WE HAD A FABULOUS TIME IN 2011.  PLEASE JOIN US IN 2012

THE

"SHOOTING PARTY"

CAISTOR HALL

The Quidenham gamekeepers and guests stand by respectfully, as King Edward VII oversees his annual planting of a tree on the estate. Lord Albemarle produces a cast iron plaque with the words “Planted by King Edward VII, October 25, 1909” inscribed upon it. Little does anyone expect that this will be the King’s last season at one of his favorite partridge shooting estates. King Edward VII will pass from this world on May 6, 1910, taking with him the Edwardian era, and the age of glorious Royal shoots.

Fast forward to March 2011, I am standing on “King Edwards Drive”, a chestnut tree lined lane, formerly the grand entrance to Quidenham Hall, along which the King himself would have traveled all those years ago, after his arrival at Eccles railway station. With me is Philip Milburn shoot manager, Robert Brown head keeper for the last 30 years, and David Grant, gun photographer extraordinaire.

I had come over to the Norfolk region in search of driven shootings birthplace in the United Kingdom. Norfolk is home to the estates of Sandringham, Holcomb, Elviden, and many others, the names of which bring instant recognition to lovers of the driven bird. Norfolk has the perfect soil for raising partridge and pheasants, and as such can produce shootable numbers of WILD English partridge, a very rare occurrence today.

This year we have the opportunity to experience not only beautiful accommodations and excellent shooting, but also the ability to walk in the footsteps and shoot on the pegs of those chosen few, lucky enough to have been present at the birth of our sport.

Fortunately for us, fellow shooting enthusiast Philip Milburn had the time, money, and passion to acquire the shooting rights over thousands of acres in the heart of Norfolk. We can shoot at Quidenham, Hargham, and Banham Estates. Locations will be chosen based upon weather, wind direction, and bird densities. The estates were groomed for Royal shooting parties, and as such are prime examples of how to use the land and hedges to produce fantastic sport. Very professional teams of beaters and picker ups will be in attendance on each drive.

Quidenham and Hargham are run as a single shoot. The estates encompass approximately 8,500 acres of rolling hills and woodland, interspersed with impressive runs of high hedge.  In 2011 the quality and quantity of birds was very impressive.  The partridges came fast and furious over the hedges.  The pheasants were driven over tall mature trees, offering exceptional sport.  Not ridiculously high but very sporting.  A highlight was the duck shooting, high, fast, and extremely sporting during the day.  In addition to the day time duck shooting, on at least one night we will have the opportunity to sit out for duck at dusk.  This type of shooting is quite challenging and something not available in the U.S..  On Wednesday, our day off from the birds, those who wish may try their hand at deer shooting. There are Roe, Muntjac, and red deer, in shootable numbers, available for a small additional charge. Philip provides the guns and ammunition.

We will shoot 150 birds on Monday and Thursday, and 250 birds on Tuesday and Friday, weather and ability dependent. Birds brought to bag will depend upon the skill of the guns, based upon a 5 to 1 cartridge to kill ratio. The quantities of birds put down virtually assure our bag. Each day we will have a minimum of 5 drives, weather permitting, so even the 150 bird days will provide a full day’s sport. WE WILL NOT BE CHARGED OVERAGES. You will not be asked for additional funds if we shoot over our mark, of that you can be assured. IN 2011 WE SHOT  $5,000.00 WORTH OF BIRDS OVER OUR MARK AND DID NOT PAY A DIME MORE.

Shooters will be provided with cartridges, “elevenses” (snacks), a full hot shoot lunch with drinks, gun permits, shooters liability insurance, and transportation too and from the shoots. We will shoot single guns, and loaders (stuffers) will be available for a small additional charge, and are highly recommended. Not only do they give advice on how to get on the birds (for those who wish), but they carry your gun and cartridges! It’s worth it for that reason alone.  For more information on the shooting go to www.norfolkshoots.co.uk

THE ACCOMMODATION

Our lodging will be at Caistor Hall, in Caistor St. Edmond, Norwich www.caistorhall.com , located about 20 to 30 minutes drive from the shoots. Caistor is a Grade II listed country home dating back to the early 19^th century. Sitting on 30 acres of woodland, the property has been recently restored but maintains all of its charm. Many of the bedrooms have 4 poster beds, although twins are available for those who wish. All the rooms have TV, and private bathrooms with shower.  The quality of the rooms and the exceptional meals provided, makes Caistor Hall ideal for the Shooting Party.  It has an intimate feel, but also all the conveniences of a modern hotel.  The furnishings are period and quite in keeping with our needs. We will be provided a private dining room for all of our meals.  The meals are not only excellent, but the portions large.

Caistor has sitting areas, replete with leather chairs and couches, and a full service bar. The shooters will be provided with a room for gun cleaning and storage of shooting gear. Secure gun storage will also be offered.

Included are your room for 7 nights, lunch on arrival, 7 buffet breakfasts, and a 4 course meal each night. On Wednesday night we will have a black tie (optional) dinner, with entertainment, to celebrate the grandeur of the Edwardian lifestyle.

Non shooters and non shooting couples are always welcome. In the Edwardian period the shooting parties would many times contain 70 or more guest, obviously many more non shooters than shooters.

One of the benefits of northeast England is the abundance of sightseeing opportunities. Norwich alone is home to Norwich Castle, the main keep fully restored. The Cathedral and Elm Hill, the old original part of Norwich will also be on offer. The university town of Cambridge will be a must see. The non shooters will be provided with the services of a licensed guide and coach for tours Monday through Thursday. On Wednesday many of the shooters may like to accompany the non shooters for a tour of Sandringham, the country estate of Queen Elizabeth. A full itinerary will be provided, and sure to please. The cost of the tour program will be determined by the number of participants.

Please join us for this unique experience. Who knows how long this lifestyle will exist. Life is short, eat dessert first!

100 MORE BIRDS THIS YEAR THAN LAST!

PLEASE CALL JACK LaPENTA AT (860) 307-1282 if you have any questions. Or e-mail jacksdivecenter@prodigy.net

Send check made out to

Jack’s Dive Center, Inc.

One Town Line Rd.

Plainville, CT. 06062

Due to the unique nature of this exciting venue, a non-refundable deposit of 1/3 of the cost, per person is required at sign up, 1/3 by May 1, 2012, balance due by August 24, 2012.

PER COUPLE 1 SHOOTER 1 NON..$10415.00    PRICES INCLUDE LODGING

PER COUPLE 2 SHOOTERS………..$17480.00    CARTRIDGES, GUN PERMITS,

PER COUPLE 2 NON SHOOTERS......$3350.00    SHOOTERS TRANSPORT, AND MEALS

SINGLE SHOOTER……………………...$9315.00    TWO 150 BIRD AND TWO 250 BIRD

SINGLE NON SHOOTER…………….....$2250.00    DRIVEN DAYS. NO OVERAGES CHARGED!

PRICES INCLUDE.. Lodging at Caistor Hall for 7 nights, breakfast and dinner each day, and VAT tax at 20%. Shooters will have two 150 and two 250 bird driven days, full hot lunch on shoot days, and at least one duck hunt. Prices based on 8 guns, and includes cartridges, liability insurance and shooters transport. Gun permits are INCLUDED.

ALL PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE AND ARE BASED ON FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES IN EFFECT AT TIME OF PRINTING, AND VAT TAX AT 20%.  THEY MAY INCREASE OR DECREASE. COUPLES PRICES ARE BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY, SINGLE PRICES ARE BASED ON SINGLE OCCUPANCY. DEPOSITS ARE NON REFUNDABLE, NON EXCHANGEABLE. TRAVEL INSURANCE IS RECOMMENDED.  NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.  TOURS FOR NON-SHOOTERS OFFERED AT ADDITIONAL COST.

PHOTO'S BELOW FROM 2011 SHOOTING PARTY

FORMAL NIGHT

 Mr. Sterling Stands Guard                   The Ultimate Gun Cleaning Room                             The Evening Meal


 Relaxing In The Library                          Mr. Sterling Regales The Group                        A Light Breakfast!


 Matt Won't Let Us Go Hungry      Formal Night As In King Edward's Time                    The Three Musketeers

 
Handri and Jim, Always Dashing     Jack Trying To Look Dashing          Ken And His Supervisor Adrienne

  
Martha And John, Yeah Alabama!  Pat And John, Always Fun             Ken With My Dream Car (I Hate Him)

    
    
    
   
   




           Pianist Louise, What A Treat

THE SHOOTING

QUIDENHAM ESTATE

"It's Best To Shoot IN FRONT OF The Birds"       A Successful First Drive          A Bunch Of Drinkers With A Shooting Problem

 
 Out Across The Stubble                    "Why Am I Always On Peg 8?"                                    The Old Ice House

 
Martha And John NOT Falling In The Ice House        Jack And Loader David                 Jack With His First English Partridge

 
Jim With His First European Woodcock NICE SHOT!    John Regrets His Second Piece Of Cheese Cake

 
King Edwards Entrance To Quidenham   The Loaders Discuss Our Shooting (Ha, Ha)    A Light Lunch Of Roast Beef and Pudding

 
Jack Toasts His Sweetheart                          A Plaque for King Edward VII          Ray Shakes The Misses Out Of Jacks Gun

 
I'm Sure The Drive Is Over There             Hawaiian Tony, That Boy Can Shoot!    On Second Thought The Drive Is Over There

 
John Enjoys a "Medicinal" Break                 Elevenses To The Max      Jim Acting Like King Edward, Handri and Bill Toast Him


A Most Civilized Break                  John..... Did You See This?       "Honest Linda" I Don't Eat The Sausages"

 
 "Perhaps Just One More"           Sure Looks Like A Duck To Me!   Ray Wondering Why I Even Bother With A Gun
 
MORE SNIPPETS TO COME!!!!!!

THE TOURING

HOLKHAM HALL THE BIRTHPLACE OF DRIVEN SHOOTING

PHOTO'S BELOW FROM HANDRI KADASH, AND SHE SHOOTS LIKE A DREAM ALSO!

HANDRI AND JIM, A FANTASTIC TEAM

YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS 2012!!

 
A "ROYAL" TIME WAS HAD BY ALL