W.A.F.T.A A.G.M. - CHAIRMAN'S REPORT For Year 2004

We continue to attract new membership and I know that enthusiasm remains high. We must always be aware however, of the potential threat to our sport in light of the proposed gun legislation. To this end and upon the decision of our Association, I wrote via my MP to the Home Secretary, outlining our concerns, particularly those relating to muzzle velocity. I had an assurance that legislation ‘would not damage existing shooting sports’. We shall see.

Highlights of the year: -

• HOME INTERNATIONAL – The hosts this year were England with the usual difficult course. We were a little late in organising our team and this time came third. Perhaps some thought should be given to choosing the team a little earlier to allow more availability of team members
• THE WELSH OPEN - another successful event which was commented on very favourably by other shooters.. Our Open was also GP1 and was well attended.
• WAFTA/SWEFTA Shoot – This year held in Mendips Shooting ground. However, this time it was SWEFTA’s turn to lift the Trophy.
• B/GWENT Event –B/Gwent Field Target Club continued to be involved with Merthyr Tydfil Council's Event at Cyfarthfa Castle during both the May and August Bank Holidays, generating good local publicity and ensuring that the responsible side of Air Rifle shooting comes to the notice of the public.
• WELSH GAME FAIR – Pontypool and B/Gwent organised a Field Target side shoot at the inaugural Welsh Game Fair, held in Usk in August. Members of other clubs assisted and the event was a certain success. We understand that participation will be invited for next year. Good Public relations were engendered and thanks are due to the above Clubs, and particularly to Graham Snook for the initial contact and organising.
• PRESENTATION NIGHT – The Annual Presentation Disco night for the first five places in Groups A, B and C had been postponed from November and held in January 2005 at the Hafodyrynys Rugby Football Club. As always, an entertaining evening largely due to Marilyn Snook and helpers who both organised the evening and provided the excellent buffet. Thanks also to Mark Bassett for the obtaining the Trophies.
• WEB SITE – I should like to take this opportunity to thank Wayne Wixey for stepping into the breach to take over the WAFTA website and running it so effectively and also our thanks to John Johnson for maintaining the Stats for us.

Our thank are to be expressed to Hilary and David Gage who continue to give sterling service as Secretary for the Region and who also have attended the BFTA meetings on our behalf.

Thanks again to our Treasurer, Gwyn Robinson, who as Treasurer tries to limit our expenditure (with varying degrees of success) and ensures our solvency.

Finally, although there are pressures on our Sport from many sides, not least the anti-gun lobby, providing we continue to uphold our positive, tolerant behaviour and maintain our determination to participate in our Sport, then we shall face the future with confidence.

John Lewis Chairman