WOWburn Safari Park
By Markian Mysko von Schultze
On Saturday 30th August, seven Bedfordshire explorers and I were invited to experience Woburn Safari Park with our families. After a barbecue lunch and speeches by journalists from different media, we were split into two groups and given a small guided tour.
My group went off to see the squirrel monkeys. These cheeky monkeys clambered over us searching in pockets and bags. This hands-on encounter can be appreciated by anyone who wishes to enter the monkey's domain, not just VIPs! The zookeepers were knowledgeable and approachable, meaning that we learnt a lot of information whilst having loads of fun; joined by those marvellous mischievous monkeys. From there, the group went to see the wallabies where another friendly keeper shared her expertise on the Australian marsupials. After that, we were left to discover the rest of the park with our families.
Firstly we set off to see the other animals, which could be viewed by foot. These included penguins, sea lions, a lazy lynx, a variety of reptiles and the ring tailed lemurs. Before experiencing the key feature of Woburn, the road safari, we decided to try out the zip wire in the tree top action trail. Although fun and great for younger children, it lacked the excitement and thrills that many teenagers love. I believe that a third, more daring zip wire should be introduced to reduce the queues and provide more entertainment for older children.
The main attraction, a road safari trip was fantastic. Seeing lions and tigers, zebras and rhinos just metres from your car is superb. The feeling of wonder and awe is only matched when a monkey climbs on top of the roof of your car and presses its face against your sun roof. This was definitely the best part of the trip for me as I loved getting as close as I did to the animals without any danger. Parts of this incredible safari can be viewed from an open safari truck with no windows!
In conclusion, Woburn Safari Park is a magnificent attraction for anyone to enjoy. For families, there are swan shaped pedalos to be enjoyed on the lake and a train that takes you past some of the more tame creatures. Also, there are tropical birds which you can feed as they swoop down onto your arm, providing a chance to view these beautiful creatures up close. For adults there is the great road safari and on site restaurants. Unfortunately there is a lack of aspects designed purely for teenagers, who may be accompanying their family. However, with so much to do and see, Woburn Safari park makes for an outstanding day out.
Sporting Targets
Experience Bedfordshire Explorer Markian Von Schulze went on his mission to Sporting Targets, a local shooting range for clay pigeons in Bedfordshire. Experience Bedfordshire sent Markian to go and take fire on the clay discs.
Markian hadn't been to Sporting Targets before so prior to his visit he took a look on the website which he describes as being fairly average in finding information about the attraction. He says "the website wasn't that eye-catching due to its lack of bright colours. There wasn't too much information and I didn't find much out from visiting it. However the pictures on the website were good quality and they showed me what can be done here".
Sporting Targets was an easy attraction to find and the Von Scultze family didn't have any difficulties in getting to the venue because they had ‘a very detailed map of the area'. Markian describes the staff at Sporting targets as friendly and really helpful.
Whilst he was there Markian and his family didn't take full opportunity to use the catering facilities they had chance to have tea and coffee which he says were beautifully presented. He looked at the menu and the food looked very good value for money.
Overall he had a really good time and has renamed the attraction Spectacular Sporting Targets!!
Sporting Targets: Spectacular!
By Markian Mysko von Schultze
In Riseley, North of Bedford is the 27 acre plot of land, known as Sporting Targets. The Centre offers many sporting activities, such as Archery, Quad Biking, Air rifle shooting, dune buggies and the main element: clay pigeon shooting. Unfortunately, some of these activities are only available for corporate events. However, that really doesn't matter, I only experienced the clay pigeon shooting and it was Fantastic!
One to one training is available and it really helped. We started off by finding my dominant eye so that, if necessary, I could adjust the gun and my sight. We then went through health and safety; after all I was going to be holding a live firearm! Next, the instructor showed me how to make sure I hit the target by showing me the flight of the clay pigeon and at when to shoot. With ear and eye protectors on, came the moment of truth: my first shot. With the advice still ringing in my ears, I shouted "Pull!" The clay came whizzing through the air, I lined up the gun and pulled the trigger. It was then that I saw the satisfying sight of the clay shattering into tiny pieces. I was thrilled.
The lesson continued for about an hour and I continued to hit the flying discs. During the lesson I was taught to fire at clay pigeons coming towards me, going away from me and crossing my sight from left to right. I was even given the opportunity to shoot targets at speeds used in competition. Due to the instructor's superb teaching I was able to hit these super speedy saucers as well! By the end of the lesson about 40 clays had been launched and I had only missed 5. Before arriving, I was very worried that I wouldn't hit a single clay pigeon. As it turned out, the training was so good, that even me, a complete beginner, had been taught to hit 35 out of 40 clays.
If you're worried about gun recoil or the noise of firing a shotgun, don't be. The guns are serviced regularly and I suffered no discomfort due to recoil and the ear protectors muffled the noise to a bare minimum. Different weights of gun are available, so that most people can enjoy the sport. However the instructor believed that my nine year old brother would not have been strong enough to hold the gun for any length of time.
Overall, sporting targets is spectacular. Whether you're looking to do something out of the ordinary, simply want to take up a new sport, or you don't know what to ask for as a birthday present, look no further. With friendly and knowledgeable instructors and high tech equipment, this attraction is incredible. Sporting Targets: Spectacular!