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We are planning the trip of a lifetime in March to raise valuable funds for Fishing for Heroes...

Fishing for Heroes provides fly-fishing courses for veterans suffering from PTSD and we are looking for people who are ready to raise valuable funds for the charity by trekking across The Andes on horse-back between the 17th and the 25th March 2013. A unique experience riding through the magnificent snow-capped mountain range from Argentina to the frontier with Chile. Riding in the land of the condor where cattle and Criollo horses roam free in majestic valleys and mountain passes.

This adventurous mountain ride starts in Mendoza in the west of Argentina is one of the most important cities, known for its wines and adventure tourism. You arrive and stay one night in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Mendoza with its tree lined street, parks and squares where you will meet your hosts.Leaving behind the city you head to the rural countryside of the Valle de Uco and visit a ‘Bodega’ or vineyard, tasting the famous wines overlooking the foothills of the Andes and the route you will ride. Travel on to the tranquility of the historic village Manzano and visit the historic monument which locates precisely where General San Martin slept under apple trees before he led his troops to liberate Chile. You will follow the route travelled by General San Martin in 1818 and later by Charles Darwin several times between 1832-1835.

Accommodation the night before departing to the Frontier will be with your host and the horses at ‘Puesto Videla’ a secluded mountain retreat. Riding steadily higher and higher every day, reaching high altitude at the Argentine Portillo of 4200m above sea level. Descending to valley of Argentina and the finally to the Chilean Frontier returning to ‘Puesto Videla’. The ride is slow pace due to the terrain, altitude and steep ascents and descents on sure footed strong Criollo horses, with opportunities for faster pace in the valleys. You are surrounded by the natural beauty of mountains, rivers, valleys, lakes, glaciers and volcanos. You will camp along the route in tents or mountain refuges. Sleep under the canopy of stars, gazing at constellations. Enjoying traditional food & wine around a campfire with stories of the day’s adventure.

Celebrities from the world of rock and roll, sport and TV gathered to fish and shoot in the stunning surroundings of Meon Springs Fishery in Hampshire. 16 teams of four, ncluding two teams of veterans, helped raise over £20,000 for Fishing for Heroes, providing fly-fishing courses to veterans. Sky Sports were there to cover the event. Sir Ian Botham caught his three fish limit in 10 minutes flat and then de-barbed his hook to catch a number of brownies on Meon Beat, their catch and release section. Mike Atherton, David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, Glen Tipton from Judas Priest, Chris de Margary, Muriel Gray, Gold Cup winning jockey, Sam Thomas, and Adam Henson were some of the other celebrities that helped make the day a success. Tom Hill, co-ordinator of the fly-fishing programs was on hand to offer valuable tuition and guidance.

The five sponsors – Hunter, Jeep, Hardys, Waitrose and Eley Hawk all helped make the day possible. Jeep UK supplied a fleet of Grand Cherokee and Wrangler Unlimited 4WD vehicles to drive the stars to and from various sports activities. It was also an opportunity for the company to showcase the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, the 6.4-litre V8 flagship off-roader. Waitrose supplied strawberries and cream for all and the goody bags, Hunter ensured the celebrities were all wearing Hunter Balmoral boots, Eley supplied the 4,000 cartridges needed for the shooting competition and Hardys offered fantastic prizes and auctioned the very last available Hardys Jubilee Reel, one of only 250 made. Bill Howell from Fishing for Forces is the new proud owner.

I had been wearing pretty much the same shooting clothes for the past couple of years. Even though my wardrobe was slightly unbalanced with tweed and camo compared to most other people’s clothes of choice, I still pulled out the same item again and again. I had worn the same breeks for several years – nubuck breeks from Cordings- they were knackered. I had glued the split bits and they were covered in stains and lining ripped. However, nothing seemed to work as well.

I decided that I really needed a new pair of shooting trousers and so went to see my friend Roubi in his new atelier on New Bond Street in Mayfair. He showed me a design he had created for men where the breeks fitted beautifully, had movement around the knee, were gathered with elastic going into a long buttoned cuff around the calf and down to the ankle. I thought these must work for girls and Roubi agreed. I was duly measured and then with great delight chose the fabric. As my budget did not stretch to a shooting suit, I chose a versatile tweed cloth from Holland and Sherry. It was predominantly a beautiful muted green with flecks of other colours running through, I wanted to be able to wear it with all my jackets and actually preferred a less coordinated look.

Coming back for my first fitting, Roubi’s skill shone through as although the trousers had no fastening, they fitted almost perfectly and their unique design was comfortable and fit for purpose. A few minor adjustments were made and the next week they were ready for collection. I will be wearing them at every available opportunity!

Fun and Frolics at The CLA Game Fair Part One

It’s only part one as we had too much fun!!! Well, on previous years, I have arrived early on a Friday and then left that evening after thoroughly enjoying myself, but seeing hardly any of The CLA Game Fair apart from The Field and The Shooting Gazette Parties.

This year, as Jeep Grand Cherokee’s new ambassador, I drove the car to the CLA on Thursday. The feedback on the car so far has been impressive and I was extremely honoured to be associated with the brand. I had arranged to meet Helen Barbour and her friend, Joanne there as we were all planning to stay in a motorhome together. However, at the last minute, a suite was miraculously booked at The Feathers in Woodstock and so I had a little luxury, a hot shower and room service to look forward to after a long day at The Game Fair. We checked in Thursday afternoon to the beautiful Peacock suite in the garden with its very own private garden terrace and only a few steps from the gates of Blenheim Palace.

The Game Fair was kicking off early on Thursday with the Hunter Boot disco. Previously, very much a Le Chameau girl, Hunter had tempted me to the dark side with their Ladies Neoprene Balmoral field boots and rather enticing shoot and sparkly party invitations.

The Barbour Fashion Editor’s shoot gathered fashionistas, photographers, bloggers and a pop band – Wolf Gang – from the world of style to give shooting a go at EJ Churchills Shooting Ground. There were fashion stylists and journalists from publications such as GQ, The Independent, The Times and blogger Miggy.

There was not a green shooting gilet in sight, but skinny jeans, quiff haircuts and Ray ban sunglasses. The sporting range by Lord James Percy was not being highlighted, but the exciting fashion collections and collaborations that are designed for city living.

One such collaboration is with leading British designer Alice Temperley for Autumn/Winter 2011 to launch a new premium womenswear range, Barbour Gold Label.

A luxury capsule collection, Barbour Gold Label by Temperley takes inspiration from Barbour’s classic styles and fabrics and combines them with Alice Temperley’s timeless and quintessentially British glamour. The result is a capsule collection featuring five different styles of jacket in wax, leather and down filled quilt and three pieces of chunky knitwear. Time-honoured Barbour jackets are given a typically Temperley twist with leopard print linings while feminine fitted peplums on leather biker inspired jackets add an elegant touch.