Coley sets the gold standard
Jasper Fellows discovers the wide range of clays and competitions on offer at Ian Coley Sporting in the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside
Ian Coley has been attached to the world of shooting for more than half a century. He started as a gunsmith at Fletchers in Cheltenham before becoming a gamekeeper, corporate shoot host and sporting agent.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Ian became one of the world’s top clay breakers and finest competitive coaches. That’s a full life of achievement.
Over five decades, Ian built a reputation for results. Two of his students, Peter Wilson and Richard Faulds, claimed Olympic golds under his tutelage, while Ian was honoured by HM The Queen with an MBE for services to shooting in 2012.
These days, Ian has retired from the competitive world, but his ability to nurture talent and provide the facilities to help them succeed continues at the ground that bears his name.
“Ian’s not quite relaxing in his retirement yet,” says Adam Bromfield, who keeps things running here in the Cotswolds. “He’s still actively involved in the sporting agency and is always interested in the development of the grounds.”
Invested
Considering that Ian started with 10 traps and a marquee, it’s easy to see why he continues to be invested in the estate. “We now have 24 Sporting stands, each with a minimum of two traps,” says Adam, the managing director. “We also have three permanent high towers, ranging up to 120ft,
several mobile lifts, a DTL layout and a grouse butt — and we’re still expanding.”
Almost all the stands are connected to a Claymate system, allowing licence holders to practise on clays at their leisure. “At any one time, we have around 50 targets for shooters to try their hand at,” explains Adam.
“We regularly adjust the targets to try to create a course that offers something for everyone. The targets in our woodland section tend to be more challenging, aimed at experienced clay and game Shots, while targets at the top end of the ground are more welcoming for use during our have-a-go experiences.”
Top-notch tuition is available for those hoping to move from the more approachable targets and into the woods. “We have two full-time instructors,” says Adam. “They’re always available to help shooters iron out bad habits and conquer whatever targets they may be struggling with.
“We get a lot of great feedback on our instructors’ ability to make novice shooters feel at home. This all comes down to making sure that newbies feel safe, have the right gun and are tackling targets that are challenging, yet achievable, while also enjoying a bit of friendly banter.
“Gunfit is a particular speciality of ours. Having a gun that fits correctly can make all the difference. We have a host of try-guns available in the gunroom and we use these to ensure clients get the perfect fit and, as a result, the best out of their shooting.”
There’s a lot more than only try-guns available in Ian Coley’s award-winning gunroom. “We house one of the largest selections of new and second-hand guns in the UK, with up to 1,000 guns on display at any one time. Recently, we became the first Krieghoff custom shop in the country, so now offer a full range of demonstrator stock and barrel combinations, and the first fully adjustable Krieghoff try-gun stock.”
Incentive
If you need a little extra pocket money before heading into the gunroom, you may be able to earn some at one of the famed competitions. “We’ve got a great summer of events lined up this year,” says Adam. “Alongside our monthly CPSA-registered comps, we will be hosting our annual Ladies Open 100 ESP on 13 May. There’ll be nearly £2,500 in prize money and 4,500 Hull cartridges up for grabs. Then, from 6 to 8 July, we’ll be hosting the Coley Classic. This
WHAT’S ON OFFER
Sporting, DTL, three high towers and a grouse butt
WHEN IS IT OPEN?
Shooting ground: Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm Shop: Monday-Friday, 9am-5.30pm Saturday, 9am-5pm
TUITION
Individual lessons cost £90, excluding clays and cartridges. Have-a-go sessions are available from £54, including clays, cartridges, gun hire and PPE. Discounts are available for juniors and those looking to book a course of lessons.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership is available for £120 per year. Members benefit from discounted clays, clothing and events. Members also receive special offers at a growing range of partnered businesses.
is a 120 ESP event with a high-gun prize of £1,000 and cash prizes through to sixth place in classes AA to C. The Classic attracts plenty of top-flight competitors, but the course welcomes all comers, so we encourage everyone to take part.”
Whether you are looking to shop, compete, relax or train, there is something for everyone. “That’s the beauty of our grounds,” says Adam. “You can arrive as a beginner, progress with our instructors, try and buy a perfectly fitted gun in the gunroom, then head on to the stands and compete against some of the best — while enjoying the beauty of the Cotswolds.”