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October Dreams, A New Season Awakens

1/10/2026

October Dreams
A New Season Awakens

Opening Morning Its Wildfowling Time

Goose and I missed morning flight this year due to some unseen truck issues, but rest assured we did make it out on evening flight, we sat in our favourite spot by the river and watched the sun set in west, its our favourite spot for many reasons but it also holds fond memories of long gone dogs, wildfowling flights to remember and long retrieves, family and friends who have gone on to wildfowl in gods marsh, but also dear old Marc Ray who died on the 1st of September 2009 on his way to meet me here, so each year I fire a shot in his memory, a wonderful flight we had, the barn owl came to say hello and I got to spend a flight and make more memories with Goose my Cocker Spaniel, you know the best bit, I didn't even fire a shot apart from the one for Marc and his memory, Goose and I left with full hearts smiling like Cheshire Cats as we are alive again the season is here.

The Ole Hedge Creeper

Countryman in all Country Sports, Conservationist, Game Chef and Lecturer, Game Caller, Champion of the Young Sports, Journalist, Freemason with Charity at his Core.

Talks, lectures, Game Calling and Field Craft Lessons.

Website; www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
Email; [email protected]
Tel; 074431113424

Gordano Boys on Tour

My Worshipful Master of the lodge BBQ.

wow what a fantastic day we had, lovely food, good company, the laughter of children.

Great Camaraderie a truly wonderful day it could not have gone any better.

Our next event is on the first Monday in October.

A wonderful Gift

I was talking to a dear friend Saying I have yet to get a portrait of Goose and I together.

I was invited around for a meal when my dear friend could not wait to give me this gift, her and her family had done me this wonderful framed portrait of Goose and I, well I can tell you I was somewhat overwhelmed with emotion.

It now sits proudly above my desk in my office, between a hand drawn pic of old Bracken and I in a pigeon hide and the photo of me on opening Wildfowling season many years ago, again both gifts from dear friends.

I now sit here and look up with great fondness and memories.
You know there really are some lovely people in this world.

The Ole Hedge Creeper and The Frampton Show 2026

I was there heading up my team on The Pass It On Young Sports Stand and helping with The Somerset Squirrel Initiative and The Grey Area with Brendan Anderson.

My show ring demos were well attended and the pigeon shooting, Wildfowling and Game Calling demos were a lot of fun, this brought rapturous applause and laughter from the packed show ring crowds.

I really do love heading up my wonderful team at Pass It On Young Sports.
As our Mantra Says.

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

www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk
www.woodspring-pigeon-shooting.co.uk

Pass It On Young Sports Taster Day Autumn 2026 at The Jacklands Fishing Lakes North Somerset.

The sun rose in the East as all the volunteers arrived to build our wonderful now famous second taster day of the year. There was an air of excitement amongst all of us this day.

The gates opened and the Families started arriving, a sea of people worthy of the game fairs of yesterday year and this didn't stop all day.

This must be a record attendance in all 17 years we have been running these taster days. Sending out a mahoosive thanks to all our team of amazing volunteers, with our all you folks these days would not run.

If you would like to know more about volunteering for us or maybe you have a country craft.

If you would like to know more about pass it on young sports, please get in touch with us on the contact details below.
Tel; 07501962893
Email: psssitonyoun [email protected]
Website; www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

Coaching a Novice

Out on fox control last night on one of my agricultural friends very posh manor house.

The novice was using his very expensive top of the range thermal equipment and scope in his rifle.
Well let's just say experience will get the job done and as I have seen hundreds of times training people, the excitement of the shot gets the better of them on live targets.

I will go back and get the job done, so the rare breed flock can rest easy and my agricultural friend will be happy too.

Oh to be starting out again in life the journey afresh and the voyage of discovery, learning to shoot from a calm pond.

I went back a few nights later and dealt with the problem, what's the old saying? don’t send a boy to do a man’s job eh!!!! well we all have to learn somewhere and our last mistake is always our best lesson.

www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Ole Hedge Creeper took his Pass It On Young Sports team to Yorkshire for the South Yorkshire Shooting Show in Doncaster.

The Pass It On Young Sports stand was rammed full all weekend with the young sports and their families, with the sound of wildfowl filling the air, game calling lessons, book signings, meeting up with old friends and new ones.

Catching up with some of our sponsors and more.

The show was awesome as always and our Pass It On Young Sports Team, well they are the stars of show as were all volunteers.

Bring on 2027!!!!!

As our mantra says, Teach Them Right, Coach Them Well,
for TOGETHER WE CAN INSPIRE
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

The Start of The Game Season 2026

Well its finally here, everything is now in season, this is my favourite month, a month of plenty, I love Autumn, the colours of mother nature, mother earth giving us a bounty of plenty before Winter sets in, foraging for all sorts of food stuffs like field mushrooms etc, the fruit trees are giving their final bounty if your luck, and all the quarry species is now on the menu, with high hopes for a wonderful season ahead, Goose and I cant wait to be out there once again, for we are alive once more.

I saw this on facebook and laughed my silly head off, I have sent it to my butcher friend who like to make intersting displays for his counter, he has not come back to me with this one yet, chorkle chorkle chorkle.

I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles and our latest adventures, well until next time I pray you are all safe and well, God Bless You, one and all.

October Dreams
A New Season Awakens
By The Ole Hedge Creeper
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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A Summer’s Slumber As A New Season Awakens

1/9/2026

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A Summer’s Slumber
As A New Season Awakens

Blimey what a ghastly hot summer we have had, the crops dying in the ground due to the heat and lack of dare I say rain, the farmers using their winter food in summer to feed the animals, the pigeons, rabbits and deer destroying what's left, you cant blame them they are only trying to survive with families to raise, none the less we have done our best to protect the livestock and crops as sensitively as possible, so here we are with rain in the air, Wildfowling Seasons Eve, with the hope for the start of another wonderful season on hmmmm Gods Green Earth, well it will be with some more rain that is, but as always I suspect we will get too much and floods will be on us soon enough, we can never find a happy balance in this country eh?

Part 1
On Friday along with a plethora of our brethren from many 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 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 Burt 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 for us please drop us a line on the contact details below

Tel; 07443113424
Email: [email protected]
Web:www.mtsfc.org.uk
As our mantra says Were Catching Smiles

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: [email protected]
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 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

Woodspring Pigeon Shooting and Wildfowling Club.

A totally impromptu couple of hours dealing with rabbits at an equestrian centre permission.

I got a call from an old friend saying please come quickly and were overrun with rabbits.

So armed with the trusty 22lr sat on a stool in a gateway at the back of the truck I really enjoyed this solo mission, just me and Goose my Cocker Spaniel who retrieved all the shot rabbits as night fell.

I will be going back soon but all these are destined for this weekend's BBQ mostly as burgers nom nom nom.

If you require our pest control or crop/livestock protection services drop us a line via our website links below
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk
www.woodspring-pigeon-shooting.co.uk
www.reallywildadventures.co.uk

First cook out in our garden in 17 years gulp.

I live in a little community and we share a communal garden looking over the farm.

This year we decided as in most of our little community and a few friends to take the garden back from mother nature, most of the neighbours and a few friends all chipped in and cleared the bramble and elder trees etc, were not done yet but we have broken the back of it.

I got my Tanpanyakki cooker out a few camp chairs and a table, a bit of good food and some wonderful cider.

A jolly night was had by all, for the first time in 17 years since I have lived here, I actually got to enjoy a wonderful sunset sat in a camp chair with a cider in my fist in our garden.

Ahhhh good company, food and drink, the dogs at our feet and a wonderful sunset, what more could you ask for???

All was good in the world this night.

Gordano Boys on Tour
Our WMs BBQ wow what a fantastic day we had, lovely food, good company, the laughter of children.
Great Cameraderie a truly wonderful day it could not have gone any better.
Our next event is on the first Monday in September, look on our events page.

If you would like to know more about becoming a Freemason.
Drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line.
Or email us at [email protected]
Or call us on Tel: 07443113424
Or click on the website link below.
https://www.somersetfreemasons.org/gordano-lodge-6244/

Gordano Lodge, The Adair Club and The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club's annual summer shoot at The Mendip Shooting Ground.

A fantastic turn out from a plethora of lodges across Somerset and other Provinces.

Some really wonderful shooting, banter and camaraderie was had.

We had young William who took the top young shot, Jo she took the top lady newcomer and myself (WM of Gordano) who took the top gun for my lodge,The Adair Club and The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club all rounder.

I must admit today really was a fantastic well supported day, as always I loved coaching.

Our next event is on the 5th of September NR Weston Super Mare, for the full details or how to join us, please contact us via the website link below.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Pass It On Young Sports pop up sessions.

As the head honcho, pointy hat wearer of Pass It On Young Sports UK covering England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland I am often running these pop up sessions nationwide.

Today our marksmanship and fishing team got to coach in doors for a change.

This was for a local youth initiative at a village community centre, kids and adults of all ages and disabilities got to try their hands at the tin can alley indoor range using BB guns, rifles, shotguns and pistols, they also got to try their hand at magnetic course fishing and Velcro fly fishing all of our events were enjoyed by all and everyone left smiling wanting to join us at our weekly rifle range too.

If you would like to know more about our voluntary pop up sessions drop us a line via our website link below.
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

Thursday sub power family Air Target Range Night.

All welcome no matter age or ability, disabled shooters most welcome.

All equipment and coaching supplied if you don't have your own etc.

You need to book in with our secretary on the telephone number below or contact us via our website.

We're also looking for range officers, no experience necessary as full training is given.

Call Do Not Text Tel; 07501962893
www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

Somerset Masonic Shooting Club

Bank Holiday and I got to spend it with a wonderful Masonic Shooting Club Brother Lee and His Wife Jenny and all their kids up at The Mendip Shooting Ground in Somerset.

This is a real Shooting family even the babies get to shoot on a game via their I Pads.

I was there coaching the young sports whilst Mum and Dad enjoyed some quality time Shooting together.
A truly wonderful day where we hit some, we missed some and enjoyed every minute of our time together.

The mighty Mendip breakfast was a huge bonus as always in the shooting Lodge.

if you would like to join us at one of our events, click on the website link below.
www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Pass It On Young Sports in association with The Brislington Rifle Club Bristol are holding a sub power air rifle range open day at the Brislington Rifle Clubs range site, booking in is essential

Date: 12th of September 2026
Time: 10am til 4pm
Venue: Brislington Bristol BS44JU
Tel: 07501962893
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.pass-it-on-young-sports.org.uk

Yet another fantastic event I am putting on for the lodge with a great charity idea too, this time with an international line up of entertainment.

Never a truer word said in jest with this photo, it must be from all the cold and the damp from all the years stood out in the cold and wet chasing after wildfowl etc

Well here we are on the eve of the wildfowling season, were all caught up for this month as it gets ready to turn to September, like I said Goose and I wont be able to sleep tonight for the butterflies will be in our bellies watching the clock for opening morning and evening, read all about it in next months article.

All I can say for now is, that I hope you have enjoyed my humble scribbles and that I wish you all well, see you at one of the shows coming up so please come say hello.

A Summer’s Slumber
As A New Season Awakens

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

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The Month of The Sun Worshippers

5/8/2026

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The Month of The Sun Worshippers

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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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

Full Story Link Click Here

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: [email protected]
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

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It Aint Half Hot Mum

10/7/2026

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It Aint Half Hot Mum
July 1976 and 2026 an Indian Summer Of Two Halves

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.

Somerset Masonic Shooting Club

It is with the heaviest of hearts we have to let our members and followers know of the passing to the GL above of our fellow Somerset Masonic Shooting Clubman Richard (Dick) Warry.

Dick to all who knew him was a life long Countryman, a fine man and good mason, loved by all who had the greatest honour to have known him.
A wonderful husband, father, grandfather to a family that truly loved him.
He not only leaves a big hole in his family, but also in the hunting, shooting and fishing world.

Especially the Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity and The Somerset Masonic Shooting Club.

We gave him a good send off yesterday where many masons attended his funeral and wake.

Sadness yes but also laughter, joviality and stories filled the air with memories of Dick.

The fishing picture (Dick far left) is only a few weeks ago with our Chairman teaching families how to fly fish.

Dick was always passionate about passing on country sports and more.

Rest easy mucker you are greatly missed by us all.

A waste of time that man, woman or child.

Those that knew him will now be full on belly laughing with that fraise as it meant you were the bees knees..

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

This was written by the clubs secretary.

Organised by our chairman Rob Collins, this was the start to a momentous day indeed.

The day started off overcast and misty as all the brethren, friends and family arrived to meet in the shooting lodges cafe for our famous hearty breakfast.

We had a record number of brethren from several provinces plus our own.

The sun shone and cleared the sky to a beautiful sunny Somerset day set in the most wonderful of surroundings.

We drew lots with an instructor for each team of 4 shooters, we had the Wiltshire province here in good numbers on their annual pilgrimage to shoot with us.
We headed down to the woodland shoot and shot some really fun and trying targets, Arthur one of our trainee young shots shot a joint second place using a 410 shotgun under the expert instruction of our chairman.

Bolting rats, hopping rabbits, springing teal and so many more fun targets to shoot.

We all broke for lunch back at the shooting lodge and totted up the scores, the top team was our chairman's team with a very impressive score and top gun was shot by Tony that's Arthur's Dad again being coached by our chairman, all the teams and instructors really putting in a great effort and a huge round of applause was heard right through the shooting grounds.

Gordano Lodge WM Rob Collins who is also our Chairman and a plethora of members had also arranged Sylvanus Lodge to attend today to hand over the travelling trowel and to shoot with us, this also got a rapturous applause not only from the brethren but also other people at the shooting lodge, this also got us a couple of enquiries about joining Freemasonry.

We all then went out to enjoy the Avalon Guns open day on the ground that was just like a mini game fair.

What a fantastic day, Camaraderie, Shooting, wonderful food, dinosaurs, dog scurries, a mini game fair and so much more, mere words and photos do not do this day justice.

A huge thank you to all of those that assisted our chairman to put this day on and all of those that attended.

If you would like to join us copy our website address into your browser.

www.somersetmasonicshootingclub.co.uk

Full news article on the link button below

News Link Button

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

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Sea Shanty Shenanigans And Masonic Fishing

1/6/2026

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Sea Shanty Shenanigans
And Masonic Fishing

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.

Permission To Come Ashore

On the 23rd of May 2026 several Gordano members with family and friends and a plethora of Brethren from across Somerset and other provinces plus their families and friends, attended The Sea Shanty Event at the Grove Sports Centre in Nailsea.

The event was hosted by our very own Gordano Lodge Worshipful Master Rob Collins who also heads up The Somerset Branch of The Masonic Fishing Charity (MTSFC).

Gordano Lodge sponsored the buffet, King Alfred Lodge and The Axbridge Rotary Club sponsored the raffle prizes plus other sponsors.

The BEACH'D BUOYS Shanty Band donated themselves to play at The Grove Sports Centre, The Grove Sports Centre who donated the venue in aid of our worthy charity branch and the work we do for local Sen Children and more.

The night was a rip roaring success to an almost packed out venue, as the band started singing bringing the high seas, sunken ships and drunken sailors to life with the rock and roll of the 1700s.

The Band got the crowd singing and lifting the roof off, one pirate even losing his head.

The night was over all too quickly as everyone left singing and laughing asking when is the next event.

For Further events you will have to look on the Gordano events list on our Facebook Group.

The Somerset MTSFC Branch has raised enough money from this gig to put on a fully funded fishing day in July for a local youth organisation with many young people coming from disadvantaged families.

We have several quotes from our patrons, below are just a couple.

One fellow saying he has come to several masonic functions over the last year because of Rob's infectious enthusiasm and is now considering joining a daytime lodge due to his age.

One lady and her friends also remarked they did not realise how much good Freemasonry does for their local communities and for charity and will definitely supporting more events put on by Freemasonry.

If this isn't a fine example of Freemasonry In The Community I don't know what is.

Gordano Lodges WM and Chairman of the Somerset Branch of the MTSFC Rob Collins final statement was, tonight is truly humbling to see such a huge crowd of people from all walks of life Mason or Not, pulling together for a great cause and enjoying being in each others company.

If you would like to know more or even volunteer or sponsor The Somerset Branch of the Masonic Fishing Charity please Email; [email protected] or Tel: 07901251119.

If your interested in joining Freemasonry

Drop Gordano Lodge 6244 a line.

Or email us at: [email protected]

Or call us on Tel: 07443113424

*This part of the article was sent with great thanx from The Branch COMM's Officer for us to use*nt Shenanigans

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

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May The Fourth Be With You

2/5/2026

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May The Fourth Be With You

What a whirlwind couple of months, I have literally been flat out like a lizard drinking and have met myself coming back so many times, I will try and keep as brief an article asthis or I will just end up writing another book.

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.

I got called out on a rabbit permission with the shooting club, armed with my ole Air Arms S410 and the NiteSite Wolf we bagged up and left a happy farmer.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

#nitesite #jackpyke #theolehedgecreeper

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

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The Missing April

23/4/2026

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The Missing April

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

Event Website Link Button

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Forgotten February and The Madness Of March

15/3/2026

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Forgotten February and The Madness Of March

Hitting The headlines is always a pleasure, especially on a subject I love, this article in Airgun World really sang to me, well as it was about me, Hunter, Fisherman, Conservationist, Countryman, Champion of the Young Sports, game chef and lecturer on many countryside related subjects for Lantra etc.
www.theolehedgecreeper.co.uk

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

I am so looking forward to tonight's meal, local ox tail stew, with Herby dough boys (dumplings) and some crusty bread and butter.

In the video early this morning the oxtail are browning off with some vegetables before going into the slow cooker to cook for 12 hours low and slow in my own secret recipe gravy nom nom nom.

Trap Man Traps Part 1

I was called in by the owner of our shooting estate, squirrels are hammering her bird feeders in her garden again, well it's expected especially at this time of year.

I tried out two of the new Trap Man live catch traps as recommended by the Red Squirrel South West conservation body.

Within 24 hours I had these 3 in them, I must admit I like this design especially if I get hedge hogs or the farm cat in them as they are easy to release from.

These 3 are now in my freezer ready to make southern fried popcorn squirrel very soon.

Just look for trap man traps online you will find them, well made traps that actually work.

Trap Man Part 2

Day 2 less than 24 hours from the last post and we have another grey squirrel in the traps from Trap Man, that's 4 in less than 48 hours.

Originally designed by Brendan Anderson and Rob Elton from Katch It Traps.

Trap Man has made a couple of improvements and now these new traps are in use both domestically and commercially, as you can see they really do work.

If you would like any good quality English made traps just Google Trap Man and you will find him.

The best I have had so far in one trap are 5 squirrels, can you beat that in one of these traps.

Trap Man Part 3

Not even 24 hours from the last video and pics, squirrel no5 in the trap, that's 4 in that trap and 1 in the other trap not ten feet away.

These traps were designed by Brendan Anderson and Rob Elton from Katch It traps, but trap man has made a couple of improvements to them since the original design.

These are the recommended traps on the Lantra squirrel management course, especially in red squirrel areas as you can release non target species un harmed.

Always wear gloves when handling wildlife and thoroughly clean the traps after use.

We only have one squirrel they tell me hmmmm?

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.

A proper North Somerset West Country breakfast, all local produce except for the beans, nothing fried, all grilled or poached or pan seared.
Now that eating like a country king I telle.

Venison Steak and Kidney Pie

The last of my Sika (deer) and Venison kidney, made into a wonderful pie with thick gravy packed to the rafters in shortcuts pastry.

Served with new boiled spuds, peas and carrots.
All I can say is nom nom nom.

Now that's food heaven and eating like a country king.

This recipe and many more are in my cook books available from this website.

Forgotten February and The March Madness

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

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New Year, The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

1/1/2026

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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.

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Deck The Halls

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About the Archive

Archives

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SPONSORS and Pro Staff Appointments

A Summer’s Slumber ​ As A New Season Awakens

The Month of The Sun Worshippers

It Aint Half Hot Mum ​ July 1976 and 2026 an Indian Summer Of Two Halves

Sea Shanty Shenanigans​ And Masonic Fishing

May The Fourth Be With You

Forgotten February and The Madness Of March

New Year ​ The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters

Deck The Halls

About the Archive

Archives

Categories

SPONSORS and Pro Staff Appointments

A Summer’s Slumber
As A New Season Awakens

It Aint Half Hot Mum
July 1976 and 2026 an Indian Summer Of Two Halves

Sea Shanty Shenanigans
And Masonic Fishing

New Year
The Wolf Moon & The Seven Sisters