Hi Rustic,

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you about Shooting Times looking after it's own. This simply isn't a case of self-interested censorship.

I've already replied to Timberdick privately. There were comments within the original thread which I would describe as defamatory. You would be unlikely to say them to the face of the chairman of the Welsh Woodcock Club and this is not the sort of forum where things are discussed in that manner. If you have a problem with the WCC, I would suggest that it is best to take it up directly rather than posting innuendo online. Don't forget that it is still only a small club with a reputation that should be carefully nurtured — it was founded with the interests of woodcock and woodcock shooters at heart and I don't think we should lose sight of that.

Keep the tone friendly. We are all keen shooters on here, and we share the same passions. There's no need to start slinging mud.

Please don't take offence at what I've written. I really don't want to discourage postings — this is after all one of the best ways to discuss our sport.

Incidentally, congratulations on the right and left. Did you have two witnesses — I'm sure you know the entry qualifications for the Shooting Times Woodcock Club!

Yours, Alastair.