Howard Kirby wins regional ‘Rural Oscar’

Time Well Spent June 15, 2022

Congratulations to Sporting Shooter’s gundog trainer!

Sporting Shooter’s gundog trainer Howard Kirby has won a regional ‘Rural Oscar’ for his business, Lains Shooting School.

The Countryside Alliance Awards, aka the Rural Oscars, are the Alliance’s annual celebration of rural produce, skills and heritage through small hard-working businesses.

Lains Shooting School in Quarley, Hampshire, won the Enterprise category in the South West. The regional judge said: “We are proud to honour Lains because it is a complete enterprise, encouraging and supporting people at both ends of the shooting spectrum and fostering a love of the countryside. Howard’s business is also a huge part of the local economy and he is to be congratulated for creating and sustaining this thriving business in the current climate.”

Howard said: “Not only is it great to receive this much-valued award but it now means we are all off ‘Up London’ to the The Houses of Parliament for an award ceremony and the possibility of a national award. On a personal note, I must give a huge ‘thank you’ to all of the team here at Lains and Mullenscote and to all of our customers that make it all possible. I now need to get my finger out, get my suit dry cleaned, shoes polished and book an appointment for that all-important haircut!”