[ back to Club News ]

February 2004 Congratulations to Berian Griffiths and Terry Middleton for completing their Bronze C Badges.  This winter has seen a terrific improvement in our field and, unlike previous years we’ve managed to keep flying during the bulk of the winter so the majority of members are still current.   Once again, we will be kicking the year off with a number of social activities and winter maintenance is well under way in preparation for the soaring season. QUIZ NIGHT  -  Friday 13 February, start time 7.30 Once again quizmaster Dave Johnstone will host three rounds of general knowledge questions - answer individually or in teams of up to 4 - the choice is yours, prizes for the winner/s.  Tickets include a buffet supper.    MEMBERS WORKSHOP - Saturday 28 February, start time 2.00 The workshop will comprise of discussions on a number of pertinent topics, ranging from duty rotas to raising the profile of the club and will also include a short update and discussion session on Incident Management. The workshop will be followed by a Pea and Pie supper. SKITTLES NIGHT  -  Friday 12 March. start time 7.00 This event proved to be highly popular last year - places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.  Burton Bridge Inn is the venue, we'll have exclusive use of their skittles ally for the evening.  Starting at 7.00pm the evening includes a buffet supper. EASTER PARTY NIGHT  -  Saturday 10 April, start time 8.00 Join us for a start of season party.  The evening kicks off with a traditional BBQ, followed by a selection of informal games - try your hand at giant Jenga, outdoor darts or remote control car racing - or just enjoy watching others have a go!        ANNUAL DINNER - Friday 30 April, start time 7.30 for 8.00 Our Annual Dinner and Presentation of Awards will once again be held at the popular Cock Inn in Hanbury.  Come along and enjoy superb food and good company in the Cock's cosy restaurant.  Tickets are £22 per head but places will be limited so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Tuesday 18 May Make a note of this date in your diary - the venue is yet to be confirmed. CLUB WEEKS - 24 - 28 May and 16 - 20 August We will be holding two club weeks this year, both are open to all members, regardless of level of experience - instructors will be available every day.  Booking lists will appear on the club notice board nearer the time.  For more details about events, call Val Roberts 01283 820108 or Anna Griffiths 01283 537773

November 2003 This summer season has been particularly rewarding for many of us.  Here are all those who've achieved awards for various accomplishments during the year, apologies to any missed out. First Solo:  Nigel Hooper and Kat Lewis Bronze C Completed: Paul Machacek, Anna Griffiths, Jorg Epple, Antony Bradford, Jim Follon Cross Country Endorsement: Paul Machacek, Anna Griffiths, Jorg Epple Silver Legs: Anna Griffiths (distance & height), Iain Roberts (distance & height), Jorg Epple (distance & height), Peter Kent (distance - silver complete), Paul Machacek ((distance, duration & height).

March 2003 The winter activity programme proved a great success, with a number of informative and interactive talks on a wide range of topics, visits to Duxford Air Museum and East Midlands Control Tower, and numerous social events keeping us busy during the winter months.  The Wednesday night Bronze C talks were also well attended, congratulations to all those members who sat and passed their Bronze paper. Dates for 2003 ANNUAL DINNER - Friday 11 April, 7.30 for 8.00 Following the tremendous success of last year’s dinner, we will once again be visiting the Cock Inn at Hanbury. Tickets at £20 per head will be available in the New Year but places will be limited so you are advised to book early. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Thursday 15 May Make a note of this date in your diary - the venue is yet to be confirmed. PRE SOLO / PRE BRONZE WEEK - 28 April - 2 May Following the success of last year’s week, this will follow the same format with flying and structured talks aimed at progressing every participant. There are 8 places available and priority will be given to those who can commit for the whole week. There is a charge of £50 for those attending, payable in March - this is additional to your flying fees. Places can be reserved now through Val Roberts. CLUB WEEKS - 19 - 23 May and 11 - 15 August As usual we will be running two club weeks, open to all members, booking lists will appear on the club notice board nearer the time.   December 2002 TALKS / LECTURES / WORKSHOPS The following will all be held at the club. Start time will be 2.00 pm or, if we are flying, as flying finishes. TRAILER TOWING WORKSHOP - Saturday 4 January        Taking a glider trailer on the road for the first time can be quite an experience, this workshop aims to give you lots        of practical advice, guidance and ‘hands on’ practise. GLIDERS - Sunday 12 January        An insight into how gliders are designed, their construction and flight envelopes. CLUB DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP - Saturday 18 January        How is your club doing, where would you like to see it this time next year, or in 10 years time maybe. This workshop        is aimed at up dating you on the clubs current situation and collecting ideas for its future development. THERMALLING - Sunday 26 January        Where to look for lift, how to center, joining other gliders - advice on how we can all improve our thermalling        techniques. NAVIGATION WORKSHOP - Sunday 2 February         Bring along your map and ruler and take this opportunity to refresh your knowledge of basic navigation techniques. SPEED TO FLY - Saturday 15 February         What speed between thermals? Best L/D? Final glide speed? Come and learn how to get the best out of your glider. FIELD LANDINGS - Sunday 23 February         Choosing a field, crop recognition, flying your circuit, lots of practical advice on landing away from site. BAROGRAPHS AND BADGES - Saturday 1 March         How the BGA and FAI badge system works, preparing and using a barograph, turning point photography. BRONZE C LECTURES Wednesday Evenings at 7.30 pm from 8 January to 19 February A series of lectures held over seven consecutive Wednesday evenings, the Bronze C lecture programme will cover every thing you need to know to get you through theory paper. The talks will be held in the club room starting 8 January at 7.30 pm. At the final session on 19 February you will be able to sit the paper. Whilst these talks are aimed primarily at those members who haven’t yet got their Bronze C, other members wishing to refresh their knowledge will be welcome to join us, subject to there being sufficient space. Please book on the enclosed form. SOCIAL EVENTS TEN PIN BOWLING - Friday 10 January Join us at Burton Bowling Centre for an evening of friendly competition! Starting at 7.30, we’ve reserved a number of lanes. Tickets are £15 per head. INDOOR KARTING - Saturday 1 February We’re visiting the Midland Karting Experience at Walsall for this event. The Sprint Event comprises an initial briefing, 6 practice laps each, a minimum of four races for each driver followed by semi finals, the Grand Prix and presentation ceremony. £35 a head covers all your costs, including a buffet and soft drinks. Start time 6.30 pm, leave Cross Hayes at 5.30 or meet us there. SKITTLES NIGHT - Friday 28 February Burton Bridge Inn is the venue, where we’ll have exclusive use of their skittles ally for the evening. Starting at 7.00pm the evening includes a buffet supper and costs £13 per head. ANNUAL DINNER - Friday 11 April, 7.30 for 8.00 Following the tremendous success of last year’s dinner, we will once again be visiting the Cock Inn at Hanbury. Tickets at £20 per head will be available in the New Year but places will be limited so you are advised to book early. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - Thursday 15 May Make a note of this date in your diary - the venue is yet to be confirmed.   FLYING DATES WEEKEND EXPEDITION - 8 - 9 February If there is sufficient interest we plan to spend this weekend at one of the Yorkshire clubs. The exact club has not yet been decided as this will depend largely on the numbers wishing to attend and the club’s ability to accommodate us. If you would like to join us for the weekend, please indicate on the enclosed form. PRE SOLO / PRE BRONZE WEEK - 28 April - 2 May Following the success of last year’s week, this will follow the same format with flying and structured talks aimed at progressing every participant. There are 8 places available and priority will be given to those who can commit for the whole week. There is a charge of £50 for those attending, payable in March - this is additional to your flying fees. Places can be reserved now through Val Roberts. CLUB WEEKS - 19 - 23 May and 11 - 15 August As usual we will be running two club weeks, open to all members, booking lists will appear on the club notice board nearer the time.   August 2002 There's been a considerable amount of activity at Cross Hayes since our last update, with our Open Evening, club weeks and evening flying groups keeping us all busy.  Launches are well up on target and our membership is growing - a warm welcome is extended to all our new members.  We have also had a number of first solos/ re solos since our last update - congratulations to Antony Bradford, Nick Griffin and Carl Smales (all pictured top right) and also Paul Machacek and Dave Murcott.  Several pilots have also converted to the K23 and K6.  Unfortunately both our club flying weeks were marred by poor weather, with the torrential rain at the end of July resulting in 3 out of 5 days being non flyable. During June we ran two successful Scholarship Selection days at which 12 local students were able to spend a day learning about gliding and joining in with activities.  Scholarships were awarded to Rob Franklin, Emma Langford, Kat Lewis and  Claire Moylan who began their training with us at the beginning of July and who are all proving to be keen and enthusiastic members.  (our scholarship holders are pictured with student members Iain Roberts, left and Anna Griffiths, in glider)   Looking back a little to events that took place a little earlier in the year, our Open Evening in April proved to be highly successful, despite the fact that it was held on a bitterly cold evening - a last minute dash to the Tool Hire Shop for an infra red heater turned out to be one of our better 'last minute' decisions.  Our visitors were given a presentation on gliding and learning to fly at Needwood Forest Gliding Club, they were shown around our gliders and had the opportunity to 'try them for size'.  Visitors and members alike were also able to try their hand on the Soaring Flight Simulator (it's very worrying that the visitors seemed to do better than our instructors!!) and the evening was rounded off with a buffet supper and question and answer session. The end of April saw our first pre solo/ early bronze week, and whilst the weather wasn't always kind, there's no doubt that participants achieved a great deal during the week.  Our annual dinner was held at a new venue this year, The Cock Inn at Hanbury, which proved to be an excellent choice.  Syd Brixton who retired as CFI last September was presented with an engraved decanter in recognition of his services to the club.  Trophies were awarded as follows: Edge Trophy (for most points on the Club Ladder) - Anna Griffiths Cross Country Trophy - Thomas Edwards Whiteley Plate (best progress by a student member) - Anna Griffiths CFI Trophy (best overall progress by a member) - Terry Middleton Hogg Trophy (most instructional hours) - Val Roberts Triangle Trophy - Not awarded

January 2002 Whilst long summer days and booming skies may seem but a distant dream, spring is fast approaching and now is the time to make plans for the forthcoming season.  The committee are currently assessing our operations and considering a number of initiatives aimed at improving the way in which we operate.  With falling membership numbers, the recruitment and retention of members features high on our list of priorities.  Following last years changes to the instructor rota which helped us to give check flights a higher priority, we are now investigating a booking system for Trial Lessons, a redesign of the flying list and a reappraisal of our training strategy to ensure that we focus on the needs of individual pilots - both pre and post solo. As part of this initiative, this year we will be holding a Pre Solo/Pre Bronze flying week early in the season followed by two traditional club flying weeks during the summer months.  We also plan to hold a number of flying evenings during the summer months, this should enable us to fly a greater number of temporary members without impacting on 'member' flying during the day.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: PRE SOLO/PRE BRONZE WEEK :        Monday 29 April - Friday 3 May

An intensive week aimed at progressing participants towards their next goals.  With two instructors and just 8 trainees/early solo pilots, the week should provide the opportunity for lots of flying as well as a programme of classroom sessions covering general flying issues and Bronze C topics.  There will be a charge of £50 for the week, payable by 1 March.  Places are limited - to reserve yours e.mail val@gogliding.co.uk

CLUB WEEKS :   Monday 27 May - Friday 31 May                   Monday 29 July - Friday 2 August

This year we'll be holding two club flying weeks at Cross Hayes. Both weeks are open to all members regardless of their experience level, with the aim of giving everyone the opportunity to progress their flying skills, so why not take the opportunity to join us for a week or two of flying.  Watch the notice board for booking details - as in previous years a daily deposit will be required but this is refundable against flying fees.

OTHER DATES :                   21 May -   Annual General Meeting, The Meadowside Centre, Burton on Trent                          1/2 June -  Cadet Selection Days                          6 July -      New Cadets start

20 March 2001 Foot and Mouth - flying activities resume On 18 March the government issued guidelines for the general public on countryside activities and visits.  Following the advice issued within these guidelines and noting that the nearest outbreaks of foot and mouth disease are in excess of 8 miles from Cross Hayes , the committee have decided to resume some flying operations with effect from Saturday 24 March. Initially flying will be restricted to members only.  If you have an Air Experience Voucher or would like to take a Trial Lesson, please call Val Roberts on 01283 820108 for details of the current situation.  Please note that the Club has taken the following precautionary measures: disinfectant mats have been laid at the site entrance (only 1 gate to be opened) cars are not allowed beyond the car park ie no cars on operational areas strictly no dogs allowed on site until further notice The committee will continue to monitor the situation regarding possible further outbreaks of the virus, additional government and MAFF advice and will up date this site as and when the situation changes.  Further details on Foot and Mouth Disease, including the government's guidance can be found on www.maff.gov.uk  6 March 2001 Foot and Mouth - suspension of flying activities As the recently confirmed outbreaks of Foot and Mouth in Staffordshire (Leigh, near Uttoxeter and Chase Terrace) mean that we are now within an Infected Area, the committee have decided to temporarily suspend flying activities from the site.  We will however be watching further developments very closely and will notify members as soon as this situation changes. The committee haven't taken this decision lightly.  Indeed we continued to operate over the last two weekends, although those who were at the club last weekend will know that we chose to place considerable restrictions on our operation.  With the news late on Sunday of a confirmed case of FMD at Chase Terrace, approximately 9 miles from the club, however, we are now in an infected area and the committee do not believe that we can continue to operate until the full implications of the situation are clearer.  We're sure all members will appreciate the need for the club to adopt a responsible stance during this crisis. The Foot and Mouth epidemic has already impacted upon the UK gliding movement.  Gliding relies very heavily on the good will of farmers, with a harmonious relationship between the gliding movement and the farming community having been built up over many years.  It is a generally held belief within the gliding movement that, at the current time, any action which could be interpreted as irresponsible would do untold and lasting damage to our sport.   The BGA have banned all Cross Country flying until further notice and many clubs have already voluntarily closed or are restricting their operations in response to the outbreak.    At this stage we do not feel it is necessary to close access to the club room/hangar area.  Work will continue on CofA's and other general maintenance tasks over the coming weekend with the aim of getting all club gliders serviceable as soon as possible - our hope is that the outbreak is coming under control and that the suspension of flying activities will be short lived.  Obviously this will require enough people on site to derig gliders etc - please give me a call if you are able to help with this as we need to minimise traffic to and from the site. Val Roberts Club Chairman contact me on 01283 820108 or e mail val@gogliding.co.uk       For more information on the current situation, visit: www.gliding.co.uk - the BGA's Web Site which includes their statement on the Cross Country Ban. www.maff.gov.uk - web site for the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, contains up to date listings of all confirmed cases, maps of infected areas and details of restrictions.

Following its first trials early last month, the retrieve winch has undergone further modifications and is now up and running, meaning we can now fly even when its too wet to take the tractor across the field!