Callie Coles is a proud advocate for a slower way of life, passionate about nature and working with it. She lives with her family on the Devon side of the River Tamar and wholeheartedly embraces all that the wildlife there has to offer.
When I received the invitation from Purdey to ‘A Really Wild Day’ at Englefield Estate, I knew immediately that it was something that I wanted to do. I was slightly apprehensive however, as although shooting does run in the family, I had not held a shotgun for about 20 years. My late grandfather shot for England in the Commonwealth Games and he taught me the basics as a child, but I was not sure that I would remember much at all. My husband, Toby, is the youngest person ever, I think, to achieve The Macnab (a hunting challenge that involves bagging a salmon, stag and brace of grouse within one day between dawn and dusk) – he’s a countryman through and through, so I asked if he would come with me for moral support. Happily, he was keen.
We arrived at Englefield, excited if a little nervous, after a four-hour drive from Devon to Reading, but were immediately put at ease by the lovely Purdey Shooting School team who were friendly and welcoming. They led us into the impressive house where we enjoyed a cup of tea and delicious breakfast, looking out over the deer park and lake busy with geese and ducks. We were introduced to lots of like-minded and interesting new friends who we’d be spending the day with, all suitably dressed for the occasion. I teamed my elegantly cut Purdey shooting vest and with my grandmother’s silver brooch, plus my beloved Purdey boots that I bought with one of my very first pay cheques when I was a struggling model in London many moons ago. They have been around the world with me and with a good polish (thanks, Toby!) they still look as good as new.
We were allocated Max as our instructor, and he was brilliant from the beginning. I warned him that I was very out of practice and although I tried to take a back seat and let Toby do all the shooting, who barely missed a clay all day, Max patiently and continuously encouraged me to have a go. I did. And it was exhilarating! With Max’s help I managed to hit quite a few clays and the adrenaline began to race as though I was galloping on my horse towards a large hedge in the vale. I had forgotten how fun shooting is.
After the second drive elevenses were served, which was akin to high tea at Claridges – no mean feat when you’re out in the field and it’s delivered by four-by-four. Refreshed and refuelled, we continued with more fast-paced shooting – so many clay pigeons and so many smoking guns. It felt a little like ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade’ and by the end of the fourth drive we were all firm friends and grinning like Cheshire cats.
A Bollinger champagne reception and a really spoiling, decadent lunch followed, along with the hilarious prize giving. We were given dummy pheasant prizes that squeaked to take home for the children, as well as two extremely exciting Purdey party bags filled with treasures. We left with huge smiles, and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending a Really Wild Clay Day with Purdey to anyone and everyone.
––
Our Really Wild Clay Days run from February to October at five beautiful estates across the Home Counties and Cotswolds: Englefield House, Highclere Castle, Kirby Estate, Farmcote Estate and West Woodhay House. Find out more here.