Aiming high at High Lodge

John Bidwell is a legend of the Sporting world. Throughout his incredible career the fourteen-time FITASC Sporting World, European and British Champion has helped develop sporting guns, designed his own series of clay traps, authored a champion’s guide to sporting clays and served as one of the country’s finest shooting coaches.

Following a hugely successful career, John is now semi-retired, though his influence can still be felt here at his family’s ground on the edge of the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB.

“John still serves as a director,” says John’s Daughter, Jane Coppen who runs the business as its managing director today. “But he passed on his management duties to the family in 2022.”

As you’d probably imagine from a ground founded by Sporting royalty, High Lodge’s Sporting course is a highlight of the ground’s offerings. Upwards of 30 stands wind their way through woodland trails and open meadows of the lodge’s estate.

“We like to provide a good variety of target presentations,” says Jane. “We use our local landscape and sightlines to create targets that cater to all ability levels. Plus, we regularly update and adjust the course to keep our targets fresh for returning regulars.”

While some clays may prove challenging, it couldn’t be easier for the experienced shot to get stuck in. “All of our machines and stands are connected to our ‘Pay & Clay’ system. This carding arrangement allows license holders the opportunity to explore the course at their leisure,” continues Jane. “The machines also offer a delayed launch system, so visitors can shoot solo if they wish.”

This adoption of useful technology can be seen across High Lodge’s other clay breaking facilities too. “Alongside the Sporting course we have four permanent Skeet layouts,” says Jane. “Two are used for Skeet, one for DTL and one for ABT. All our Skeet layouts can also be operated using a delayed launch system, for solo practise.”

As if that wasn’t enough, High Lodge also has six fully automated Compak/ Sportrap layouts. “These are all fully covered and are also set up for solo practise,” continues Jane. “We try to make it as easy as possible for practising shooting to make the most of our facilities, whatever the weather.”

Don’t think you have to shoot alone at High Lodge though. Extensive instruction is offered across all disciplines. “My husband, Andrew, heads up out team of experienced instructors,” Jane explains.

“They are all well versed in all disciplines and game shooting, so can shooters of all stripes boost their scores. We’re always happy to help newcomers discover our sport too. We have packages for complete beginners, where we offer opportunities to try all the disciplines over a course of lessons, whilst also giving advice on gear and equipment at the same time.”

This desire to introduce visitors to new shooting sports extends beyond the clay breaking world. “We are also proud to offer a 6-air rifle stands and archery under instruction,” says Jane. “The air rifle stands are positioned in our woods and offer a variety of targets. The long-range stand is particularly popular and allows for up to four sharpshooters to practise their sport undercover. Both air rifle shooting and archery and great fun and a brilliant way to enjoy a bit of competition with friends.”

If you are competitively minded, then High Lodge’s pack calendar of events is well worth looking into. “We host various events throughout the year,” explains Jane. “We specialise in Compak, Sportrap, Sporting and Super Sporting events, as well as FITASC.

“We host everything from CPSA majors through to family fun shoots and a few very special events. Everyone from international competitors to the casual practising shot can find a level of competition they are comfortable with at High Lodge.”

Clearly there is a lot on offer here, more than even the keenest shot could enjoy in one day. So, if you truly want to make the most of all the facilities, why not stay in one of the onsite lodges. “We have 19 luxury lodges. Each is fully furnished and twelve of them even include a private hot tubs, plus many of them are dog friendly,” says Jane. “The lodges sit next to one of our two fishing lakes, where 20lb Carp, Tench, Roach, Rudd and Perch can be found year-round.”

Whether you are staying the night, or simply visiting for the afternoon, you can be sure you’ll will be well fed and watered thanks to High Lodge’s inhouse café. It serves all the classic shooting ground fare, and the catering team are well-versed in handling large parties. So, perfect for those making use of the Lodge’s conference suit to entertain clients, or host private shooting parties.

The café serves up all the clay ground classics, plus homemade cakes and snacks.

“The lakes and lodgings are part of what makes High Lodge so special,” concludes Jane. “We are proud to offer some of the best clay shooting facilities and competitions in the UK. But beyond that, we also offer everything a country sports loving family could need for a perfect, peaceful, yet activity packed, Great British holiday.”

WHO’S WHO?

High Lodge was founded by John Bidwell, who still retains his role as director. Today John’s daughters Jane Coppen and Helen Gooch also serve as directors, with Jane as managing director and Helen overseeing the lodges, shop and café. Jane’s husband Andrew rounds out the directorial team and manages the shooting and grounds. High Lodge has large team of staff, with the reception and admin team headed by Sarah Caplin, catering by Lucy Bartlett and events headed by Caroline Dunsworth. Andrew Coppen pulls double duty as a coach, with Oliver Wilde and Jake Moore completing the line-up of instructors.

Andrew Coppen heads up the team of experienced coaches.

WHAT’S ON OFFER

Sporting, Sportrap, Compak, Skeet, ABT, DTL, High Towers and FITASC by appointment.

WHEN IS IT OPEN?

Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm

Late night shooting is offered on Wednesdays in the summer months.

Sunday morning shooting is possible between September and March

WHERE IS IT?

High Lodge Leisure Limited

Haw Wood,
Hinton,
Near Darsham,
Suffolk, IP17 3QT

TUITION

Individual hourly instruction is available from £70, excluding clays and cartridges.

Compak, Sportrap, ABT, DTL and Skeet are all offered alongside an impressive Sporting course.

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is available from £70, with a £60 yearly renewal. Members benefit from reduced rate clays and lessons, and numerous discounts in the shop and clubhouse café.

Find out more here.