BASC: New group for ladies who want to shoot

Wednesday, 6 April 2011 12:00 AM

A new ladies' shooting group for Wiltshire and the Cotswolds is launching to help like-minded women learn a new skill or improve their shooting skills.

Monthly training days will be arranged at a clay pigeon shooting ground in the Wiltshire or Cotswolds area. The group will meet and learn various shooting techniques from the coaches and then enjoy lunch together at a nearby pub.

The new group is being promoted by Country Sports South West, which aims to position the region as the number one destination for country sports. The group will also be affiliated to the British Association for Shooting and Conservation where group members will receive benefits such as shooting insurance plus a range of training and activity days.

Annette Cole, Senior Manager of Country Sports South West, said: "A similar group has already been set up in the West of the region and is quickly growing in numbers as more and more women hear about it. A lot of women have thought about taking up shooting, often because their partners shoot, but have never known where to go before. We welcome all shooting abilities, whether you just want to have a go or want to improve your skills. It's great fun and a great way to socialise with like-minded individuals and we are delighted to be associated with this initiative."

Group member shooting fees are negotiated with the clubs on their behalf and members can either use their own gun or use one of the shooting school's guns and cartridges are usually included within the coaching price.

For more information, or if you would like to join the group please contact Annette Cole, Country Sports South West. On annette.cole@countrysportssouthwest.co.uk or call 01823 480 903 or visit our website: www.countrysportssouthwest.co.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors

Country Sports South West is an initial three year project to ensure the South West region, which is renowned for its unique landscape and countryside, becomes the premier tourism destination for country sports and celebrated for its local game produce. The new project also aims to improve the visitor experience and participation in country sports while creating sustainable rural tourism businesses which can respond to the future challenges and exploit new opportunities.

This project is part of the Rural Development Programme for England project (RDPE) (jointly funded by EU and DEFRA) in partnership with the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) and The Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT).

The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC)

BASC is the UK's largest shooting organisation. It provides a public voice for shooting and conservation and works with all political parties to achieve balanced representation. BASC works with the Regional Development Agency to implement sustainable habitat and wildlife management in accordance with the Rural Development Programme for England and campaigns on issues affecting shooting and conservation in South West England and across the UK. We defend private firearms ownership and use, promote habitat and sustainable quarry population management and encourage access to shooting and best practice in the field. BASC South West has a dedicated education programme to ensure our new and Young Shot members receive a comprehensive grounding before entering the shooting field. www.basc.org.uk

The Westcountry Rivers Trust (WRT)

WRT is an environmental charity (Charity No: 1045806) established in 1995 to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of the rivers, streams, watercourses and water impoundments in the Westcountry and to advance the education of the public in the management of water.

A cornerstone of our philosophy is working in partnership with external individuals and organisations to share expertise and facilitate better information transfer.
By collaborating with a whole range of stakeholders - ranging from individual businesses through to academic institutions, Non Governmental Organisations and Government departments - the trust aims to circumvent sectoral interests and encourages joint solutions to the complex environmental problems our society currently faces.

www.wrt.org.uk

Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE)

This project is part financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 2007-2013: Europe investing in rural areas. In England, the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development 2007-2013 is delivered through the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE).

It is an important part of the Common Agricultural Policy and helps create genuinely sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors, while bringing wider benefits for the economy, the environment and rural communities. It is the European Union's major investment route for protecting and enhancing the environment while securing a range of public benefits for society.

Defra is the managing authority and is delivered in the region by the South West RDA, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

For more information, see: www.sw-ruralgateway.info

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