Dressing to Impress at EJ Churchill

As a large number of our members are interested in clay pigeon shooting, and we were in much need of some practice, whilst we were in Buckinghamshire we thought we would go and check out the award-winning E. J. Churchill Shooting Ground near High Wycombe. Formerly the West Wycombe Shooting Ground, E.J. Churchill occupies 40 acres of stunning countryside on the 5,000 acre West Wycombe Estate and is recognised as being one of the country’s finest shooting grounds.

Starting the day off with an hour’s shooting lesson, we got to test ourselves on a variety of simulated quarry, including driven pheasant, rabbit and – as we were very impressed to discover – grouse from a traditional stone grouse butt. With over 100 different stands and a hundred foot high tower, there seems to be something for clay and game shots of all levels.

We then made our way back to their lovely clubhouse, where they have a bar, gunroom and well-stocked clothing and accessories shop. Previously, when we rang to tell them about the tour, we had asked to get involved as much as possible and, much to our amusement/delight, they had taken us at our word and left us a little job to do. So after spending the morning blasting clays, we then had the opportunity to get in touch with our girly sides and play dress-up with the mannequins for the shop.

The West Wycombe Estate is also home to West Wycombe Corporate Entertainment (off-roading, falconry and loads of other fun things) and a large commercial shoot. In the afternoon, we were lucky enough to get a tour of the Estate with Stretch and Jack, the gamekeeper and his underkeeper, feeding the birds, cleaning the vehicles and getting ready for their big shoot the following day.

For more information about E.J. Churchill and the West Wycombe Estate, call 01494 883227 or visit their website.