A Rich Heritage
The Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Shooting Club (formerly known as the Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Association) was officially opened by His Excellency The Lieutenant Governor Air Marshal Ian MacFadyen on the 13th August 2005, and has a rich heritage going back to the early 1970s.
The Early Days
1972
The Isle of Man Game and Clay Pigeon Shooting Association was formed with the amalgamation of the Douglas Gun Club, based at Thalloo Keroon on the Creg ny Baa back road, and the Southern Game Preservation Society, based at Ballanhowe. The union came about when both clubs had to vacate their respective premises due to pending closure.
1975
The Association went about creating a ground on John Quilliam’s land at Broogh Fort of the Mull in Santon, which was opened with Skeet, ABT, and DTL ranges. Although a clubhouse was donated by Colin Sefton it was unfortunately located just outside Blackpool, so a group of club members set about dismantling it and bringing it back to the Island.
1977
The club successfully hosted the Commonwealth Federation Games (European Division) in 1977 in awful weather conditions.
1980
The ‘game’ portion is dropped from the club’s title, briefly making us The Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Shooting Association. Shortly afterwards saw the formation of the Manx Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, so we dropped the ‘association’ aspect from our own name making us the Isle of Man Clay Pigeon Shooting Club, or IOMCPSC.
1985
The first Island Games were held on the Isle of Man, giving us a chance to host the ABT rounds while the Ayre CTC hosted Olympic Skeet.
1991
The club finds itself without a home following John Quilliam’s decision to begin operations as a commercial target range.
Undeterred we cast around for another place to shoot; first at the Five and a Half Corner on the Creg ny Baa back road where Douglas Gun Club were originally based before moving to Thalloo Keroon, then on Robbie Cooil’s land in the south of the Island.
Sadly neither location was suitable, so we conducted trial shoots on Tim Sayle’s land near Archallagan but decided not to proceed with that location due to a number of reasons, despite securing planning permission.
1997
MHKs Noel Cringle and David North suggested we look at a place called Meary Veg in Santon which the government had just purchased for its Iris Project – an ‘all-island’ sewage treatment solution. Having confirmed potential suitability we were allowed to set up a temporary range on the site which now contains the main sewage treatment plant. From there we applied for planning permission for the present location, which we achieved two years later.
2003
A lease is signed with the government and we start construction of the range, most of the work being carried out by club members.
2005
The facility was opened officially by the Lieutenant Governor Air Marshall Ian Macfadyen.
2012
An issue with shot falling into the treatment plant caused us to relocate the ranges away from the clubhouse and to their present location.
Charity Involvement
Supporting the Island’s charities is at the very heart of our club, and to date we’re proud to have raised over £24,000 for Hospice Isle of Man.
Come and Have a Go!
It’s said that even the greatest journey begins with a simple step, so if you have ever wanted to try clay target shooting then you’re most welcome to join us for a relaxed round on one of our open practice days. Don’t worry – we’ll provide all the necessary protective equipment as well as use of a club gun and all the friendly guidance you need in order to guarantee an enjoyable experience. Just drop us a line or turn up for open practice. Pro tip: arrive early and bring warm clothes as well as stout footwear.
Open Practice
The range is usually available for open practice on Saturday mornings from 10:00 until 12:30, and on Wednesday afternoons from 12:00 until 16:00. During these times we aim to cater for English Skeet, Pro Sporting, and DTL disciplines, but upcoming competitions can also influence what gets set up for open practice.
Private Bookings
Looking for a unique experience to celebrate that special occasion? We regularly cater for private groups, so whether it’s a birthday party, works do, or just simply a group of friends in search of some friendly competition, get in touch and we’ll arrange a mutually convenient booking, just for your group.
We also have gift vouchers available to purchase from the club which can be redeemed for the following:
- A trial round of 25 targets, including the use of a club gun supervised by a member of the committee with complimentary tea or coffee
- Club membership, clothing or cartridges (the latter only available to holders of a Regulated Weapons Certificate)
Visiting Shooters
We’re also happy to receive experienced shooters from other clubs, be it for open practice or to take part in our fixtures. Note that you’ll need to produce your regulated weapons certificate and sign a Day Membership Form in order to use our facilities, and that participation in formal competitions is on a points-only basis for non-members.
Membership
Members enjoy discounted range fees in addition to being eligible for competition prizes and the numerous trophies that are shot for every year.
Annual Membership Fees
(Please note that annual membership fees are due for payment on the 1st January)
£80.00 | Adult Annual Membership (21 and above as of 1st January) |
£10.00 | Junior Annual Membership (21 or under as of 1st January) |
£800.00 | Life Membership (Over 21 only) |
Range Fees
Members | £6.00 per round of 25 targets (£3.50 for Juniors) |
Non members | £8.00 per round of 25 targets (£3.50 for Juniors) |
Extra targets | 25p each please ensure you pay for these in the clubhouse immediately after shooting |