I attended my first simulated clay event AND my first ever Country Girl UK event on Saturday and it was a blast! Such a lovely group of like-minded women all enjoying this amazing sport that for so long has been a Male-dominated field.
I can’t wait to attend more events and meet new friends, it’s honestly life-changing in ways you don’t realise. The friendships and the community of females support and fully understand the struggle women face. It’s absolutely paramount to the survival of the shooting industry and the younger generations of women to come
Amy Smith – Simulated shoot day
I am so happy and proud to be a member of the Country Girls UK!
I am relatively new to shooting and found it a little intimidating to be surrounded by men who were born and bred into it. I had been following the Country Girls for a little while and was a little apprehensive about joining as wasn’t sure if I’d fit in, or if I was experienced enough, but all I can say is I wished I had joined sooner! I’ve joined as a social member initially and have really been enjoying all of the talks, blogs, demos etc. and being part of the community that Tania and the team have created.
I had started having shooting lessons pre-covid, got the licence, got the gun but the pandemic had halted my progress. I decided to book myself on the beginners day at Eriswell and am sooooo pleased I did! I was a little nervous about it all to start with, but as soon as I arrived and saw all of the friendly faces and fired my first few shots the nerves all disappeared and I had the BEST time with some really incredible ladies. The day was so well planned, brilliant instructors, relaxed but still learnt plenty. There was no judgement, no fear, just a whole host of cheerleaders supporting each other! I am not usually one for big groups, especially big groups of women, but I can honestly say I did not feel out of place for one minute. I have come away absolutely buzzing and feeling like I’ve just made a whole host of new friends, even meeting a lady I’d never met who lives 10 minutes from me.
The Country Girls is an amazingly friendly group of like-minded women, making a very male-dominated sport accessible to us all. There is always so much going on, and the amount of hard work that goes in to everything they do is clear to see.
So even if you’re the tiniest bit curious – DO IT! You don’t have to have ever picked up a gun! Just get out there and give it a go and make some new friends while you’re at it. Thank you Country Girls xx
Hannah Mcivor – Beginners Day and member
This group is so inclusive and welcoming. Whether I join in with conversations in the group, virtual social nights and events or attend shoot days I have no doubt I am surrounded by supportive women.
After never being in the same room with a gun to completing a beginner’s day I now feel more confident and prepared to continue learning. I already have a second beginners day booked in!
As an Australian, I was a little worried I might be seen as an imposter, if I wouldn’t be welcome into a UK Countryside group but that should have never even crossed my mind with this fabulous bunch of inclusive ladies!
I am proud to be a part of this group and can’t wait to meet more members!
Stephanie Le Po – Beginners day
I’ve never felt the need to leave a positive review for anything before, but this community is just something else!! What they have created is an amazing, inclusive, easy to access platform for all country women wanting to have a go at shooting or improve their skills. Every single person I met last weekend was in exactly the same position as me, they wanted to have some fun, shoot some clays and make some friends with similar interests. I felt like I belonged there within an hour… it may take some courage to go out and do something for yourself and especially by yourself but if you are thinking of joining this incredible group then I urge you to throw caution to the wind, you will not regret it!
Zoe Jones – Beginners day
I recently shot with the country girls for a sim day at the lovely abbey sporting at first I was really apprehensive about it all mainly because I get really nervous, but I didn’t have to be at all.
The girls were lovely we chatted, we laughed, we ate, we drank and we shot some cracking clays!
Tania was just lovely and very welcoming as were the fellow shooters.
Abbey sporting were fab, it was an amazing ground great clays and super hospitality.
I really hope I can get to another event.
Thank you ladies.
If you’re thinking of getting into this sport this is the place to start or if you’re already a shooter and just fancy shooting with the girls!! DO!
Megan Borthwick – Simulated shoot day
If you’re new to shooting, this is the best group of girls to be around. Hella supportive, cheering you on if you hit 1 in 50 no one cares (that one you hit though everyone will be cheering you on!!!) if you hit 100/100 everyone will be insanely jealous but proud.
I come from a family farm and shoot a bit here and there, I have a passion for shooting and this group gets me going places I wouldn’t normally, meeting great people along the way.
Goes without saying 5* – highly recommend.
Melissa Curnick – Simulated shoot day
The Country Girls UK is an amazing group to join that boosts your confidence and supports you with every aspect of your shooting journey.
I attended Plucked Pheasant 8th May 2021 and had a brilliant day. Never did I think I would ever be able to turn up on a day with a group of strangers who I’ve seen on Instagram and zoom and gel with them so well in real life. Everyone is so supportive and friendly. The hospitality was great with plenty of food and drink for everyone. The shooting was so good with plenty of opportunities for everyone no matter your level of experience. Looking forward to booking another day soon!
Julia Newman – Simulated shoot day
I was incredibly nervous to book my first beginners day but after an amazing day filled with laughter, cheering and exploding clays I am beyond ecstatic I took the plunge. I attended my first beginners day on Saturday at Honesberie and what an amazing day. I met some absolutely fantastic people and I felt my confidence has skyrocketed. So much so that I have booked onto another beginners day and also a sim day. The day was so well organised and the instructors were fantastic. I am still on a high from the weekend and counting down the days until I can go again. Thank you Country Girls, without you, I don’t think I would have had the courage to do something like this.
Pippa Medley – Beginners day
Thoroughly enjoyed the beginner’s experience. The whole day exceeded expectations. Tania is a great host and had great enthusiasm and passion for beginners to feel at ease and mingle! The whole team were great and the venue team and group couldn’t have been friendlier. Many thanks and look forward to the next one.
Sophie Hughes – Beginners day
I signed up for The Country Girls UK beginners event as I’d always fancied doing something like this, but never really felt I had found the right group or place. I had never held a gun before, and had no idea what I was doing, but the group of women I met were so friendly, and all in exactly the same boat; l soon felt really at ease. The instructors were really helpful and everyone was so welcoming, that by the end of the day I’d decided I’d found a new favourite hobby, and I was already planning my next trip. The Country Girls UK are a very supportive, relaxed and fun group of women, totally approachable and easy to ask the ‘daft’ questions of. I’d highly recommend giving it a go!
Alice Gundavda – Beginners day
What an amazing group of girls the CGUK community is. I have been on 2 days now (Ampton Game & Grimston Sim) and both have been absolutely incredible. You click instantly with all the girls on the days and Tania and the teamwork so so hard to put on the best day and to make everyone feel included. Not only is the shooting top class, but the social side of the group also is amazing, and making friends has been so easy!
Natasha Blackburn – Simulated shoot day
All I can tell you is if you haven’t yet because you’re anxious or nervous about meeting new people. Don’t be! These girls are absolutely incredible and ALL so welcoming!
I went on my first sim day over the weekend not knowing anyone and I came back knowing everyone. We laughed all day and I feel like I am fully apart of this amazing community.
So just take the plunge and do it! I promise you won’t regret it xox
Primrose Oates – Simulated shoot day
I’ve shot a bit before but not shotguns so I was expected to perhaps hit 1 and have a few nice chats throughout the day. I was so wrong! I howled with laughter for the whole day, chatted and made friends with a bunch of the most welcoming women I could have imagined! Elsewhere I’ve shot before has been very male-dominated and it was a breath of fresh air to just get cheered on and encouraged by ladies who are all in similar boats! I’ve already booked 2 more events, and am going camping and to Scotland, with some girls, I’ve never even met but know I’m going to laugh with. It’s such a little community with kindness I’ve not experienced before!
Elissa Hilsden – Beginners day
Where do I start, booking onto an entire shoot day with a group of ladies I had never met before absolutely terrified me but I knew if I didn’t I would regret it.
From booking to the actual day Tania was there every second of doubt to answer questions and make us feel at home including creating a group chat for everyone on the shoot day.
I went into the day wondering if I would be good enough or if I would fit in with everyone! I couldn’t have been more wrong. With the amazing help of the Phillip Thorrold instructors, I got 20/25 on my first stand and the girls were incredibly cheering and laughing at every member making you feel amazing.
If you want to get into shooting or just want to meet some incredible county ladies then look no further than The Country Girls. It’s not just a club you join it’s a family xx
Alice Bridges – Beginners day
These girls have been everything I’ve unknowingly been looking for! xx
Millie Clarke – Membership
There is one thing I can GUARANTEE you will get out of this membership and that is you will meet some of the most amazing women and make the best of friends with some of these girls.
Some of them might be weird as hell, or absolute fruit cakes, some of them might make you buy really bad glasses when you all get drunk on the gin nights. But these girls will be there through the good, the bad, and the ugly. They will be there for the celebrations and the crises. They will give you the best hugs and pick you up when you’re at your lowest point. They will advise you, guide you and empower you! But you will honestly make friends for life in this network. I have met girls through this group that I now couldn’t imagine them not being a part of my life.
We aren’t just people you follow on social media we are family and one hell of a kick-ass family at that.
So get involved with the family, no question is stupid, no shout for help will ever go unheard.
Alix Gregory – Membership
I’ve never been one for clubs or societies, yet I’m proud as punch to be in this one.
One massive thing I love, is that there is no country girl template. No mold to try and fit into.
It doesn’t matter where or how you grew up.
Whether you’ve grown up with shooting, or are just starting out.
Whether you own a certain type of boots or have a particular income.
Country or city, it really doesn’t matter.
Every lady is treated as equal and loved for what makes them who they are.
This really is a group of a lifetime, and it can only get better from here!
Alice Wotton – Membership
Becoming a CGUK member has given me so much more focus within fields ports in general. The community surrounding The Country Girls UK is so supportive… You don’t have to be just from the UK to be involved. I am based in Ireland with a fabulous Driven clay shoot planned here in June. I would encourage ladies from any country to join the family. I have made some lovely friends and connections through the group and the positive vibes and encouragement encountered make us stronger. I look forward to the years ahead within this community.
Melissa Molloy – Membership
Being a Member of The CGUK has been such a breath of fresh air these past few months. With being in a lockdown and living on my own, it’s been amazing to partake in group video calls, both just for some laughter and gin, but also for the educational value when there is a guest speaker! I love seeing what’s coming up each month and it’s so good to have something to continuously look forward to! Being part of the February Fitness challenge, being motivated by so many wonderful ladies felt truly incredible! Such a close-knit group of girls that are genuinely out to support each other! The variety of things available, recipes, guest speakers, members discounts, the list goes on, and wow are we so lucky! All I will say to those of you that are thinking about becoming a member… stop thinking and just do it! You won’t ever look back! I love being part of the CGUK community xxx
Emily Winter- Membership
I signed up for the CGUK membership and have loved every minute. I’ve grown in confidence and met amazing ladies along the way. Each month has a different schedule planned for us and this has really kept me motivated especially during the lockdown. This month’s members Crufts competition was a laugh and the zoom butchery course was fabulous, not forgetting our monthly gin night which is still to come!! I can’t thank the ladies enough for being so welcoming, supportive & for sharing their knowledge xx
Abbie Wilson – Membership
I am so glad I bit the bullet and signed up for a CGUK membership! It’s so so lovely to be involved in such a supportive & positive community with like-minded ladies. We’ve already had so much fun in lockdown so roll on all the fun we’re going to have after lockdown !! My advice, sign up ASAP, you won’t regret it!!
Ps, would highly recommend the CGUK caps xx
Evangeline Evans – Membership
Becoming a CGUK member has definitely brightened up lockdown, it’s also made me realise how many lovely, like-minded ladies there are around to chat to and get to know! Can’t wait to finally meet all our members in the flesh when lockdown lifts xx
Alannah Kingdon – Membership
I have a CGUK membership and I’m loving it. I am keener to get out shooting than ever before as I have met a lovely group of ladies. The ladies are fabulous, supportive and share all their knowledge which makes it very welcoming. Last month we did a February challenge raising money for a great charity, The CGUK Ladies motivated everyone to stay on track through our event WhatsApp group with motivation and progress along the way. The monthly schedules are amazing as there is so much new content including recipes on the blog, zoom/teams calls on different aspects of shooting and country life. They have been great as I am constantly learning or recapping stuff in more detail. The famous Gin nights are so much fun as it’s big catchup with everyone, along with a lot of laughs xx
Hannah Foreman- Membership
Having never been on a shoot before I was pretty nervous, even more so because I didn’t know a single person going. The organisation in the lead up to the day was spot on and we were paired up (all newbies were paired up with someone experienced) which meant you had time to plan who was taking what and had someone to bombard with questions. Despite the fact, some of the girls knew each other already it wasn’t at all cliquey! Everyone is super welcoming and it’s a really relaxed atmosphere so don’t be afraid to get involved and ask questions. I wish I’d gone along sooner and I’m looking forward to the next one!
Sarah Sanderson – Simulated clay day
This was an incredible day of firsts, not just for me, but for the other ladies making up the team of guns: It was my first game day where 100% of the team of guns were ladies. My first game day where I knew no one else before I arrived, but left having made some amazing friends. My first ever game day where I was alongside experience shots and complete beginners, one of which shot her first-ever game bird, a privilege to see. The day was wonderful, considering I was nervous on my way, when I met all the other guns, I felt instantly relaxed and knew I was in for a day to remember. The presentation of the birds from folly sporting were fantastic, ranging from some easier birds for the beginners so some testing highflyers for the more experienced shots. After the incredible day of sport and food, we all left with game birds from the day and pheasant sausages made by folly sporting – the perfect cherry on the cake. I only hope I get to experience a day like this again.
Amelia Rome – Game day
Having followed The Country Girls UK since the very beginning and becoming very friendly with Tania, she kindly asked me to oversee a shoot she had organised at The Folly Sporting while she was away travelling. So if you take 18 women, most of who haven’t met before and travel to a shoot in rural Leicestershire for a day of game shooting, what can you really expect? Well, we had the most incredible day of shooting and laughter! After the warmest of welcomes and introductions, all the ladies were split into pairs dependent on ability making sure any novices were paired with an experienced gun. Throughout the day there were five drives of fabulous shooting with some girls bagging their first-ever game which meant there were definitely smiles all round! Alongside the shooting, the day included fantastic hospitality. Starting with bacon rolls for breakfast followed by elevenses, lunch and finishing with tea and homemade cakes, all accompanied by plenty of bubbles! To top it off, all ladies were presented with gift bags full of amazing goodies! Such a lovely and unexpected touch. After a day out with The Country Girls UK, you can be guaranteed to leave with newfound confidence, a whole bunch of new friends and a smile on your face.
Claire Annable – Game day
I absolutely loved my first ever Game day at The Folly with the Country Girls UK organised by Tania. I was the first to turn up (I was super early), I was a little nervous but was soon put at ease as soon as I met Kate, James and their lovely family… I was shown to the very cosy boot room and the other Country Girls started to arrive soon after. What a friendly and encouraging bunch of ladies, for someone who is very new to this sport and didn’t really know what to expect but again I was put at ease. Met my beautiful peg partner Caitlin for the first time, who kindly let me use her gun for the day and guided me through the day (we have now become very good friends) From start to finish it was well-organised hospitality was amazing and was enjoyed by all. Just to top off what was already a brilliant day I shot my first bird and also got kindly picked as the novice shooter of the day and was given a bag full of beautiful gifts. I left on a massive high with some new friends who I have since met up with at other events. Cannot wait until the next CGUK event. Thank you, EVERYONE, that was involved x
Hayley Varney – Game day
The shoot at The Plucked Pheasant was my first experience of a sim day and it completely exceeded my expectations thanks to all the hard work of everyone involved in planning it. The drives were fantastic, the hospitality was incredible and the company of the girls there was brilliant! I couldn’t fault a single thing and am so happy and grateful to have been part of it all. It’s a memory I will treasure forever, and I am forever in debt to the people there that have given me both the confidence to get out and shoot more, as well as the life -long friendships I have made as a result of this day.
Daniella Rye – Simulated clay day
My First Ladies sim day & what a cracking day it was, the excitement and rush of emotions on this day was never-ending. It was incredible. The plucked pheasant were phenomenal hosts! Everything down to the last detail I want to shout off the rooftops and praise! I’ve been around guns for a few years as my husband shoots, but I have never taken a keen interest in them until the middle of last year. The @thecountrygirlsuk gave me the confidence to attend a local shoot and shoot my first pheasant! Knowing all of those 200+ supportive ladies were in my pocket cheering me on gave me the best feeling. Since then I’ve gone from knowing I’m gun safe to being completely in charge of my gun! All thanks to the mega support of the country girls which made this sim day so much more fun knowing I was only surrounded by support and help, not judgement. The entire day at the plucked pheasant was such a memorable day, the atmosphere was next to none with all the excited faces of everyone new and experienced. It was such fun watching all the girls that had never been on a sim day before, gain the confidence & smash clays was amazing. A lot of the ladies were so nervous about before the day but after the first drive, you could tell that was all gone. I couldn’t stop seeing smiles all day, the infectious laughter echoed from us at peg 9 all the way down to peg 1 and never stopped all day. Given the chance and my bank account, I would be on every day the Country Girls put on. You are never disappointed and always feel so much love and support. As well as your face hurting from smiling so much, which is never a bad thing! So big thank you to the @thepluckedpheasant, @thecountrygirlsuk, our amazing photographer @hagued92 and of course all of the amazing ladies who went on the day and made it such fun! ???
Shannon Hunter – Simulated clay day
This was my first sim day and it was safe to say it did not disappoint. I picked a gun up for the first time last November and haven’t been shooting clays as much as I can, but progressing from clays to real game is quite a daunting thought so a day like this was perfect for you to get an understanding of how game days run and what to expect from them. The Country Girls group has been so encouraging and supportive and I honestly wouldn’t have ever done something like this if it wasn’t for them, I’ve definitely made some friends for life.
The day itself ( and especially the food ? ) exceeded my expectations and I can’t thank Rich and Francesca enough for all the time and thought that went into planning an amazing day for us all, Tania for getting us all together and pushing us a lot of us out of our comfort zones to do this amazing day & of course Dan for his amazing pictures.
This is definitely the first of many sim days for me ?
Alix Jade – Simulated clay day
Where to start… this was my first sim day, having only shot a couple of beaters days and some clay lessons, I was ready for the challenge! Emily and I drove up together and picked up two “strangers” (Mel & Amelia) in which we all did not take a breath for talking and laughing so much on the way there. It was exciting yet daunting to meet all the rest of the girls, everyone was so lovely we were all at ease and straight away it was clear that the day was going to be one to remember!! It is rare to find such a great bunch of ladies all in one place. I can’t thank Tania enough as not only have you helped fuel my passion and confidence in shooting but also make new long-lasting friendships! @thepluckedpheasant put on the most fantastic day and one to remember, their attention to detail is impeccable and I wish them all the success with the business! ?
Kirsten Smith – Simulated clay day
Wow. Where to start? Arriving at the sim day, having not met any of the @thecountrygirlsuk before, I was super nervous…. although had no need to be! The group of girls were so lovely and friendly, and I am so pleased to have found such a great group of girls who share the same interests. Frankie and Richard from @thepluckedpheasant were also very welcoming and their hospitality was second to none. Everything was so well thought of, from the food & drinks to each drive, this all made the day run smoothly ensuring we all had the best time! ?
Becky Witt – Simulated clay day
I had the best day with an amazing bunch of the Country girls. Each of the four drives had a varying layout, putting both clays to test us and clays to build our confidence over our heads. Starting the day knowing no one and ending it knowing some amazing people was a bonus! I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend a @thecountrygirlsuk day to everyone! ????
Amelia Roma – Simulated clay day
We arrived at 10 am, to a room of tea, coffee, bacon butties and faces full of nerves and excitement. I knew a lot of the girls already but that’s what’s great about @TheCountryGirlsUK events, we always pair up with someone new, so after meeting the lovely @ginshartop, we headed out by car to the first two drives. First up was a nice warm-up drive with steady mid-height driven clays from behind a woodland, everyone got stuck in and relaxed. This was followed by a fun drive full of high driven clays off a bank where we were pegged on the edge with some tricky targets over a tree line. We were soon laughing, and the poaching was well underway! Time for elevenses, Sloegasms and a spread of homemade pies, sausage rolls, Parma ham, olives and more! The sun was out and we all de-layering in excitement of the final two drives. Next up was an open field full of partridge crossers, followed by a final big quarry high pheasant drive. I was in my element and this pic says it all – we are both celebrating here after I hit a nice left and right, poaching from both my neighbouring pegs. I honestly can’t recommend a day with @thecountrygirlsuk enough. Whether you’re new or experienced, there’s something for everyone and we always spend the day laughing and having fun in some of the most stunning scenery. A big thank you to @grimstonsimulatedgame and @countrygirl_andlabradors for such an amazing day!
Hannah Colyer – Simulated clay day
I was pretty apprehensive arriving at the Country Girls UK sim day, I don’t shoot well with an audience and so I felt a little out of my depth, but I needn’t have worried. Everyone was so warm and welcoming with a superb comradery spirit which put me at total ease. Grimston simulated game put on a superb display of varying clays which both boosted confidence and tested your skills. Coupled with exquisite food and drinks we were treated like total queens making the whole day such an amazing experience which I would wholeheartedly recommend. I’ve never turned up somewhere not knowing a soul and came away with so many new friends! Being mostly a game shooter, this really is the next best thing and really helped me get my eye in for the coming season! So to anyone holding off due to nerves or lack of confidence, please do get involved, you won’t regret it and you’ll have the most memorable, fun and laughter filled day!
Alex Naim – Simulated clay day
I have to say if you had said to me this time last year that I would be out on a sim day with 17 other girls that I’d never met… I would’ve said… NO chance! But here I am, literally smashing the clay! @thecountrygirlsuk group has brought out so much confidence in me, and the support from all the girls in the group has just encouraged me to get out and have a go at something completely new to me! I have learnt and am still learning so much from every single one of the ladies! I have made friends for life through this group, and I can’t wait to get out more and more with them all! I loved this sim day so much, that the day after, I booked myself onto the next sim day with The Country Girls UK! I’m getting all this practice in ready for my first game day with the girls in December! What an awesome group of women, absolutely smashing it, in what is quite a male-dominated lifestyle!
Emily Winter – Simulated clay day
