With the festive sporting season in full swing, we caught up with one of the UK’s top shots – Rob Fenwick, Managing Director at the multi award-winning E. J. Churchill.
Previously European Side by Side Champion and captain of the winning British University Championships team, Rob is as qualified as he is passionate about shooting.
Rob shares his favourite sporting memories, plans for Christmas and 2018…
- What are you most excited about for Christmas this year?
Spending time with my family. I try not to be on too many shoot days throughout Christmas as the E.J. Churchill Shooting Ground itself is incredibly busy – usually filled with families and friends keen for some outdoor fun before and during the festive break.
- Do you have any Christmas traditions?
All the EJC team go to West Wycombe Park (our Chairman Sir Edward Dashwood's home) for a Christmas Carols evening. It's a brilliantly festive night with brass band etc. This year we’re inviting our members for an evening of Christmas carols too which should be great!
- Most festive shooting experience to date?
I had a lovely day two years ago with my whole family, plus lots of friends and children. It was perfect.
- Earliest shooting memory?
Shooting with my dad in Yorkshire on our local syndicate. I couldn't sleep before the shoot day I was so excited!
- Most exotic shooting experience?
I love shooting in Spain on the Spanish partridge. We take a lot of trips there and – if you get good weather – it’s such a lovely landscape to shoot in. Everything about it is terrific - food, terrain, weather, the whole experience. I’d go to Spain over Argentina – it’s 15 hours closer to start with!
Explore E.J. Churchill’s International Sporting opportunities.
- Most unforgettable drive?
North Bunkers in Hulne Park at Alnwick, Northumberland. I have been lucky enough to shoot it a couple of times. It is without doubt the best drive I have ever shot. Stunning scenery, very difficult birds and just amazing as you see the pheasants come off the top! While writing this, I am currently sat in a hotel in Alnwick and so hope the wind is right for us to shoot this drive tomorrow!
- What are you most looking forward to in 2018?
We are hosting the CPSA world shooting championships at the shooting ground next year for the third time. Every year it seems to get bigger and better than ever. I love both the challenge of working with the team to make improvements, as well as the pressure it brings! We also have lots of charity clay shots to organise and run at many estates around the country. These are such great fun and a real honour to work with so many brilliant charities.
E.J. Churchill in the sunshine
- If you had to save one photo from your home, what would it be and why?
A picture of my gorgeous daughters Rosie and Emilia with their mum Jane. They are my world and I love every minute I spend with them all.
- What’s on your Wingfield Digby wishlist?
I love the new wine coasters and so hope I get one (maybe two!) this Christmas.
Wingfield Digby Cock Pheasant Wine Coaster, £49.
- Favourite feather type?
All game, but if I had to choose one it would be grouse.
Keep up to date with Rob Fenwick on Twitter. For more information on E.J. Churchill, visit www.ejchurchill.com. Follow E.J. Churchill on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter.
Wingfield Digby are thrilled to be stocked by E.J. Churchill, alongside the likes of Le Chameau, Dubarry and Hunter. Explore the range here.