Meet the latest members of team Thimbleby
As we head into summer, there’s a real buzz around the ground. The calendar is packed with competitions, events and social get-togethers, and the lighter evenings and late openings are perfect for spending more time out on the stands. Whatever level you shoot at – and even if hoping to take your very first shots here or you’re visiting just for something delicious in the café – there’s plenty to look forward to.
To help make your time with us even more enjoyable, we’re delighted to introduce two new members of the Thimbleby Shooting Ground team. Both bring a huge amount of knowledge, energy and experience, they’re already playing a key role in what’s shaping up to be a brilliant summer.
Introducing Head Chef and Chef Manager Tristan Prudden
Tristan joins us with a wealth of culinary experience and a deep love of game cookery, having worked in some of the region’s best-known kitchens and private estates. His journey into the world of food began when he was just 13 years old, and by the age of 18 he was honing his craft at Tante Marie Cookery Academy. While there he was named ‘Student of the Year’ and earned his Cordon Bleu Diploma in Professional Culinary Arts.
Since then, he’s spent time at respected venues including The Devonshire Arms, The Garden Rooms at Tennants and The Black Horse, before moving into private chef work at Constable Burton Hall. Tristan used his time there to perfect his seasonal and estate-to-plate style, cooking for private shoot parties and creating delicious dishes using game and locally sourced produce.
As well as being highly skilled, Tristan is also an award-winning chef. He’s a past finalist in the Game Chef of the Year competition, and in the Eat Game Awards he was named ‘Champion of Champions’ in 2018 and ‘Winner of Winners’ in 2019.
Tristan brings a flair for showcasing Yorkshire’s finest ingredients to Thimbleby – think farm-reared meats, foraged wild produce, seasonal game and more. Whether you’re here for a bacon sandwich before your first stand, a post-lesson lunch or one of our simulated game days, you’re in for a real treat.
When he’s not cooking up a storm for our customers, Tristan is a proud dad and working Labrador owner who has a lifelong passion for horse racing. He’s also a keen photographer and can often be spotted out capturing the countryside with his camera or drone.
Say hello to Assistant Manager and Business Administrator Kath Bright
If you’re a Trap shooter, the chances are that you already know Kath Bright, or at the very least recognise her name from the results sheets. Kath is a highly accomplished shot with more than three decades of competition success under her belt. She’s a regular in the England Team for ABT (Automatic Ball Trap) and shoots for GB in Universal Trench (UT), currently holding the title of British Open Ladies Champion for ABT. Kath is in Portugal this month competing for Team GB in the European Championships and we wish her the very best of luck!
Kath has a Spanish Water Dog called Mavis who has competed at Crufts twice and has already qualified for 2026!
As well as taking on the role of Business Administrator and Assistant Manager here at Thimbleby, Kath is passionate about encouraging more women to get into shooting. That’s why this summer; she’ll be hosting a monthly Ladies’ Social Evening on the second Wednesday of each month. These evenings will be an informal, friendly gathering for women of all experience levels to chat, share ideas and benefit from Kath’s insight and experience.
So, if you’re looking to meet fellow lady guns, take part in a group lesson with our coach Caroline, get tips on progressing in the sport or just enjoy a relaxed evening of shooting chat and good company, this is your chance. Kath will be collecting suggestions on what you’d like to see from these events, so come along and help shape something special.
We’re thrilled to have Tristan and Kath on the team here at Thimbleby and it makes us even more excited about what the months ahead hold. Make sure you say hello next time you visit, and we hope to see you here soon!