Winter Programme 2010

SOCIAL EVENTS
Quad Biking – Saturday 9 January, various start times
Venue – Team Action, Hamstall Ridware followed by a hot lunch at Cross Hayes, Cost £37.50
Cindy and John Bostock’s Quad Bike track, just off the southwest corner of our field, offers 5 exhilarating miles of rugged terrain with a mix of fast open ground, challenging hill sections, wild woodland and ponds.  Join us for an hour trek on their Yamaha Wolverine 350 bikes and experience the fun first hand!  Note race suits and safety helmets are provided, for more details visit their website – www.team-action.co.uk
Burns Night Supper – Friday 29 January, 7.30pm start
Venue – Cross Hayes Clubroom, Cost  £20 per head
Join us in the clubroom for a traditional Burns Night Supper.  Our Scottish host, Dave Johnstone, will guide us through the evening, ably assisted by that other flying Scotsman Des Tait. Menu Cock-a-leekie soup  ***  Haggis, Neeps & Tatties   ***  Crannachan or Ice Cream (Savoury Mince or Vegetarian option available for those who don’t want Haggis)
Visit from Hagley Falconry – Sunday 7 February, 9.30am start
Venue - NFGC, Costs - Active participants £40, spectators £10 – all fees include a hot lunch
Once again Andy Plant will be visiting us with his some of his feathered friends from Hagley Falconry.  From Little Owls and American Kestrals to Harris Hawks, Saker Falcons and Golden Eagles these birds are truly magnificent.  Those actively partaking in this day will be able to handle and fly an assortment of birds as well as watching Andy’s fascinating demonstrations.  Active participants are limited to 10 places, note – priority will be given to members who did not take part in this activity in 2008.  Spectators are also welcome, charges as above.
Quiz Night – Friday 19 February, 7.30 start
Venue -  Cross Hayes Clubhouse, Cost - £15
Davy’s Quiz Nights never fail to entertain!  Three rounds of questions covering a wide range of topics – which team will win this year?  Tickets include a buffet supper.  Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available
Visit to Bletchley Park, The National Codes and Cipher Centre – Saturday 27 February
Car share from Cross Hayes, departure time 8.15am  Cost is dependent on numbers £25-£30 max (the more members go, the less the cost!) includes lunch.
With our own dedicated guide for the day, this visit takes in the buildings of Bletchley Park, including visits to the Enigma machine and the Colossus Rebuild project.
Skittles Night – Friday 5 March, 7.00 start
Venue – Burton Bridge Inn Cost, £15
We’re returning to the Burton Bridge for our ever popular Skittles Night – a bit of friendly rivalry, warm fires and good beer.  Buffet supper included.
Visits to East Midlands Air Traffic Control Unit – various dates
Take the opportunity to go airside at East Mids and find out all about the role and activities of the ATC Unit. Spend the morning with the controllers, visit the tower and see if you can interpret the radar displays!  We have four dates available, limited to 6 visitors each day.  If you’d like to join us, please indicate your preferred dates on the booking form.

 

TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS
Brighten up your weekend afternoons with a visit to the club, join us in dreaming of the thermic days awaiting us in the months ahead and gen up on your gliding knowledge for the coming season.  All talks will be held in the clubroom   Start time will be 3.00 pm or, if we are able to fly, as flying finishes.
Thermalling – Saturday 16 January
We didn’t see too much of these elusive creatures last summer, so come along and brush up on what they look like, where to find them and how to use them – all in readiness for the coming season.
Know your Glider – Sunday 24 January
Understanding the gliders you fly - their design, construction and handling characteristics.  Can you tell how it will handle just by looking at it? From DI’s to what to look for when buying a glider, from what speed between thermals to min sink and best L/D?  Come and learn how to get the best out of the gliders you fly.
Field Landings – Saturday 30 January
Whether you're off on a cross country or if you inadvertently get low whilst local soaring, the ability to pick a suitable field and land the glider safely is an essential skill.  This presentation looks at choosing fields, crop recognition and flying your circuit - lots of practical advice on landing away from site.
Get more out of your flying – Sunday 21 February
Do you know what you want to achieve with your flying this year? From going solo to flying a 300k, this session aims to help you identify your goals, with lots of practical advice on setting your own goals, interpreting the weather and analysing your flying
Gliding in South Africa – Saturday 6 March
Come and listen to Steve Hickingbottom’s fascinating talk about his gliding exploits in South Africa. Illustrated with Steve’s stunning photographs, this talk is definitely one not to miss.
Stalling and Spinning – Sunday 14 March
This talk concentrates on recognising the onset of the stall, why a stall turns into a spin, when it’s most likely to happen and how to prevent it.  We’ll discuss some of the Stalling and Spinning re-inforcement exercises and why they’re important – good background knowledge for those who haven’t yet reached this stage in their flying and a valuable refresher for those who have.
Parachutes – FRIDAY 12 March @ 7.00pm
Come along and listen to Tim Moran, our parachute repacker, as he explains all about the parachutes we carry with us everytime we fly and gives us guidance on how to use them should we ever need to. Tim’s talk will be followed by a Pea and Pie Supper @ £5.00 per head.