Hamilton Clay Target Club Inc.

The Hamilton Gun Club commenced in 1900 in Bayley street then moved to south Boundary Road- South of the present day saleyards. It moved to its present site on Port Fairy Road in 1968 where it has continuously conducted Competition, now with clay targets instead of live birds as of a century ago. Hence the name became Hamilton Clay Target Club. Mr W Bayley was the first President, and he held the position for a staggering 49 years 1900 1949.

Although the club has had many personalities over the years none stand out more than the late Harry Vaughan. He was a Legend and was known throughout The western district. He was a no nonsense kind of a man and very quick to pull anyone into line if need be. Furthermore, he could scare the living daylights out of the unsuspecting when he boomed out “pull” when shooting.

It could literally be heard a mile away. On that fateful ash Wednesday when the countryside lit up, Harry almost single headedly saved the gun club from going up when a fire started across the road and burnt out all the surroundings farm lands. Harry also had a long stint as club president 21 years from 1967 to 1988 overseeing the move to the present site.