West London Shooting School
Wearing Alan Paine field coat and Harris Tweed flat cap
Bloxham PR had kindly invited me to take a 1-2-1 session at West London Shooting School. I was so beyond overjoyed. The last time I had gone clay pigeon shooting had been, when I lived in Scotland, so it had been a while since I picked up a gun. We arranged to go on Friday 1st December, because why not kick off the month with a bang (get it)?!
I was graciously allowed a plus one, so my flatmate and I made the trek across London to the school. From Southwest, it will take you about 2hrs to get there via public transport. But we didn’t mind, we both had the day off and it was our chance to catch up and get excited together. When we arrived, the school is exactly how you’d imagine it to look. That sporting lodge, old-timey vibe, with the leather fashioned armchairs and display cabinets, full of whiskey glasses and decanters. You think you’re stepping into a gentleman’s club, full of conservative types, and you’d be right. But the difference is, everyone is welcomed here. I couldn’t have met a friendly or warmer group of people. We were greeted with coffees, which was very welcomed after walking in the cold. Then, it wasn’t long before our instructor led us to the gun room, to figure out the best shotgun for our size/height.
Our instructor asked if we had any previous experience – my flatmate and I were cautious to say ‘yes’. Both being countryside girlies, we had experience, but it was dated LOL! I wasn’t sure how I’d fare. I shouldn’t have been worried – we were both naturals, like fish to water. We hit clay after clay. Smoking them, as our instructor would cry out! And what a great feeling, following the ‘bird’ in the sky and knowing exactly when to pull the trigger. There is some element of instinct one needs, but I would say that the WLSS instructors are so darn good at teaching you. Ours was patient, a great laugh and very personable. There was no feeling of patronising us, which can sometimes occur in this field sport (it is still largely a male-dominated activity). But he treated us with such respect and regard, I could have spent the whole day with him! Just hanging out, shooting and chatting the day away.
Alas, our hour came to an end as quickly as time does, when you’re having lots of fun. He even knew the right photos we wanted to take! The legend. As we three marched back to the lodge, my flatmate and I were on cloud 9. We were buzzing off the excitement and our success. In clay shooting, you practice shooting pheasants and rabbits. For me, rabbits have always been trickier, the clays move so much faster, and you can get flustered. But the name of the game in this activity, is patience. Even when you think you have no time and must shoot, you always have time. To take a breath, steady yourself and know that you have your target in sight.
Team selfie!
After we finished our session, there was no rushing us out the door. The staff were so keen to chat away and had me laughing away. The office dogs had arrived, who were only too happy to be given attention. Despite how busy the school was that day (they had two separate corporate events taking place), we never felt sidelined or ignored.
The West London Shooting School is the oldest running independent school in England. It’s earned its reputation as a prestigious shooting school. As with all places that have a legacy, it is their staff and instructors, who really make the place special. The beauty of this place is that it’s situated in the capital! Which means, those of you who are urbanites, that crave countryside pursuits, have that option. You can travel by tube/bus and suddenly, you have stepped in time and are living out your period drama fantasy. So, what are you waiting for? Don a cap and a tweed jacket, and let’s go!
Thank you to Bloxham PR for organising this event and to West London Shooting School for hosting us.
Visit – Sharvel Lane, West End Road, Northholt UB5 6RA. Lesson prices start from £89.
Link to their website: https://www.shootingschool.co.uk/
