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CLRA Competition Report 2016 – CSM Bowen

CLRA Competition Report 2016

Every year in May the County of Lancaster Rifle Association (CLRA) runs a cadet shooting meeting for all school and cadet teams operating in the North West. This year the meeting was attended by 15 competing sides, with the Army Cadet Forces of Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside and the Isle of Man, the Sea Cadet Corps, and schools including Sedbergh and ourselves putting forward teams, with these teams representing more than 6,000 cadets from the region.

This year the meeting was held on the 28th & 29th May, and this weekend turned out to be some of the best shooting weather I have seen in my five years in the shooting team.

With just one weekend of practice two weeks prior to the event to finesse and hone our skills after a year of not shooting this weapon, it seemed as though this year we would not be as prepared as we had in previous years. However this impression was quickly corrected, as on the first day of the two-day competition which was a check-zero event where we were allowed to shoot at 200 yards to confirm the sights on our rifles were correctly set, our A team of myself (CSM Bowen), CSM Cope, and Cpl’s Puddifer and Taylor, B team of Cpl Beveridge, L/Cpl Hodkinson, Able Seaman Fitter, and Cdt Harper, and Reserves of Cdt Blythe, Bostock and Stables were shooting consistently and accurately, building confidence in the teams.

This confidence carried over to the Sunday, where the competition started and the shooting was scored. Turning up at the Hightown hotel at 0745 the weather was ideal – the clear skies and very little wind made for perfect conditions. The morning consisted of a 300 yard shoot in our respective teams. With just 50 minutes to have the four man team shoot and each of their shots scored, it was a tough task, especially given that the cadets in the butts were having a tough time manipulating the targets due to their weight, which cost us valuable time. After shooting, as the two seniors, CSM Cope and I had to coach one another and then the other members of the team, adding further constraints to the time. Despite this, the shooting went well, and placed us in a good position in the tables, ready for the second shooting session that afternoon.

After a ‘Brownie’ – a paper lunch bag provided by 42 NW brigade each containing sausage rolls, chocolate, fruit, and water, we moved back to conduct the second shoot. This shoot was at 500 yards, which to give some idea of distance is the same as the length of 5 football pitches, with the ‘V bull’ on the target – the highest scoring centre ring – only being 6 inches across, making for a hard target. This shoot is naturally more challenging, however in previous years we have tended to do better at this range than the 300 yards. This year was no different, and despite the wind which had by now started gusting we scored highly across the board aided by a high quality of coaching supplemented by knowledge from RSM Brett, with the whole team (and the reserve pair of Blythe and Stables of note) scoring better than could have been expected given the now-windy conditions.

Overall the meeting proved a massive success for the team, as we won the overall competition for the third consecutive year (8 man team), 2nd in the aggregate shoot, placed 2nd (A team) and 3rd (B team) in the 4 man competition, and myself and CSM Cope placing 2nd in the 2 man team competition. As well as this the competition gave the new and un-vetted members of the team a chance to gain experience and help to develop their already capable skill set. Also a mention must go to the two who were in the butts for the weekend – Recruits Puthuran and Mannicham.

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CSM Bowen

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This morning, our Reception pupils enjoyed their u This morning, our Reception pupils enjoyed their usual morning snack - but this time in a very special setting!

They visited Headmaster Mr Dearden in his office at the Senior School, where each child received a commemorative badge to mark the beginning of co-education from ages 4–18 at Merchant Taylors’.

The children asked Mr Dearden lots of questions, before tucking into toast, fruit and drinks, finishing their visit with a round of high fives! 👏

It was a memorable morning that helped our youngest pupils feel part of the wider school community and this exciting new chapter.
To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant Taylors’ Senior School, we were pleased to welcome Mr Matthew King, one of our governors, into school on Thursday to see daily life in action.

Across the day, Matthew visited a variety of lessons, including Geography, Computer Science, Biology, Maths and History. He also joined pupils for lunch and enjoyed the buzz of the Dance Auditions in Williams Hall.

Reflecting on his visit, Matthew said:

“It's been a very encouraging day. I have shadowed a Year 9 class in their lessons and I've been able to observe their learning with a variety of hats on: as a governor; as a teacher myself, and also as an Old Crosbeian.

"It was an absolute privilege to spend time alongside pupils and staff in this landmark week for the school. The enthusiasm, focus and energy I witnessed were inspiring, and it was wonderful to see how quickly and confidently our pupils are embracing co-education.

"I was sat there today thinking about what 15-year-old Matthew King would have thought of this and I think today marks the start of a very positive, new chapter in Merchant Taylors' history.”

We are grateful to Matthew for his ongoing commitment as a governor and for supporting our vision to create the very best environment for every pupil to flourish.
A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁 After Her Roya A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁

After Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field yesterday, our Year 6 pupils were given the rare chance to step up close to the impressive Leonardo AW139.

The pilots kindly took the time to chat with them, answering their many questions and making it an experience they’ll never forget. 💫
We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Merchant Taylors’ this afternoon.

Princess Anne arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field as she travelled to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where she attended the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.

It was a privilege for our school community to host her arrival.
Lost luggage. Cancelled flights. Endless delays ✈️

That was just the beginning of Headmaster Mr Dearden’s holiday nightmare, which he shared at our very first co-educational assembly this morning. Thankfully, the trip turned out wonderfully in the end, and from it came an important reminder for our pupils.

Just like at school, the journey won’t always go to plan. But if you’re prepared and organised, accept help when it’s offered, and have the courage to be adventurous and take a risk, you’ll always get where you’re meant to be.

A brilliant message as we begin this exciting new chapter together. 💫
On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginnin On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginning of a new chapter as we welcomed our very first co-educational Senior School pupils.

From roll call on the Parade Ground, where our new Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden and Chair of Governors Mr Philip Marshall KC addressed pupils from Prep and Seniors, to the presentation of commemorative badges, it was a morning filled with pride and anticipation for the future.

The day ended with pupils gathering on the school field to spell out MTS – a striking start to this exciting new chapter in our history.

Here’s to a future shaped by ambition, character and excellence.
We’re sorry to share the news that former Head o We’re sorry to share the news that former Head of Maths at Merchant Taylors' Boys’ School, Clare Peacock, passed away last week after a short illness.

Clare was a much-valued member of staff at school from 2006–2021. We send our condolences to Clare's loved ones; her funeral will take place on Wednesday 17th September at 2pm at Southport Crematorium.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, flowers will be from close family members only. Donations in Clare’s memory can be made to Queenscourt Hospice.

We are happy to pass any messages or memories that you wish to share with Clare's family. Please email devoffice@merchanttaylors.com.
A whole school moment, captured in three letters: A whole school moment, captured in three letters: MTS ❤️
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