southwest_colonel

Sorry for the slow reply Nats. We had a lovely day thank you. It hasn't made the accountant too happy though - but a small price to pay for an enjoyable day in the field (and I got to shoot, which doesn't happen as often as I'd like! I shouldn't be too happy about that though as it was, sadly, due to one of the replacement guns coming down with the flu on the Friday). A little breeze would have been nice, but it was a gloriously clear and sunny day - it would have been a total waste not to be outdoors. We had four drives, the second of which was particularly enjoyable - only got one shot off myself, at the far left, but enjoyed watching a good number of sporting birds pushed over the others in a gentle and open valley. Much less important than the camaraderie, but as an interesting side-note, the bag was 101, but shots fired should have seen us to the expected bag just nicely - but there were a couple of new shots being shown the ropes. Hopefully some new converts to the sport. Bit of a break over Christmas now to catch up on work, then back into the action on the 2nd of January - nice little day on the edge of Exmoor.

Many thanks. I'm sure we shall. Managed to fill it in the end. Taking quite a financial hit after a team cancelled (that'll teach me for not taking a deposit!) As long as it's a fun day I'll just lie back and think of England.

Hi Arley. There are four guns left (nine in total). No overages.

I have a couple of guns left on a shoot this Saturday in Gloucestershire (easily accessible from the M5 near Tewkesbury). A number of issues have transpired to leave me with only half a team for this shoot. I've managed to fill most of the spaces at relatively late notice, but there are a couple left. If you're interested please PM me (also if you have any questions). Mixed bag, including morning coffee, elevenses, and lunch etc.

I have to say that this is precisely why I am not there. The costs are crazy everywhere - and whilst I don't anticipate making a profit from Game Shows, they are very good tools for getting noticed and meeting like-minded people. I shall be at the CLA next year, as the price difference between that and the MGF is negligible, yet the CLA ticks far more boxes for my company and gives me much more exposure. If I'm only going to front up for one of them, it's only going to be the biggest.

Thanks for the thoughts so far guys. Quite agree that I'm best off having a chat with a pro trainer, but always nice to get people's thoughts from their experiences to take in with me. Much as I love the idea of a cocker, I had been expecting that I would be better served by a lab in this particular instance. Especially as it will be my first dog. I very much suspect that I would look for a puppy next time and have full input all the way (with appropriate assistance), but am keen to learn the ropes a little before diving in at the deep end and starting from scratch. Great point about not taking it out straight away - I had anticipated probably not taking it on a shoot until the 2015 season, but will see how things go, if I get a good one which bonds well.

I apologise that this topic has almost certainly come up before in one form or another. I can't find anything from the last few months though, and knowing how people love to talk about their dogs, I rather hoped a few people may like to chime in with some thoughts and advice. The time has come to purchase my first gun-dog. I grew up around dogs owned by my grandparents, though we never had any at home (much to my annoyance!) I would like a companion, but also a useful worker. Following a series of unsuitable living arrangements, things are finally in place to allow me to get on the dog owning ladder. I shoot a fair bit, predominantly small driven days and walked up. However, I spend most of my season in the field as a sporting agent - with occasional trips to the grouse moors in that capacity (which occasionally lends itself to shooting a drive a two - if only more often!) So a bit of a mixed bag of requirements...? I think I have boiled it down to the three classic choices: labrador retriever, cocker spaniel or English springer spaniel. My heart wants a cocker - I have a considerable number of friends who have cockers, and I can't help but find them all totally adorable. My concern is that they sound like a little more of a handful than the others - so perhaps not the best first dog? Also that, with relatively little to do on days that I'm agent-ing, whether they would tire of having little retrieving/hunting to do? Would really appreciate people's thoughts on the subject of breed. I am being led down the cocker path by my friends who adore their dogs - all excellent workers, even if a little maverick at times. Meanwhile, the days I run are awash with labs. Those guns seem very happy with their choices also - and whilst we talk about the dogs, I don't feel in a position to 'pick their brains' (so to speak). Meanwhile I have had surprisingly little experience or contact with springers - which seems a little odd to me given how popular they are. I am also intrigued as to people's thoughts on puppy v part-trained v fully trained. Personally I am tending to lean towards part-trained, so that I can have some input into the final product, but without the pressure (as a relative newcomer) of laying the all important foundations. Plus, I will have a fully useful dog a little earlier...

Another fan of Avon skin-so-soft here. Also found out it's effectiveness up in Faslane (a horrid enough place without the little blighters!)

Oops. Sorry guys, it's near Goathland - about half way between Pickering and Whitby.

We've got a new grouse syndicate beginning this season in North Yorkshire. It's on a pair of moors which were severely overshot and underkeepered until about six years ago (at which point the current leaseholder stepped in and has been fighting a good battle to get them back into better condition). It's a regeneration project, so would suit someone who's not looking for big bags immediately. This season we're anticipating four driven days (75-100-ish brace) and a couple of walked up opportunities for the syndicate. There will be some good sport this year, but we're wary of not knocking back the vast improvements that have been made under the current regime. We've got a reasonable number of interested parties, but thought I'd just pop something up on here incase it tickled someone's fancy - especially as we're having an 'open day' this Saturday for people to come up and have a look at the land, meet the leaseholder, and chat with the head-keeper. Please feel free to PM for more details if you're interested.

Another Lagavulin fan here, the 16yo is a staple in my collection. I also find that the Distiller's Editions from Caol Ila always hit the spot - lovely oily mouth feel and long finish. If I want something a little less intense, then I start looking at the likes of Highland Park (they don't distill a bad drop) and Aberlour's a'bunadh series - perfect with a drop of water and paired with a cigar, the slight sweetness just balances nicely. (It's fair to say that I'll drink most single malts willingly if they're on offer... )

Ian Coley's is my usual go to as well. Not the cheapest (but in the grand scheme of shooting, not over-priced), excellent variety of targets, I've shot Hollow Fosse almost every other week for a couple of years, have too many issues with traps for my liking, but Martin and the whole crew are an absolutely wonderful bunch and the price is good (so can't complain!). Very friendly and always happy to help. Been a few years since I last paid the chaps at South Worcester a visit. This thread's reminded me of what a good experience we used to have when we visited, so must add it to my summer to-do list.

That I definitely agree with, but that wasn't the scenario you originally referred to. I'm not sure how twice a year could be considered a habit, however, every Friday night at the pub is getting closer - though if they're perfectly happy to look out and go "****** that, bit nippy outside" I'd personally consider that it would not quite be an addictive habit. Apologies for the hysterical thing - it was not aimed at you (or any one person at all), but the general way in which seemingly every man and his dog felt the need to pile into a thread and post their comments and thoughts which bore no relation whatsoever to the purpose of the thread. Which I am now, ironically, perpetuating.

I'm sorry too, but I had tried to not re-enter this thread as it drifts into LACS-esque anti hysteria, however... I go to the cinema once or twice a year, I occasionally pick up a packet of cashews at the supermarket, I've even been known to wear a baseball cap a couple of times a year. I'm not addicted to any of those things. I won't argue with the point that by smoking a couple of cigars a year you are a smoker - it's patently obvious... You'd be a very light smoker, but a smoker none the less. However, an addiction is a very specific, ongoing, bodily response to (and need for) a stimulant - which simply would not happen with a couple of cigars a year. What a load of imperious nonsense.

Tubed cigars have a reasonably good shelf life outside of a humidor - up to 12 months in a fairly typical British climate. As JABB says, if you start buying loose you really would need a humidor (as the cigar will quickly dry out at ambient humidity). Ideal RH is 67%-70%. If you don't want to limit yourself to tubed options - as it does limit things somewhat after a time - you can put together a makeshift humidor with a tupperware container and a special pouch which will maintain a certain humidity. As a plastic tub will breathe less than a cedar lined humidor it's wise to go for a slightly lower RH (65-67%) to help counter the slightly more favourable situation for mould development. As for which cigars to try next... Personally I would avoid falling into the Montecristo trap - they make some lovely smokes, but the sheer quantity that are produced means that there are terrible issues with quality control and consistency. Particularly with the No4. That said, the Petit Edmundo is a good, consistent smoke (and available tubed). If you're new to smoking, I'd recommend something by H.Upmann (the Magnum 46 is a good choice which comes tubed). Romeo y Julieta No2 and Short Churchill are also both approachable cigars which come tubed. If you want to pay a little over the odds, you could try a Cohiba SIGLO II - it's a good cigar, and can be had for about £17, but given it's size should be about £5 less... It's the Cohiba effect though. Try a few and find what works for you. I'd normally warn off things like Partagas or Bolivar for someone starting out as they pack a punch - but if you're body can cope with the hit, you may enjoy their fuller flavour profiles. You may also find you like the slightly 'sweeter' and more straightforward style of some of the more premium non-Cuban cigars. In true Yahoo answers fashion I shall justify myself... I'm a cigar importer, blogger, and columnist. You could say it's a hobby which got away from me a little bit. I've never smoked cigarettes, and can go months on end over the summer without sampling any of my wares - so I like to think that I'm not addicted. Sadly, none of the cigars I import are tubed, so have been unable to pitch anything of my own. For my blog, if you've got time to kill, have a look for the Cigar Monologues (entirely non-commercial, just a review and lifestyle thing). Quite right, 1 or 100 will do no long-term damage whatsoever.

Interesting response... So, UKIP MEPs have admitted to (and indeed bragged in those links) not doing what we are paying them to do... I am no fan of the EU, however, UKIP's continued contempt for the role our electorate have tasked them with undertaking does not sit well with me. It's the totally unearned righteousness of UKIP and its supporters which really grate with me. Also interesting to learn it's okay to claim ridiculously over the top expenses if you're a Eurosceptic. After all, if you get caught you can just claim that it was being done to show a flaw in the system. Truly shameful attempt at getting out of that one. If I was Dennis MacShane I'd have attempted that defence the other week... "You see m'lud, if I hadn't fiddled the system it may never have come out how unfit for purpose it was. You see, I was really just doing my civic duty..."

Sadly, it is probably fair to say that I am a considerably better skier than I am a shot... I usually spend about six weeks each season skiing (three weeks instructing in Courmayeur, and three weeks coaching forces and uni teams wherever they're training... This has the dual advantage of being free skiing, and helping to fund my shooting addiction... I usually try to squeeze in a week 'holiday' too). Sadly work is not being kind this year, and I can't take all my leave during the season. :( Hoping to get a last minute deal sometime in January though - always a little trickier as a solo traveller. Currently looking at Sölden as an option. Also hoping to tag along for a weekend with a shooting buddy who has a place in Meribel, fingers crossed...

Very, very soon after election I should imagine. The reason I shall never vote UKIP is that they are, generally, an incredibly hypocritical party. There is considerable evidence that their MEPs milk the European system for every penny they can get, and they have one of the poorest attendance records of any party in Brussels. (One previous UKIP MEP, Ashley Mote was even jailed for benefit fraud!) The irony is, of course, we keep returning them in European elections, where they have no influence on their major policy objectives... Still, better to have them in a talking shop than somewhere they can do actual damage... I should say, as I rant on, that I've met, and indeed enjoy the company of, many at the top of the party (occupational hazard). They are just as I had suspected - exactly the sort of people you'd love to have a pint with, but would not trust anywhere near government. Their short-sighted and narrow-minded approach to most policy areas is disturbing (well, the ones they bother worrying about). They have a lot of headline policies that I absolutely love - but I'm willing to look past the headlines and consider the detail and put the policies into the context of a bigger picture. Anyone can come up with some brilliant and popular individual policies. However, creating a consistent, coherent, and realistic set of policies, which will all work together is much more difficult. They know what the real issues are, and won't skirt around them - so for that you can only have respect, and it's this forthright nature which makes them just the sort of people you'd want to spend time at the bar with. However, the (ironically) hierarchical nature of the party - a one man PR machine - does it no favours. A prime example being the resignation of Will Gilpin, who was brought in specifically to professionalise the party, and assist with tweaking policies to make them workable. His ideas did not fit in so well with getting Farage headlines, so was stopped at every stage from making the party anything approaching a serious option. From my interactions with UKIP MEPs and HQ staffers, I can't help but agree with Gilpin's view of them as a "bunch of enthusiastic amateurs"... Then there is the resignation of former deputy leader, Mike Natrass, on the basis of Farage's continued use of the party to forward his own political ideology at the expense of those in the party... The latter example, doubtless, has far more to it than has been publicly aired - but still not a good sign if two of the leading members of a party can't 'bury the hatchet' for the sake of their supporters. Unfortunately, this puts me in a sad position. I detest the current leadership of the Conservative Party, and whilst I very much agree with my local MP on a great many issues, I am not so keen on his kowtow relationship with the upper echelons. Things would not be half so bad if the party didn't have its hands tied behind its back by being stuck in a coalition - but that is Cameron's fault for missing the biggest open goal in politics at the last General Election.

From what I've heard, I would imagine it to be unlikely. Two separate shops have told me that the lady from Schoffel who runs that account is a "formidable fire-breathing dragon" - so no-one seems too keen to sell them at anything other than RRP, lest they **** her off and she stops supplying them. However, if anyone does find somewhere they're on offer, I'd be most interested too...

Pheasant and Goose (finally getting shot of the damn turkey, as I'm hosting the family for the first time and therefore get to choose!) Mother will bring a lovely ham with her too. So that's our three sorted. (Off topic... will be served with roasted potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and beetroot. Plus sprouts and shedloads of stuffing). Would have loved a venison wellington, but might have put my dad over the edge to not see bird meat on the plate, so that will wait until New Year.

I've had a pair of Hunter Balmoral Neoprenes for four years now. Used fairly heavily. My maintenance regime for them is pretty much non-existent... Excellent soles, nice and warm (perhaps just a touch too warm at times over the summer), and are comfortable enough that I often reach for them on occasions I'd normally expect to be grabbing my walking books (which are an excellent pair of Zamberlans). I would definitely recommend them and will replace them like-for-like when needed (despite the occasional comments I have to take regarding them not being Le Chemeau...)

VWH traditionally have their Boxing Day meet in Cirencester Park on the Bathurst Estate. Check their website for contact details - I rarely hunt so not terribly clued in, but it's practically across the road from me these days.

I too try to shoot there weekly. Even when it's ridiculously busy (which it can be - the standard of facilities makes it very popular for corporate and group events) there are plenty of stands to enjoy away from the madding crowds... Friendly staff, generally very reliable traps, and a good range of targets to shoot at (though the new 'extreme' crow and teal stand is a right ******!)

It was these brave men, which you allude to, which struck back, not the RAF. They could have worn any uniform (and indeed many did wear RN FAA uniforms, especially during the Battle of Britain). I largely agree with the rest of your post. I think it is important to remember that the argument is for streamlining the provision of air assets. No-one is suggesting that we just crush all of the RAF's planes and put their 44,000 personnel onto the dole. Just because those that transfer across start wearing dark blue or green isn't going to make their skills suddenly vanish, they'll still be able to maintain and fly their aircraft, and they will still be directed by the same people. The training schools won't suddenly close because there is no RAF - though there may be some centralization where courses are essentially replicated across the services (as is currently the case for initial pilot training). PS. Great post HDAV.

I am fully in support of any move along the lines of disbanding the RAF and splitting its roles between the RN and Army. It is the only force which is solely a support service. You will never have an operation which is led by, and comprised almost entirely of Air Force assets and personnel. It also has by far the longest bureaucratic chain of any of the armed forces - the FAA and AAC manage to put airframes in the sky without so many administrative personnel. Were the roles distributed between the RN and Army, just losing much of this chain would make huge savings (as they would hopefully look to implement their own administrative and engineering blueprints for efficiency) - that's not even considering the cost of simply having a service, regardless of who is employed. Importantly, it would significantly streamline the procurement process which, you have to admit, is pretty shocking at the moment. Currently, you have the RN and Army trying to put their cases forward - they have (reasonably) clear ideas of what capabilities they desire in x number of years time, and what they will need to provide the requirements. Then you have a support service (yes, I will continue to call the RAF a support service, as I will continue to call a spade a spade). They are also bidding for their pet projects (Eurofighter anyone?) - the problem is that the RAF should be bidding on the appropriate air assets to support land or sea operations, they don't always. And often that is at the detriment of those on the front-line. There are other arguments, but, for my money, these are the most convincing two.