BOOKER GLIDING CLUB

From the Chairman

The rather unglamorous event of the last month was of course the EGM. It was very heartening that over 100 members attended on a dark, winter Saturday evening to support the Club. There is passionate support for Booker from its members.

Now for a cold and wintry topic. For those who did not attend the EGM. As everyone knows, Booker has faced a serious cash short-fall this autumn. Increasing the bank overdraft was not possible, and in the absence of a fire sale, the Committee has only been able to deal with the matter by agreeing with two creditors (3 A's and our insurers) deferring payment of our debts until the beginning of January.

The following informal proposal was made at the EGM:

"The meeting supports the Committee's proposal that members should on a voluntary basis when possible pay their subscriptions for the year 2006 to 2007 by January 1st 2006."

This proposal was carried by a very substantial majority, and when asked, again a very substantial number of members said that they did in fact intend to pay next year's subscriptions by 1st January 2006, and I am confident that they will. All the members of the Committee have indicated that they will do the same.

With this measure in place, and the strong support for it and co-operation of the members, the short-term financial situation will be easily manageable. If not there will be a funding crisis. In view of the overwhelming consensus support for this proposal, and the unavailability of any immediate alternative solutions, the Committee are relying on the general support of the members in relation to this matter, and there are no contingency immediate financing plans should this support not materialise.

Therefore, I ask you if at all possible, and especially if you indicated at the EGM that you would do so, to pay your subscriptions by 1st January 2006.

For those members who did not attend, and to clarify the position, we are in effect (as one member correctly pointed out) requesting an interest-free loan for a short period - not additional money; and the subscription if paid in December 2005 or January 2006 will of course last until the end of the normal subscription year in 2007.

The draft minutes of the EGM are enclosed. In view of the very substantial opposition to giving up any hangar space, the Committee have abandoned the idea of doing this. Strenuous efforts continue to cut costs.

With seasonal greetings! (And good hopes for a much better year for Booker in 2006.)

Jack Luxton

From the CFI

November ended well with a good flying day on the ridge for several pilots and only one land out at the bottom! Good field Richard.

Congratulations to Chris Young on going solo in November.

Booker Regionals

The regionals dates are 10/06/06 – 18/06/06. Book your place now to avoid disappointment!

Dinner Dance

The dinner dance organisation is now complete and the date is 4^th February 2006. It gets bigger and better every year. Book your tickets from the office now to ensure you don’t miss out as numbers are limited.

Annual awards

Could all those who won trophy’s last year please return them to the office ASAP but latest by 15^th January and polish them before hand.

Last year’s winners

The Brian Edwards Trophy – Presented to the person who is deemed to have made the best progress and/or effort as a student pilot (decided by the CFI). John Herman.

Good Show Trophy- Presented to the pilot who is deemed to be the most promising up and coming x-country pilot. (Only to be won once. To be selected by Booker advanced soaring group). Jim White.

Challenge 300 speed cup- Presented to the pilot who achieved the fastest speed around a flight no less than 300k in length. Owain Walters.

Challenge 500 speed cup- Presented to the pilot who achieved the fastest speed around a flight no less than 500k in length. Dave Watt.

Kirtleside – Presented to the pilot who achieved the longest distance flight starting from Booker. Paul Brice.

Weekend ladder – presented to the pilot who’s flights scored the highest according to B.G.A Weekend ladder rules (only flown on a weekend). Richard Hood.

Open ladder - presented to the pilot who’s flights scored the highest according to B.G.A open ladder rules (flights flown any time of the week). Dave Caunt.

John Couch trophy. For first 100k. Not awarded 2005

Harry Cook trophy. Most challenging turn point. Not awarded 2005

Golden Pants Award. You can guess how to get this one! Daniel Cooper.

If you think you have done a flight that may qualify for the above awards this season then please GIVE YOUR CLAIMS IN TO THE OFFICE ASAP. All must be supported by logger evidence (Except the Golden Pants Award!).

Aerobatics Course

Graham Saw’s aerobatics course is under way with the help of Alun Jenkins. It started on the 12^th November and continues through to March 2006 on the 1^st Saturday of every month. The lectures and flying are well worth attending. The list of dates is on the notice board. Book your slot as only four people per course can be accommodated.

Instructing

John Herman, Lyndon Wood and Steve Williams are almost finished their Basic Instructors course so we should have three new BI’s by Christmas.

Mentoring.

Mark Lavender is starting up a mentoring scheme to help and encourage nearly solo and post solo pilots. He will be looking for help with this. If he asks please help out.

Andy

G-JBUZ

The above Robin DR400/180R is privately owned but will be used for towing should the club tugs become inoperative or demand calls.

UZ is fitted with a winch and when taking up slack the tug pilot has very little information other than a faint click 9 inches from the rope’s full extent to confirm that the rope has been extended to its full length, it is therefore most important that the all out signal is only given when the glider is seen to move, confirming that the rope has extended to its maximum.

The release handle inside the tug is a guillotine and when in the winch mode will cut the rope when pulled and should only be touched/pulled in an emergency.