Dec 02/Jan 03.
It would seem that Peter Redshaw got the Capstans Cosim working perfectly in time for the two seater comp, for not only did the Capstan win its class but it won outright! I think next year they may just ban the use of such instruments as it constitutes an unfair advantage to other gliders not fitted with one. Congratulation to Peter and the team on their success. Some of the club members have just returned from the annual jaunt to Portmoak for the wave, as usual the weather played its usual tricks so the flying was scarce and the golf was a plenty. It's a good job there are many courses to chose from. Our thanks to Irene and Steve for looking after us with their usual flair, we're all on diets now, see you next year!!
Oct/Nov 02
We have had quite a few good flying days, good enough for Robbie Morris to go solo, had exams etc not got in the way he would have soloed on his 16th birthday, but as they say all good thing come to those who wait. The club visit to Hus Bos had its good and bad days, Dave Heron achieved his cross country diploma in their rotax falke but the visit was cut short due to the worsening weather, apparently all the rain doesn't just fall on Walney. Our old Capstan, now in the hands of Peter Redshaw, has been fully renovated and is now in the air again ready to defend its title at the two seater comp, unfortunately a vital bit of kit is still not working, the "Cosim" just wont respond no matter what. Sounds like a ready made excuse to me!! Alan Meadows has taken over as Tug Master our thanks go to John for his long service.
Aug/Sep 02
Just when we thought it was safe to go flying again, the weather has shown that it can still spoil everything, I think the calendar is a couple of days out as we always seem to have more good Mondays and Tuesdays rather than good weekends. We have finally sold one of our tugs, our Super Cub has gone to a new home. The club now has a new Chairman, Roger Copley, he and all the club members would like to thank John Martindale, our retiring chairman for all the good work he has done for the club during his time in office, and wish him well for the future. Peter Lewis has also stepped down after a long and successful reign as Chief Flying Instructor, the club also wish him many long and happy flights in the future. Dave North, our new C.F.I., has taken up the challenge of whipping us all into shape for the new flying season.
Jun/Jul 02
We're finally a gliding club again, the fair weather has returned, all the gliders now have C of A's so the mood of the club is a bit more up beat. We have already planned a couple of trips away to sample the delights other clubs have to offer, Hus Bos is first over the jubilee bank holiday. We can try out their thermals to see if they differ from ours. Our workshop is now well used by club members for inspections and general maintenance, the only thing that won't fit in is the bus and the tugs. Speaking of tugs, it's now time for their annual checks, lets hope all goes well and they return with a clean bill of health. We've had a couple of new members join us so welcome to Janet and Keenan, we all hope you have fun learning to fly with us.
Apr/May 02
Due to circumstances beyond our control I've not much to tell you all, except Quack Quack!!! They are the only thing flying at our club at the moment. It has been C of A time again and we have been able to put our new workshop to good use, it's surprising what you can do with a second hand 40 ft container and a bit of wood. It takes even the biggest of the clubs gliders easily so the work and inspections can be done in the dry. Thanks to all who have put in the work to make it so. I think Lyn and John have the right idea at this time of the year, we only hope that when they come back from Ozz they bring some of their summer with them.
Feb/Mar 02
The hanger door saga has now been resolved, we can now open them with just a little more than finger pressure! The club trip to Portmoak was a bit of a wash out, we obviously forgot to put in the request for westerly winds and dry days, consequently people came back with better handicaps, golf that is, than when thy left. Steve and Irene were at their usual best, our thanks to all who looked after us during our stay. Our annual dinner dance was once again held at the Grange Hotel and a good time was had by all. The prizes for gliding achievements were presented so here are some of the highlights, Robert Morris won the Dodd Trophy for best flying progress, he joined the club at 14 and has to wait for his 16th before he can go solo. Lyn Martindale won the best flight of the year for 301 Km from Hus Bos, and Neil Braithwaite got best gain of height of 12,000 ft. Graham Welch was awarded the Duddon Trophy for his service to the club. Hopefully as we head into winter, the weather, although colder will be drier, and so boost our flying figures.