A Gentlemen's Day With The Country Set.‏

"Welcome to my home here at West Wycombe Estate" announced Sir Edward Dashwood. "I hope you all enjoy the wonderful Gentlemen's day that our friends at Ralph Lauren have cooked up for you. Good shooting!" There was little doubt that the 80 privileged guests, dressed in their best "shooting garb" and all looking like proper country gentlemen, were in for a great day. 

"Cooked up" was an appropriate phrase. The food for the day was being provided by the chefs at the Michelin two star Ledbury restaurant. So everyone was in for a culinary treat too. 

 Keith owed his invite to those lovely people at Barclays Little Book of Wonders and his "all the gear but no idea" shooting outfit to Richard Kirk, his ex-boss, who had persuaded Keith to buy it for his annual shooting day at Downton Estate. He looked the part in his brown suede plus-fours, waistcoat and jacket, green neckerchief and flat cap, and, of course, posh wellies and garters. 

 Being a Gentlemen's Day, Keith hadn't been able to use his guest invite for Jan. Instead he took Chris Bean, a friend from Round Table and keen clay pigeon shooter. Chris's presence gave Keith the dual benefit of having someone on hand to give him helpful tips and someone to drive him home afterwards. Perfect.

The weather was ideal for shooting clays - cool, dry and still - and after some very tasty breakfast bites, everyone headed off (in teams of four or five people) to the shooting stations that had been set up around the grounds. The estate is huge, so the 4x4's, that had been loaned to get people around, were essential but they still struggled with the mud in places. Each of the five shooting stations was set up to mimic a different game bird or, in one case, rabbits. It was quite difficult, but as all the team members shot at the same time, no one would know if you didn't hit a thing. Well apart from your loader. Having not fired a shotgun for eight years, it took Keith a couple of stations to get his eye in, but then the loader kept telling him he was shooting well, especially when he bagged a few pairs (clays hit with both barrels).

Not that it really mattered. There was a team competition, but that was just for fun. The day was about enjoying yourself and the wonderful grounds of West Wycombe Estate. 

The house itself is very grand; every bit the stately home with sumptuous furnishings, giant oil paintings and ornate ceilings. Some of the rooms had been laid out with displays of the Ralph Lauren exclusive collection, including some of their model cars, all based on vehicles owned by Ralph Lauren. This bonus delighted Chris who's a model car collector - his cars are of a similar quality albeit slightly smaller versions. 

 And while we explored the mansion house, Champagne and canapés were served, followed by a five course gourmet game meal sat in the exquisite dining room. The food was accompanied by fine wines which Keith was delighted to be able to fully enjoy in the knowledge he didn't have to drive back. Chris didn't mind as he loves his food and was able to take full advantage of the portion served to the empty place next to him.

After dinner, Keith and Chris sat on a grand sofa in one of the drawing rooms to finish off their glasses. Soon they were joined by Sir Edward who happily chatted about this and that, as country gentlemen do. The itinerary had suggested he would be offering a private tour of the house but when one guest asked him if it was still on, he was curtly sent packing by Sir Edward with a "No. Fuck off! I'm tired." Everyone laughed after the red-faced man scuttled out of the room. It was just like a scene from To The Manor Born, except with slightly bluer language. And in total contrast to his earlier friendly greeting. To be fair, his house had been overrun all day and he deserved some peace and quiet.