A NEW chapter has begun for a field sports business.
Dave Clark, one of three partners at Johnson Field Sports, at Etherley Bank, High Etherley, has taken sole charge of the business, which has been rebranded and relaunched as Durham and Dales Field Sports and Animal Feed.
Mr Clark and his partner Jeanette hope to build on the business’s current customer base and attract new patrons through the sale of dog food.
“We hope the business will appeal not only to the estates and farmers, but to all outdoor enthusiasts and those with any kind of working dogs,” said Mr Clark.
The outlet stocks a range of outdoor wear for men and women to suit every budget along with equipment from gloves to gunslips and bags to binoculars.
The business also offers a full range of gun services, including buying and selling new and used models and supplying a range of ammunition.
There is a repair service offered through a local gunsmith, a gun storage service is available and advice is provided to those looking for expert opinion.
Mr Clark said he first embraced field sports as a teenager living close to Spennymoor Gun Club.
He then started the first of a number of businesses he is involved with which, he admitted, “engulfs your life” .
He came back to shooting 13 years ago when he turned 40.
“A good friend came and invited me to come shooting at the Stang Forest,” said Mr Clark.
He took his son Tommy, then aged eight, along with him and that rekindled his passion for outdoor pursuits.
“When we went that day, I did not think about work and the sport just grows with you. I needed a hobby because my life was just work, seven days a week.
“Tommy started coming to shoots as well and it seemed to build from there.”
It was then he went into partnership in the retail venture which has led to the launch of Durham and Dales Field Sports and Animal Feed. The shop is open 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. A new website is being developed and will be online soon.
