On the weekend of 13th and 14th June 2026, we were delighted to host our local scout group for some introductory flying in the gliding centre’s 2-seat training gliders. The scouts had raised more than half the cost of their flights through fund-raising activities over the last year, including sponsored hikes, running a food stall at the annual Shivenham Fete, and providing teas and coffees at a recent plant sale in the village. 

Around 50 scouts of varying ages, from cubs upwards, flew with us over Saturday and Sunday.  Thankfully, we had good weather both days, after a postponed start on Friday evening due to high winds.  This group typically visits every 2 years, which means some scouts were returnees from 2024, or even 2022.

Several club members were at the launch point on both days to get people into parachutes, help with safety briefings, etc..  And of course, our usual tug pilots and instructors were kept busy.  

Thanks to everyone’s efforts, from club members to scout leaders to parents, it ran very well, and everyone seemed to leave very happy at the end of each day.  

A big thanks to everyone involved, and we look forward to seeing the scouts again in 2028!