Meet Jade, one of our incredible CGUK members with a story full of adventure and friendship. Jade has just completed her first loyalty card and earned £150 credit, which she’s already putting towards another unforgettable game day at Lochnell, the very place she fell in love with on her first visit. From nervous first shots to chasing big Scottish skies, Jade’s journey shows exactly what makes the CGUK community so special.

This is my CGUK journey for my first full loyalty card. I’m forever grateful for Tania and all the girls, my life would suck without you! Xxx

Le Strange Simulated Game Day – 14.09.24


My first ever event and I was so nervous, but I didn’t need to be. Every single girl made me feel so welcome from the moment I arrived. I hadn’t met any of them before, but meeting Tania and getting the biggest hug instantly reassured me I’d made the right decision booking on.

We started the day with breakfast at the shoot lodge and a briefing from Gareth before pairing up and heading to the first drive. What an experience, even if I made the rookie mistake of using game cartridges (won’t do that again!). After the second drive we had elevenses, then onto two more drives, including the infamous grouse.

The day finished with a beautiful alfresco dinner by the Pentagon, and we ended the night back at the Airbnb around the campfire toasting marshmallows. The perfect start to my journey and I couldn’t wait for what was next.

Lochnell Sporting Game Day – 12.10.24


My first event was still sinking in when I heard all the girls around the campfire hyping up the season’s first Game Day at Lochnell. Everyone was convincing each other to sign up—and they did. I was still unsure until I talked to my dad later that week about the incredible shooting in Scotland.

That same day I got a message from Tania: “Are you keen for Scotland?” It was like she read my mind. So I bit the bullet and signed up.

We car-shared for the long drive up north, and somewhere on the Scottish roads I spotted Toni’s car and shouted, “Look, it’s Toni!” Only for Tania to reply, “Who the f*** is Toni?” And just like that, the weekend hashtag was born.

Lochnell was absolutely unreal. No gun bus, just pure on-foot adventure—12km if you’re wondering—dramatic weather giving us all four seasons in a day, and the best goal: hit a partridge and have it land in the sea. Mission complete. We wrapped up the day with dinner in a castle and the best sticky toffee pudding I’ve ever had.

Prestwold Hall Game Day – 09.11.24


Third event in and I think it’s safe to say I’d officially caught the bug. This time it was a game day at the stunning Prestwold Hall in Leicestershire. The estate was absolutely beautiful and the shooting lodge made the perfect setting for a day out in the field.

We stayed in what can only be described as the modern-day Fawlty Towers—from stealing towels off the landing to a mysteriously empty reception, it was comedy gold. But we did manage to find the perfect spot for dinner, even if Tania and I had to wait an hour for our steaks.

What made this day even more special was meeting so many amazing new ladies who share this growing passion for the countryside. I’ve been so lucky with my peg partners too, especially on this one.


My first shoot in the West Country and, despite the weather not being on our side, it didn’t spoil the weekend one bit.

Davenport House Game Day – 11.01.25

We kicked things off at a local pub—bacon rolls and tea at the ready—before heading out for our first foggy drive. Safe to say my shooting wasn’t quite on form that morning, but things turned around in the afternoon with some stunning drives by the lake. I even hit a cracking bird on my left (rare for me!).

We wrapped up with a duck drive, usually not my thing, but I managed to hit my first duck too, so that was a bit of a moment. The evening was spent in a cosy Airbnb on a nearby farm, complete with an uninvited guest—the resident mouse. A proper comedy act trying to catch the little guy, but it topped off the weekend perfectly.

Le Strange 2.0 Simulated Game Day – 12.04.25


With the game season behind us, I was definitely feeling some withdrawal, so what better way to kick off the Sim season than with Le Strange 2.0?

The weekend started with an unforgettable deer stalking Sim evening hosted by the amazing Gareth. Four other girls and I had the chance to get hands-on with rifles, shooting a variety of targets at different ranges. I can officially say I feel confident with a rifle now. We wrapped up the evening with a lovely BBQ, thanks to our fantastic host.

We stayed in the same Airbnb as last time—perfectly situated and spacious enough for all of us girls. It felt like our own little countryside basecamp and made the whole weekend even more special.

Saturday brought more sunshine and even better vibes. I think my grouse butt shooting is on the up (thanks to my forever peg partner Chloe!). The day was full of laughter and we ended it with alfresco surf & turf and salads, the perfect finish.

Graythwaite Estate Simulated Game Day – 10.05.25


They say Cumbria is God’s land, and after this weekend I completely agree. My first time in the Lake District and it was nothing short of exceptional. Blue skies, stunning views and even better company.

We booked the dream Airbnb: hot tub out front, pool table out back—perfection. Kicked things off with a BBQ by the queen herself, Penny, in the evening sun. Nothing beats good food and better people.

Saturday took us to Graythwaite, blasting girl band tunes and ready to shoot. Slower clays gave us time to dial in those perfect hits. Mid-drive we even found ourselves cheering on a marathon—only us.

Post-drive sausage rolls, drinks and the most picturesque hilltop lunch surrounded by views and laughter. But that third drive? Unreal. Barrels hot, cartridge bag empty—pure bliss.

We wrapped up with a final shoot, then down to Esthwaite Water for a lunch that deserves a mention: venison cooked to perfection and the biggest bowl of potato salad you’ve ever seen.

These girls have changed my life in all the best ways. I don’t know what I’d do without them.

Written by Jade Taylor

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