Going Down A Storm
Shooting Times & Country|November 15,2017

As gale-force winds descend on Cumbria, students from Newton Rigg College deliver a challenging partridge day. Curtis Mossop reports

 

Going Down A Storm

With the date for the Newton Rigg College shoot in Cumbria fast approaching, many of us spent our days checking weather apps and television forecasts, hoping that the approaching band of rain known as Storm Brian would avoid our pocket-sized partridge shoot. As one of our most important shoot days of the season, weeks of planning had gone into the organisation of this event. Guests were coming from as far away as Hampshire, so there was apprehension along with excitement.

The students at Newton Rigg College plan and run the partridge shoot entirely, being responsible for the day-to-day management of their own “beats” and, ultimately, the running of the shoot days themselves. On this day it was the turn of Kane Wright-Bedford to act as headkeeper, with Josh Jenkins and Richie Penfold supporting him in the underkeeper roles and leading the flanks.

On the morning of the shoot the students were calm and collected. Like a well-oiled machine they chatted through the order of the day, visualising the drives, identifying potential problems and making the relevant adjustments to the pre-shootday plans scribbled on a classroom whiteboard. Shoot captain Charlotte Rathbone was front of house, greeting guests on arrival and inviting them inside for a warming cup of coffee.

Giving the guests ample time to become acquainted with each other, Charlotte disguised her nerves and delivered a cracking safety briefing to the group. Putting students in these key roles on a shoot day is very much a sink-or-swim exercise, but it gives them the experience and skills required to join such a hard career as gamekeeping.

First covey

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SHOOTING TIMES & COUNTRYView all
United we stand
Shooting Times & Country

United we stand

Following United Utilities' decision to end grouse shooting on its land, Lindsay Waddell asks what will happen if we ignore our vital moors

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Serious matters
Shooting Times & Country

Serious matters

An old gamebook prompts a contemplation on punt-gunning

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023
They're not always as easy as they seem
Shooting Times & Country

They're not always as easy as they seem

While coneys of the furry variety don't pose a problem for Blue Zulu, he's left frustrated once again by bolting bunnies of the clay sort

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Debutant gundogs
Shooting Times & Country

Debutant gundogs

There's lots to think about when it comes to making the decision about when to introduce your dog to shooting

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
When the going gets rough
Shooting Times & Country

When the going gets rough

Al Gabriel returns to the West London Shooting School to brush up on his rough shooting technique

time-read
5 mins  |
August 02, 2023
The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition
Shooting Times & Country

The Field Guide To British Deer - BDS 60th Anniversary Edition

In this excerpt from the 60th anniversary edition of the BDS's Field Guide To British Deer, Charles Smith-Jones considers the noise they make

time-read
4 mins  |
August 02, 2023
A step too far?
Shooting Times & Country

A step too far?

Simon Garnham wonders whether a new dog, a new gun and two different fields in need of protection might have been asking too much for one afternoon's work

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Two bucks before breakfast
Shooting Times & Country

Two bucks before breakfast

A journey from old South London to rural Hertfordshire to stalk muntjac suggests that the two aren't as far detached as they might seem

time-read
6 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Stalking Diary
Shooting Times & Country

Stalking Diary

Stalkers can be a sentimental bunch, and they often carry a huge attachment to their hill

time-read
2 mins  |
August 02, 2023
Gamekeeper
Shooting Times & Country

Gamekeeper

Alan Edwards believes unique, private experiences can help keepers become more competent and passionate custodians of the countryside

time-read
3 mins  |
August 02, 2023