The Team

Ian Coley

Ian opened Ian Coley Gunsmiths over 40 years ago and in that time Ian has shot clays at the highest level. He has regularly featured in the Top 100 Game Shots, opened a Shooting School and developed a leading Sporting Agency. Ian now has all his businesses under "one roof" at the Ian Coley Shooting School complex situated outside Cheltenham. For more information on Ian click here.

Simon Darch

Simon has worked for Ian for over 25 years now, originally starting as an assistant in the gunshop. Simon has been the shop Manager for over 15 years and has a vast experience of shotguns, rifles and most things shooting. Simon has shot at International level, representing his country and captained his country at Olympic Trap. Simon enjoys game shooting when time prevails, working his dogs and supporting Gloucester Rugby Club.

Jim French

Jim has run the Shooting School for over 10 years - when the ground was originally Chatcombe Estate SS. Jim has a natural coaching style and is experienced in guiding the beginner through to the very accomplished shot. Jim  is renowned for setting challenging targets for competition and has a great understanding of what makes a challenging target. Jim was the British Side by Side Champion and has represented his county on many occasions in 'sporting'. Jim enjoys his game shooting and is also seen instructing in the field through the season.

Chris Sugden

Chris works within the Gunshop and has been with Ian for over 10 years. Chris is an expert in shotguns and is able to help clients in the search for that special gun or the second gun to make a pair. Chris is regularly organising trips for clients to select a made-to-measure gun, everything from choosing the wood for the stock, having a unique engraving, barrel length and gun fitting, Chris has an eye for detail and will always go that extra mile. Chris works his dogs in the season, finds time for the odd game day, and enjoys shooting sporting clays when he gets the chance.

Matt Panter

Matt works within the gunshop and has a vast knowledge of all things shooting, especially a comprehensive knowledge of sporting shotguns. Matt has a working knowledge of live quarry shooting and is able to assist clients in the selection of a shotgun or pair of shotguns. Matt enjoys days in the field, picking up and days rough shooting. Matt is a current England International at DTL and took part in the European Championships.

Gary Wood

Gary is a full time instructor within the shooting school. Gary is an experienced clay shot and shares his experienced in instructing those shooting for the first time, those who just need a little fine tuning or those people looking for a sharpener in the game season. Gary has a relaxed approach, making individuals feel relaxed and comfortable, making every lesson enjoyable. Gary loves to be in the field too and is often found instructing clients to shoot high birds in Gloucestershire.

Shaun Porter

Shaun has recently joined as a full time instructor, having been part time for 3 years. Shaun is a very keen clay shot, having shot at County level many times and, when not instructing, is found competing at many clay competitions in the area and beyond. Shaun enjoys shooting sporting clays and has a vast knowledge of shooting different targets. This experience makes Shaun invaluable for coaching those looking for lessons and tuition.

Edward Darbishire

Edward graduated from Harper Adams with a degree in Rural Land Management, after graduating Edward worked for JM Osborne Land Agents in the Grouse management team. Edwards passion soon turned to becoming a Sporting Agent, after heading up some of the William Powell Sporting Days.

In early 2011 Edward successfully became a Sporting Agent for Ian Coley Sporting. Edward comes from a farming family in Warkwickshire and enjoys Shooting, Fishing, Hunting and is a Northampton Saints supporter (although the Ian Coley team members are trying to turn him towards a proper club!!!!!).

Margaret Devers

Margaret has worked for Ian and his brother, Chris for too many years to mention. Margaret insures that the administration of game days and corporate days goes smoothly. Margaret assists Ian in ensuring bookings are made, permits organised, hotels booked, and everything that could possibly be is in place for clients.

Rosemary Moxon

Rosemary is responsible for the vital administration of the Sporting Agency and keeping Ian organised. Rosemary works for both Ian and Chris Coley.

Claire Timbrell

Claire is responsible for the day to day administration of the shooting school, including taking bookings, updating club information and arranging competitions. Claire is a country girl and the daughter of a gamekeeper and as such is pretty handy with a shotgun! She is currently working towards coaching qualifications to coach ladies and is looking forward to the setting up of the Ian Coley Ladies Shooting Club.

Matt Davis

Matt started working for Ian Coley in 2011 and is part of the Shooting School grounds team, maintaining the traps, layouts and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Matt started work at Ian Coley`s after attending Hartpury College where he studied Game Keeping.

Phil Coley

Phil is Ian's son and coaches on corporate days or in an agent capacity on shooting days. Phil is a keen game shot and runs his own shoot near Cheltenham. Phil was the first qualified sport scientist to specialise in clay shooting and works on the mental aspects of clay shooting with private clients. Phil has a specialist Sports Psychology website for Clay Shooting www.clayshootingsuccess.co.uk.

Chris Coley

Chris is Ian's Brother and has his office situated at the Shooting School. Chris's company is Chris Coley Racing, specialists in Corporate Hospitality at Cheltenham Festival. For more information click here.