DARTMOOR BR Rd 7 - 12.9.26.

I have a little book in front of me titled 'Weather Whys', it was written in 1955. The chapter on wind states, "A wind from the SW blowing across a valley that runs SE-NW will give rise to all sorts of odd currents and updraughts in that valley". Well, seventy years later and that's still the truth!

The Dartmoor BR range is at the bottom of a valley which runs NW to SE, and today's wind was blowing predominantly from the SW at around 14 mph with 25 mph gusts. This made for some extremely difficult conditions, made more so by the regular and rapid changes in both direction and speed. Success today was achieved only through constantly watching, and believing, the flags - preferably your own.

Tellingly, Mike Smith and Mark Whiteway, the top scorers in today's match, were both using their own flags - in which they placed complete trust. A coaxial rest was undoubtedly an advantage too, as the wind switches were happening relentlessly, and very quickly, with virtually no lulls. Split second correction to the POA was needed for nearly every shot.

We had just twelve shooters at the start, but this was rapidly reduced to ten, due to rifle malfunctions suffered by both Mike Foster and Vern.

Notable performances also today from Mark. C, who produced a very consistent 726:15x, and from our newest recruit Ian, who managed a creditable 707:15x with his newly acquired HFT500.