In 1985, a new leisure activity is in its infancy, and slowly spreading through Europe – ‘Paintball' (or ‘War Games', as it was then called) – Had been ‘Invented' in Canada when Ranch workers discovered that Special ‘Markers' (or Guns) used to paint mark trees for felling, or Cattle for slaughter, were much more fun when used to ‘Mark' each other !!

As we are ‘fun junkies', it wasn't long before a few of us went along for a go at ‘the latest craze', only to be amazed at the excitement and adrenaline of Paintballing – We were hooked !

A few visits later, and our enthusiasm began to wilt as we grew disappointed, - not in this ‘Game' -but in the lack of professionalism, inadequate facilities, poor equipment and ‘Basic' woodland game zones etc. . . .

And so the inevitable conversation began . . . .

“What if we started a Paintball site ?”

With the wheels set in motion, we soon had a ‘Wish list' (a rather long list !) of things WE would like to see, if we were paying OUR money to play Paintball – Better customer care, Friendly helpful staff, the best equipment money can buy, constant re-investing in improvements rather than pocketing any profit, imaginative and varied game zones, exceeding customers expectations, Flushing Toilets !, Good food, Clean Goggles & Overalls, better pricing, the best venue available, Blah, Blah, Blah . . . . . (The long list keeps going !)

And then, if things went ok, we could introduce other FUN activities like Quad Biking and Outdoor Laser Games ? - Surely, as we are like ‘big kids trapped in an adults body' (or so our Wives & Children keep telling us !) - if we think its fun, so will others ?

Most of our ideas were financial suicide (to quote our bank manager !), and made No ‘Business sense' at all – but this wasn't about Business – this was about giving people FUN !

To coin a phrase - “the rest is History” . . . .

. . . But here we are, (almost 20 years later !) still adding to our ‘Wish list' - because although we long ago fulfilled our original objectives, and now have our ‘Dream' venue - every time we think we have reached our goal – We just make a NEW LIST !

The (Sad ?) truth is, that as we are still as passionate now, as we were back then – we will NEVER stop improving every, any and ALL aspects of our business to increase our customers satisfaction.

And whilst there is no doubt in our minds that we offer an unrivalled, higher level of service, we still believe as a customer, you deserve more – much MORE !

Thanking all our customers, Past, Present and Future.

Yours Sincerely

The Staff at
Bristol Outdoor Pursuits Centre