December 1994-January 1995
Through a stroke of good luck we now have a new club-house to replace the old one which was nearing the end of its life. It is exceptionally well equipped with the prospect of a licensed bar on the near horizon. The grand opening party is (due for/was) November the 5th.
Roger Copley and Graham Welch both obtained their silver duration on a recent trip to the Long Mynd.
A. D.
October-November 1994
We had another 16th Birthday Solo recently - Jim "Sawn-off" Storer who celebrated the achievement with a dunking in the 'pond'!
This year the French expedition went to Thouars where the welcome and facilities were excellent. An encouraging number of first-timers joined the regulars. The trip resulted in one badge claim, a silver distance for Alan Dennis which completed his Silver.
We have been very busy recently flying large numbers of school children as part of a local scheme to provide leisure activities during the summer holidays.
Peter Lewis and Neil Braithwaite both flew part one of the UK 100km Diploma.
A. D.
August-September 1994
First solos were flown by Jim Ashcroft, John Martindale, Mark Mason and Andrew Tebay. Graham Welch gained silver height in local wave. Alan Meadows finished his silver with a marginal 74km flight.
Peter Redshaw completed his UK 100km diploma and to demonstrate what the club IS28 could do (see last club news) flew a 100km thermic out and return.
Peter Lewis (CFI), Graham Sturgeon and Peter Redshaw were the first pilots of the year to make it across the Pennines into Yorkshire resulting in a convoy retrieve involving nearly half of the club - it was a bank holiday!
A. D.
June-July 1994
For the first time (as far as anyone can remember) the club IS28 went on a thermic cross-country. Piloted by David North it managed 37km on the first thermic day of the year, beating Peter Redshaw in the Capstan by a very long way.
After its winter away, we finally have BFGC's picture back, collected again by Peter Lewis. Our clubhouse has a collection of pictures waiting to be claimed by any glider pilot that flies into Walney; we eagerly await the first glider from Jurby!
Elwood Mancini has gone solo.
A. D.
April-May 1994
The Lakes year-long "season" has started well with a clutch of big climbs and modest cross-countries - in the depths of winter!
Dave Bull, Gordon Furness and Graham Welch all gained one or both Bronze hours each. Alan Dennis has Silver Duration. Gordon would have had Silver Height if only he'd taken a barograph!
Just before Christmas we gave Keith Butterfield (tug master) a surprise send-off party. Keith has moved to France to start a Gite Business. Several members are already planning Gliding holidays there in the summer.
A. D.
February-March 1994
Our annual dinner/prize giving was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, our thanks to David North. Awards were: Duddon Trophy (services to club) - Dick Redhead; Dodd Trophy (Best progress) - Gordon Furness and Graham Welch jointly; Lonsdale trophy (best cross country) and Alsford Trophy (Best gain of height) both went to Peter Redshaw; Leighton Hall Trophy (Best flight) - Peter Craven; The Sir Leonard Redshaw Trophy (best non Silver C flight) - Graham Sturgeon. The wooden spoon to Phil Gilbert. After a fiercely fought fight, the club ladder shield was won by Neil Braithwaite. Mick Mann has gone solo.
A. D.