Like many of my colleagues on the CTSASA’s Executive Committee, I began shooting quite late in life, at age 33. I joined Durban Deep Skeet Club (later, Wattlespring Sports Shooting Club) in 1984, where I met people with whom I instantly became friends, and with whom I shall, almost certainly, remain friends for life!
Unlike most of my colleagues on the CTSASA’s Exco, I have really been a “one-discipline” shooter, having spent most of my shooting career on ATA Trap ranges (although I have dabbled with DTL Trap and NSSA Skeet, and I shot some Universal Trench many years ago). Our American cousins refer to ATA as a “lifetime recreational pursuit” and it has certainly kept me amused these past 36 years (my first competitive event was the 1986 Free State Open at Wolwehoek Gun Club in 1986)!
Since then, I have derived huge satisfaction – and achieved a measure of success – in trapshooting, including some truly memorable moments on the range; Transvaal and Central Gauteng Provincial Colours at various Chairman’s Cup Championships; CTSASA Merit Colours (at the 1998 Grand American, at the ATA’s then-Home Grounds in Vandalia, OH, USA), and Protea National Colours (at the 2004 Grand American, also in Vandalia). The 2004 South African team was the last to contest “the Grand” in Vandalia as the ATA relocated to Sparta Illinois in 2006, and the 2004 event was, without doubt, the highlight of my shooting career!
In addition to busting trap targets (the thrill never fades), I now enjoy coaching new and experienced shooters, and I am discovering the challenges of coaching a multi-disciplinary team!
I served for several years on Durban Deep Skeet Club’s committee, and later, on the Central Gauteng Clay Target Shooting Association’s executive committee. I was the Convenor of the CTSASA’s Trap Sub-Committee (a technical committee that advised the CTSASA on trap matters) for many years.
I was elected to the Central Gauteng Clay Target Shooting Association chair in May 2022, and my aspirations for Central Gauteng include the creation of an Association that serves the needs of its members in what are, unquestionably, changing times.
As a member of the CTSASA’s Exco, my aspirations are no different…
