For the final (competitive) round of 2024, SIHFTers get to gather for Round 8 of the series on Sunday week (29th September). Our host is Meon Valley Airgun Club, at their superb ground at Hen Wood.

The competition is open to all safe shooters of sub 12lb ft air rifles who are members of the hosting clubs (Buxted, Ford, Horsham, MVAC & Mile Oak), plus any member of Iden Fern, MAD and Bisley.

Other individuals will also be welcomed; all we ask is for a brief heads up that you would like to join us by dropping a PM to me.

The competition is scheduled to start at 10:00, immediately following the safety briefing. As you know, you must be at the Safety Brief if you wish to enter the comp.

Booking in will commence around 08:30.

Catering will be on site for the morning.

Please remember that if you wish to partner a specific person or persons (max 3, including you), do not leave booking in too late. That way we are more likely to be able to ensure a suitable peg is available.

Location ..... most of you will have been to Hen Wood and know the way. But for those who have yet to venture this far West, I offer no fewer than 3 possible options. The following all take you to the start of the track, immediately off the West Meon Road. #1. Grid Ref 51°00'41.6"N 1°03'34.9"W. #2. Post code GU32 1HU (but being a very rural patch, this does cover an area just to the east of the track start) or #3. (and prob the best) is the What3Words ///deflated.skirting.yappy As a final 'hint', this track is just under 2 miles to the West of the centre of East Meon Village.

This should see you safely to the start of the track, but is not the end your journey. Follow the track, winding its way up through woodland and without taking any turns, for approx 1.4 miles, where you turn right at a T junction. After another 150yds, the parking area is in the woods off to your left and the way in will be clear; usually other cars parked nearby or visible through the trees.

It’s likely that the weather – when compared with our last visit to Hen Wood, or even our Round 7 visit to Buxted – will be somewhat cooler, but hopefully not too Autumnal (damp). Right now, Metcheck thinks it will be 10oC, dry and with a light (8-12mph) breeze. I’ll be surprised if that forecast doesn’t change at least once per day between now and then.

Hope to see lots of you there.

Biggles