“They don’t make them like this anymore”

The Club shoot on 10th September coincided with Alastair’s 90th birthday. This event was marked by an informal tea and presentation after the shoot, at the Bridge of Tilt Hotel. WARC members were joined by members of Blair Atholl Small-Bore Rifle Club. Seventy-three individuals and four organisations made donations.

Alastair was presented with four tokens of appreciation for his contributions to target shooting in and around Blair Atholl:-

First, a Replica 18th century broadsword hilt, handmade by Ian Kirkwood of Highland Hilts in Blairgowrie.

The hilt reminds us of Alastair’s presentation of “Munro Broadswords” to the two clubs, for annual competition. The motifs of Scots Pines and stags refer to Alastair’s long association with Atholl Estates. The inscription reads:

“For Alastair J Munro with affection, respect and thanks from West Atholl Rifle Club & Blair Atholl S-B Rifle Club, 10 September 2006”

Second, a Watercolour of Alastair shooting, by Margaret Thomson, with the inscription -

"To Alastair Munro with best wishes from fellow shooters 10 September 2006”.

Better reproductions of Margaret’s work are at www.margaret-thomson-bisley-art.co.uk

Third, a Case of Tanqueray Gin;

and Fourth, a Cheque for the balance of monies collected, which Alastair has donated to the British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Home in Crieff.

Alastair’s Birthday Cake, made by “Mrs Baverstock’s Bankfoot Bakery” was cut for him by the youngest member present, Samantha Adamson.

It was our intention to present Alastair’s wife with a bouquet of flowers in recognition of the fact that she has been by Alastair’s side for almost 60 years, but Molly had been taken into hospital on the previous day and could not be with us. Alastair accepted the bouquet on her behalf, and Molly returned home the next day in time to enjoy the flowers whilst they were still fresh.