Big Shots, the annual charity clay pigeon shoot organised in aid of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has raised £42,000 – the largest amount in recorded memory.
The 29th edition of the fundraiser, which is supported by Furniture Village, took place on Wednesday 12 June and was once again held at Holland & Holland in Northwood, Middlesex, one of the UK’s premier shooting destinations.
Around 150 big hitters from companies including Blum, Castelan Group, Emmiera Group, Harrison Spinks, Hypnos, Furniture Village, Ocee & Four Design and TCM Living made up 38 teams.
After a tasty breakfast, Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, welcomed the guests before the team from Emma Sleep signalled the start of the 100-bird competition by firing Holland & Holland’s antique cannon. The teams then leisurely made their way round eight stands, manned by Holland & Holland’s excellent gun stewards, set in the estate’s 60 acres of stunning open countryside.
Once the final shots were fired, guests were able to relax and chat during a drinks reception before sitting down to a delicious three-course meal in the club house. The fun-packed day finished with a charity auction and raffle, followed by the results of the shooting competition, with the awards presented by Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Big Shots returned with a bang this year with the event raising the largest amount in recorded memory. Thank you to everyone who joined us and made the day so memorable. We really appreciate all the sponsors who helped make the event a success, especially Furniture Village, our principal sponsor and event supporter.”
Charlie Harrison, managing director at Furniture Village, said: “We were delighted to support Big Shots which was, once again, a wonderful event and a great success. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped raise an amazing £42,000 for our industry charity. It does vital work to help people from our trade who may have fallen on tough times and guides aspiring young talents seeking to carve their path in our sector.
“Furniture Village is thrilled to support the Big Shots event – not only is it for a great charitable cause, but it was also a very fun day for our team. We were thrilled to exceed last year’s total amount raised and we are already looking forward to next year’s event, so make sure to save the date in your diary.”
Full results of the competition were:
• Top Team – Clay Bashers
• Runner up team – The Chosen Men
• Top Flurry – Hypnos Hot Shots Legacy
• Top Novice Shots – The Fighting Twenty Fifth
• Top Male – Liam McPartland
• Top Female – Lizzie Shaw
• Top Gun Novice – Christopher Shaw
The Furniture Makers’ Company would like to thank main sponsor and corporate member Furniture Village as well as the other companies that kindly supported Big Shots through sponsorship or a donation to the auction, raffle and wine pull: Akante, Biglight, Blum UK, Castelan, Colourfast World, Davy’s, Emma Sleep, Emmiera Group, Global Furniture Alliance, Hypnos, Ideal Furniture, J&C, Stressless, Luke Macdonald of Sworders and the RAF.
The 30th edition of Big Shots is taking place on Wednesday 11 June 2025.
