Big Shots, the furnishing industry’s annual charity clay pigeon shoot, has raised a record breaking £46,000.
Principally sponsored by Furniture Village and held at the event’s regular home of the Holland & Holland shooting grounds in Northwood, Middlesex, more than 160 members of the furnishing industry and 22 sponsors raised the funds for The Furniture Makers’ Company in support of people from the sector facing hardship and to inspire new talent entering the industry.
Kicking off with a hearty breakfast, the day got underway with a blast from Holland & Holland’s antique cannon, before teams made their way around 10 shooting stands set across 60 acres of countryside. Alongside the main 100-bird competition, participants tested their skills on novelty stands such as flash clays and the eight-straight stand.
Following a lunch and reception, the celebrations continued with a lively auction and charity raffle, including a wine collection worth more than £2,000 donated by Hypnos –
– and the much-enjoyed wine pull, where guests paid for a mystery bottle ranging from fine vintage to cheeky plonk.
‘It was a fantastic way to mark 30 years of Big Shots – a brilliant event full of friendly competition and an incredible fundraising total. We’re proud to continue supporting an industry charity that means so much to us all,’ says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village md.
‘Big Shots is always a highlight of the year, and this year’s 30th anniversary was truly exceptional. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped us raise a record £46,000. Your generosity helps us continue our essential work across the industry,’ says Jonny Westbrooke, TFMC ceo.
Top Gun Male was Tom Prestwich (Belfield Group), with 106 points; Nicky Hutten (Minotti) was Top Gun Female was with 81 points; Top Gun Novice was Jack Cochrane (Furniture Village) with 89 points.
Top Team was The Fighting Twenty Fifth (RAF) with 431 points and Sharpes Shooters (2 Rifles) was runner up with 405 points. Clay-Z and the Snipers (Furniture Village), was Top Novice Team with 378 points while Sharpes Shooters won the Four Man Flurry winners with 83 points.
Susie Bartlett (Furniture Village) and Billy Sanchez (Furniture Village) won the coveted Worst Shot honours with 28 and 29 points respectively.
Sponsors and supporters included Biglight, Blum UK, Bodahl Mobler, Brave Bison, Buoyant Upholstery, Castelan Group, Celtheath, Colourfast, Davy’s, Emmiera Group, Ercol, Furniture Village, Holland & Holland, Hydeline, Hypnos, London School of Furniture, Luke Macdonald of Sworders, MasterSofa, Minotti, RAF 25(F) Squadron, Tempur UK and Whitemeadow Furniture.
The 31st edition of Big Shots will take place on 10 June 2026.
