For the cadets of Newbury Squadron, June signifies the start of the start of their major fund raising season – specifically Butt marking at the home of UK shooting, the NRA Ranges at Bisley.

Butt marking is the process of marking and scoring targets for marksmen and women who are firing a variety of calibres of rifles, over a number of different distances, and under differing conditions and disciplines.

The cadets are required to show where the target hit, and give it a score – all in a 10 second window. Very hard work, but the cadets have a good time none-the-less, with lots of healthy banter, singing and merriment to help things along!

The squadron is renowned at Bisley for it’s ability to mark targets quickly, efficiently and accurately – and this brings with it rewards, with a donation to squadron funds, the opportunity for the cadets to visit the firing point and see the Historic Arms, such as Flint lock muskets, Lee Enfield’s and a number of other historic arms – and the occasional opportunity to fire the rifles as well!

The squadron will be attending several dates over the Summer and looks forward to seeing some old friends whilst there!