Suffolk were the first two ships to engage the pride of the German Navy the Bismarck and help sink her, the pic of him and his Norfolk Brothers in arms in Malta after the ship being patched up.

On D Day he drove a landing craft on sword beach alongside thousands of others, the stories he told me of that first day still brings tears, he taught me to avoid war at all costs.

I am going to bed with this awesome true story film of a D Day veteran, this could easily be me watching my Pappy and Nan, tears and laughter will flow and bring back so many memories of my wonderful Grandparents, good night one and all, I will dream of all those that have fallen on this day and every day since, god bless one and all.

Watch The Great Escaper film trailer on the link below

https://youtu.be/C-Qw4asqFUY?si=jU7Gr_DPAKEvmOZt

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club in Association with The Adair Club are proud to host our annual Targets Shooting Day.

Date and Venue;
The 16th of August 2025.

The Mendip Shooting Ground, Somerset.

10am until finish.

This is for Clay Target Shooting, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Target Shooting.

All welcome Family, Friends and Young Folk.

There is a fantastic cafe restaurant there serving breakfasts up to full meals, kids most welcome.

This is also Gordano Lodges annual Clay Shooting Day too.

If you would like to know more or get in contact with us via the website link below
ww.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

A New Permission

I got a call from a very nice lady after being recommended.

Please come quickly we are overrun with rabbits they are destroying everything.

Blimey they do have a rabbit problem too, beautiful ornamental gardens, manicured lawns and very well looked after horse paddocks all being destroyed by the rabbits.

The necessary paperwork work filled out over a nice cup of tea, I then spent about an hour shooting and filled the back of my truck up with fresh shot rabbits.

I only hobbled a few yards then sat on my pop up seat shooting off the sticks with the trusty old Air Arms.

Goose my cocker spaniel very much enjoyed retrieving the shit rabbits only after he got his head in the game and stopped chasing the lives ones about lol.

The lady watched me with her binoculars from her bedroom window, she complimented me on my shooting, saying blimey you don't you ever miss, I chuckled and said pellets are expensive, we moth laughed.

I will go back this week and let a couple of the other shooting club guys look after this one as I am still not the best if health, but I still have the spirit in me to keep having a go.
www.theolehedgecreeoer.co.uk

Sunny Sundays Dream
You know when you have well earned a G&T and the Guitars come out it's time to chill www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Aroma Therapy

There are some aromas in life that really fire your senses, like the smell of fresh cut grass or the Autumn Rain.

For me food has always ignited my senses, onions frying, smoked bacon whilst camping, walking past a curry house, woodsmoke from the fire in the farmhouse pantry.

But none is more arousing than the aroma of fresh baked bread as you awake in the morning.

Last night I dug out my bread maker and set it to start baking in the early doors.

I awoke with a hunger like a famished beast, I was dreaming of a good Ole bacon sandwich made with warm crusty bread and a pint of Yorkshire tea to wash is down with.

I was not disappointed ahhhhh nom nom nom
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

Fathers Day 2025

This photo is one of my favourites, for it has 4 generations of us Collins Boys all in one photo.

Two men who shaped me into the man I am today, whom I cannot thank enough.

First my Pappy (Grandfather) a truly inspirational hard working man, super intelligent and loved his family beyond the words I can write, Royal Navy man and and boy and WW2 hero and DDay landing Veteran, he drove the landing craft on to the beaches under heavy fire, this man taught me how to read and write and so much more, a true Gentleman of the old school who knew how to treat a lady as a lady and loved only one woman (my Nan) with a passion beyond compare.

My Dad another hard working family man who raised us boys (bro Shaun) and I well, he taught us many things from standing on your own two feet to, country sports, purse net making, carpentry, building, decorating and so much more, a practical man life lessons taught to us through work, he taught us how to hunt shoot and fish.

I am in this photo with my Son Ryan, now a full grown man of nearly 33, he has my grandson Franklin 9, so not only am I wishing my Pappy and Dad a happy father's Day, I am also wishing my son Ryan and Grandson Franklin one too.

You never understand a father's love until you are one too, the Tracey Lawrence song Till I Was A Daddy Too says it best, click on the link below and have a listen.

https://youtu.be/QW8AR3-EaAM

Dad I look so cute can I have my biscuit now pleeeeease???

Of course you can my gawjus boy Goose my Cocker Spaniel, I gurt loves this boy mucjly.

I headed up The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity at the Nailsea Masonic Hall Open Day.

We were putting on our Magnetic Course Fishing and Velcro Fly Fishing Stands, these were well received by all and we had a wonderful day.

A big shout out to our volunteers who did a wonderful job and we could not have done it without them.

Especially
WBro Richard Ellis (Estune)
WBro Howard Ford (John De Clivedon)
WBro Richard Warry (Parrot and Axe)
Mrs Margaret Langford (Masonic Widow)

If you would like our branch to do something for your lodge, Temple open day etc please email us at [email protected]
www.mtsfc.org.uk

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line or email us at [email protected] or click on the website link below.
www.somersetfreemasons.org

The Story of The Chicken, The Fox and The NiteSite.

Several years ago I was called to a free range chicken farm, the hens were getting hammered by foxes both by day and by night.

Everything had been tried to keep the foxes out, a small fortune was spent on electric fencing, it was all live as one of my young sports found out.

Two different sets of foxes, ones that attacked by day and ones that attacked by night.

A scaffold tower was erected for me to shoot the daytime ones, this worked very well and I dealt with those foxes very quickly, there is a famous photo of mine with the chickens surrounding the shot fox.

Now I did not deem the tower safe to shoot from at night, so I shot from my truck, rifle at the ready with the NiteSite on scanning the area where the attacks had been the worst hit, all the hens were locked away and bed down.

So there I am sat in the pitch black of the night, the only light is on the screen of my NiteSite.

All of a sudden the hen in the photo came out of the darkness flapping and landing on my arm. Let's just say I think I left a brown stain on my car seat.

Soon after this still with the hen on my arm I shot a fox, I entitled the photo there he is boss that's the fox that ate Gladdis.

Funny stories that can only happen in country sports eh.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

American Style Pancakes.

Here we have my famous American Style Pancakes, served with real salted melting butter, grade A Canadian Maple Syrup.

Washed down with fresh squeezed orange juice and a nice fresh brewed mug of Joe (coffee).

Now that's eating like an international Country King.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Right Tool For The Job.

I am often asked what is my favourite gun????

I answer this quite easily.

I always say use the right size hammer to hit the right size nail in the hole.

I wouldn't use a 308 for rabbit control now would I.

Also Shotgun V Air Rifle for crop protection????

Now the Shotgun can be put to great use as can the air rifle.

This particular day we had several shooting club members protecting crops in the area, this kept the birds moving.

I was on a small field of crops very NR houses, a main road and next to a horse paddock.

The tool for the job here was The Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter, with 4 decoys and no hide just say in the hedge line shooting off the primos trigger sticks.

Nice and quiet with no obtrusive bangs of the shot gun, this was a good test of not only my Marksmanship skills but my decoying skills too.

So there's my answer, choose the right tool for the job in hand.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

As the saying goes, Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen Go Out In The Mid Day Sun, by golly this has been a hot month but we soldiered on, but I must say both me and the dogs waited mostly for the cooler evening than the day time as we strapped ourselves to a fan each.

I hope you have enjoyed this months humble scribbles as much as I have enjoyed remembering them and writing them.

Until next time may i wish you all a safe and happy month ahead.

Mad Dogs and Englishmen
June The Month Of The Tropical Sun.
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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May The Fourth Be With You, Oh and June Too

8/6/2025

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May The Fourth Be With You
Oh and June Too

Well here we are in June. I just don't know where the time goes do you, I hope you enjoy this months humble scribbles, it will soon be time to start pigeon shooting I know.

I have also had several folk try to cause drama in my life, remember I am a Lion not a Sheeple, you don't find successful people talking rubbish about other successful people, we don't have time, were to busy adding worth to mankind and more, were in the game, were not on the side lines talking rubbish, eating cheap pop corn and cheap hotdogs, remeber that when you try to take from my worth, I walk with other lions not bleat with the other Sheeple.

What a beautiful place to be able to spend time.

An old farming friend asked if I could pop along to check to see what was destroying some his crops, it was very handy he had just cut the haulage fields along side as I needed to drive to the crop fields my legs are still not good.

I took the Ole 17hmr and as the evening fell I thinned out a few rabbits out.

But as I got there I could see it was Corvids pulling the crop out, pigeons coming in behind them and rabbit damage too.

As I say there on the back of my truck with my little 28 bore in hand I let Tilly and Goose out for a run about, both dogs diving straight into a bramble bush.

Entrance stage right to left this rabbit bolted right across me me I bowled it over clean as a whistle, this shit flushed a huge flock of pigeons from the big wood, this one came steaming over left to right, So I dropped that cleanly too with the second barrel.

Now that's what we call a right and left at steak and bacon, an old family joke.

Goose retrieved both in fine style as proud as punch, I loves this little dog muchly.

I see some rabbit and pigeon pies in the making right there.

I am going back properly kitted out with a fellow shooting clubman for the start of a few days of crop protection.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.woodspring-pigeon-shooting.co.uk

It's a Murphy's Sunny Sunday.
Not had chance in ages to get some of my guitars out

So today I am having a chill out with some Murphy's Irish Stout, then let the battle of the Guitars begin

Oh my poor neighbors lol

But like the Murphy's I am not bitter www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

A cracking couple of hours sat on the back of the truck with a fellow shooting club member knocking over some Rabbits with the Ole HW100.
Goose my cocker spaniel very much enjoyed retrieving all the shot rabbits, this was not the final bag either.

I see some rabbit burgers and sausages for the shoot club BBQ are on the cards nom nom nom
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

A Solo Mission
One of my oldest perms has called me in yet again, cop damage is at a max, first the pigeons and Corvids then an explosion in the rabbit population.

I would love to have used the 17hmr, but due to Livestock, public footpaths and houses in clos proximity the Air Rifle was the perfect tool for the job in hand.

Alas it was a solo mission as all the shooting club folk were busy with their families ets, so just me and the dogs.

Shooting off the trigger sat on the tailgate if the truck, Goose my cocker spaniel very much enjoyed all the retrieving, this was not the final bag but took the pic before I lost the light.

My old farming friend is very happy with my efforts and the club lads.

I see some bacon wrapped rabbit or KFR coming up me thinks nom nom nom www.theolehedgecreeoer.co.uk

The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club in Association with The Adair Club are proud to host our annual Targets Shooting Day.
Date and Venue;
The 16th of August 2025.

The Mendip Shooting Ground, Somerset.

10am until finish.

This is for Clay Target Shooting, Air Rifle and Air Pistol Target Shooting.

All welcome Family, Friends and Young Folk.

There is a fantastic cafe restaurant there serving breakfasts up to full meals, kids most welcome.

This is also Gordano Lodges annual Clay Shooting Day too.

If you would like to know more or get in contact with us via the website link below www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Simplicity at it's finest.
One of my food heaven meals quick easy and satisfying.

Chicken wings a light sprinkle of oil, well seasoned with hand ground sea salt and cracked black pepper and simply roasted until golden and crispy.

Now that's eating like a country king
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

I have just raised a glass to salute all those that took part in DDay 81 years ago today.
Especially my Pappy (Grandfather) Ole Blue or Sandy to his Navy Chums.

He was a gunner on the HMS Norfolk, along with the HMS Suffolk were the first two ships to engage the pride of the German Navy the Bismarck and help sink her, the pic of him and his Norfolk Brothers in arms in Malta after the ship being patched up.

On DDay he drove a landing craft on sword beach alongside thousands of others, the stories he told me of that first day still brings tears, he taught me to avoid war at all costs.

I am going to bed with this awesome true story film of a DDay veteran, this could easily be me watching my Pappy and Nan, tears and laughter will flow and bring back so many memories of my wonderful Grandparents, good night one and all, I will dream of all those that have fallen on this day and every day since, god bless one and all

Watch The Great Escaper film trailer on the link below

https://youtu.be/C-Qw4asqFUY?si=jU7Gr_DPAKEvmOZt

A New Permission
I got a call from a very nice lady after being recommended.

Please come quickly we are overrun with rabbits they are destroying everything.

Blimey they do have a rabbit problem too, beautiful ornamental gardens, manicured lawns and very well looked after horse paddocks all being destroyed by the rabbits.

The necessary paperwork work filled out over a nice cup of tea, I then spent about an hour shooting and filled the back of my truck up with fresh shot rabbits.

I only hobbled a few yards then sat on my pop up seat shooting off the sticks with the trusty old Air Arms.

Goose my cocker spaniel very much enjoyed retrieving the shit rabbits only after he got his head in the game and stopped chasing the lives ones about lol

The lady watched me with her binoculars from her bedroom window, she complimented me on my shooting, saying blimey you don't you ever miss, I chuckled and said pellets are expensive, we moth laughed.

I will go back this week and let a couple of the other shooting club guys look after this one as I am still not the best of health, but I still have the spirit in me to keep having a go.
www.theolehedgecreeoer.co.uk

I hope you have enjoyed this months humble scribbles as much as I have writing them and remembering, until next time God Bless One and All.

May The Fourth Be With You
Oh and June Too

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

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April Fools and Stalking Shows

11/5/2025

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The Stalking Show 2025.

WOW what can I say but absolutely AWESOME

Well first of all I got to spend the whole weekend with my Dad something that rarely happens now days is spending time together.

I was at the show volunteering and heading up Pass It On Young Sports and The Red Squirrel Conservation with Brendan from The Grey Area Group.

Our stand was packed full all weekend I gave so many game calling lessons from my chair, as my legs are still not good, although I did get off the stand a little for loo breaks, then bumping into so many old chums and new ones who wanted a pic with me.

One highlight I was invited up on stage by my dear chums Jose and Rachel to blast some game calls out for the start of one of their brilliant Game Prep and Game Cooking demos, this was very well received with lots of laughter and cheers.

A wonderful weekend spent at real Country sports show of how it should be, with great muckers and lots of new muckers made too especially Young Sports

The Tyler

I am back in my favourite role in Freemasonry The Tyler or outer guard.

I love being the first mason to deal with the candidates, Province etc.

I am typing for John De Clivedon who meet in the Clevedon Temple here in the province of Somerset.

We were doing a wonderful 3rd degree ceremony to raise Bro M to be a MM, this will be followed by a fine 5 course festive board or after meeting as it's know.

We also have a membership pathway meeting prom the Somerset Province and our new DPGM WBro MG

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason drop Gordano Lodge a line or email us at [email protected] or click on the website link below
www.somersetfreemasons.org

Hunting With Dad.

I was asked by a friend of a friend could I go along to their very large Country House and shoot some rabbits.

They have some wonderful ornamental lawns and flower beds being destroyed by said rabbits.

Dad and I popped along with Ole Goose my cocker spaniel for the retrieving as I am not so good on my legs at the moment, using the Air Arms S510 a Night Pearl Thermal Spotter and my good Ole Nite Site Eagle Dark Ops.

As soon as we got there Dad shot a pigeon that came in to roost, the night fell and we switched to NV, saw a few rabbits and in a couple of hours we managed 5 without moving from the truck, Goose enjoyed retrieving each one including the pigeon at the start,my boy never missed a beat, loves that little dog muchly

3 mallard landed in the pond not ten yards away, a badger snuffled around scaring them off, I heard a Russel of leaves, and then a squeal, not 20 yards away I saw a vixen ( female fox) hunt naturally and take a full grown rabbit right next to me the other side of the pond, this was awesome watching this predator hunt and take her meal back to her cubs.

The evening was spent in almost complete silence, but a million word and memories were exchanged, now that's an evening spent as a true Countryman with my Ole Dad

Back at the perm I have looked after for almost 40 years.

This was where I shot that bag of rabbits a few days ago as per pic, this time armed with the Air Arms S510 ultimate sporter as I wanted to cover some areas where the 22lr was not a good tool for the job.

Although I could of bagged up on young rabbits I didn't fire a shot, as a Countryman I don't kill next year's sport, they will be there come winter and I will ferret them out.

None the less a wonderful evening spent watching young rabbits play in the evening sun, by golly my heart is full tonight

Shooting From The Truck.

An old permission I have shot for almost 40 years dropped me a call, we have a few too many rabbits about can I pop down and have a look.

I was barely just over an hour in total including chatting with the land owner over a mug of tea and getting home.

I actually only shot for 20 mins using the Ole 22 rimmy and a leading ammunition brand.

There were 2 more that I didn't get Goose my Cocker Spaniel to pick up as it was too dark and I could not walk in the dim light with my bad legs from the truck, the land owner went out at first light and picked up both and they are now in his freezer.

I have to go back shortly to have another go equipped with thermal and NV.

You know it's old school shooting like this I really love, just the simplicity of it all.

Now I have some lovely fresh rabbits in my freezer, ohhhh I feel some KFR and a cold cider coming on nom nom nom.

The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity.

Yesterday we held our first event of 2025 at Jacklands Fishing Lakes.

We had a wonderful SEN school as our guests and we put on a wonderful days course and trout fishing on for these wonderful young people, the teachers and helpers, we fed everyone with a BBQ and Russ Woodland one of our wonderful Somerset Freemasonry APGs presented the trophies and medals.

A huge shout out to the Somerset Branch volunteers you folks are the heroes of the day, for without you these days could not run.

If you would like to volunteer, sponsor or have a group that would like a day put on by us get in touch via the email or website link below
[email protected]
www.mtsfc.or.uk

Out on an old permission.

Sat on the back of my truck no hide nothing just me the dog, Mossberg Hush Power 410, field craft and some damn fine shooting.

A very dear old farmer friend has been getting hit by a huge flock of Jackdaws, other mixed corvids and feral pigeons etc.

He's tried everything to keep them off the clamps but still they come, it's not just what they eat it's all the poo over the animal foodstuffs and this is making his livestock unwell.

So I sat there bolt upright thinking just my presence would deter them, no they just kept coming.

This was not the final bag just the one after the first box or so if cartridges, also whilst my old friend was there to take some pics.

I must say Goose my cocker spaniel loved all the retrieving and was so tired by the end of the session.

I am going back next week to see if my scare crow is working if not I will shoot again.

Goose and I had a wonderful morning.

I hope you have enjoyed my latest humble scribbles and more.

April Fools and Stalking Shows

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

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The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel

4/4/2025

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The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

Where has the mad month of The March Hare gone??? here I am writing the April article, it only seems like yesterday I was writing the March one.

Well here we go on a whistle stop tour of the last month, oh boy has it been a crazy month in so many areas, I literally dont have the time to write the full story.

We start off out on a shooting permission with the club I am chairman of, one of the estates where we have permission to cull the grey squirrels, the big house as we call it was getting hit pretty bad on their ornamental lawns and flower beds, this was not only squirrels but rabbits too.

One of my fellow clubmen helped install some live catch traps and a squirrel feeder, the traps were filled with peanuts and the feeder with wheat, this is what the gamekeeper uses for his pheasants and partridge so is good bait to use to get the tree rats where we want to shoot them, ie on the feeder, I will say this month shot squirrel count is quite impressive, I did remark its quite picturesque here I was expecting a Fairy or two to make an appearance by the trickling stream on this lovely sunny afternoon, we have shot a lot of rabbits here too with the Air Arms S510 Ultimate Sporter, all from my truck which is good as I cant really walk anywhere now day due to an industrial accident and my spine is buggered.

We have also been helping an old lady on the estate too, she has a lovely big garden and like to sit out and watch the song birds on her bird feeders, alas feed the birds and you will get squirrels and rats, watch the video below this will show you best how we have been doing.

I did attend a Red Squirrel Protection and Grey Squirrel Management course in Berkshire, this was class room based and very disabled friendly, I met a lot of nice folk, very knowledgeable folk too, I saw the oldest granary in the UK dating back to the 1700s, this was raised up mon Straddle Stones a fascinating story about how these stones were invented by our ancestors, google them and have a read absolutely fascinating.

I went to visit Jackland's Farm Shop and Michael Perry and Son Butchers to pic up some wonderful locally sourced produce, by golly mere words, photos or even the video attached just do not do the quality of these products the justice they deserve, ok so you might pay a little extra from a local butcher etc, but the quality is far superior, often you get more for your money or the product goes a long way further, buy British, Buy The Best!!!!!! if you want to hear from a Farmer/Butcher, go look up The Frustrated Farmer on Face Ache Or You Tube, that boy says it straight, he don't hold back I Telle, very entertaining too I might add.

It was Mothers Day too this month, I lost both Mum and Nan a moth apart back in 2020, not a day goes by when I don't think of them more than several times a day, especially when preparing any meal as they were magnificent cooks and knew how to feed us Collins Boys well, I cannot find the phot of the bench my brother and I built for my Nan and Pap’s, but I can find the one we built for Mum, both are up in our big wood up on the state, again mere words or photo’s just don't tell you how much I miss these wonderful women who had taught me so much.

What a month for freemasonry in Somerset, we had the Provincial AGM, I took my Dad for his first time there, wow what a day this was, we advanced Dad in to the Mark Degree this month, installed Big Mike as a Brother Knight in The Knights Templar, visited so many lodges as The Adair Club and Gordano Boys on Tour, and so much more I just don't have enough time or space to do Somerset Freemasonry the justice it deserves here.

Finally our hilarious pod cast Crock Pot and Spud’s (The Nailsea Twice) is blowing all expectations out of the water, the hits are flying in internationally, we have such a huge wide fan base now its almost taken the tinterweb by storm, here we are now in season 3 episode 5, where in gods name did those 3 seasons go, or where do we find so much to talk about, I must say the Q&A section from the fan base is very popular, without blowing our own trumpet, we truly rae a pair of FUNNY FxCKERS or as some are calling us the modern day Two Ronnie’s, all I will say its a lot of fun recording them so pklease keep tuning in and keep sending the questions, we do have our very own Face Book Page and Podcast Site now too, click on the button below for the latest Episode.

Crock Pot & Spud's Latest Episode

Well I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles as much as I have writing them and looking back, especially over some of the photos I came across whilst looking for the pictures of Mums Memorial Bench.

So until next time Ave Good Un Muckers One and All.

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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New Year, The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

New Year
The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

Deck The Halls

Deck The Halls

The November Fall

The November Fall

October Dreams

October Dreams

Whistling Wings and The Ghost Riders

Whistling Wings and The Ghost Riders

A Sea Of Stubbles

A Sea Of Stubble's

June A Month Of Mad Dogs and Englishmen

Mad Dogs and Englishmen
June The Month Of The Tropical Sun

May The Fourth Be With You, Oh and June Too

May The Fourth Be With You
Oh and June Too

April Fools and Stalking Shows

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

About the Archive

Archives

Categories

SPONSORS and Pro Staff Appointments

New Year ​ The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

Deck The Halls

The ​November Fall

October Dreams

Whistling Wings and The Ghost Riders

A Sea Of Stubble's

Mad Dogs and Englishmen​ June The Month Of The Tropical Sun

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel​Tree Rats and Fairy Dust

About the Archive

Archives

Categories

SPONSORS and Pro Staff Appointments

New Year
The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

The November Fall

Mad Dogs and Englishmen
June The Month Of The Tropical Sun

The Tree Fairy and The Squirrel
Tree Rats and Fairy Dust