The Three Masketeers.

At last(and maybe only one more opportunity for a long while, next Sunday, Dec 27th), we were open to all members yesterday and today. A good turnout today, but not the rush we were expecting as Covid closeted members threw off their temporary shackles and reveled in their freedom to get a few shots down range in the crisp sunny air. I thought that many people who we do not often see, would indulge in their freedom but this was not the case. As usual, the keen and dedicated came along to keep their skills in order. However, all are welcome, whenever they appear.

Good turnout for Shotgun, Rifle and Pistol, all suitably protected by masks. Some pics below, usually in threes to conform with the title of this piece.

Now for the Christmas quiz: who is the patron saint of sailors, pawnbrokers and prostitutes? Answer at the bottom of this post.

Who is the patron saint of shooters?

Answer: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_of_Our_Lady_of_Sorrows#:~:text=The%20Saint%20Gabriel%20Possenti%20Society,began%20his%20effort%20in%201987.

The first saint mentioned above is shown here:

Saint Nicholas also called Nikolaos of Myra, was a historic 4th-century saint and Greek Bishop of Myra. Because of the many miracles attributed to his intercession, he is also known as Nikolaos the Wonder-worker. He had a reputation for secret gift-giving, such as putting coins in the shoes of those who left them out for him, and thus became the model for Santa Claus, whose modern name comes from the Dutch Sinterklaas, aka "Saint Nikolaos".

Figure above is Saint Nicholas of Myra, the origin of the Santa Claus myth. Figures below are some of the Saints of ECSC who toiled through restrictions and weather to arrive at our range today, suitably masked to protect their modesty.