To celebrate ‘The Glorious 12th’, Sunseeker London visits the James Purdey & Sons on South Audley Street, W1 for a quick brief on what makes the 12th so glorious.
“In the shooting world, the 12th August is always looked forward to -the start of the Grouse season. It is one of the most anticipated days in the shooting calendar. Grouse are to shooting what Wimbledon is to tennis, Lords is to cricket and Monaco is to Formula One. Grouse are the ultimate test” comments Jonathan Irby, Head of Sales, James Purdey & Sons Ltd.
Grouse are the most magnificent of wild birds which, when flying fast or slow, can make the very greatest of shots look very ordinary. They possess the ability to curl, turn and accelerate in a manner that almost defies belief. These birds are fast, quick-thinking and agile and it is this that makes them so respected, however it is more than just the bird that makes the 12th so ‘Glorious’.
The start of the shooting season represents the culmination of the many days, weeks, months and years of hard work of the resilient and passionate men and women who manage the Moors. It is these men and women who ensure the habitat is at its best working with nature to create the perfect environment that allows and encourages the Red Grouse to flourish. Nature being what it is, some years are kind and so the Grouse are in abundance and other years they are scarce. This being the case, the Keepers and those concerned with the stewardship of the Moors will not shoot at all as they recognise the need to encourage and build the long term sustainability of the land and the wonderful Red Grouse.
This aside, when everything has gone to plan, the hard work has paid off, you have been lucky enough to be invited and, crucially, nature has been on your side… then there can be no place more beautiful or exciting on earth than a Grouse Moor. For many a shooting connoisseur this thrill can only be made greater by shooting a classic English shotgun and in this regard Purdey has been at the very heart of this Glorius event.
Continues Jonathan Irby, James Purdey & Sons, “When asked what makes the twelfth of August so ‘Glorious’ it is simple; the joining of nature and tradition, coming together and celebrated across the moors of the United Kingdom- something Purdey gun owners have been doing for over 200 years.”
To visit James Purdey & Sons on South Audley Street, W1 and celebrate with Purdey ‘The Glorious 12th’, please drop in to their store, or contact;
TEL: +44 (0) 20 7408 7209
