Invicta Gun Club (Invicta Helice Club) is a premier shooting facility located in the heart of Kent, specializing exclusively in the rare and dynamic discipline of Helice, also known as ZZ shooting. Situated on a scenic hillside near Tonbridge, it is recognized as one of the few dedicated grounds in the United Kingdom focused on this specific sport. The club is managed by industry veterans Chris Potter and multiple-time world champion Dionne Rogers, offering a professional yet welcoming atmosphere for enthusiasts of all levels.
The discipline of Helice simulates the unpredictable flight of live birds using plastic "ZZ" targets launched from automated traps spinning at up to $5,000$ rpm. Invicta’s unique hillside topography adds an extra layer of difficulty, as the natural elevation and wind conditions make the erratic flight paths even more challenging for the shooter. To score a hit, the shooter must successfully detach the white "witness cap" from the orange propellers so that it lands within a fenced 21-meter perimeter known as the "ring".
As a CPSA-registered ground, Invicta serves as a critical hub for high-level competitive shooting in Great Britain. It frequently hosts official selection shoots used to determine the national team for World and European Championships. Additionally, the club is a regular venue for County Championships (including Kent, Essex, and Surrey) and regional inter-county matches, attracting the country's elite shooters to its challenging layouts.
Key Competition Highlights:
Selection Shoots: Official qualifying events for the GB Team (World & European Championships).
County Championships: Annual titles for Kent, Essex, and surrounding regions.
Invicta Summer Series: Regular club-level competitions to maintain rankings and skills.
South East Intercounties: Prestigious team-based tournaments between regional counties.
While it caters to professionals, Invicta is equally committed to the grassroots growth of the sport through "Have a Go" days designed for absolute beginners. These introductory sessions provide all necessary equipment, including shotguns, cartridges, and safety gear, alongside expert instruction. For advanced athletes, personalized coaching from Dionne Rogers—a 6-time World Champion—is available to refine the instinctive reaction speeds and technical mounting skills required for ZZ birds.
The ground features professional 5-box ring layouts equipped with state-of-the-art automated launching systems. The facility is well-supported by on-site amenities, including a clubhouse where participants are famously "fed and watered" by the kitchen staff during long competition days. Furthermore, the club’s close integration with the nearby Chris Potter Country Sports retail store ensures that shooters have immediate access to specialized firearms, professional gun fitting, and premium ammunition.
Why Choose Invicta Helice Club:
World-Class Leadership: Managed by a multiple-time World and British Champion.
Challenging Terrain: Scenic hillside relief that creates natural difficulty and varied flight paths.
Specialized Focus: One of the few UK grounds dedicated specifically to the Helice/ZZ discipline.
Professional Equipment: High-speed automated launchers and standard-compliant ring layouts.
Inclusive Environment: Welcomes everyone from complete novices to international-level professionals.
Address: Park Farm, Tudeley, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 0NL, United Kingdom
