SEWHGPGC Mailing List

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:10:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr /> A talk and slide show has been arranged for SEWHG&PGC members at 7.00pm on Thursday 4th February at Bryn Bach Park. The World Tandem “Out-and-return” distance record holder, Toby Colombe, has generously agreed to give us a presentation about his record breaking 168km flight and talk about distance flying in general. This is a great opportunity to expand your flying knowledge and ask an expert all those nagging questions (or just enjoy hearing about a fantastic adventure). Toby is currently in first place for the British Championships in both “Sports class” and “Serial class” categories. He is an Advanced Pilot and Professional Tandem Pilot but is very generous with his knowledge and keen to pass on his experience to other flyers . You don’t have to be an XC hound (or even a flyer) to enjoy the show, all are welcome. He is not charging the club for this presentation and it would be great to see a good turn-out on the evening. Put it in your diary, a week Thursday, Bryn Bach Park, Merthyr Rd, Tredegar, NP22 3AY That’s 7pm Thur 4th Feb …………… Great entertainment and its free So come along for a great night out

SEWHGPGC Mailing List

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 21:58:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr /> A talk and slide show has been arranged for SEWHG&PGC members at 7.00pm on Thursday 4th February at Bryn Bach Park. The World Tandem “Out-and-return” distance record holder, Toby Colombe, has generously agreed to give us a presentation about his record breaking 168km flight and talk about distance flying in general. This is a great opportunity to expand your flying knowledge and ask an expert all those nagging questions (or just enjoy hearing about a fantastic adventure). Toby is currently in first place for the British Championships in both “Sports class” and “Serial class” categories. He is an Advanced Pilot and Professional Tandem Pilot but is very generous with his knowledge and keen to pass on his experience to other flyers . You don’t have to be an XC hound (or even a flyer) to enjoy the show, all are welcome. He is not charging the club for this presentation and it would be great to see a good turn-out on the evening. Put it in your diary, a week Thursday, Bryn Bach Park, Merthyr Rd, Tredegar, NP22 3AY That’s 7pm Thur 4th Feb …………… Great entertainment and its free So come along for a great night out

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 23 December 2009

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:50:00 GMT

<table width="95%" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td><img height="115" width="700" alt="The SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club a leading UK Free Flight club based in Wales" title="The SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club a leading UK Free Flight club based in Wales" src="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20091223225002&cid=16765732f63796d666c795f6865616465722e676966@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" /> <img height="80" width="250" alt="Santa" title="Santa" src="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20091223225002&cid=56b2f696d616765732f616e382e676966@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" /> With Christmas almost upon us, just a brief roundup of Club news, and advance details of a few events planned for next year. First Aid Course Chris White has arranged for Jocky Sanderson to run a first Aid course at Bryn Bach Park on the 16 - 17 January 2010. The cost of the two day course will be £80. If you would like to attend, please contact Chris White (<a href="mailto:chrismeg.white@virgin.net">chrismeg.white@virgin.net</a>). Talybont Following discussions with the BHPA and other interested parties it has been agreed that Talybont will be re-registered as an official SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club flying site. Avon club will also appear on the BHPA sites database as a current user. A sites guide for Talybont is currently in preparation, and should be added to the online <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/sites/">SE Wales Sites Guide</a> early in the New Year. Refresher Coaching and XC Clinics On her return from a month in New Zealand, Sheryl is hoping to run practical refresher coaching and XC clinics during flyable weekends in March to get everyone back into a safe and confident frame of mind at the start of the 2010 flying season. The format is likely to be a 30 minute preparation discussion on the hill most likely to be flyable, with a debrief on Sunday evening at the Pentrebach pub in Merthyr. This will provide an opportunity to discuss how things went, what could have been done better, and any other topics suggested. The Pub has food until 9pm and plenty of areas to sit and talk about the epic flights of the weekend. If you are interested in taking part, or have any questions or suggestions, please contact Sheryl by email (<a href="mailto:sherylcam@yahoo.com">sherylcam@yahoo.com</a>), or by posting in the Shout Box on the Club web site. Each week in March, if it looks as though it‘s going to be flyable on the weekend, Sheryl will email everyone who has "signed up" on the Thursday to let them know the time and place to meet, and what to bring, with final confirmation posted in the Shout Box on Friday evening. Blaenavon As many members will be aware, the local council now insists that the gate to the mine track is kept locked at all times, other than when it is in immediate use. Following negotiations with the mine owner, the Club has obtained a limited number of keys to the gate, but is not allowed to copy them. Gate keys are therefore currently held by Paul Farley, Paul Williams and Steve Millson, on the basis that if the ridge is flyable one or more of them are likely to be there. They also live locally, so if they are not on the hill, Club members can contact them to gain access. We appreciate this is not an ideal situation, but until we can come up with a better solution this seems to be the best way to maintain vehicular access to this site for the time being. 2009 SE Wales XC League Competition The winners of the 2009 SE Wales XC League Competition are shown below. Full details of the flights flown are shown in the <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_league_table&category_id=009">2009 XC League Tables</a> on our web site. The winners will be presented with their trophies at the Club AGM in May 2010. HG XC League Trophy <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Rob&surname=Dowdell">Rob Dowdell</a> (391.30 Km) PG XC League Trophy <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Andrew&surname=Brazier">Andrew Brazier</a> (129.17 Km) The Alan James Trophy for the longest HG flight from a Club site <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Rob&surname=Quick">Rob Quick</a> (80.02 Km from Merthyr) The PG Cup for the longest PG flight from a Club Site <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Andrew&surname=Brazier">Andrew Brazier</a> (80.19 Km from Merthyr) The Blorenge Cup for the longest flight from the Blorenge <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Rob&surname=Dowdell">Rob Dowdell</a> (36.91 Km) The Jim Hay Trophy (Novice XC) <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Richard&surname=Hewitt">Richard Hewitt</a> (8.55 Km from the Blorenge) The Steve Allen Trophy (Best XC in a BCC round) <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_pilot_table&category_id=009&firstname=Jason&surname=Andrews">Jason Andrews</a> (40.49 Km from Corndon) Most Improved Pilot Peter Cook National Competitions on SE Wales Sites during 2010 At the moment there are only two National competitions planned for SE Wales sites during 2010: <ul> <li><a href="http://bhgc.wikidot.com/bos:british-open-series">British Hang Gliding Series 2010</a> (Fri 30 April - Tue 4 May)</li> <li><a href="http://www.bpcup.co.uk/">BPCup</a> (Fri 30 July - Sun 1 August)</li> </ul> The <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/events/index.php?category=competitions">Competitions Calendar</a> on the web site will be updated if further National competitions are agreed in the New Year. BHPA Subscription Increase All BHPA subscriptions will increase by £5 on the 1st February 2010, so for example the BHPA Annual Flying Member Subscription Fee will rise to £89. The BHPA Office will be closed for Christmas and the New Year from 4pm on Wednesday 23rd December until 8.30am on Monday 4th January. <div align="center"><img height="35" width="600" alt="Christmas Lights" title="Christmas Lights" src="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20091223225002&cid=696d616765732f616e6962756c62732e676966@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" /></div> Well that's just about it for now. It just remains for me to wish you all a happy Christmas and a great 2010. Paul Dancey SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

SEWHGPGC Mailing List

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 19:30:00 GMT

<div class="postbody">URGENT SAFETY NOTICE Following an Incident at Merthyr Tydfil the AIS has declared a temporary no fly zone that covers the whole of our flying site at Merthyr Tydfil, from ground level up to 3,200ft. This restriction is likely to be in force until Monday 1200Z (estimated): The details from the AIS web site are as follows: Q) EGTT/QRTCA/IV/BO/W/000/035/5145N00321W002 FROM: 09/08/13 14:13 TO: 09/08/17 12:00 EST E) RESTRICTED AREA (TEMPORARY) OWING TO THE INCIDENT AT MERTHYR TYDFIL RESTRICTION OF FLYING REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE UNDER ARTICLE 96 OF THE AIR NAVIGATION ORDER 2005 IN AREA BOUNDED BY A CIRCLE RADIUS 2NM CENTRED ON 514437N 0032054W. PILOTS ARE FORBIDDEN TO FLY WI THE DESIGNATED AREA WITHOUT PERMISSION OF SOUTH WALES POLICE 01656 655555 EXT 20915/20380. ATC UNITS CLOSE TO THE INCIDENT AREA ARE REQUESTED TO ADVISE ACFT ON THEIR FREQ OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS NOTAM. MIL ACFT SHOULD COMPLY WITH JSP 552 201.135.9 LOWER: SFC UPPER: 3200FT AMSL My thanks to Rob Dowdell for bringing this to our attention. Rob has spoken to Cardiff police who have said that it may be possible to fly at Merthyr on Sunday, but they cannot give permission until tomorrow (Sunday) so anyone who was hoping to fly Merthyr tommorrow will have to ring the police first for approval. Anyone thinking of flying Merthyr on Monday is also advised to contact Cardiff police, or check the AIS web site for the latest information.</div> <div class="postbody"> </div> <div class="postbody">Paul</div>

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 11 July 2009

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 14:30:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club e-Newsletter <hr /> Club AGM Just a final reminder that the re-convened Club AGM will be held in the Traders Marquee at the Blorenge Party at Pen-y-Worlod Farm Abergavenny on Saturday 29th August at 6.00pm. If you're just coming along on the Saturday night for the Club AGM, please be sure to bring youe Club membership card with you to show to security staff on the gate. Directions to the venue are on the <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/blorenge9.php">Blorenge Party page</a> on the web site. <hr /> Blorenge Party Talking of the Blorenge Party, another reminder that you have less than three weeks to buy Blorenge Party tickets at the reduced rate of £30 for a single and £40 for a double. After the 31st July tickets will cost £45 for a single ticket and £55 for a double ticket. So don't miss out on a bargain, <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/form5.php?item_name=Blorenge%20Party%20Tickets">order your tickets today</a> and save £15 on the "gate price"! <hr /> Site Issues Blaenavon: I'm afraid a locked barrier has now appeared across the second gate by the entrance to the Blaenavon flying sites with a notice stating that it will be closed after 2 pm and will not be opened until 9 am daily, so for the time being vehicular access to this site will not be possible. The Club as learnt that the Local Council has ordered the Mine Owner to keep the gate locked to try to cut down on fly tipping and illegal off road riding. Fly tipping is particularly bad at the moment, and the Mine Owner is responsible for clearing this not the Local Authority. Paul Farley is currently in contact with the Mine Owner to see if we can come to some arrangement to gain vehicular access once more. Please don't do anything in the meantime to make those negotiations harder than they already are. Fochriw: The new locked gate at Fochriw appears to have been installed by the company working on repairing the rail link to the coal washery, so I'm afraid it's back to square one and we need to see if we can negotiate vehicular access to the mine track again. Rogue Pilots: We seem to be getting a number of reports about "rogue" pilots on SE Wales sites. In some cases it appears that they are not fully qualified and have no insurance, in other cases they just aren't prepared to follow site rules. Unfortunately their actions can all too easily put continued site access at risk, and we would ask all Club members to be vigilant when flying SE Wales sites and to be on the look out for bad behaviour. You dont have to be confrontational, that would only make a bad situation worse, but if you see someone new on a site, that doesn't appear to know the rules, or you think may not be qualified or insured, it is better to speak to them and explain the possible consequences for all of us.  Who knows, you might be able to encourage them to go on the straight and narrow, or even make a new friend or member. Very often a quiet word is all it takes to nip bad behaviour in the bud.  <hr /> Live Weather Paragliding Map Craig Payne has created a rather neat "Google map application" to show live weather observations around popular paragliding sites in the UK and Europe, which looks to be a useful addition to the rather better known XC weather page. Craig's web site can be found at <a href="http://www.paraglidingmap.com/">www.paraglidingmap.com</a>. <hr /> SE Wales Sites Map If you've not looked at the Club's on-line sites guide recently, you may not be aware that we too have created our own "Google Map" showing the location of all SE Wales Sites, with abridged site rules and advice. To date this has had over 9,000 visits, so there's even less excuse for visitors who claim to not be aware of our site rules. Our on-line sites guide includes a link to the appropriate Google map for each of our flying sites, or you can go directly to the main <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&t=p&msa=0&msid=115775878217147663933.00045e2ecfc9af34138fe&ll=51.740636,-3.449707&spn=1.020455,1.757813&z=9&source=embed">SE Wales Sites Google Map</a>.  <hr /> Jim Hay As you know Jim Hay passed away last month. Jim was member of the Club for more years than I care to remember. A past Chairman, Safety and Training Officer, and Sites officer, Jim made a massive contribution to the Club over the years before retiring to Spain, and was a personal friend. A real character in an often grey world, many members will I'm sure have fond memories of Jim. He will be sadly missed. A short obituary has been published in the July issue of Skywings, and as a small tribute to his contribution to the Club and the sport, we will be dedicating our annual novice pilot trophy in his memory. When I recently spoke to Daphne, his widow, she asked me to pass on her thanks for the many cards, and letters of sympathy and support she has received from members and friends. <hr />   Paul

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 31 May 2009

Sun, 31 May 2009 12:40:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club e-Newsletter <hr /> Club AGM Sadly there were insufficient members at the AGM (on Sunday 24th May) to make up a quorum, so it had to be adjourned. We did however take the opportunity to hold a Club meeting to discuss current issues and present trophies to the winners of last years Club competitions. Please see <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_league_table&category_id=008">www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php</a> for full details of the winners, and the trophies presented. The meeting also discussed the Committee's decision to make Pandy a "Members Only" site, and that decision was support unanimously by all members present. The Club does however still need to run an AGM to conduct "official" company buisness, but as this shouldn't take too long, it has been agreed that the AGM will now be reconvened at 6.00pm on Saturday 29th August at the Blorenge Party. <hr /> Blorenge Party If advance ticket sales are anything to go by, this year's Blorenge Party should be one of the most popular yet. So it's worth reminding everyone that the deadline for purchasing adavance Blorenge Party tickets at the reduced price of £20 for a single and £30 for a double is midnight tonight (31 May). From tomorrow tickets will cost £30 for a single and £40 for a double. So don't miss out on a bargain, order your tickets today!   Paul

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 6 May 2009

Wed, 06 May 2009 19:20:00 GMT

Reserve Parachute Re-pack Steve Millson has organized a Club Parachute Re-pack for Tuesday 19th May, from 6.30. This will be held at <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=NP7+5UD&ie=UTF8&ll=51.822835,-3.021584&spn=0%20.012334,0.020642&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=0">St Michaels hall</a>, 10A Pen y Pound, Abergavenny Monmouthshire, NP7 5UD. If you would like to attend and have not done so before, please bring your harness and reserve so the whole system can be checked and if you have the manufacturer’s manual, please bring that with you too. Professional repacks are usually around £25+, but Steve is providing his services for free and charging just £10 per member with all proceeds donated to charity (probably the Air Ambulance). If you'd like to attend, please <a href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">email Steve</a>, so he has an idea of the numbers coming along.   Site Restrictions Just a reminder that with the 2009 lambing season well under way, the following site restrictions apply: Pandy Closed 1st - 21st May Blaenavon Closed 1st March to Mid May Hay Bluff Closed Monday - Friday 1st - 31st May ie. the site can only be flown Saturdays and Sundays during this period Further details can be found in our <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/sites/">On-line Sites Guide</a>.   Blorenge Party Tickets Just a reminder that Blorenge party tickets purchased before the 31st May cost £20 for a single ticket, or £30 for pilot and partner with free entry for kids under 16, which is a large saving on the "Gate Price". To purchase advance Blorenge Party tickets, please visit the <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/blorenge9.php">Blorenge Party</a> page on our web site. Paul

AGM Notification

Sun, 03 May 2009 10:53:00 GMT

The SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd Notice of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd will be held at the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny on Sunday 24 May 2009 at 7.30pm The purpose of the meeting will be to: <ul> <ul> <li>Consider reports of the Company's activities and financial position, and of the income and expenditure account and balance sheet, presented at the meeting.</li> <li> Elect members of the Executive Committee (Company Directors).</li> </ul> </ul> The following Directors are currently standing for re-election at this year's AGM: Jason Andrews Andrew Brazier Sheryl Cameron Mark Cousins Paul Dancey Steve Millson Mark Pearson Dave Tregaskis Chris White Paul Wilkinson If any other member of the South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club would like to stand for election to the Club's Executive Committee, would they please contact the Club <a href="mailto:paul-dancey@sewhgpgc.co.uk">Chairman</a> or <a href="mailto:paul-wilkinson@sewhgpgc.co.uk">Secretary</a> by Sunday 10 May 2009. The formal AGM will then be followed by an informal "questions from the floor" session, and the presentation of Club trophies for 2008. This is an opportunity for Club members to have a say in the running of their club, so please try to come along if you possibly can. Paul Dancey On behalf of the Board of the South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 17 April 2009

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:10:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club e-Newsletter <hr /> <h3> Members Area </h3> As many of you will have found by now, the Club has decided to remove the password protection from the members area of our web site to make this area a little easier to access. The new URL for the Club Members Area is: <a href="http://www.members.sewhgpgc.co.uk">www.members.sewhgpgc.co.uk</a> <hr /> Dragonfly The latest edition of Dragonfly (April 2009) is now available for download on the Dragonfly page in the members area of our web site: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/dragonfly.php">www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/dragonfly.php</a> Following a recent decision by the Club to drop the paper version of Dragonfly, this will be the first edition of Dragonfly to only be available as a full colour interactive pdf document. <hr /> Club Shout Box The Club Shout Box in the Members Area, and on the home page of our web site, is proving to be a popular way for members to keep in touch, especially when discussing which sites are likely to be flyable on any given day. If you've not registered for our Shout Box and Forums yet, please use the forum registration link in the Members Area of our web site. <a href="http://www.members.sewhgpgc.co.uk">www.members.sewhgpgc.co.uk</a> <hr /> Fochriw Gate The gate to the mine track at the foot of Fochriw (Club members Only site) has once again been broken, and this time the damage appears to be terminal. No decision has yet been taken about what, if any, action the Club should take. <hr /> Pandy The Club has also decided to designate Pandy as a Members Only site. Pandy should therefore in future only be flown by members of the SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club, and members of the Welsh Free Flight Federation. The SE Wales sites guide will shortly be updated to reflect that change, and a notice published in Skywings. Further information is available in the latest edition of Dragonfly. <hr /> Blorenge Party & Fly-in Preparations are now well under way for this year's Blorenge Bash over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Further information is available in the latest edition of Dragonfly, and on our web site at: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/blorenge9.php">www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/blorenge9.php</a> Advance tickets are also now on sale, and offer a considerable saving on the gate price: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/form5.php?item_name=Blorenge Party Tickets">Buy your Blorenge Party tickets on-line now</a>   Paul Dancey

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 19 October 2008

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 11:44:00 GMT

<blockquote>  SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club e-Newsletter </blockquote> <hr /> <h3> Dragonfly</h3> The latest edition of Dragonfly is now available for download from the password protected members area of our web site: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/private">www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/private</a> Just click on the Dragonfly page link at the top of the page. The October issue is another 40 page bumper edition, and is crammed full of articles and information. Check it out now. <hr /> First Aid Course Chris White has arranged for Jocky Sanderson to come down to SE Wales on the 10 and 11 January 2009 to run a two day First Aid course. Day 1 will be a British Heart Foundation standard 1st aid course with additional tuition in the use of defibrillators, which are now becoming more common in public places. Day 2 will be specific to the mountain environment and paragliding, covering 1st aid, immediate care and evacuation. Jocky is able to issue BHF 1st aid certificates, but these aren't HSE approved. Chris is keen to make the course affordable so has kept the price at a very reasonable £65 per person. If you're interested in attending, please book a place now by sending a text or email to Chris: 07768 732596 <a href="mailto:chrismeg.white@virgin.net">chrismeg.white@virgin.net</a> This is likely to be a popular course, so don't delay book your place now.  <hr /> Fochriw Gate The gate to the mine track at the foot of Fochriw (Club members Only site) has now been profesionally repaired. Part of the damage done to this gate may have been caused by the gate being thrown open and the hinge forced against the post. If you use this gate, please make sure you walk it open to avoid future problems. Our thanks to Dan Sidoli for arranging and supervising the repairs. All we need now is a volunteer to give it a coat of paint. <hr /> BHPA AGM and the Sport & Light Aviation Show A final reminder that the Sport and Light Aviation Show takes place at the NEC on November 29th and 30th. Free flight importers and dealers booked so far include Airways, Bailey Aviation, Flylight, Northern Paragliding, ParAvion and UK Airsports. There will be a presence from the various airsports' governing bodies: the BHPA, BMAA, BGA, LAA and CAA; also the BHPA Simulator, plus Cross Country International, Today's Pilot, Extreme Kites, Onrisk and Airsports Insurance. An exciting schedule of talks and seminars has been arranged including Jocky Sanderson (thermalling and glider safety), Michel Carnet (maximum fun with minimum risk), and Nigel Page (starting XC flying). There will also be talks from Dr Bill Brooks (flexwing developments) and Richard Meredith-Hardy, and hopefully a talk about the Yuneec electric paramotor. Entrance is £5 to BHPA members with a valid membership card and £10 to non-members (doors open 10am). The BHPA AGM will be held on the morning of Saturday November 29, and is your chance to have a say in how our sport's UK Governing Body is run. For further show information, please visit <a href="http://www.theflyingshow.co.uk">www.theflyingshow.co.uk</a>. Paul Dancey <hr />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 24 May 2008

Sat, 24 May 2008 14:49:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club e-Newsletter <hr /> <h3> Mode S Transponders - Update</h3> On 31st January 2008 the CAA published the phase 2 consultation documents for their latest proposals on the compulsory carriage of transponders - go to <a href="http://www.caa.co.uk/" tabindex="104">www.caa.co.uk</a>, click on the "Mode S" menu item, and follow the links. The draft response from the BHPA Airspace Panel has now been published <a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk/pdf/BHPA_Draft_Response_May_2008.pdf">here</a>. Time is unfortunately now very short, but further responses from individual pilots would obviously add weight to the arguments put forward by the BHPA. A <a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/notices/transponders2008-4.php">summary document</a> is also available on the BHPA web site. This outlines the background to the CAA consultation, and lists the pros and cons of each of the options proposed. You can respond to the CAA consultation document, online, by email, or by post. But it‘s worth remembering that online responses can only answer specific questions. So any "off topic" response must be by post or email. The deadline for all responses is 5.00pm on 31st May 2008. Please respond in your own words, as multiple copies of exactly the same response will have little impact. You don‘t necessarily have to repond to the whole thing, just pick a point or two that you feel most strongly about, and respond to that. Every response from an individual pilot will add weight to the arguments put forward. You can email <a href="mailto:modesconsultation@caa.co.uk">modesconsultation@caa.co.uk</a>, or write to: Mr Andy Knill Head of Surveillance & Spectrum Management Directorate of Airspace Policy CAA House K6 G6 45-59 Kingsway London WC2B 6TE <hr /> <h3>Pandy</h3> The Longtown Mountain Rescue Team will be undertaking a training exercise on Hatterall Hill on Sunday the 8th June from 9.30am - 4.00pm, and by arrangement with the Club will be parking their vehicles in the parking area negotiated by the Club for pilots flying Pandy. If it's flyable that day, please take extra care when parking, as the car park is likely to be busier than usual. Please make the Mountain Rescue Team welcome, as these volunteers cover a large number of our flying sites (including the Blorenge), and are of course the very people we rely on to get us out of trouble when things go badly wrong. <hr />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 7 May 2008

Wed, 07 May 2008 21:39:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club e-Newsletter <hr /> Dragonfly The latest edition of Dragonfly is available for download in the members area of the web site at:  <a href="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/members/private/dragonfly.php">https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/members/private/dragonfly.php</a>   It's Jason's best magazine yet, another 32 page jam packed edition. A "page turning" version can also be viewed online at: <a href="http://www.online-brochures.net/files/2864">http://www.online-brochures.net/files/2864</a>   <hr /> Club AGM Just a final reminder that the Club AGM will be held in the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny at 7.30pm on Saturday 24th May. This is your opportunity to have your say in the way the Club is run, so do try to come along if you can. The evening will also include the presentation of Club Trophies for 2007.   <hr /> Is anyone else going flying? If you're not sure whether anyone is going to be out flying, or which is likely to be the best site, it's worth checking out our forums. Club members are increasingly using this to keep in touch, and decide which is likely to be the best site to visit. Check it out: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/forum/viewforum.php?f=9">SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Forums</a>   <hr /> CAA Mode S Phase 2 Transponder Consultation April 08 The following message is from the BHPA Airspace Panel: As BHPA members will know, the CAA has issued a new set of consultation proposals for Mode S transponder usage, requiring a response by 31 May. These can be viewed at <a href="http://www.caa.co.uk">www.caa.co.uk</a>. Click on ‘Mode S’ and follow the links. Individual BHPA club secretaries should also all have received CD's direct from the CAA detailing the proposals. Most members will recall that the CAA launched a public consultation on the proposed expansion of Mode S transponder usage in June 2006. This resulted in a significant level of concern and opposition to the policy from the sporting and recreational flying community. As a result of the feedback from that consultation, the CAA has decided that a more gradual, phased approach will need to be employed, and further consultation will be needed on some elements of the proposed policy. This present consultation is part of that. The Government recently approved proposals that make Mode S the required means of compliance for transponder carriage in all the mandatory circumstances with effect from 31 March 2008. So – to be clear – the present consultation is not about whether or not you think Mode S transponders have a future in the UK: that has already been decided. This consultation is about the phased expansion of Mode S transponder usage. It should be noted that, unlike the 2006 consultation, this consultation on the second phase of Mode S expansion does not propose that all aircraft should carry Mode S transponders in all UK airspace. The Detail The CAA's proposals are broken down into four 'options', ALL of which they deem desirable to implement but any final recommendation to Government will depend on information and feedback from stakeholders, which includes BHPA Membership (ie. individual Hang Glider, Paraglider and FLPA pilots).  Each 'option' is considered in specific documentation on the CAA website with a cost benefit précis and we suggest you read them for more detail. Initial examination of the documents may suggest foot launch flyers are exempt from the proposals. This is true but we should pay attention to any knock-on effects and to the fact that inevitably sooner or later a suitable lightweight transponder will exist for hg/pg carriage. Option 1 Require all aircraft (other than gliders) in controlled airspace to operate SSR Mode S transponders. Pros to BHPA: Increased levels of safety for aircraft within controlled airspace, i.e. those BHPA members that use airliners to get to their flying abroad! Cons to BHPA: ·         Once a Mode S infrastructure exists for the majority, the CAA's long-term plan for wholesale airspace reclassification will then be possible. ·         Our existing operations in controlled airspace are based on Letters of Agreement (LOAs): as more traffic becomes ‘known’ it is quite possible that the toleration of our ‘unknown’ activities will evaporate. ·         Non Mode S equipped powered traffic will have to find routes around controlled airspace, increasing traffic in the airspace where we can fly.   Option 2 Implement a formal process to support applications for ‘Transponder Mandatory Zones’ (TMZs) outside of controlled airspace. The CAA already have the power to set up TMZ’s – and think it likely that more of these zones will be needed in the future.  This proposal is about establishing a clear documented process for dealing with future applications for a new TMZ – as against the current vague, undocumented process. Pros to BHPA: This perhaps gives us an opportunity to ensure that there is always a proper consultative process, and that the BHPA has a voice within it. Cons to BHPA: ·         There is the worry that, once the CAA has a nice new process for establishing TMZ’s, they will set to with gusto. (But they can do this using their existing powers). ·         There is no certainty that the ‘formal process’ we are invited to vote for will include any consultation and/or criteria we agree with. ·         The BHPA is already overloaded with the number of controlled airspace consultations that are going on. (Nb. An increase in TMZ’s is a decrease in the amount of sky left open to us and all the other non-transponder aircraft, thus reducing our safety) Option 3 Include Gliders in all SSR transponder carriage regulations. This proposal would mean that gliders would have to operate a Mode S transponder when in any controlled airspace, when above FL100, and when in any TMZ. In recognition of the challenges of equipping gliders with transponders, the existing regulatory arrangements whereby ATC units can authorise non-equipped aircraft to operate within controlled airspace, where safety and efficiency requirements would not be compromised, would remain. This would, ideally, be through standing LOAs. As there is currently no suitable Mode S equipment available for HG/PG/SPHG, all foot launched variants would need authorisation from appropriate ATC units to operate within mandatory transponder carriage airspace after 31 March 2009. Pros to BHPA: None known Cons to BHPA: ·         If all conventional gliders equipped themselves with Mode S then LOAs negotiated by the BGA for glider access to controlled airspace would no longer be required. This would then leave agreements for non Mode S foot-launch operations possibly unsustainable. That said, there will almost certainly be a number of glider owners whose preference is local soaring and who will chose not to equip their gliders with Mode S. So perhaps there will still be some support from within the gliding ranks to help maintain LOAs.  ·         Notwithstanding the above, it would seem probable that LOAs for Class D access on cross country flights will disappear. ·         We should expect to find that once suitable Mode S equipment exists for hg/pg then, if we want access to controlled airspace outside the LOAs, we will be required to fall into line and equip with Mode S. (As at present such access will always be subject to an ATC clearance and probably the use of air band radios and R/T licenses to contact ATC). Option 4 Mandate the carriage and operation of Mode S transponders on all powered aircraft conducting international flights. Pros to BHPA: None known Cons to BHPA: None known (Nb. As Self Propelled Hang Gliders (a.k.a. phg and ppg) are currently classified in the ANO as gliders there is no impact for the BHPA membership at the moment. ) What Next? The official BHPA response will be posted on the BHPA website to allow the membership time to reference it before the May 31 deadline. There are three methods of responding to the consultation document: online, by email, by post.  The online response document only allows answers to specific questions – none of which have any direct relevance to us.  So any ‘off topic’ response will have to be by post or email.  ·         Via the web-based consultation response mechanism – follow links on CAA website ·         By e-mail to <a href="mailto:modesconsultation@caa.co.uk">modesconsultation@caa.co.uk</a>; or ·         By post to: Mr Andy Knill, Head of Surveillance & Spectrum Management, Directorate of Airspace Policy, Civil Aviation Authority, CAA House, 45-59 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6TE   <hr /> Paul Dancey SEWHGPGC

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 1 May 2008

Thu, 01 May 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Club AGM The Club AGM will be held in the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny at 7.30pm on Saturday 24th May. This is your opportunity to have your say in the way the Club is run, so do try to come along if you can. The evening will also include the presentation of the following Club Trophies for 2007: HG XC League Trophy Winner - Dave Tregaskis (175.66 Km) PG XC League Trophy Winner - Steve Lowe (201.01 Km) 2ns place - Mark Pearson (99.40Km) 3rd place - Chris White (68.37Km) Alan James Trophy for the longest HG flight from a Club site Dave Tregaskis (59.61 Km from Merthyr) The PG Cup for the longest PG flight from a Club Site Chris White (35.05 Km from Blorenge) Most Improved Pilot Award Stuart Osmundsen <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Site Closures The 2008 lambing season has started so please remember that the following site restrictions apply: Pandy Closed 1st - 21st May Blaenavon (Members Only) Closed 1st March to Mid May Hay Bluff (Members Only) Closed Monday - Friday 1st - 31st May ie. the site can only be flown Saturdays and Sundays during this period Further details can be found in our <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/private/fsites.php">Full Sites Guide</a> , which can be viewed online in the members area of our web site. You can also download a "hand held" electronic copy for use on a Palm Handheld, Pocket PC, Symbian Smartphone, or Windows Mobile Smartphone. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Dragonfly Jason has just sent the latest issue of Dragonfly to the printers, so the online version should be available very shortly. Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 25 March 2008

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:30:00 GMT

CAA Mode S Transponder Consultation Tom Hardie, the BHPA's Airspace Officer, has asked us to pass on the following message from Pete Stratten, the BGA's Chief Executive. "The recent mode S meeting with CAA at Turweston was attended by 35 air sport pilots. Although the questions from the floor made some impact, the low attendance will not have gone unnoticed by CAA. It is very clear that feedback to CAA on the current mode S proposals is extremely important – even the DAP team agree with that point. <address> </address> <address> With this in mind, please can I ask you to circulate the following text to your members? The meetings described below are open to all, and those from air sport who attended a meeting at Lasham in 2006 will recall the significant and effective impact that can be made with the regulator when people are willing to stand up and be counted.</address> <address> </address> <address> </address> <address> Mode S Meetings - 2008</address> <address> BGA clubs are hosting a number of open meetings with the CAA to hear about the current Mode S consultation process. ALL ARE WELCOME. The meetings (all 7pm) will be at:</address> <ul> <li> <address>Lasham Friday 4th April</address> </li> <li> <address>Pocklington (Wolds GC) Friday 11th April</address> </li> </ul> <address>Directions to all clubs is available on the BGA web site at: <a href="http://www.gliding.co.uk/findaclub/clubdirectory.htm">www.gliding.co.uk/findaclub/clubdirectory.htm</a> These meetings are a great opportunity for members to engage with the rulemakers and further clarify our airspace needs. We will shortly be providing guidance on how to respond to the consultation, but these meetings will help you to develop your own personal view on how to respond. We are calling on all glider pilots to make a response as was done to such great effect during the first round of consultation and, as such, the BGA urges ALL pilots to try to attend one of the meetings. More information on the consultation process is on the BGA web site at: <a href="http://www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/airspace/modes2008.htm">www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/airspace/modes2008.htm</a></address> <address> </address> <address>Thanks</address> <address> Pete Stratten</address> <address> Chief Executive</address> <address> </address> <address> British Gliding Association"</address> Whilst the current proposals are less draconian than those made last year, the BHPA believes they still represent a significant threat to our sport. It is therefore vital that individual hang glider and paraglider pilots make their views known. If they don't, officialdom will simply assume that there is little resistance and push these changes through. We would therefore like to encourage any Club members living in the Hampshire area to make every effort to attend the Lasham meeting on Friday 4th April to make sure the CAA hears our voice and takes account of our concerns. Further background to the Mode S Transponder Consultation is available on the BHPA web site. The most recent information is listed first: <ul> <li><a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/news1.php">www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/news1.php</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/notices/transponders2006.php">www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/notices/transponders2006.php</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/notices/transponder.php">www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/notices/transponder.php</a></li> </ul> <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Updated SE Wales Coach List As a result of the introduction of a new BHPA coach revalidation scheme (see below), all coach rated Club members will in future need a statement of support from the Club's Safety and Coaching Officer when they renew their BHPA membership. To ensure that we have the necessary information to comply with this requirement we recently wrote to all coach rated Club members and asked them to indicate whether they are willing and able to provide coaching on SE Wales sites. The availability of good quality coaching on SE Wales sites is essential for the long term health of our sport and our Club, and we are extemely grateful to those who have replied to say that they are happy to help in this way. Our coaching scheme will of course only be effective if we can put those seeking coaching in touch with those willing to provide it. An updated Club coach list  has therefore been published in the members area of this web site: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/private/coaches.php ">www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/private/coaches.php </a> To assist members to choose the most appropriate coach for their particular needs, this list includes the ratings, email address, and partial postcode (eg CF64) of each participating coach. We hope that you make full use of the coaching opportunities available within the Club, but do ask that you remember that our coaches are all unpaid volunteers who simply want to put something back into the sport they love. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> The Big Ask Friends of the Earth, Abergavenny, are part of an awareness day "The Big Ask" . This has been organized to put pressure on the government to include aviation and shipping in the climate change bill.  Local MPs and politicians have been invited, and FOE have asked for support from the Club, Particularly any members who can either show up in Castle meadows, at around 10 am on the 5th April or better still fly down (if the weather allows). "Monmouth MP David Davies will be there, together with FoE group members with placards, and a specially designed mask of Gordon Brown. The key message for this event is to highlight the need to include aviation emissions in the Climate Change Bill. This is currently a glaring omission and only sustained pressure will make the Government capitulate.  Sustained pressure has been spectacularly successful - there would be no Climate Change Bill at all without FoE pressure over several years and FoE briefing papers are now circulating among MPs and are being discussed seriously. <div> <address>We are working with the Abergavenny Ladies' Walking group and the Abergavenny Cycle Group who will be there wearing  tabards with appropriate messages. Weather and wind permitting, member Steve Millson  will be para-gliding in from the Blorenge at 10.30am</address> </div> <div> <address> </address> </div> <address>After the photo opportunity, at around 10.45am walkers and cyclists will set off walking  and cycling respectively and everyone else will move to Red Square in the town Centre where we will have a stall for members of the public to sign postcards.</address> <div> <address> </address> </div> <div> <address>The local papers have been briefed and will be there to record and photograph the events and we hope for a good write-up.  Both Monmouth and Chepstow FoE are actively involved and are supporting us."</address> <address> </address> <address>Paul Dancey</address> <hr width="100%" size="2" /> </div>

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 12 March 2008

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:00:00 GMT

Dragonfly The latest bumper issue of Dragonfly is now available for download on the <a href="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/%7Esewhgpgc/members/private/dragonfly.php">Dragonfly Online Page</a> located in the members area of the Club's web site. The latest issue features thirty six pages full colour pages with interactive links, Jason's biggest issue to date, and one the the largest ever. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Reserve Parachute Re-pack Steve Millson and Chris White will be overseeing a Club Parachute Re-pack on Thursday 20th March at 6pm at <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=NP7+5UD&ie=UTF8&ll=51.822835,-3.021584&spn=0%20.012334,0.020642&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=0">Our Ladye & St. Michael’s </a>10, Pen-y-pound, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 5UD. Further details can be found on page 4 of the latest issue of Dragonfly. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> BHPA Membership Fees The BHPA have just announced that their membership fees are going up this year. "After eight years, during which careful financial control prevented the need for an increase in subscriptions, it has finally become necessary to raise BHPA subscriptions. In reality the need has not arisen through rising costs, those have mostly remained well under control. This year we will experience two significant changes to our income stream. The first is the effect of the 2012 Olympics and the removal of UK Sport funding for non-olympic sports. In 2008 our grant has halved and we anticipate that it will disappear totally in 2009. The second change is that many years ago, when our insurance history was pretty poor, we entered into a profit sharing agreement with our underwriters. At the time there was no profit nor any prospect of any profit, only substantial losses for the underwriter. However, in the last two years, underwriters have finally seen modest profits from our business and our broker has invoked the long forgotten profit sharing deal. Unsurprisingly, having only just moved into profit and seen a substantial portion of that having to be returned to us, at the insurance renewal this year, underwriters declined to continue with the profit sharing arrangement. Changes in the law had also made the arrangement questionable. The results of these changes mean that it has become necessary to raise subscriptions to the levels set out below. The new fees will take effect on 1st April 2008." So from the 1st April 2008 BHPA Full Flying Membership will cost £84.00 per annum. This will be reduced by £7.00 if you hold a Pilot or Advanced Pilot rating. Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 16 February 2008

Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:30:00 GMT

Coach Revalidation The BHPA has announced that it is introducing a coach revalidation scheme. This is being introduced to help ensure that all BHPA Club Coaches and Senior Coaches are current and active. This should minimise the chance of an accident occurring during a coaching session, and also minimise the legal exposure of any coach if the worst did come to the worst. In future, all SE Wales Club Coaches and Senior Coaches will need to obtain a declaration of support signed by the Club‘s Safety and Coaching Officer when renewing their BHPA membership. The BHPA are also recommending that coaches should re-attend a BHPA Coach Course at least once every five years to ensure that they are fully up-to-date with current thinking. In view of these changes, the BHPA membership form for coaches will in future include a box that can be ticked if a coach no longer wishes to hold a BHPA Coach Licence. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> CAA Mode S Transponder Phase 2 Consultation - January 2008 On 31st January 2008 the CAA published the phase 2 consultation documents for their latest proposals on the compulsory carriage of transponders. This is available at <a href="http://www.caa.co.uk">www.caa.co.uk</a> - click on the "Mode S" menu item, and follow the links. It should be noted that the proposals are less draconian than last year‘s proposal of all aircraft in all airspace. However the BHPA believes that they still represent a significant risk to both our activities and General Aviation as a whole. Pending a full review of the CAA‘s documents the current BHPA position is that they do not believe that the transponder carriage proposed provides the CAA‘s stated safety improvements on a reasonable cost v benefit basis. The BHPA team of Mark Turner, Phil Jones and Tom Hardie will carry out an assessment of the CAA‘s documentation and provide BHPA members with their thoughts in sufficient time for them to respond by the consultation close of 17:00 on 31st May 2008. Further updates will be posted to the <a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk">BHPA web site</a> as and when they become available. This is YOUR airspace use that is being discussed, and if you don‘t seek to protect it officialdom takes the view that by silence you are indicating that you are happy to accept their proposals. Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 3 December 2007

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Club Membership Renewals I'm afraid I had an unscheduled three week stay in hospital last month, and am shortly due for a return, hopefully shorter, stay. This has inevitably resulted in a backlog of membership applications and renewals awaiting processing. I'm hoping to clear some or all of these this week, and also send out the latest batch of renewal notices and reminders for November and December. Please continue to renew your Club membership in the usual way, and rest assured they are in the pipeline, and will be dealt with as soon as I am able. Once again my apologies for the current delays. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Dragonfly Online The latest issue of Dragonfly (November 07) is now available for download on the Dragonfly page in the Club Members Area of the web site. One of the great advantages of producing an electronic version is that we are able to publish the magazine in Full Colour, which I think you will agree Jason has really used to best advantage. Each time a new edition of Dragonfly is published and uploaded to the web site, this mailing list will be used to let you know. So you should never miss an issue. We also intend to slowly build up an archive of past editions, so new members can catch up with what's been going on. We hope you enjoy the latest issue of Dragonfly. Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 18 October 2007

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:30:00 GMT

RAC Wales Rally - Airspace Restrictions Due to the number of helicopters in use various areas of Restricted Airspace will be established during this year's RAC Wales Rally. Exact details are not known at present, the following are therefore only approximate and NOTAMs will need to be checked each day: November 30 - 2 December 2007 Swansea Service Area N51 37.1 W003 55.2 circle radius 1.5nm sunrise - sunset Friday November 30 2007 Port Talbot, Resolfen & Rheola N51 40.6 W003 41.5 circle radius 6.0nm sunrise - sunset Saturday December 1 2007 Crychan, Epynt & Halfway N52 02.0 W003 35.5 circle radius 5.0nm sunrise - sunset Sunday December 2 2007 Brechfa & Trawscoed N51 58.7 W004 08.7 circle radius 4.5nm sunrise - 15.00 UTC Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 14 October 2007

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 17:20:00 GMT

Club Coaching Course Just a reminder that the Club will be hosting a BHPA Club Coaching Course on the 17 and 18 November in SE Wales. This classroom based weekend course is open to any pilot with a minimum rating of Club Pilot plus ten hours. If you're interested in becoming a coach and putting something back into the sport, please contact Steve Millson for further details: <a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">steve@paraglide.co.uk</a> <hr width="100%" size="2" /> XC League Competition The SE Wales XC League competition for 2007 closes on the 31st October. Please make sure you enter all your XC flights for 2007 by the 14th November. <hr width="100%" size="2" /> Membership Renewals Just a reminder that you can always avoid the delays resulting from the Postal Strikes by renewing online. Just visit the "members only" area of the web site and click on the membership renewal link. If you're not sure when you are due to renew, you'll find the details on the back of your Club Membership card. Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 8 October 2007

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Dragonfly Jason Andrews is currently exploring alternative ways of distributing future copies of Dragonfly, and before making any changes is looking for some feedback from Club members. One idea being considered is to publish Dragonfly as a pdf file that can be downloaded from the members area of the website. The idea being that when a new issue is uploaded members would be informed via this mailing list that a new issue was available for download. This approach would enable us to go back to publishing the magazine in full colour. Siince Jim Hay's departure to Spain printing in colour is I'm afraid simply too expensive, and full colour really does make all the difference to flying articles. It would also cut down on the lead time of each issue making it easier to include last minute information, and of course cut out some of the more labour intensive work currently undertaken by the editor. But first we need to try to gauge is how many members would be happy to receive their Club mag this way. So please get in touch with Jason to let him know what you think. Paul Dancey <hr width="100%" size="2" />

SEWHGPGC e-Newsletter - 21 July 2007

Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:00:00 GMT

Invite to Mere Bash The Avon Club have invited all our members to the Mere Bash on  1/9/07 by which time summer might have arrived.  From my previous  attendance around four years a go it was a good do, although as to the  hangover after drinking the "Pigs Swill", it was the name of one of the the  Beers not  a forfeit honest!  They have therefore been asked if  we can circulate the following information: Dear  all, The Avon Club would like to invite you to our annual Mere Bash party  in a field!  With no Blorenge, Homegrown or Wessex bash this year, we’re  pulling out all the stops to have THE party of the summer. It’s a pretty  relaxed affair, big marquee, live music to jump around to, ludicrously cheap  beer, bouncy castle for the kids, BBQ, belly dancing, and bags of flying of  course.  There’s even a trophy for the furthest flight of the day,  handicapped to include hangies and comp wings. The event kicks off on  Saturday 1st September, any time from midday.  Get your tent up in time for  the BBQ, the band kick off around 9:00 and play till midnight, and then the  party goes on till the wee small hours around the campfire or whoever’s taking  house DJ duties. Tickets for all this fun are only  £10 in advance,  £15 on  the door.   You can’t ask for more than that, and so all we ask is  that you do send us a cheque in advance so we can pay for the beer, band and of  course porta-loos! To get your tickets, please drop me an email, and send  a cheque to: Richard Zaltzman – Avon HGPG 36 Beauchamp  Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8LQ See you there, any questions,  just ask. All the best Richard. <hr width="100%" size="2" />