Monday, 25 June 2012

Bentley Manchester Clay Pigeon Shoot at Abbeystead

Bentley Manchester head to the Duke of Westminster’s Lancashire estate to host a clay shoot and help raise £22,000 for heroes

Friday, May 25, saw Bentley Manchester entertaining their North West customers with a clay shoot on the Duke of Westminster’s beautiful Abbeystead estate near Lancaster.

The event gave customers and Bentley enthusiasts the unique opportunity to drive models from the Bentley range as well as try out the finest shot guns from Holland & Holland on His Grace’s private clay shoot course.

Following breakfast and safety briefings, instructor-led groups were taken through a series of clay stands. All standards of shot were catered for with novices receiving an introduction to gun safety and a taster of clay target shooting, while more experienced shots had their technique analysed and finely tuned. The shooting sessions ended with a four-man shoot at the gnats – remote controlled planes – which proved a hit with everyone.

Bentley driving consultants then introduced guests to models from across the Bentley range, inviting them to test the cars on some of the country’s most picturesque and memorable stretches of road, through the Trough of Bowland. On returning to Abbeystead, guests were invited to join the dealership’s Katie Wood and her team for a superb four course meal.

The following day, and on the same site, Bentley Manchester sponsored a glamorous clay shoot hosted by one of the North’s top jewellers.  Around 250 guests turned out for the fifth Breitling at Banks Lyon Abbeystead Clay Pigeon Shoot which saw nearly £15,000 worth of Breitling watches given away and £22,000 raised for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

This section event welcomed teams of four from across the UK and guests, including world superbike legend Carl Fogarty, dug deep for lots including a flight in a Breitling fighter jet performing an aerobatic display, diamond jewellery, VIP stays at the Michelin starred Holbeck Ghyll in Windermere and shooting days on some of the country’s finest estates. Bentley Manchester also auctioned off the use of a Bentley Continental for a weekend.

Katie Wood said: "Not only did our customers get the opportunity to test some of the most superb models in the range in a beautiful part of the country, but everyone had a hugely enjoyable day out with great company, surroundings and food. We were delighted to help raise such a large amount for the Soldiers' Charity on the second day, which proved to be a real social occasion."

The charity event, which has been hailed one of the best clay shooting events on the sporting calendar by Shooting Gazette, is held at Abbeystead each year, with the kind permission of His Grace, and is organised by Lancaster and London based PR and events firm Samuelson Wylie Associates. For details about next year’s event, telephone Ben Samuelson on 01524 590610.