Chairman stands down.

By now most members will know that I have had to stand down due to a deteriorating situation at home. I am now effectively a working single parent and seldom have any free time at weekends or in the evenings. During the year I spent in the role I was amazed at the sheer number and diversity of issues and challenges that the club committee have to deal with and the large number of people who quietly get on with making our club run. There are a lot of very dedicated members here.

Gliding as a sport is in decline for many reasons and we at Booker seem to be one of the few clubs that is bucking the trend. There are many things that are right about Booker. The book able flying and abundance of tugs are probably the two things that contribute most to the clubs success. While signing off as chairman I would like to give special mention to Alan Green, Jack Luxton and most of all Dave Richardson, who have all contributed so much to our club this year. Lastly I wish Dave Byass well in his second stint as chairman and hope he enjoyed his years rest.

Bruce Cooper

Most people by now have realised that G has left us on the quest of the never-ending summer.  With this I find myself writing as the CFI for the first time, and would like to thank G for all his help over the past three years, since I have worked with him, and for his work for the club over the last five.  I wish him well in his new endeavours and hope to see him back at Booker in some capacity in the New Year.

On another note, G disappearing into the sunset denotes the onset of winter, and the passing of yet another all-too-fast season!  I would very much like to thank all the instructors who helped this year, without whom, the club could not operate.  These people are the backbone!  Im happy to say this pool of knowledge continues to grow!  My hearty congratulations must go to Alan Green, Tom Moutrie and Errol Reilly on becoming assistant rated, along with David Bundock, Paul Foreman, Gary Nuttall, Mark Lavender and Hannah Hay becoming basic instructors.  Welcome to the team!

Instructing is a wonderful and fascinating side of gliding, with a tremendous amount of rewards.  If this interests you, and you wish to know more about what is involved, and how to become one, grab me for a chat!

Pre-solo requisites

Would all pilots who are presently on an intensive course please make sure that you have had the correct medical form filled in BEFORE you go solo.  Likewise, would the instructor prior to sending people solo please also check.  Please ask for a form from the office.

Winter fun

Winter is the perfect time to prepare for the next season!  There is a lot happening at the club over this period.  Please read the notice board and newsletters for all the forthcoming courses and training days.

It has been suggested that we might have a Dinner and Dance and Award Presentation evening somewhere in the locale at the end of February, early March 2004.  Please contact the office by the end of November if you would be interested in attending such a function so that we can make further enquiries about availability and costs. 

Matt Cook

 

Aboyne 2003 / Shobdon 2004

36 club members flew 12 out of 14 days in good thermals up to 4800 and wave up to FL245.  A total of 184 hours and 138 launches flown gave us 3 diamond heights and 4 golds.  A good time, great scenery and fantastic flying.  Thanks to Dave Byass for running the second week and Tom Moutrie for 2 weeks of help with everything.

Next year is already booked  28th September for 3 weeks.

I have provisionally booked 9 days at Shobdon from Saturday 17th April 2004.  Watch this space for further details: like Aboyne, any experience level is welcome.

David Richardson

FOR SALE

Garmin GPS 111 Pilot

Almost new, never been raced or rallied.  Still under warranty.  Complete with manual, mount, data cable, 12v supply cable and Jeppesen database update download.                     £300.00

Dave Sarney

01494 529263 or tugs@bookergc.co.uk

Free to good home - copies of S & G from 1998 to date  Contact John Watt, 01494 864631

 

Lost - Small dark green leather aviation cushion somewhere on the airfield.  Sentimental value.  If found please return to the office  small reward to finder.
Roy Highfield.

Can anybody help?
Has anybody got a reasonable, serviceable caravan they no longer want which the club can convert into a winter launchpoint.  If you do please contact Matt or Nigel.

 

BRIAN EDWARDS

It is with regret that we have to announce the untimely death of Brian Edwards at the end of October.

Donations to the Brian Edwards Memorial Fund may be made through the office.  It has been suggested that we have a memorial cup to represent Brians long standing endeavours in the field of training new glider pilots.