Extract from CLAY SHOOTING Magazine - February 2001 issue

VALENTINE’S DAY – A massacre or romantic interlude? Keith Fisher spends a day with Bob Valentine in Wales.

BOB VALENTINE OWNS AND RUNS THE SHOOTING SCHOOL ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF AN UNPRONOUNCEABLE WELSH TOWN (LLANBEDROG, NEAR PWLLHELI FOR THE INITIATED) ON THE BEAUTIFUL LLEYN PENINSULA, OVERLOOKING CARDIGAN BAY, AND OVERLOOKED BY SNOWDON, JUST 30 MILES AWAY.

I was invited to savour the delights of Bob's Shooting School and try my hand at the best, (or worst) of his targets. I was joined by David Hughes, one of Bob's proteges who had a successful millennium year including second in the Beretta World (shooting a Beretta semiauto and Kent shells). "Bob's been a tremendous coach and sponsor" said David "and practising on the high birds really paid off." A funny, sinking felling came over me as he mentioned those words- I hate 'high birds.'

Having had my gun looked at and the art, intricacies and importance of gun fit explained, which I found fascinating and very informative, Bob set off, keen to get started, and to let us in gently with some fairly easy 'warmers' as we made our way around the circuit. My other companion was Alan Harper-Smith, the owner of the bed & breakfast farm that backs onto the school and with whom I had spent the previous evening. Alan had only recently moved into Wern Fawr Manor Farm and spent a fortune to make it something special as a B & B, but more of that later.

He was looking remarkably well, considering the generous measures of scotch he dished out the night before, and the full English breakfast he had prepared for me earlier. He had never shot before he moved in 'next door' but under Bob's tutelage was quickly developing into a confident, stylish shooter. The sound of gunfire also aroused the interest of Bob's daughter Alison, just returned home on holiday from university, who declared she hadn't touched a gun in absolutely ages and then promptly smoked the next half dozen clays. Don't you just hate people like that! "I guess we ought to find something a little more interesting," said proud father, picking up the bag of cartridges and striding off, a good inch taller and with  spring in his step.

And he did too. The targets got faster, smaller and higher, they came from nowhere or from the top of the crag which is as high as any tower you will find at any shooting ground anywhere in the country. After lunch Bob Carter turned up and it was clear from the Banter and friendly rivalry that he and David had been shooting together for some time. And all the while Bob Valentine was there quietly giving advice, encouragement and praise till at the end, just before it really came on to rain, I managed to hit a few of the highest trap.

We couldn't finish though without a flush and enjoyed a hectic five minutes shooting at an array of targets that just kept coming. Messrs Carter and Hughes were intent on 'wiping each others eye' and I found that I was hitting more than I missed, as I didn't have time to think about all the things you are meant to think about before you shout 'pull'. There is a lot to be said for instinctive shooting.

We returned to the clubhouse and standing in front of the big wood burner, steaming gently and drinking tea, reflected on the day's shoot. It was, of course, great fun in good company but I came away feeling more confident, especially with those high birds - I reckon I cracked my 'that much lead!' mind block syndrome.

The Shooting School is ideally placed if you want to get away for a long weekend or short break with either the family or a few shooting friends. Interested? Then give Bob a call on 01758 740810 or his mobile 0797 0014 743. The e-mail address is bv@theshootingschool.com and you can log on at www.theshootingschool.com.

You could do no better than to stay next door at Wern Fawr Manor Farm, which dates from the sixteenth century yet has all the modern facilities. It offers en-suite double rooms, (I had the four poster bed), in the main house and a wonderful log fire. There are also four self-catering cottages in the grounds.

There is plenty to see and do in and around Snowdon besides climbing it- including shooting, archery, off-road driving, fishing, pony trekking, hacking and golf, all of which can be arranged by either Bob or Alan. Having five Springers of his own, Alan is also dog friendly.

To find out more about the accommodation available at Wern Fawr Manor Farm call Alan on 01758 740156 or Mobile: 07816-213424, e-mail: info@wernfawr.co.uk  Web: www.wernfawr.co.uk.

As to whether it was a massacre or romance I certainly improved my aim and came away feeling that I had, more or less, achieved Bob's goal to 'Shoot with confidence, in harmony, and with style.' All the ingredients are there for a romantic weekend; next time I must take the one I love - there's something about a four-poster bed.

We would like to thank Keith Fisher for his kind remarks and anyone wishing to subscribe to this fine magazine will find their details below:

Clay SHOOTING MAGAZINE, Head Office – Editorial, Advertising and Production,
Thruxton Down House, Thruxton Down, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PR.
Tel: +44 (0)1264-889533  Fax: +44(0)1264889622

Email: info@clubclayshooting.com
Web: www.clubclayshooting.com

Publisher: Brunton Business Publications Ltd.