Jasper Fellows visits West Kent Shooting School, which stands as one of the UK’s most enduring clay shooting venues. What began in 1974 as a modest setup on a disused RAF airfield has evolved into a thriving, modern shooting ground with a reputation built on consistency, innovation and community.
In 1974 husband-and-wife team Pat and Barbara Lynch took hold of a disused site at RAF West Malling Airfield and began developing a small but well-attended clay shooting school.
As their reputation grew, the couple moved the business to a World War II searchlight emplacement in Gillingham. Then in 1984 they relocated again, settling into the school’s current location on the eastern outskirts of the small town of Paddock Wood, 10 miles north-east of Tunbridge Wells.
Back then the school was little more than a caravan, a handful of manual traps and a field stocked with weeds – unimaginable to anyone who has visited this exceptionally well-manicured venue in more recent years.
In 2004 Pat and Barbara sold the business to their son, Michael, who together with his wife, Gillian, developed the site into what we see before us today. For Michael and Gillian, keeping the business successful is a balancing act. They must conserve the elements that have kept the regulars returning for more than 50 years while ensuring they stay up to date with the latest technologies and innovations.
“Like any hobby or sport, everyone has their own particular preferences,” says Gillian. “Some regulars prefer consistency and get frustrated if we move a target or change an angle, whereas others love variety and would be thrilled to see a completely different setup every week.”
Fortunately there are more than enough stands and presentations to keep everyone happy. “We currently offer 19 areas for English Sporting. These range from a single stand with two traps, up to layouts with seven stands and six traps. There’s an almost unending number of combinations we can offer.”
No matter which set of targets the visiting shooter is looking to tackle, every presentation can be attempted at one’s own pace. “Our entire course is equipped with more than 55 Laporte traps, all of which are connected to our Promatic ClayMate system,” continues Gillian. “This system supports solo shooting, pairs and targets on-report – a feature that has proved hugely popular with our members.
“Best of all, the system removes restrictions. Shooters are not limited to specific stands on certain days, or to a set number of clays per stand. They are free to shoot whichever layouts and presentations they like, whenever they like, and for as long as they like.”
The removal of restrictions extends to the very layout and design of the course and grounds. Hard pathways, ramps and accessible toilets help to ensure that everyone can take part in and enjoy the art of clay smashing, regardless of mobility requirements. This helps level the playing field for all-comers looking to tackle the monstrous Raywing tower, which rises 100ft above the stands below.
“The tower has seven traps, which allow us to create some excellent high-driven targets, both fast and slow, plus some very testing crossers,” says Gillian.
Fortunately help is readily on hand for those trying to tackle the trickier targets, thanks to West Kent’s stable of freelance instructors. They offer lessons to suit all shooters, as Gillian explains.
“Our Sporting lessons are all about building solid technique and gaining confidence across a wide range of clay targets. They give you the chance to work on everything from crossers to quartering targets, ideal for developing a strong all-round foundation.
“With our game-focused lessons the approach is a bit different. For those we use our high tower and other setups to recreate realistic game situations, such as high-driven birds, so it feels much closer to a day in the field. The aim is to get you reading the bird, timing your shot, and developing that smooth, instinctive style that really matters when you’re out shooting live game.”
Educational opportunities at West Kent extend beyond the classic lesson setting, with numerous special events hosted on site. From ‘Learn more about your shotgun’ mornings, to Skeet try-out days, there’s always another opportunity to learn.
Juniors should pay particular attention to the events calendar. West Kent regularly hosts sold-out young-shot mornings on top of the cut-rate lessons all Juniors benefit from. A smart move for a shooting school that hopes to remain in business for another half-century.
Corporate guests are also very well accommodated, with bespoke packages available to suit groups of all sizes. “We aim to be as flexible as possible with our corporate days,” says Gillian. “We know how stressful it can be to host clients or entertain colleagues, so we want to take that load off and help hosts enjoy the day as much as their guests do.
“During a corporate day our expert instructors are on hand to help beginners into the sport, while seasoned shots can test their skills on our wide variety of targets. Guests also have full use of our corporate suites and are provided with top-quality hospitality. We can even supply personalises, fully branded trophies and shooting awards for the day’s top shots.
“It’s that personal touch that makes the difference at West Kent,” concludes Gillian. “That and our staff and all the great customers who walk through our doors.”
Gillian Lynch is the owner and managing director. She is assisted in her duties by Michaela Costello, who also oversees membership and corporate enquiries. Ground managers James Wilson and Sam Howard keep the lawns manicured and traps firing. In the clubhouse, Sara Warwicker, Jackie Sharman, Kate Randall, Juliette Tusk and Nicky Reeve welcome guests at reception. West Kent works with a core group of freelance instructors, including BASC Instructor of the Year 2022 Tom Friar, alongside Trevor Hunt, Colin Gardner, Dom Whitham and Kelly Bates.
English Sporting, Skeet and a 100ft high tower.
Monday to Friday, 10am-5pm
West Kent Shooting School, Old Hay, Paddock Wood, Brenchley, Kent, TN12 7DG
Tel: 01892 834306
Web: westkentshootingschool.co.uk
Email: info@westkentshooting.co.uk
Standard one-hour clay lessons are priced at £80, excluding clays and cartridges. West Kent also offers clay taster sessions, game lessons and game-day etiquette courses. Discounts are available for Juniors and for those booking a course of four or more lessons.
Individual membership is £115 per year. Members gain access to reduced practice prices, discounts on cartridges and lessons, free use of club guns, discounts on shop accessories and more.
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