Meet the Team

Shaun Miller

Managing Director

How did you get into shooting?

I started shooting as a teenager, but in my early twenties I didn’t have the money to keep the hobby up, so I sort of stopped shooting. I didn’t take it up again until 1999, when aged 34 I got back into shooting and with a bit more disposable income I purchased a Beretta 686e which I shot for quite a while with reasonable results.

What is your favourite discipline?

Out of all the sporting disciplines I think that FITASC is the most exciting and testing, with some great targets to shoot at. It does take a bit longer to shoot than other disciplines however now that it can be shot in a morning as we do at Southdown its better when it doesn’t take all day.

What gun do you shoot?

I now shoot a Beretta SO5 with 32” barrels, I have shot this gun for a few years now and last year I had a custom stock fitted, so now the only excuse when you miss is the operator!

What is your favourite sport aside from shooting?

I enjoy being out on the water motor or sail and although I am reasonably qualified, I would like to do more sailing and enjoy a few more days on the water in the Solent.

How do you take your brew?

Milk no sugar….

Simon Arbuckle

Head Coach

What is your background?

16yrs in the Army and 11 yrs as a self-employed landscaper

What’s a typical day like for you at the club?

It’s varied.  First thing is to check all traps are working and the targets are as they should be, the wind can play havoc at times with them. Then it’s lessons ranging from beginners to experienced shots.  Also there will be ad-hoc tasks, customers enquiring about guns and ensuring the ground staff are carrying out what needs to be done for the day or forthcoming competitions.

How did you get into shooting?

I started when I was twelve in the NE.  I was interested in guns and a friend of the family was a member of the local clay club so I joined the colts section.

What are you happiest doing when you are not working?

Reading, I’m an avid reader, I think the Kindle is one of the best inventions ever! And mountain biking, I love the challenge of different rides and the exploring that comes with it.

How do you take your brew?

Strong, white no sugar.

Cassie Byne

Senior Admin Assistant

What’s a typical day like for you at the club?

Always busy but fun….I have a varied role as I mainly do Administration so no days are ever really the same. I work Part Time, most of my hours are done from home but at times you will find me at Reception where I enjoy serving Customers and catching up with our lovely regulars.

How did you get into shooting?

I don’t shoot personally but my husband shoots and I have done a number of Have A Go shooting experiences previously which I really enjoyed. I would love to do more – maybe lessons are on the horizon for me!

What are you happiest doing when you are not working?

Being with my little boy, family and friends.

What is your favourite sport aside from shooting?

Eating chocolate

How do you take your brew?

Black please

Fiona Thompson

Senior Shooting Instructor

What is your background?

I am currently still a full time Commander in the Royal Navy (medical) training and mentoring both clinically and professionally in support of MOD operations.

What’s a typical day like for you at the club?

Manic most days but rewarding. I enjoy all the aspects of our work from beginners to advanced, Have-a-Go and corporate entertainment. Some of the, shall I say ‘unique’ costumes worn by the Stag and Hen Dos always bring a smile and never cease to amaze!

How did you get into shooting?

As the daughter of a retired game keeper, I have been interested in shooting all my life, more recently in Clay pigeon shooting.

What is your favourite discipline?

English Sporting but an all-rounder at Foundation level.

What is your favourite sport aside from shooting?

Varied interests but all elite sports.  I love watching the Olympics.

How do you take your brew?

Wrong question for me!! Red or white? Either normally!

Amy Hemsley

Receptionist

What is your background?

Worked in the betting industry for 8 years- started as a part time cashier and worked up to being a manager. Even after 8 years, I still can’t back a winner!

What’s a typical day like for you at the club?

No day is ever the same at Southdown. It’s always a busy day but so much fun with the team I get to work with. I am mainly at the club when its open but also help behind the scenes at home, working through bookings and requests. The customers are an amazing bunch with a lot of regulars visiting weekly so its great to catch up with these individuals.

How did you get into shooting?

My partner shoots at the club so its great to come along with him when I’m not working to get some practice in- I’m great at hitting the invisible ones haha!

What is your favourite discipline?

English sporting – probably the only one I might hit a few on.

What are you happiest doing when you are not working?

Spending time with my 2 boys, my family and catching up with friends.

What is your favourite sport aside from shooting?

It’s got to be Rugby- I love even when they get knocked down, they just get straight up and back into the game!

How do you take your brew?

Strong, milk and 2 sweeteners- because I’m not sweet enough!