W.A.F.T.A A.G.M. - CHAIRMAN'S REPORT For Year 2005

We have had an eventful year and new membership seen, particularly in Castleton, Quarry Rifles and Blaenau Gwent, and with Nelson Club acquiring a new ground this year, we can hope for further interest from local shooters.

Although Government Legislation has not yet adversely affected our sport, nevertheless restrictions on the sale of air guns is imminent. Some irresponsible behaviour by members of the community (not of our association) has attracted critical Press comment and it behoves us all to continue to represent the responsible face of Air Gun shooting, in all that we do, and just as important, what we say.

Highlights of the year: -

• WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – This was held at Weston Park and I am pleased to record that Wales were second placed to the English Team that won the World Team Championship - a total of thirteen countries competed A special mention must be made of Dorian Falconer and Mark Bassett who were in the top twenty of the World Championship.

• HOME INTERNATIONAL – We were the hosts this year at Pontypool. Again we came second to England but by only 21 points. We will close the gap next year!


• THE WELSH OPEN - another successful event which endured more than its fair share of wind and rain... Our Open was also GP1 and was well attended.


• WAFTA/SWEFTA Shoot – This year held at Castleton. I am very pleased to report a Welsh win by some seventy points – we must ensure that a full team is entered this year to retain the Trophy.


• B/GWENT Event –B/Gwent Field Target Club were once again involved at the Merthyr Tydfil Council's Event at Cyfarthfa Castle during both the May and August Bank Holidays. As always, a lot of hard work by the club resulted in good PR for our sport


• WELSH GAME FAIR – Pontypool, Castleton and B/Gwent organised a Field Target side shoot again this year at the Welsh Game Fair, held in Usk in May Members of other clubs assisted and more than four hundred members of the public participated and new members signed up. We are pleased that the invitation for next year has already been agreed.


• PRESENTATION NIGHT – The Annual Presentation Disco night for the first five places in Groups A, B and C was held in December at the Hafodyrynys Rugby Football Club. Again many thanks 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 – We all owe our thanks to Wayne Wixey for running, editing and being responsible for our Web Site, in such a professional manner and also our thanks to John Johnson for maintaining the Stats for us.


• CONSTITUTION - At the request of the Committee I revised and updated our Constitution in accordance with current legislation and which was accepted by our Association Committee. The new Constitution is to be found on our Web Site.

As always our thanks are to be expressed to Hilary and David Gage, our joint secretariat for the Region, who ensure that the “office” is maintained and who also have attended the BFTA meetings on our behalf.

Thanks again to our Treasurer, Gwyn Robinson, who somehow usually still manages to say yes to our pecuniary requests.

As I indicated above in my opening remarks, pressure seems to come at us from all sides, but I am pleased to be a member of an Air Gun Association that always strives to ensure enjoyment of shooting combined with the utmost regard to safety and respect of the Public.

John Lewis Chairman