OW Spotlight Edward Reis

No one memory stands out, but I thoroughly enjoyed playing lead trumpet in the jazz orchestra, and also Captaining Wellington in the Ashburton   

How did you get into shooting?  

Growing up on a farm was a good start! My prep school (Hawtreys) had an indoor air rifle range and an outdoor .22 range, and we had a very dedicated father who used to coach us. He would give us a mars bar after each match, so the sport was very popular! 

Can you tell us a little bit about the Old Wellingtonian Rifle Club? 

The OWRC was founded in 1933 and is the oldest of all the OW sports clubs. Due to the many OW’s who went into the military, the club has always been well represented, winning the Public Schools Veterans trophy on several occasions. Our club currently has around 60 members, and we compete in around 6 matches a year as well as multiple times during the Imperial Meeting. We mainly shoot full-bore, but also have a small-bore match against College, and occasionally organise clay days.  

You have been Chairman of the OWRC for 19 years, what has been your highlight? 

Watching Wellington win the Ashburton for the first time in their history in 2012. Many of that winning team now shoot for the OWRC, and one, Jamie Allum, is currently Master in Charge at College.  

Can you tell us a bit about the Inns of Court renovation and the difference it makes to both OW shooters and those at College ? 

Wellington have been using the Inns of Court since 1995, when Hylton Adcroft came across the building in almost derelict condition. An enormous effort mainly by Hylton was put in to making it habitable, but a full renovation became increasingly necessary. After the Ashburton success of 2012, College agreed to match a figure raised by the Wellington shooting community, and work began to overhaul the building. Upgrades continued over the next nine years so that we now have a fully functional building where staff, pupils of both sexes and ages can all eat, sleep and wash under one roof. It is by far the best accommodation for any school at Bisley. Next door is the OW hut, which again has been newly revamped and is self-contained. OW’s are close by to help the pupils during the Imperial Meeting, a vital and valuable set-up which enormously helps the smooth transition from pupil to OW. It also encourages those wishing to continue with the sport to do so within the Wellington umbrella. The generous financial help given by the OW Sports Society also helps enormously in a sport that is becoming increasingly expensive.    

What would you say to OWs who may be interested in joining the OWRC? 

Shooting is a rare sport where men and women can compete on a completely even playing field; anyone who has good eyesight and a steady hand can shoot to a good standard, so if you are interested, please come and give it a go. We have all the equipment needed, so all you need to bring is yourself and some warm clothes. We have members of all standards, so please do not be put off if you have not shot before.