INTER-LIVERY TARGET RIFLE SHOOT MARKS 10 YEARS OF SUPPORT FOR RAF BENEVOLENT FUND, RAISING OVER £63,000

The Inter -Livery Target Rifle Shoot celebrated a decade of support for the RAF Benevolent Fund this year, with over £63,000 raised for the charity since the event’s inception. Organised by the RAF Small Arms Association and the City of London Livery Companies, this year’s shoot contributed over £7,000 to the RAF’s leading welfare organisation.

The competition, held this summer at Bisley Camp in Surrey, saw 48 Liverymen from 16 City of London Livery Companies participate. The event was supported by over 30 volunteers from the RAF Small Arms Association, with six shooting disciplines featured: Target Rifle, Sniper Rifle, Moving Target, Black Powder Pistol, Gallery Rifle, and Bell Target.

Prizes were awarded for individual and team performances across the disciplines. The Tallow Chandlers team claimed victory this year, taking home the Bakers Cup, donated by the Worshipful Company of Bakers. The Moving Target discipline was provided by the British Sporting Rifle Club, while the Bell Target was supported by the Lincolnshire Bell Target Group.

Last month, a presentation of the event’s winning cups and the donation cheque took place at the Tallow Chandlers Hall. Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Grants, Services and Programmes at the RAF Benevolent Fund, received the cheque from Colin Sach, a retired Squadron Leader in the RAF, past Master of a City Livery Company, and event organiser, alongside Conrad Steele -Benny, Secretary of the RAF Small Arms Association.

Reflecting on the event’s growth, Colin Sach said:

“We were proud to join forces with each organisation involved to promote a wider relationship between the City of London Livery Companies and the RAF and raise money for such a worthy cause. Over the past ten years, the event has grown and now occupies a regular slot in the Livery and Bisley calendar and is well supported by the City Livery Companies. In this time, over 250 Liverymen from over 35 Companies have taken part.”

Hannah Bower, Philanthropy Manager at the Fund, added:

“I’d like to express our kindest thanks to the RAF Small Arms Association for their generous donation to the Fund and their longstanding support that allows us to continue our vital work in supporting RAF veterans, serving personnel and their families, and making a difference to their lives.”

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides key financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. Its services include grants to alleviate financial hardship, mental health support, and programmes like Airplay youth clubs.

The Inter-Livery Target Rifle Shoot exemplifies the close relationship between the RAF and the City of London Livery Companies, ensuring meaningful support for the RAF community while fostering camaraderie and friendly competition.