History of the Club

Over the years since the gliding club was founded in 1960, occasional news items have been submitted to Sailplane and Gliding Magazine. These have been collected together in the timeline below, and provide a great historical perspective of what has happened in the 65 years since the club was founded.

August 1960

The club held its first open day on Sunday, 22nd May, at the South Marston Airfield. Miss E. C. Millin, the Mayor Elect of Swindon, made the inaugural flight of the new T-3J, watched by some 2,000 spectators. Brian Porter of the Parachute sub-section made four jumps and the visiting Olympia syndicate from Coventry delighted the crowd with aerobatics culminating in a beat-up which put Farnborough in the shade. After the departure of the Auster tug for Eastleigh the T-31 passenger flights were continued by auto tow until late evening. Eventually, the call of the bar and sausage and mash supper enticed the diehards from the airfield. We now hope to fly every Sunday and will be delighted to receive visits-intentional or otherwise.

December 1960

The first report from this club appeared in the August issue and described the start of two-seater flying at South Marston on 22nd May. Since that date 1,000 launches have been exceeded and first solos made by Messrs Burton, Macpherson, Gosling, Hill, Ricketts, Wyld, Palmer, Keogh and Maxfield. Our best wishes go with Mike Palmer, about to emigrate to Australia-his expert tow-car driving and V.8 knowledge will be sadly missed. We have been pleased to receive expeditions from the Coventry Club with an Olympia and Prefect. Their help with instructing was very much appreciated during their visits. Incidentally, we expect delivery of our Olympia in February. The parachute sub-section has been very busy completing 163 jumps. So far 42 people have taken the training course. On the social side, the first Annual Barbecue was a success-indoors! Rain fell continuously from 4 p.m. and Social Secretary Sam Colborne saved the day by throwing open his house, Redlands Court, for the 300 guests. A Christmas Party will be held on Friday, 16th December, at the Clubhouse-Visitors welcome.

June 1961

2 Since our last appearance the club has acquired a car badge (see photograph). This was developed (with permission) from a printing block designed by Mr. C. T. Cuss in 1919· for the original “Wiltshire Light Aeroplane & Glider Club”. The new Olympia was aerotowed from its test site-Thruxton-to South Marston, despite indeterminate weather. Enthusiasm has grown in the parachute section. Anyone interested in ground training (jumping optional) please write to Brian Porter, 67 Graham Street, Swindon, Wilts. Easter Sunday provided much activity with a visit from the Biggin Hill Flying Club. Prentice, Chipmunks, Tigers and Jackaroos were set aside in one corner of the airfield while their pilots explored the possibilities of our T.31. Visitors to social or flying events will be most welcome.

October 1961

The Club Open Day was held on Sunday, 28th May. Fine weather brought hundreds of spectators out to see Swindon’s Dairy Queen open the proceedings in the T·31 piloted by Club Chairman, L. R, Colquhoun. The programme continued with delay jumps by members of the Swindon Parachute Club. Test Pilot D. Morgan brought back memories with a scintillating display in a Spitfire followed by Wing Cmdr. G. Lowdell (plus bowler and umbrella) demonstrating how not to fly a Biplane! CFI George Turner performed Olympia type aerobatics and the day finished with a “city gent” on yellow cycle being bombed with flour bags from a Tiger flown by Secretary Beryl Sanders and J. Gosling. Much flour of an unknown brand was used with very little effect! Since that date, S. Colborne, B. Hazell, M. Parkins and J. Swallow have made first solos. Cs have been obtained by Club Chairman, L. Colquhoon, P. Davies, D. Ford and D. Woodwards. The do-it-yourself trailer was completed (enough) to take the OIy to Edgehill where we were extremely grateful to share camp with the Coventry Club.

December 1961

At our last census we were surprised to find that half of our members were solo and over a third had progressed to the Olympia. One energetic member had soloed within three months and another had soloed and converted to the Olympia within 12 months. Our Instructor situation has improved somewhat but experienced pilots are still more than welcome. The Country and Syndicate Membership Subscription remains at £2 2s. (plus £2 2s. entrance fee) in the hope that energetic pioneers will join us from afar. 3 At the moment we are fiercely debating our expansion policy and are open to offers of second-hand intermediate solo machines or high-performance two-seaters. We have welcomed visitors from Lasham, Nyrnpsfield, Northampton, Coventry and Upavon, and have scattered ourselves around the various clubs in the summer. The first ‘Saturday of the month is a club social evening, so join us if you are ever in the Vicinity.

April 1962

South Marston is a hive of activity these days with a wave of enthusiasm ‘for work off the field. (Some people have to be persuaded to fly!) Taking shape in the workshop. under the guiding hand of Stan Perry, is “The Monster~- a two-drum winch powered by an A.E.C. 7.7 litre diesel engine. On completion this will be mounted on a diesel lorry. Blast-off should be sometime in May. Flying wise, we are grateful to tug friends Howard Greenaway and Harvey Britton for their visits, enabling many members to “pass out” Oil aero-tows. Incidentally, we expect to have a resident tug shortly. Visitors are always welcome, especially on “At Home” day, Saturday 9th June.

June 1962

The Annual Dinner-Dance: took place on Thursday 29th March when 80 members and friends were delighted to welcome the National Champion. Sgt John Williamson, as guest of honour. Proposing the toast to the Swindon Club he thought of the future and pointed out that results achieved by hard work were usually of greater value than the “handed out” variety. Much satisfaction should result from being a member of a growing club. He concluded by inviting us to join the Moonrakers at some future date in ridge soaring at Huish – an offer which Club Chairman Les Colquhoun accepted with zest.

October 1962

So much progress has been made during the last two months that annual events such as the Open Day and Club Barbecue have quickly become history. Thinking of these two events, Dave Morgan’s “Spitfire” aerobatics and farmer Fred Butcher’s barn and grain drying plant come too easily to mind (who said there wasn’t enough hay?). On Friday July 20th, D. Ford flew the Olympia to Podington and was retrieved by Terrier tug. This week-end also marked the arrival of the T.2l ex Northampton, after some good-natured negotiation. Northampton now have the T.31 and our enviable bank balance! 4 On the following Saturday four happy members returned from Slingsbys with the Olympia trailer, containing our new Swallow (BGA1061). A trailer for this, started four weeks ago, is almost roadworthy. During the camp fortnight we enjoyed a short visit from Sgt Andy Gough with the “Capstan”, which evidently “grew” on some members before bad weather curtailed all flying. The twin drum diesel winch should become fully operational when the nucleus of drivers is larger. Under trials it has dealt with the T.21 and Olympia 2a quite satisfactorily using piano wire. One advantage to the winch driver is the return to the launch point after two launches. The exchange of views on the past launches is invaluable, and someone else can lay the cables out and carry on the good work if this advice is not constructive!

February 1963

Immersed in frost and fog, it is painful to remember that day when Fred Butcher soared the new Swallow (Vario not then fitted) for 45 minutes to gain his C. However, there are many jobs to help the dark evenings by-a mobile control office I canteen I instructor’s hideout based on a disused milk-float has been started and a Jensen interceptor (disc brakes under new management) is being given a new bonnet, etc., to compensate for a brief engagement with an army lorry. Future tow-car drivers may be required to take the advanced driving test. Recently members of the Club were guests at a meeting of the Swindon Aeronautical Society, when Mr. Yates, Principal of Bath Technical College, gave a most interesting talk on Gliding, ending with the film “Whispering Wings,” Even being a vulture has its compensations.

June 1963

The Annual Dinner-Dance look place on Friday 29th March at the Kings Arms Hotel and was attended by ninety members and guests. Dr J J Hayward proposed the toast to the club and John Gosling responded: At a later stage the absent, Chairman ~ voice interrupted proceedings to wish us well and to explain that he was in Munich on business. This was evident from the lubricated voices and beer garden music! The evening continued until the band finally admitted defeat at 1.0 a.m. to a floor full of twister’s intent on dislocating something! We have already felt the benefit of John, Everitt and the Capstan. and hope to win more pearls from this “Super Instructor” during his stay.

October 1964

As expected, the former spacious clubhouse has been reclaimed for business premises. Plans have been submitted for a clubhouse on the airfield, making use of a concrete area close to the usual entrance on the east side. It is hoped to start construction before the winter. For the present, the converted milk float is towed to the launch point and acts as flying control tea waggon and clubhouse, proving that the show can carry on without alcohol. A most successful week’s course was supervised by D. Ford during which a few more fearless diesel winch drivers were converted. Winching on the short runway has been producing 1,300 – 1,500ft launches. The convex nature of this runway calls for conscientious. signalling, as the glider is already climbing well before it comes into view of the winch. Consistent light signals are now obtained with a semi-automatic signal producer of cams and limit switches devised by S. Perry to give the proper time intervals.

February 1964

The end of 1963 saw the AGM and the following have been elected to serve on the Committee for 1964: George Turner (C.F.I.), Ray Clark (Treasurer), Beryl Saunders (Secretary), Nell Eccles, Dan Ford, Stan Perry, Sam Colbourne, Peter Clifford and David Schofield. Since our last appearance in these columns Bernard Keogh managed two legs for his Silver C. with a five-hour flight in the direction of Lasham via Southampton. Another notable flight was that of Sam Colbourne in the Oly when he reached 10,000 ft. from Nympsfield. The T-21 has been modernised by having a permanent canopy attached. This, we hope, will encourage more pupils to take advantage of training during the winer months. Our fleet for 1964 will consist of a T-21. Swallow and an Olympia 2B with a possibility of a syndicate formation in the near future. Launching equipment comprises a two-drum winch the Princess. a rebuilt Jenzen and, ‘of course red’s never-ending support in the Terner. At present flying has ceased due to the arrival of the “new” clubhouse. The weekends are now producing able bodied working parties and we hope shortly to start serving fresh beer from a new bar. Although we have no gilded plate to offer soaring arrivals, we shall nevertheless, be very pleased to welcome and entertain anyone who should make South Marston their destination. By the time this is in print we should be fully self-contained and back to normal.

April 1964

During the last couple of months membership figures have again increased, so this year looks like being a bumper year, our membership now stands around the hundred mark. The new c1ubbouse is now in its fitting-out stage and a few more weeks’ work should see it finished. 6 Thanks to Bev Hill and his team of ardent workers the new tow car, which has been custom built for the purpose, is now with us. David Bailey organised a car rally one dark evening a few weeks ago, needless to say we ended up at a wayside inn. Our fifth annual dinner and dance was held during March. Next year we hope to award trophies for best flights during the coming year. Flying is getting well under way. the Olympia has had its C. of A This year should see more task flying than ever before.

August 1964

Cross-country flying this year has progressed, as hoped, with a fair amount of success. We already have at the time of writing, two completed Silver C’s. These are the first to be attained within the Club and congratulations go both to Bernard Keogh and Peter Dainton-White. Keogh managed his third task by flying the Swallow to Dunstable to gain his distance. Darnton-White flew to Lasham, gaining both duration and distance. Four more Cs have been, gained: Fred Butcher. Malcolm Parkins, Jeff Turner and Bill Rawlings. Our CFI has instigated a novel approach to cross-country landing checks. The examinee is aero-towed out to a large field some four miles from our site and has to do a normal landing under real conditions. Derigging is not required as it is possible to aero-tow out again. We have negotiated with Mr. Neil Swanton, the owner of the site at Huish, near Marlborough, to use the ridge for hill soaring expeditions. For this we are very grateful, and no doubt we shall be meeting members of other Clubs at Huish. We have nearly finished the Clubhouse but work ceased a couple of months ago because our chief “Liberator” Stan Perry “acquired” a hangar. It is hoped to give a full account of both Clubhouse and hangar in a separate article.

December 1964

After five years of existence, we now have the first syndicate formed within the dub. This is the ex Dunstable Grunau, which has been acquired by Messrs. Bailey & Co. A second group has formed and will be taking delivery of a Skylark 4 in the New Year. Much aerial activity has taken place since our last appearance in these columns. The latest solos are: John Thorpe, Howard Johns, Ian Stokes. Colin Maxfield. The ladies have also had, excellent results; loan Savage, Jenny Wills and Margaret Young. Well done. girls! Cs have been completed by Chris James, Joe Pippa. Dave Bailey, Howard Johns, Mike Hoffman, Bill Rawlings, and Geoff Turner. Now for the hard stuff: Malcolm Parkins and Jack: Purchase both gained Silver legs-distance and height-by flying to Dunstable. Clive Castell flew to Lasham for his distance, using a cloud street all the way, and’ arrived at 5,000 feet. 7 Other cross-countries include G. Turner, 12 miles; me, 12 and 25 miles; Jack Purchase, 5 miles; George Turner, 275 yards: John Young (El Supremo), 34 miles. Chris James managed 6,000 feet in the Swallow but without barograph. Various members have already sampled the Huish ridge, and this should prove most useful during the winter. Before the AGM Stan Perry and Sam Colborne’ resigned from the committee, and this was a great loss for us. We are indeed indebted to the tremendous amount of work and effort they have given to the dub.

February 1965

The AG.M. has just taken place and the committee for 1965 is to be small and streamlined. The following have been elected as officers: Chairman, L Colquhoun; Secretary, G. Turner; Treasurer, R. Clark: Ground Engineer, D. Rawling; Social Secretary, J. Young; Aircraft Engineer, R. Maxfield. A special vote of thanks goes together with our grateful appreciation to our past Secretary, Miss B. Sanders. She has done us proud since we started, and has been our Secretary for five years. We wish her well, and hope to see more of her on the field in ’65. It is hoped that we shall soon have the use of a new Blanik which should be here by January. One of our new members, Chris Day, has acquired one of these machines and is allowing the Club to use it. as an advanced trainer. The total fleet for 1965 will now consist of a T-21, Swallow, Olympia, Blanik, Skylark 4 and a Grunau. I now end by introducing Peter Clifford who will be your scribe for the coming year.

June 1965

Swindon Gliding Club, being the nearest Club to South Cerney, is of course, very much looking forward to the World Gliding Championships. The Club and members are anxious to help and assist in any way they can any visitors. who care to visit our South Marston home drome during this period. We shall be organizing passenger glider flights during the World Championship, and we also expect to be flying every day at South Marston as well as acting .as the host field for aero’ planes coming in from everywhere. Club achievements since last communication – Geoff. Turner attained a Silver C height in the new syndicate Skylark 4, Margaret Young got her C and we expect our Olympia back any day now after C of A.

December 1965

This season has shown great progress in the’ cross-country activities of our members and many previously home loving pilots ha.ve groped their way down wind to qualify for incipient pundit-hood. 8 Our more experienced pilots have also had a good year and between them brought the cross-country mileage to a total for the season greater than all other previous flights from this Club. The Club fleet was expanded earlier this year by the arrival of the Blanik which the owner, Chris Day, has arranged to be available for advanced training. Chris has recently completed his Silver C in the “Tin Ship” upon which we all congratulate him. Our plans for the winter include the establishment of a semi-permanent hill site for ridge-bashing and a visit to Portmoak in February in the hope that the famous wave conditions there will cooperate with those of us hardy enough to make the pilgrimage to the frozen north. This summer we were glad to welcome a group of new members from the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham, which included a number of very experienced power pilots who quickly adapted themselves to the idea of aeroplanes without fans on the front and soloed with the minimum of delay.

February 1966

At our recent Annual General Meeting, it was officially announced that as planned. our CFI, Ken O’Reilly, had handed over his duties to Bernie Keogh. We take this opportunity of expressing our gratitude to Ken f.pr the splendid job which he has done for the club and wish him many fat thermals in the coming season, when he will be no longer chained to the T-21. It was with great regret that the Committee accented the resignation of our treasurer, Ray Clark. who’s skilful handling of the club finances has been vital to the smooth operation of the organisation. The officers now are: L. Colquhoun. chairman: B. Keogh, CFI Mrs. M. Davies, secretary; and M. Parkins, treasurer. Margaret Davies, in addition to becoming our new secretary, has also distinguished herself in the air by obtaining her A and B certificates in a remarkably short time. We look forward to seeing much more of her now that she can fly unchaperoned!

December 1966

THIS year has been a very busy one for the club. With the purchase of a F-100 we have solved our launch problems and we look forward to making next year a record one. Achievements include six Silver Cs. Eleven solos and a considerable number of hours logged. The club’s social calendar /Jas included many parties and the annual Dinner and Dance was a truly spectacular event. The proposed two-seater competition which had to be cancelled, was a great disappointment to all concerned. So many people put a lot of hard work into preparing this event. We. are hoping to try again in 1967, with better results. Private ownership has enlarged the number of gliders now accommodated at week-ends it is, not uncommon to see a Skylark 4, Dart 17, T·21, Kite Il and Grunau busy trying to out-soar each other. The club’s OIy has had one of its most hard worked seasons. A club task week produced some excellent flying, with very professional results. 9 Although our fortunes this year have been at their lowest, the enthusiasm of club members has carried us through the year in leaps and bounds and we look forward to 1967 with, high Diamond hopes.

June 1967

This year has begun very well socially by the establishment of a regular Wednesday club night (visitors welcome), which has consisted of food, provided oy “volunteer” wives, film shows, work and talk, mainly talk. Flying has not been neglected, however, and the flying list is long. with newly acquired young members ~wanting their turn. Some of them were introduced to us as a result of a very good coverage which we received in the local Press. Plans are under way for an early task week in May, with high hopes of good weather and Golds. A long-overdue exploration of one of the local ridges has at last been carried out successfully by Malcolm Parkins, and it is to be hoped that we shall all soon have the opportunity to expand our flying experience in this direction.

August 1967

The progressive trend in the club’s activities has been maintained over the past few months. ‘both in the flying and social spheres. The annual Dinner-Dance, held at the end of March. was a very successful evening Our guest speaker was “Nick” Goodhart, who enlightened us on the new Lyneham Special Rules Zone, now established our doorstep and with which we are now learning to live. Also, during the evening trophies were presented to Fred Butcher and Eric Winning for club achievements in 1966. The May task week, although not blessed with particularly good weather produced some good flights, Dan Ford getting a well-deserved five hours. And Jack Purchase a very near miss to Gold C Distance, We would like to bring to the attention of all power pilots that prior permission must be obtained from Air Traffic Control before visiting South Marston. since the airfield is now in regular use by Messrs. Vickers.

December 1967

The last few months have seen the bar prospering as a result of numerous celebrations of Cs, Bronze C’s. etc. These have been achieved mainly by this year’s new members, whose enthusiasm seems to have paid off, particularly their ability to get up early ID the morning. Not that the old hands have been idle, however, Jack Purchase having notched up our first Gold C height. 10 The volunteer wives were called upon again, in the fund-raising field, and did an excellent job organising a barbecue in June. and a jumble sale in September. A word of caution here to other organisers, be sure that all you. sell is jumble. One of our members is now minus his camping gear. Our tow-car fleet has been supplemented, although perhaps not improved, by the addition of an F 500. “What a ride! Does anyone possess a spare workshop manual for the above or the F-100? We could certainly use one. We have a new and rather unique winch under construction which should prove very useful on our local ridge. Dave Schofield is the “genius” behind this. backed up by our invaluable mechanic, Doug Rawlings.

April 1968

Down in Wiltshire nothing very much has stirred, other than our several successful film shows; special thanks due here to Our hard-working projectionist and his crew, also to those who organised the Christmas and Twelfth Night parties. The winch, which was mentioned in our previous newsletter, has now been tried out and proved a success. This will be a great asset when using the local ridge, which until now could only be reached by aerotow. The club fleet has been improved by the addition of a Skylark 4, which we hope will be put to good use in the coming season.

June 1968

With four Silver duration flights completed already this season, we are off to a very good start. These have been achieved by David Hart, Peter Trenchard, Graham Hinder and John Bundy. The last three of these were all local soaring flights, while the first Was flown at Portmoak, where David also reached 10,000 ft. in wave. The elusive South Marston wave has also been flown at last. After all the talk by our wave “experts” it took one of our younger members to fly it to almost 7,000 ft. In March we held our ninth annual Dinner and Dance, where we welcomed our new President, Charles Morrison M.P., who, in spite of art arduous evening arrived at the airfield for his introduction to gliding the next morning. We are interested in the possibility of using diesel tow vehicles and we would appreciate information from any other clubs who are operating them.

July 1969

11 Our Tenth Annual Dinner and Dance, at which the guest speaker was the Mavor of Swindon, Alderman Bown was held at Blunsdon House Hotel during February. The Club trophies were presented by the Mayoress. Many thanks are extended to our Social Secretary, Christine Day, and to her willing helpers for a most enjoyable evening. Since our previous report we have acquired a new Chairman, Dr. David Hart, who has tackled the job with great energy and enthusiasm and we wish him a happy term of office. The season got away to a good start with lots of soaring during the Easter weekend. Our T-21 has been replaced with an ASK-I3, which has proved to be very popular, and the rest of the club fleet consists now of a Swallow, Olympia and Skylark 4. Two new syndicates have been formed recently. Gordon Gulliver, our Secretary, and Graham Hinder now own a Ka-6, and Bernie Keogh and John Bundy have a Ka-6E. We wish Bernie much success in competition flying this year.

October 1969

Since our last club news, we have had a very eventful time. One Saturday Harry Daniels and Tug Wilson, flying a Blanik, set a new UK record for the 10Q km. triangle fur a two-seater, South Marston. Shipton Under Wychwood-Aston Down-8outh Marston, travelling 104 km. in 1 hr 10 mins. at an average speed of 77 km/h. The following day, leaving South Marston and flying via Long Marsdon and Halton, they accomplished yet another feat by also setting a UK record for the 200 km. triangle – 214 km. in 3 hrs. 25 mms. at an average speed of 62.5 km/h. Back in 1966, Harry and Tug gained the 300 km. record, so here at South Marston we are all feeling very proud of them indeed. Our recent Flying Week has brought a good number of individual achievements – the most notable being a Diamond goal and Gold distance triangle; this was South Marston-Kidderminster- Bognor Regis-South Marston, flown in 6t hours by Peter Trenchard. Christine Day flew to Booker to complete her Silver C and also collected the return trophy. Congratulations, Chris our first lady Silver C. Sally Hargrave and Ian Powdrill, both of whom are sixteen and our youngest solo pilots, also gained their Cs on their first solo flights, Bill Foddy and Ralph Childs gained Cs on solo flights, Dave Elliott achieved his A and B, John Trenchard completed his Bronze after converting to the Skylark 3 and Mike Clarke – who soloed recently – completed a Bronze leg. Successful conversions during the Week were Sue Harbour to Olympia and Rex Collins and Henry Devonshire to Skylark 4. The Club played host some weeks ago to the then Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon and the Mayor and Mayoress elect. Unfortunately, the weather was not good but the Mayor very sportingly elected to fly and was launched to 2,000 ft., piloted by George Turner our CFl and acro-towed by Fred Butcher in the Terrier. Both glider and tug disappeared very quickly into the murk. The tug soon returned but, after an anxious 45 minutes and still no sign of the Ka-13. Fred set off to comb the countryside and there they were, sitting calmly in a field some four miles away. 12 The Mayor’s face was wreathed in smiles and apparently, he had thoroughly enjoyed his first flight in a glider. The weather improved slightly after this and the rest of the party had their flights and were given tea and refreshments in e Clubhouse where, by now, several members of the Press had arrived to take photographs and notes, so that the events were duly recorded in our local paper the following day.

June 1971

Our dinner and dance went off with its usual finesse with more people than ever attending. The raffle was a great success, in spite of the fact that the CFI, tug pilot and chairman’s daughter-in-law tool! the first three prizes. Some merriment occurred during the flying achievements awards. A special award for the most publicised” flight was made to Bernie Keogh for landing at the Duke of Bedford’s estate rather close to the animals. We have had a poor start to the year because of the weather. Our launch rate so far is down on last year, but we hope that our two “flying weeks” and a really old-fashioned summer (with sun and not just warm rain) will put this right. Bob Cunningham and a friend of his brought their SHK from Keevil (their runway was being re-surfaced) and spent two enjoyable weekends with us. Bob brought his dog on the second visit. It was a Great Dane, with the emphasis on great, and proceeded to eat my lunch. Bob commented On how friendly we all were and how willing we were to rig the SHK (little did he know we wanted to fly it ourselves). On behalf of the club, I would like to say a heart-felt thank you to our retiring tow car syndicate, David and Eric for all the time and effort they have put in the job. The new team Alec and Godfrey are fired with enthusiasm, and have already ripped out, repaired and replaced the engine of the Yellow Peril inside one morning.

August 1971

Having fully recovered from our Hippie party, our flying is now back to normal with “DoDa” landing on the front lawn of Woburn Abbey, and so emulating Bernie Keogh’s effort last year! Our friendship with Watchfield was cemented at a recent “Orgy” (return match for our Hippie thing! ) Swindon and Watchfield. Gliding Clubs challenge allcomers to beat them at bottle walking. We had Bob Cunningham visiting again (if this keeps up, he will have to become a member!). He was first observed by Bob Lucksford who had been in contact with an SHK for several minutes and having given him careful instructions on where to land, he discovered Bob Cunningham had no radio, and therefore apologises to the pilot We talked into landing …wherever it was! D. Trenchard completed his Silver C and. D. Laurence and M. Dugmore their Silver heights. Miles Dugmore did his five hours in the Swallow at the same time, winning the bottle of champagne kindly donated by Eric Winning. Richard Cole obtained his assistant instructor rating at Bicester.

August 1971

April 1972

After many months’ absence from these columns, here is a short account of our activities. Launch is by Specialist built diesel tow cars cared for by two Willing members, David Huband and Alec Thompson, who act as launch contractors to the club. This system works Well and relieves members of tow car maintenance. Aero-tows are however coming into their own. We have a visiting Auster and a club-based tug owned by David Schofield which offers aero-towing on a full-time basis. The club fleet consists of a Capstan, a K-I3, a Swallow and a Skylark 4 with private owners much in evidence. At our dinner-dance cups were awarded by our new chairman, Fred Butcher (the Flying Farmer) as follows: the Whitbread trophy for the flight of the year-Eric Winning for a gain of height of 13,000ft; the Return trophy for a 170km out-and-return-David Schofield and the Dayson trophy went to Christine Day for her seven-hour epic flight around the Cotswolds. The Cadet cup for best progress was awarded earlier to Gay Gilchrist who was visiting from the States. This year we have at last realised the potential of local wave in the lee of the Cotswolds and to prove a point the club fleet headed by Alan Chester sat for most of one afternoon at 7,000ft. Jonn Trenchard continues as CFI and Ray Nicholas as his deputy. The weekend catering staff headed by Jean and John Wright are providing consistently hot food most of the time. Len Morris keeps the fleet airworthy.

August 1974

Our CFI, Ray Nicholas, scraped home after eight hours in the Phoebus on May 7 to complete 500km. A Gold distance attempt to Land’s End by Dave Scholfield on Easter Sunday in the club Skylark 4 fell short at Launceston. Anne Bradley, Steve Huband, Philip Turner and Dennis Badham have gone solo, Pete Higgs and John Baxter have their Bronze Cs and Eddie Foggin achieved Silver height on May 7. Since last appearing in these columns, we have boosted the club fleet with a Skylark 3F from Keevil, Also certain of our members have developed a fetish about antiques – the Tutor has been dragged from the back of the hangar and given a C of A and Tony Bullock has flown his K-4 for five hours on Inkpen ridge. The highlight of our social year was surely the dinner-dance. As a final point, visitors to South Marston are asked to note that we are now restricted to Ihe use of runways only, so please keep off the grass.

December 1975

As you can see, we have acquired a new tug. 14 We are pleased with its performance-it’s capable of launching the entire fleet (including the hangar) to 2000ft in two minutes. Its only drawbacks are a rather high fuel consumption and certain difficulties getting aerotow retrieves from New York. For the record, our club Skylark 4 landed at RAF Fairford in the summer. It was flown by Tony Bullock who, although he denies it, we are sure was thoroughly lost. Since it was late in the evening, HAC allowed him to store it in Ihe hangar alongside Concorde. It was aerotow retrieved the following morning. Incidentally, Fairford don’t like gliders very much so it’s not a recommended practice.

April 1979

Since last appearing in S&G we have acquired an Astir at the top of the club fleet, replaced a bent Skylark 3 with a K-8, built a new Perkins powered auto tow car, changed to Parafil, flown 300km on the same day and held a task week sponsored by Hambro Life. Steve Foggin has taken on the job of CFI for yet another year and John Freke and John Baxter went off for full ratings – the former unfortunately having gone into retirement after giving much good service to the club. The poor soaring season of 1978 was countered by the splendid and varied offerings from the ladies’ Social Committee – and we are now planning for a bumper 21st season of cross-country flying by building a new K-13 trailer for the dual out landing and holding a series of lectures and films in ~ evenings. Our active and comprehensive fleet of private gliders, the latest addition being a Vega, is gelling itself polished in anticipation of tile soaring season.

August 1979

Our proud boast in the April issue of having flown five 300kms on the same day was somewhat deflated by the printer deleting the word five! Despite such adversity we are currently trying hard to improve our last record having already completed more than 5000km by the beginning of June, including Silver distances from Colin McKewan and Steve Nash to complete their Silver Cs. The poor weather during the “Hambro cup week” only allowed six pilots to fly on one day, completing over 1300km including three 300kms. Our usual problems of a shortage of new members and reliable launching facilities are still with us – our resident tug has been laid up since last November. Hopefully our recent massive increase in membership and flying charges has not put off too many, but maintaining a club fleet of five gliders operating only at weekends by a club the size of ours is unfortunately getting more difficult. We are currently debating whether or not to say goodbye to our Skylark in an effort to further tighten our belts. 15 However, we are looking forward with optimism to the Summer season with its usual crop of flying weeks, parties. barbecues etc and we hope to cultivate two new instructors. Phil Gaisford and Mike Beattie. the former also having got his name down for the British Team Training Scheme. Visitors are always welcome but please remember that we are only permitted to use the runways and tugs must have permission from Vickers ATC.

August 1980

Soaring started in February and by the end of May we had achieved far more cross-country kilometres ‘than the same period last year. Phil Gaisford leads the ladder with Norman Parry second, Norman having had a remarkable wave climb of 12 000f1 earlier in the season. Cross-country pilots have had to pass a written test on air law and navigation, set by CFI, John Baxter, before being let off the leash. The Blanik, which replaced the T-49, isn’t yet as popular as the K-13 but spends a lot of time in the hands of Steve Nash and others giving passenger flights. The Astir and Skylark 4 have joined the K8 but the Skylark needs a new trailer before it can fulfil its proper cross country role. Local real ale bas replaced the fizz served in the clubhouse and in addition Angie Higgs and the girls now provide food most weekends. John Chapman has gone solo and Bob Locke completed his Bronze C. We have a passenger flying weekend on June 21-22, a task week starting June 28 and a Competition Kitty weekend on July 19-21, with the annual barbecue arranged for July 19.

October 1980

We look set to exceed the 1979 cross-country kilometres by a fair margin in spite of some Indifferent weekend weather recently, though il is disappointing not having had any Silver distance flights so far this year, Henry Devonshire organised Ihe task week, the larges1task being a 212km quadrilateral completed by Colin McKewen (K-6cR). The British Team Squad representatives arrived with some high-powered machinery for the Competition Kitty weekend and the Saturday night barbecue proved that they can dance as well as fly. On the one frying day most people landed at about the same spot so there was no real winner (see report in the next issue). John Devey has gone solo and Steve Parsonage and helpers are filling out a trailer for the Skylark 4.

December 1980

Our season ended with more than 15000km flown, an increase of 40% on 1979. Colin McKennan (Kr6CR) and Brian 6eale (Dart 17R) have their Gold distances and Bob Lock (K-8) has completed the first and only Silver C of the year with a flight to Booker. Mike Nield and Mike Beattie are on instructors’ courses this month. 16 The Blanik recently dragged 1000ft of cable across the dual carriageway and through some bedroom windows before dropping it in a local housing estate. We all learned a lesson and batmen now watch like hawks for cable overruns. Eric Winning has become Projects Officer (again) and is organising his 30 or so volunteers in various winter type jobs.

April 1981

There are times when we have more instructors than pupils on ‘the airfield, no doubt due to the combined effect of the weather and the recession. Another factor is that the bar is closed and being rebuilt by Steve Foggin, John Baxter and others. At the AGM in December Pete Higgs was re-elected Chairman and there was a debate on the club fleet with the decision to defer a decision to next year (as we did last year!). Our annual dinner-dance is in February.

October 1981

We had a very successful open weekend on June 20-21 with Club flying between 4am and 9am on the Saturday. Cooked breakfast was provided by Angie Higgs, Anne Bradley and Alison Lock and as a result of the weekend we have several new members. The Humbro task week wasn’t as successful as last year due 10 the weather but creditable performances were achieved by John Le Coyte. Eric Winning, Bev Hill and our CFI, John Baxter.

December 1981

We were pleased with our performance in the Southern League, coming second to Lasham. Recent achievements include a Silver C for Josie Butcher, Silver distance for John Hanwell and a five-hours for Brian Payne. Ian Collingwood has gone solo and Phil Gaisford came third in the Lasham Regionals, flying the club’s Astir. Our barbecue and second open day, both in August, were very successful due to a great effort by the organisers. We were shocked and saddened by Don Sharpe’s field landing accident; an unfortunate end to a skilfully flown 300km. He is recovering in the Sturges Ward of the Nuffield Hospital, Oxford.

June 1982

Members redecorated the Clubhouse during the winter and the new entrance means we no longer have to go through the workshop. Phil Martin has gained his Bronze C and a K-18 has replaced our elderly K-8 and Skylark 4.

June 1983

17 Clubhouse improvements continue with the former committee room well on the way to becoming a small dormitory, under the inspiration of Suzy Johnstone. CFI Dave Schofleld’s birthday party was a great success and he was presented with the ultimate in cold weather gear – complete with tassel! We now have a Piper Cub tug and aerotow retrieves are available most days for those who land out at South Marston. We were sorry to lose Pete and Angela Higgs, who have moved away from the area after years 01 hard work for the club. The search is on for a replacement for our Blanik which has gone to the Crusaders GC in Cyprus.

August 1983

A sudden heavy shower of glass ships, one afternoon in May, turned out to be 28 National’s pilots falling to earth on our second runway with three more a couple of fields away. (see Nationals report, p164.) South Marston has never seen so many gliders at one time and we had visions of a, dramatic increase in membership. Minor miracles were worked by Jeannette Martin in the kitchen and Mary Blunt in the bar to feed and water the visitors. Congratulations also to Mary on going solo. A replacement Blanik brings the club fleet back to full strength of a K-13, Blanik, K-18 and Astir CS. Another newcomer is a recently refurbished Rallye tug” though our primary means of launch remains the trusty tow car.

October 1983

Our first launch on June 16 was at 4.50am and would have been earlier, had someone remembered to wake our volunteer instructor, Gordon Walker. One or two stalwarts were still around, 17hrs later, to see the last aircraft touch down. Congratulations to Richard Chapman on completing his Silver G. Unfortunately, he celebrated by breaking his femur in a motorbike accident and is now in traction, where he will stay lor three months. Congratulations also to Stuart Peplar, who achieved 302km on THE day – August 3.

December 1983

Our disco-barbecue in August was as successful as ever. The next social event is a Guy Fawkes party the fire to consist of the remains of the Pirat trailer which AI McCaffrey “field landed” whilst enroute to Nyrmpsfield. Somehow the Pirat was, removed undamaged Irom the wreckage but his car was altered a little and the trailer a lot. AI was shaken but not stirred. A welcome visitor was, Air Marshal Sir Michael Beavis, president of the RAFGSA, who landed on a cross-country flight from Bicester. Once he had overcome his astonishment at the red tape which 18 greets those who land at South Marston, the Air Marshal proceeded to cut a polite but firm swathe through the Air Traffic Controller’s rule that no “foreign” tugs will be allowed in on retrieves. the clubroom wall now sports a handsome plaque presented to us by the gliding club at Salzgitter, Swindon’s twin-town in Germany. We hope to organise an expedition to Salzgitter 1o sample soaring in the Hartz Mountains. Steve ‘Foggin has taken over from Dave Schofield as CFI – our thanks to Dave for nis efforts. Richard Chapman is back on two feet but swears that he will never again be seen on two wheels. Congratulations to Andy Sman on re-soloing alter a lay-off of some years.

February 1984

Our Guy Fawkes party was very enjoyable. Several pilots have taken advantage of competitively priced aerotows to escape from circuit bashing on non-soaring days, some going as high as 6000ft. Looking back, 1983 is remembered as a year of soarable weekdays and second-rate weekends. Looking forward: barring three feet of snow, a total eclipse of the sun or World War 111, Gordon MacDonald (Grodnod to his friends) will go solo on his 16th birthday, February 11. Instructors will have a sigh of relief as Gordon has developed a penchant for aerobatics, whenever the man in the back will permit

June 1984

Gordon MacDonald went solo on his 16th birthday on February 11 making the front page of the local newspaper with a large photograph of himself in the K13. Progress to date includes conversion to the K-18 and two Bronze legs. So, congratulations to Gordon (and apologies to Platypus!). At present our Astir is restricted 10 local soaring due to the lack of a trailer- we would be pleased to hear from anyone who has a trailer but no Astir! Best wishes to Mike Newbold, who is off to Join the RAF as a fight engineer. Bob Lock Is a welcome newcomer to our hardworking team of instructors.

October 1984

The summer has seen expeditions to Sutton Bank and Rhigos – where our K18 reached 9400ft asl in wave – and Lasham, where Jamie Whelan did Our 50km milk-run in reverse – landing at South Marston, Our thanks to all three clubs for their hospitality. We may not have shone in this years’ Southern League but neither did the sun for most of the time. We did earn a reputation for always sending the largest contingent. Congratulations to Les Clark, Bob Poole and Helen Wallace on going solo. Our annual dinner-dance will be at The Post House, Swindon, on October 20 and old members and friends are invited to contact us for details.

August 1985

All flying has ceased at South Marston Airfield on which a car factory is being built. Our clubhouse and hangar are still there but for the moment. we are having to rely for launches on the hospitality of other nearby clubs, for which we are most grateful. In spite of these upheavals, we do still exist and are participating in the Southern Inter-Club League as normal. We remain optimistic of flying from a site of our own next year, if not sooner.

December 1985

At last, some positive news. We have been given permission by the Ministry of Defence to fly Irom Little Rissington. alongside the ATC. As soon as we receive an operational agreement, we shall start flying there and hope this will forge a closer link between the two organisations. On a club expedition to Sutton Bank in August three pilots contacted wave on the same day. Steve Foggin soared to, Gold height to complete his Gold Badge, while Steve Parsonage and Chris Borrell also reached Gold height and stayed up for 5hrs to complete their Silver Cs. Well done all three for bringing good news in whatl1as been a rather fraught year.

April 1986

After a year in the wilderness, we are at last established on a site which we can call home. The field is half a mile NW of Shrivenham, on the 64000. It is only rented at present but we hope to follow the example of East Essex GC and buy the site in due course. 20 We are very familiar with the area as we are less than three miles 1T0m our old base at South Marston. We are rapidly adapting to winch launching techniques, after years of launches from a 6000ft runway – we now have two Dodge F100 tow cars and a reel of Parafil for sale. Visitors are welcome at Sandhill Farm, with the exception of powered aircraft, as we have yet to obtain planning consent for power operations. If landing from the south. beware of the power wires 30ft above ground on the southern field boundary.

June 1986

As we settle in at Sandhill Farm, we are faced with the seemingly endless saga of planning applications and delayed meetings of the Planning Committee, as detailed by various other clubs who have trod this stoney path. Apologies to East Sussex GC who, in the last issue, mysteriously became East Essex GC. Our ranks have been swelled with ten ab-initios joining under a block membership through Allied Dunbar. John Ashcroft, Les Clarke and Gordon MacDonald have been accepted for the National Squad Training Scheme.

August 1986

We have planning permission for airfield operations and can now aerotow as, well as winch launch. We are hoping our newly acquired twin drum Wild winch will soon be in use, which will mean more work for our eight-wheeled Morris 1100 cable retrieve car and an improved launch rate. Our recent skittles evening was enjoyable and raised much needed funds for all the various projects associated with a new site. We now have a telephone in our “clubhouse” caravan 0793 783685.

February 1987

We are now well established at Sandhill Farm with both winch and aerotow facilities and can look forward to the season with optimism rather than desperation. Last year we achieved our first cross-countries from the site. Congratulations to our three new instructors, Les Clark, Steve Parsonage and Jim Whelan and to Kevin Hale who re-soloed after a two year lay-off. We have the use of some adjoining land for a NE-SW strip. The major task is to dismantle our hangar from South Marston and re-erect it on the new site.

April 1987

We will miss our treasurer, Mary Blunt, who is going to live in the USA for several years. Our thanks and good wishes go with her. We brightened a dull winter with an enjoyable skittles evening which also boosted funds a little.

June 1987

Development of the airfield continues with a new entrance and car-park. We have a steady trickle of very welcome new members. A repeat of last year’s warning to anyone dropping in; beware the power wires 30ft above the airfield boundary on the south side. No one has been caught out yet and we want to keep it that way.

October 1988

Congratulations on going solo to Phil Atley, Gilbert Burge, Chris Clark, Les Colclough and Graham Huggins, who are now busy collecting Bronze legs; to Gary Binnie on completing his Sliver badge with a flight to Lasham and to Paul Mansfield on gaining his Bronze badge. An unlucky Dave Freeman recently joined our 4hr 50min club. The first of our midweek courses was a great success, thanks to Gerry Brown, Nicky Rowan and Dave Schofield. We are planning an expedition to Portmoak.

December 1988

Our recent expedition to Portmoak saw little wave but congratulations to Phil Atley and “Ziggy” Sigsworth on their durations ridge soaring the Bishop hill. Despite the appalling summer a few trial instruction evenings were called off. Thanks are due to many for their efforts but our ever-present winch driver, Eric Brown, deserves a special mention. It was great to see Doug Walker back in the air after a two-year layoff due to illness.

February 1989

Although wet and windy 1988 has been successful for ab-initios with three more going solo congratulations to Martin Sawyer, Linda Inches and Geoff Wirdnam. Having soloed earlier in the year, Phil Alley, Graham Huggins and Les Colclough have their Bronze badges. 22 The Christmas dinner-dance at Blunsdon House Hotel was a great success. Our thanks to the organisers, Colin Winnall and Lindy Wirdnam.

August 1989

Our first open day of the year in April raised £350 for the Helen Davis Appeal. Helen, a local girl, suffers from cerebral palsy. Our thanks to members who helped and to Chris Railings who lent us a Puchacz. The good early spring has resulted in Silver badges for Paul Mansfield and Stuart Thackery and Silver distance for Graham Huggins. Roger Tyack gained, a Bronze leg on his first solo. Silver heights abounded on June 4 with cloud base at 6000ft.

January 1989

We are changing our name to the Vale of White Horse Gliding Centre but remain at Sandhill Farm which, thanks to the landlord, should be better drained this winter. This amazing year has given every kind of achievement. Congratulations to Mike Clay (going solo); Dave Davies (re-soloing); Dave Foster (Bronze badge); Helen Peplar and Martin Sawyer (Silver ‘height); Gerry Brown (300km) and John Ashcroft {5th place in Booker Regionals). Gilbert Burge and Dave Foster move into the Std Cirrus syndicate and John Ashcroft and Gerry Brown are buying an LS-7. We have improved the clubhouse facilities, thanks to Gloucestershire County Council giving us some Portakabin’s and provided our DIY specialists with a winter project.

June 1990

(The Vale of White Horse Gliding Centre) Jane and Ralph Jones were guests at the annual dinner where prize winners were Gerry Brown, Howard Davies, Paul Mansfield, Steve Parsonage, Stuart Peplar and Eric Winning. A lively AGM in January produced some major changes with Alan May back as Chairman. Congratulations to Lee Tyack who went solo on his 16th birthday. John Ashcroft, who now has his PPL, joins our small team of instructors. Dave Freeman has joined the ASW-15 syndicate and John LeCoyte has bought an LS-7. John Ashcroft is flying his LS-7 in the standard class nationals. We hope that our new clubhouse which is a considerable improvement on our caravan will be in use this season.

October 1990.

Our Enterprise style task week at the end of May had creditable performances in not the best of weather. One task was a treasure hunt with clues to various well-known TPs in a sealed envelope with a second sealed envelope (which no one opened) giving the answers. Everyone completed the task. 23 Dave Foster had problems with his photos and barograph on his Silver distance and height attempts but got it right the second time. We recently had an EGM, plus a clubhouse opening ceremony since we now have H&C in all rooms.

December 1990

We have had quite a good season with two very successful courses which we are planning to repeat next year. There were some good flights from Paul Mansfield, Graham Huggins and Dave Foster with an excellent Silver distance from Gilbert Burge. Congratulations also to Diane Steele on going solo.

June 1991

Our thanks to Derek Piggott who was the guest speaker at our very successful annual dinner in March. This spring saw the arrival of the workshop and the recovering of the K-18 with “Drs Diner” providing good food for the workers. Our current projects are burying the power cables at the west end of the site and replacing the Blanik with something a bit better. We hope to soon have a tug based on the site. Congratulations to Paul Mansfield on his assistant instructors rating.

August 1991

Our treasurer Chris Borrill is delighted with demand for our evening mini courses and steady increase in members. We are still searching for a tug and have two more private gliders, the CFI’s LS-3 and the overhauled ex Phillip Wills Dart.

October 1991

Well done to Dave Foster who helped us win the SW Inter-Club League and earned a place in the Junior Nationals. Our second twin drum Buick powered winch is nearly finished.

February 1992

Congratulations to Suzie Sellman, Mike Rouse and Peter Godsell on going solo, Peter on his 16th birthday also to Stuart Thackray for his 500km. Dianne Steele is our new chairman. The bank tells us 1991 was a good year.

April 1992

Congratulations to Paul Mansfield and David Foster on their 300Kms and Dianne Steele and Geff Wirdnam on completing Silver Badges. But commiserations to Gerry Brown on his 500km – better luck on the photographic course Gerry! The power lines at the western end of the field have, at great expense been buried. We have eight courses planned and four mini courses already booked.

June 1992

There were some creditable flights on our first soaring weekend with Sue Sellman achieving a Bronze leg and Silver height minus a barograph! Congratulations to John Johnson and Peter Finnegan (going solo) and to those who received trophies at our very enjoyable annual dinner in March.

August 1992

Although there were no great achievements we had a good time at our task week. Amber Saif has gone solo; Colin Winnall has resoloed and Bernard Narett has a Bronze badge.

October 1992

Amber Sail and Mike leach have gone solo and Amber, Sue Sellman, Mike Rouse and Bernard Marett have Silver heights. Bernard Marett and Peter Finnegan have a Dart. We thank Undy Wirdnam and Dianne Steel for organising the barbecues and Steve Foggin (instructor), Haydn Wirdnam (winch driver) and Dianne Steele (catering) for the June course. The winches are in working order and we are replacing the yellow tractor.

February 1993

At our AGM in November, we elected Sue Foggin as chairman, Graham Huggins, Gilbert Burge and Paul Mansfield have their SLMG licences and Geoff Wirdnam his AEI rating.

June 1993

Our annual dinner was most successful with a very humorous speech by Ralph Jones. March was a fine start to the year with good local soaring. We are sad Lindy is retiring as secretary and thank her for her tremendous service – Pauline Leach is taking over. Also, after many years as a key member, Eric Winning is giving up gliding

August 1993

Our clubhouse is looking very smart after our new secretary Pauline redecorated it (with a little help from the two Eric’s), We have had a good number of bookings for evening flying and are also flying on Wednesdays. Mike Leach has Silver height and Sue Foggin, chairman, gained her 5hrs. David and Graham now have a DG-300 and Steve and Stuart an ASW-20.

October 1993

Simon Apps and mother and son Pauline and David Leach have gone solo, David on his 16th birthday. Roger Tyack flew Silver distance and duration and Sue Foggin Siler distance completing their badges. The June open day was a great success enabling us to get our hangar painted. We have an expedition in September to Sutton Bank and our instructor John Ashcroft came 5th in the Western Regionals. Although only 3rd in the Inter-Club league, it was very enjoyable and our thanks to Steve Parsonage the organiser.

December 1993

Pauline and David leach, Simon Apps and Richard Kill have Silver heights and Richard a 5hrs. Our Sutton Bank visit was short on westerlies but Bernard Marett flew 5hrs. Simon Renfrey has soloed and Dennis Currant, our safety officer and staunch committee member, has given up gliding -we thank him for his efforts.

February 1994

Gilbert Burge and Bernard Marret have AEI ratings. Our midweek flying is proving very popular and we should be a seven-day week operation by the spring. Our long-suffering CFI Steve Foggin has handed over to our new full Cat instructor Gordon Walker to give more time for his own flying. Steve first became CFI in 1973 and has done all but four years since then! We thank him sincerely for all his efforts on the field, flying and the maintenance of club gliders and equipment.

April 1994

Our new CFI Gordon Walker has been giving winter Bronze lectures. Our seven-day week operation is from May 1 and we are re-vamping our two existing winches and re-engining a third in readiness for increased use. The K-13 trailer is being renovated by Steven Parsonage with plans for (intentional!) two-seater cross countries. We have bought a club K-8 so that our K-18 may be used for more club cross-country flying. 26 PS. Steve and Stuart are really enjoying their ASW-20 -thanks for asking Mr Penguin

June 1994

Our annual dinner was a great success in March with two awards for cross country flying going to Gerry Brown (in his LS-7); best progress to solo to 16-year-old David Leach; best progress since solo to Richard Kill (Silver height and duration) and best flight in a club glider to Roger Tyack (Silver distance and duration in the K-18). This year is getting off to a good start – all four-club aircraft have Cs of A, the third winch is complete (thanks to Eric Brown and Colin Winnall) and John Ashcroft flew 300km on March 26, a first for March. Thanks to CFI Gordon Walkers winter lectures many solo pilots have passed their Bronze papers. We have begun to upgrade our club fleet by giving the K13 an electric vario which will greatly help the cross-country instruction planned for this year.

August 1994

At our successful open weekend in April the use of a tug was popular, we are now trying to have aero tows available about once a month. Some fine weather resulted in Mike Leach getting his distance and duration to complete his silver badge; Gordon Walker (CFI) his 300km and Jonathan Huband a Bronze Badge. Steve Parsonage organised an expedition with the K13 to the Long Mynd and put in a great deal of hard work on the trailer. Everyone had soaring flights. John Ashcroft is enthusiastically leading us in the Inter Club league.

October 1994

The weather has given good flights and excellent club barbecues. Bernard Marret (Jantar) flew a 300km triangle. Pauline Leach 5 hours in the club K8, Steve Parsonage and David Leach took the club K13 on its longest flight (125km) and Graham Turner surprised us by taking off in it at 3pm in late July and completing 5 hours. David Foster and Sue Foggin have AEI ratings. There have been successes on BGA soaring courses – Steve Parsonage (ASW20) flew a 300km triangle; Sue Foggin (K6E) a 100km triangle and David Leach his distance and 5 Hours, as well as a 100km triangle in the club K18, all from Bicester.