On Oct. 9, the Cambridge Skeet and Gun Club celebrated its longtime president and member, the late Doug Foxwell, with a memorial shoot. To the smell of fresh coffee and a colorful assortment of tempting doughnuts, Club Treasurer Tim Sharp stood at the club counter collecting cash and registering the 70 shooters to this first-ever event. The newly renovated parking lot was full of shiny trucks, displaying license plates from various regions. The weather and wind velocity were perfect for the occasion.

Club President Tinsley Meekins and other members of the Cambridge club’s board of directors welcomed the shooters and broke the ice by talking about past competitions and scores, gun selections, gun clubs and the scarcity of and inflated prices of shells in the market. 

The Salisbury Club was represented by a large number of shooters wearing their club T-shirts and eager to show their marksmanship skills. Not to be outdone, the Cambridge Gun Club shooters bought newly printed club T-shirts put on sale that morning and proudly wore them on the range. The shoot consisted of skeet, wobble trap and 22 rifle shooting.

The pressure to compete and obtain a high score was intense and some shooters displayed subtle frustration during the shoot. But the intent of the event, Meekins said, “was to have fun and enjoy the shoot and the beautiful sunny day.”

The 70 shooters ranged in age from a 13- year-old sharp-shooting teenager to an 88-year-old man still eager to compete. Many volunteers were on hand to provide assistance, especially in keeping and tabulating scores. Shooters appreciated the well-organized event.

Burt Devonald, a member of the Salisbury Gun Club, won the skeet contest with a score of 50 out of 50. In trap, Keith Jones, a member of the Cambridge Gun Club, shot 48 out of 50. Glen Biddle won the rifle shoot. All winners received prizes for their excellent shooting skills. 

After the first round of competition, shooters, wives and guests were asked to assemble around the flagpole where board member Dennis Cowell thanked the participants for their presence on behalf of the Cambridge Skeet and Gun Club.

Kate Bradshaw, Mr. Foxwell’s granddaughter, read a moving appreciation of the honoree written by her grandmother, Joan Foxwell. A successful businessman, Mr. Foxwell also was a devoted family man, an avid hunter, fisherman, all-around outdoorsman and, of course, a devotee of the Cambridge Gun Club. He passed away in April.

Tom Bradshaw, son-in-law of Mr. Foxwell, spoke of his late father-in-law’s leadership skills, his devotion to family and his dedication to the development and advancement of the gun club as its longtime past president.

After the speeches, the crowd was invited to a tasty lunch, prepared and donated by the Foxwell family. In the words of Mrs. Foxwell, as read by her granddaughter, Mr. Foxwell was known as “Buffet Bob.” The lunch choices reflected his favorite buffet offerings: crab dip, oyster casserole, meatballs, pulled pork, fried chicken, baked beans, mac ‘n cheese, green beans, potato salad and rolls. Dessert consisted of a vanilla and chocolate sheet cake, featuring an edible picture of Mr. Foxwell.

Mrs. Foxwell was extremely pleased with the outcome of the commemoration, and she graciously encouraged everyone to take home plates of food. Many took her up on her offer. The Cambridge club board of directors was also very pleased with the high level of participation for an event recognizing its former president and member. Several participants suggested the Cambridge club make the memorial shoot an annual event, not only to honor Mr. Foxwell but also perhaps as a fundraiser and, of course, to bring shooting enthusiasts together in the spirit of friendship.

Roland Roebuck, of Washington, D.C. and Taylors Island, is a Cambridge Skeet and Gun Club Member.