I have witnessed/experienced both ends of the spectrum, thankfully not often. There are clubs that are quite small, and have a certain clique, and again, larger clubs with their own micro cliques. I treat people with respect from the off and expect the same in return. I also learnt, early on in life, to be patient with people and make concessions as I have found that often a 'personality' is a result of anxiety, shyness or introversion. Some of the best friendships and partnerships are born from a little patience. Some people, however, are a lost cause and best left to their own devices.
The lovely group of chaps that I shoot with at Pete's are very welcoming. Of course we enjoy banter amongst ourselves, but nothing offensive, and of course we're always mindful of others. When my partner joined, she was a little nervous, thinking that it was purely a man's pursuit and that she would be the odd one out. She wasn't wrong in one aspect... she was the only lady on the day. But she remarked about how welcoming, kind and patient, Tony (the gentleman that pretty much runs, and is the face of Pete's), was. And of course my shooting buddies gave her a warm welcome, which changed her perception of the sport.
The lovely group of chaps that I shoot with at Pete's are very welcoming. Of course we enjoy banter amongst ourselves, but nothing offensive, and of course we're always mindful of others. When my partner joined, she was a little nervous, thinking that it was purely a man's pursuit and that she would be the odd one out. She wasn't wrong in one aspect... she was the only lady on the day. But she remarked about how welcoming, kind and patient, Tony (the gentleman that pretty much runs, and is the face of Pete's), was. And of course my shooting buddies gave her a warm welcome, which changed her perception of the sport.
