A shout out to the organisers at the Australia Day Benchrest Competition. I competed in the heavy benchrest on Sunday and I felt a little daunted as this was my first shoot at an Australia Day comp - and in fact this was my first registered competition. The weigh-in, the sign-in, etc and the loading room arrangement seemed to me to be bustling but well coordinated. Calm chaos perhaps. Thanks to Chris Clarke for guiding me through that lot. The wailing wall and rotations at firing line were also a new experience but the procedures and the announcements were to me, a first timer, clear and easy to follow.

I did however find myself in detail 2 seated between Brendan Atkinson and Robin Elton. Hells bells! This was akin to sitting between a King and a Prince at a royal banquet. Nonetheless Brendan and Robin both encouraged me when I shot a “good” group which was reassuring. Unfortunately, as I progressed the changing winds got the better of me. I will clock that up to experience. Notwithstanding, I must say this was a good day with good people.