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OBITUARIES

1930-2005

Brian started shooting towards the end of World War 2 with the Army Cadet Force in Leicestershire, Great Britain. He later came to farm in Cumbria and joined Cummersdale Rifle Club shooting both full and small bore rifle. From 1958 he served on the club committee, which he chaired from 1970 until 1985.

Brian joined the Muzzle Loaders Association of Great Britain in 1960 and was a founder member and Chairman of Cumbria Branch, a position that he held for the rest of his life. He was instrumental in the Branch acquiring and developing its own rifle range and shooting ground at Faugh near Carlisle.

Brian's record of success with the rifle stands as a testament to his ability. During the 1970s and 80s he was one of the finest Enfield rifle shots in the world.

Undaunted by a cataract on his right eye he taught himself to shoot left handed until the same complaint affected his left eye. Following an operation to replace the lens of his right eye he changed back to shooting right handed, all without any real drop in performance.

He represented Great Britain on many occasions including trips to Europe and the USA. He was also a fine shot with the shotgun but of late concentrated his efforts on mid and long range rifle shooting winning an individual medal at the Long Range World Championships held at Bisley in September 2005.

He was a driving force behind Cumbria Branch introducing many new members to the sport of muzzle loading. Many branch members will remember his enthusiasm, encouragement, help and advice that subsequently gave them the knowledge and confidence to compete at national and international level. Although he studied the subject at depth Brian was reluctant to simply adopt accepted wisdom on muzzle loading matters. He was a great experimenter and innovator to good effect.

Brian's contribution to muzzle loading was immense, greatly to the benefit of the sport. He will also be remembered with much affection for his friendship, dry wit and good company that will be greatly missed by his shooting friends both at home and abroad.

Brian died suddenly and unexpectedly at home on 26th November 2005, he is survived by his wife, Verna, three children and three grandchildren.

John Whittaker

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