SEWHGPGC e-News

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:54:00 GMT

<img src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20111120195440&cid=2f696d616765732f63796d666c792e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="" /> <hr /> Club Coach Course We were hoping to host a BHPA Club Coach Course in SE Wales over the weekend of the 3 December - 4 December, but unfortunately at the moment there doesn't seem to be enough interest to make this possible. Which is a great shame, as it's a really useful course for anyone who wants to become a coach, and for existing coaches who want to brush up their coaching skills. Even if you don't want to get directly involved in coaching, the course can be really interesting and help you improve your own flying skills. If you are interested in attending please contact <a href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">Steve Millson</a> or <a href="mailto:paul-dancey@sewhgpgc.co.uk">Paul Dancey</a> by Tuesday evening at the latest, as we need to make a final decision on this by the middle of the week. <hr /> First Aid Course Jocky is planning on running another first aid course at Bryn Bach Park over the winter, idealy he would like to see 10 - 15 participants.  If you're interested in attending this useful course, please contact <a href="mailto:chrismeg.white@virgin.net">Chris White</a>. <hr /> 2012 XC League The new Club XC league has kicked off early this year, with XCs from Alec Linton and Chris White. I must admit they caught be by surprise as it's not often we get flights submitted at this time of year, but then so far it's been a mild November, very different to the big freeze we had last year. Congratulations to both. <hr /> Club Web Site Just advance warning that the Club website, shout box, forums and mailing lists will be offline between 10.00pm Saturday 26th - 6.00am Sunday 27th November as the server hosting these services is being moved overnight to a new state of the art datacentre in Hemel Hempstead. All emails sent to club hosted addresses will be spooled during this period for later delivery. Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News - October 2011

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 13:35:00 GMT

<img src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20111024143557&cid=2f696d616765732f63796d666c792e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="" /> <hr /> Club Coach Course The Club will be hosting a BHPA Club Coaching Course in SE Wales over the weekend of the 3rd & 4th December 2011. 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 to book a place or request further information: <a href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">steve@paraglide.co.uk</a> If you already have a coach rating and are actively coaching on SE Wales sites, please remember that the BHPA now recommends 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. <hr /> Nant-y-Moel Web Cam If you've visited our web site recently, you may have noticed that the Club now has a webcam at Nant-y-Moel to allow pilots to see the prevailing conditions on the hill in real time. Our first webcam has been installed at Red Dragon Paragliding, and we hope to be able to install additional cameras at other flying sites in the not too distant future, once suitable locations have been identified. A reduced size low refresh rate image from the camera is currently displayed on our home page, with a link to the full size high refresh rate version at <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/webcam.php">http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/webcam.php</a> Please note that the Nant-y-Moel take off is slightly out of view to the left of the image displayed. <hr /> Follow the Club on Twitter Just a reminder that you can now follow us on Twitter, and receive the latest flying updates direct from the hill to your mobile phone. If you already have a Twitter account you can post flying info from the hill on your mobile phone by including @sewhgpgc in your message. If you are new to Twitter: 1. Visit <a href="http://twitter.com">http://twitter.com</a> and create an account. 2. On your Twitter page go to Settings > Mobile and register your mobile phone. 3. Visit the Club's page on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/sewhgpgc">http://twitter.com/sewhgpgc</a> and click the "Follow" button. 4. If you are a Vodafone, Orange, 3 or O2 customer you can then post flying info from the hill by texting 86444 and including @sewhgpgc in your message. 5. If you are not a Vodafone, Orange, 3 or O2 customer you can text to +447624800379, but you may be charged international messages rates. All tweets are displayed on the Club's page on Twitter, on the home page of our web site, and are re-tweeted to all our followers. So, when you find yourself on a hill top, please send a tweet to let everyone know what the conditions are like. It only takes a couple of minutes and can really help others Club members. Twitter is great for short messages from the hill, but for longer posts our shout box and forums are the best choice. These come into their own when making flying plans, seeking advice, or just celebrating a great day's flying and inspiring others. Please help to make our shout box and forums relevant and worth visiting by contributing whenever you can.

SEWHGPGC e-News

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 12:51:00 GMT

<img src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110814135105&cid=2f696d616765732f626c6f7234312e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="Blorenge Bash 2011" /> Just a final reminder that advance ticket sales for this year's Blorenge Bash will close on the 20th August. So there's just six days left to <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/form5.php?item_name=Blorenge%20Party%20Tickets">book your advance tickets on-line</a> and save £10 per ticket on the gate price. As in previous years we will be providing a free minibus shuttle service to take you to and from the Blorenge, or whichever of our sites proves to be flyable that weekend. And after a good days flying showers will be available on site for a quick clean up before the evening‘s entertainment in the main marquee. As usual a full bar will be available in the main marquee, and a catering company will be on site throughout the weekend to supply hot food from dawn till dusk. On Saturday and Sunday evenings there will be live bands and a DJ in the main marquee, and on Saturday evening there will be a hog roast (pre-booking required). Throughout the weekend the latest "must have" flying kit from Snowdon gliders, Red dragon Paragliding, Axis airsports, Active edge and Mark Leavesley will be on display in the traders area. A round of the BP cup is also due to be held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, and the organizers will once again be based in the our event field. During the weekend there will be model aircraft and model helicopter displays from Mark Leavesley and Bob Johnson, and for those who like white knuckle challenges, there will be a bronco rodeo ride on site. Meanwhile, for all the kids, big and small, face painting will be on offer in the main marquee. The local power kite club, the South and West Association of Traction Kiting (SWATK), will also be attending the bash, and will be demonstrating power kiting, kite boarding and buggying. Conditions permitting they also hope to be able to run daytime "try it out" sessions. We look forward to seeing you all over the August Bank Holiday Weekend. For further information please visit <a href="http://sewhgpgc.co.uk/blorenge11.php">our web site</a> Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News - July 2011

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:32:00 GMT

<hr /> <img src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110718143200&cid=2f696d616765732f63796d666c792e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="" /> <hr /> Paragliding Competitions - SE Wales Sites As you will have heard, following the tragic events during Task 2 of the Cat 1 Fai World Paragliding Championships held earlier this month, CIVIL temporarily suspended the certification of Competition Class Paragliders. As a round of the BP Cup was scheduled to be held on SE Wales sites over the August Bank holiday Blorenge Bash, the club committee decided to look again at the use of SE Wales sites for competitions. With CIVL advice in mind, and following discussions with the BP Cup organizers, it was agreed that the SE Wales round will go ahead on the basis that there will be no "Open" element, and that "competition" class wings will therefore be excluded. A note to that effect was posted on the Club web site, and the BP Cup organizers amended their competition rules accordingly. <hr /> Paragliding Competitions - Official BHPA Statement Members of the Paragliding Competitions Panel have now met with The BHPA Executive Council to discuss what steps should be taken at a UK level, and have issued the following statement:  <blockquote> Following the recent events at the Paragliding world championship in Piedrahita, the following statement was issued by CIVL:- "Due to recent incidents at the 12th FAI Paragliding World Championship in Piedrahita, Spain the CIVL Bureau has temporarily suspended the certification of Competition Class Paragliders with immediate effect. This suspension means that paragliders classified as Competition Class under Rule 12.1.1.2 of Section 7B of the FAI Sporting Code are not permitted to fly in FAI Category 1 championships for the period of the suspension. Organisers of FAI Category 2 events are also strongly advised to consider whether Competition Class paragliders should be permitted to compete in events with racing tasks for the period of the suspension." Members of the Paragliding Competitions Panel met with The BHPA Executive Council at an emergency meeting in Leicester on the 14th July to decide on the steps that should be taken in response. The BHPA‘s position, with immediate effect, is that participation in all BHPA Paragliding Competitions involving racing tasks is limited to the use of EN or LTF certified gliders only. This position will remain in force until CIVL‘s decision is reversed or varied. A significant effect will be that BHPA competitions currently in progress or planned, must proceed using certified gliders only. This will seriously impact upon the British Paragliding Championships, the next stage of which is to be held in St Jean. The Paragliding Competitions Panel is currently liaising with competitors involved. Important: Insurance Situation: This will affect the applicable BHPA liability cover. Your BHPA 3rd party liability insurance will be invalid if you participate in the organisation (eg: task-setting or marshalling) of any paragliding competition involving racing tasks where pilots are flying uncertified gliders. If any member is uncertain as to whether this affects them, they must contact the BHPA to discuss their particular situation. For Clarification: <ul> <li>Free flying is not affected</li> <li>Paragliding XC League and Accuracy competitions are not considered to involve "racing tasks" and are therefore not affected</li> <li>The BHPA 3rd Party Liability insurance continues to cover individual pilots who fly uncertified gliders at all times, provided they are registered with the BHPA in the usual way</li> <li>Paramotoring is governed by CIMA and is therefore unaffected by the advice from CIVL</li> </ul> BHPA Executive Council BHPA Paragliding Competitions Panel 15 July 2011   </blockquote> <hr /> Follow the Club on Twitter You can now follow us on Twitter, and receive the latest flying updates direct from the hill to your mobile phone. If you already have a Twitter account you can post flying info from the hill on your mobile phone by including @sewhgpgc in your message. If you are new to Twitter 1. Visit http://twitter.com/ and create an account. 2. On your Twitter page go to Settings > Mobile and register your mobile phone. 3. Visit the Club's page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/sewhgpgc and click the "Follow" button. 4. If you are a Vodafone, Orange, 3 and O2 customer you can then post flying info from the hill by texting 86444 and including @sewhgpgc in your message. 5. If you are not a Vodafone, Orange, 3 and O2 customer you can text to +447624800379 but you may be charged international messages rates. All tweets are displayed on the Club's page on Twitter, on the home page of our web site, and are re-tweeted to all our followers. So, when you find yourself on a hill top, please send us a tweet to let everyone know what the conditions are like. It only takes a couple of minutes and can really help others in the Club Twitter is great for short messages from the hill, but for longer posts our shout box and forums are the best choice. These come into their own when making flying plans, seeking advice, or just celebrating a great day's flying and inspiring others. Please help to make our shout box and forums relevant and worth visiting by contributing whenever you can.  <hr /> Blorenge Bash Just a reminder that this year's Blorenge Bash is just a few weeks away, but there's still a chance to save money by <a href="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/members/form5.php?item_name=Blorenge%20Party%20Tickets">buying your tickets on-line</a> in advance. The Bash will once again be based along side the river Usk, on 20 acres of picturesque river meadows, at Pen-y-Worlod Farm at the foot of the Blorenge. This spectacular location has ample space for the marquees, food stands, camping, and toilet and shower blocks, with enough room left over for a good sized paraglider landing field. Hang glider pilots are however advised to land in the usual bottom landing field at Castle Meadows. The Blorenge itself rises some 480m or 1,570ft above the farm, and is one of the finest light wind flying sites in the UK, with three distinct take-off areas covering NW - SE winds. As in previous years we will be providing a free minibus shuttle service to take you to and from the Blorenge, or whichever of our sites proves to be flyable that weekend. And after a good days flying showers will be available on site for a quick clean up before the evening‘s entertainment in the main marquee. As usual a full bar will be available in the main marquee, and a catering company will be on site throughout the weekend to supply hot food from dawn till dusk. On Saturday and Sunday evenings there will be live bands and a DJ in the main marquee, and on Saturday evening there will be a hog roast (pre-booking required). Throughout the weekend the latest "must have" flying kit from Snowdon gliders, Red dragon Paragliding, Axis airsports, Northern Paragliding, Active edge and Mark Leavesley will be on display in the traders area. There will also be model aircraft and model helicopter displays from Mark Leavesley and Bob Johnson, and for those who like white knuckle challenges, there will be a bronco rodeo ride on site. Meanwhile, for all the kids, big and small, face painting will be on offer in the main marquee. The local power kite club, the South and West Association of Traction Kiting (SWATK), will also be attending the bash, and will be demonstrating power kiting, kite boarding and buggying. Conditions permitting they also hope to be able to run daytime "try it out" sessions. The "weekend" ticket price includes the cost of camping for Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, and if you book in advance there are great savings to be made on the gate price. This year when you purchase your Blorenge Party tickets on-line, for an additional £6.00 per person you can also purchase a meal voucher for the optional traditional Saturday Night Hog Roast. This option includes meat, apple sauce, baked potato and bread roll. A vege option of baked potato, vege chili and bread roll is also be available for the same price. Purchasing tickets for either meal option in advance will also entitle the ticket holder to 10% off drinks at the bar between 7.00pm - 11.00pm on Saturday night.   Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News

Mon, 30 May 2011 12:36:00 GMT

<img src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110530133633&cid=2f696d616765732f63796d666c792e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="" /> <hr />   Blorenge Party Just a quick reminder that tomorrow is the last day you can buy tickets for this years Blorenge Party at £25 for a single ticket, and £35 for a double ticket. Prices are due to rise the 1st June. So don't miss out - <a href="http://www.members.sewhgpgc.co.uk/form5.php?item_name=Blorenge Party Tickets">Buy yours now</a> Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News - Update

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 22:17:00 GMT

Club Parachute re-pack I'm afraid wires got a bit crossed yesterday. The correct date for the Club parachute re-pack session is Tuesday 15th March starting at 7.00pm at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS. Chris and Steve are both qualified parachute packers, and will be on hand to offer advice and assistance. If you are interested in attending, please book in advance by emailing <a href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">Steve Millson</a>. Please remember to bring your reserve, manual (if they have one), and your harness. The cost will be £15 per pilot. This will cover the cost of the Hall, and a donation to the Air ambulance. Sorry for any confusion caused by my previous email Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:20:00 GMT

<div align="center"><img alt="" src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110301002021&cid=2f696d616765732f63796d666c792e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" /></div> <hr /> Pandy <img width="291" height="200" style="position: relative; float: right; padding-left: 12px;" src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110301002021&cid=b2f696d616765732f70616e64792e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="Revised Pandy Parking Arrangements" /> Parking arrangements at Pandy have changed this year. On arrival, pilots should now park in the first field on the right immediately after the turning for the lane used for "down" traffic. Please see the map on the right to confirm the correct field to use for parking. The Sites Guide, which currently shows three fields with parking permitted in the top field, will shortly be updated to reflect the change. In actual fact, over the years, the top and middle fields have been amalgamated, so whilst there are three gates, there are only really two fields. We have now been asked to use the bottom field for parking. There was also some concern locally about the text used on the previous sign. Trevor White, our Sites Officer, has therefore fixed a revised sign on the gate to the correct field. The sign now simply reads "SEWHGPGC". <hr /> Club Parachute re-pack Steve Millson and Chris White will be holding a parachute re-pack session on Thursday 17th March starting at 7.00pm at the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre, Church Road, Blaenavon, Torfaen, NP4 9AS. Chris and Steve are both qualified parachute packers, and will be on hand to offer advice and assistance. If you are interested in attending, please book in advance by emailing <a href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">Steve Millson</a>. Please remember to bring your reserve, manual (if they have one), and your harness. The cost will be £15 per pilot. This will cover the cost of the Hall, and a donation to the Air ambulance. Don't miss this great opportunity to make sure your ready for this year's flying season - Book Now <hr /> Club Pilot Lectures Steve has also organized three pilot lectures for March and April. The first, on the Theory of Flight and Instruments, will take place on Thursday 17th March. This will be followed by Airlaw on Thursday 24th March, and finally Meteorology on Thursday 21st April. All lectures will commence at 7.00pm. The venue will depend on the numbers wishing to attend this year's lectures. The lectures will be followed by an exam session, the date of which will be agreed with those attending. There is no charge for attending the pilot lectures, but if you'd like to come along, please book in advance by emailing <a href="mailto:steve@paraglide.co.uk">Steve Millson</a>. <hr /> Blorenge Party and Fly-in Just a reminder that you can make a big saving by buying your tickets for this year's Blorenge Party and Fly-in advance. Tickets purchased before the 31st May cost just £25 single or £35 for pilot and partner. As in previous years, this will be a family orientated event, with a free minibus shuttle service to take you to and from whichever of our sites are flyable. There will also be showers on site for a quick clean up after a good days flying, and a marquee for beer and entertainment, with live bands playing on Saturday and Sunday night. There will also be trade show adjacent to the main marquee. On Saturday night there will be a traditional hog roast. Pretickets for the hogroast will shortly go on sale at an additional cost of £6. This will include meat, apple sauce, baked potato, and discounted drinks from 7 to 12. A vege option of baked potato with vege chili will also be available for the same price. Sunday will see a model aircraft display by Mark Leavesley, and a model helicopter display by Bob Johnson. Whilst for those who like white knuckle challenges, there a bronco rodeo ride will also be onsite. For further information, or to book tickets on-line, please visit the <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/blorenge11.php">Blorenge Party</a> page on the Club web site. <hr /> Rucksack harness comparison The DHV has published a report, in English, comparing five popular convertible rucksack-harnesses. The report describes how they tested the airbag effectiveness, particularly in the take-off phase, and concludes that none of the tested harnesses offered anything like the back protection required by the LTF standards during take-off. As accidents frequently occur during this phase of flight, the DHV are to propose additional requirements for airbag design in the next revision of the LTF harness specifications. The full report is available on the <a href="http://www.dhv.de/typo/Home_English.3.0.html">DHV Web site</a> <hr /> Any South Asian pilots? Eastern Eye, Britain‘s biggest Asian newspaper, is researching an article on gliding and/or hang gliding. They want to spend a day with a pilot of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Sri Lankan origin to discover how they got into the sport, the training needed and the cost, and their memorable experiences and unfulfilled ambitions, etc. If anyone can help, please contact Nadeem Badshah on 0207 654 7772, or e-mail <a href="mailto:nadeemnews100@yahoo.co.uk">nadeemnews100@yahoo.co.uk</a>. <hr /> Himalayan Sky Safaris Himalayan Sky Safaris will be running two Autumn 2011 expeditions to Bir and Beyond. With Jim Mallinson, John Silvester, Debu Choudrary, Antoine Laurens, Adam Hill and Eddie Colfox offering 3:1, 2:1 and 1:1 para - guiding. Prices vary on the guide to pilot ratios, as will the areas they are prepared to explore. The level of assistance available will clearly be more for the smaller ratios, and therefore they will be able to do more, much more, more safely. Bir is an ideal place to paraglide, for the adventurous and cautious alike. The former, as its a rapidly developing country with the Himalayas in it, and for the cautious as on the front ridge, you have massive mountains yet relatively benign valley/anabatic winds. It is definitely a place to accumulate airtime, travel through and over stunning terrain, absorb lots of new experiences and go back to time after time. For further information, please visit <a href="http://www.himalayanskysafaris.com">their web site</a>. <hr /> Would you like up to £1000 to realize your air sports ambitions? The deadline is fast approaching for handglider and paraglider pilots between 16 and 21 looking to advance their air sport qualifications to apply for bursaries worth up to £1,000 from the Royal Aero Club Trust (RAeCT). Applications for the bursaries, including The President‘s Scholars (2 bursaries each worth up to £750), the Peter Cruddas Foundation Scholarship worth up to £1,000, and additional bursaries worth up to £500 each such as the Bramson Bursary, must be received by 31st March 2011. Applicants must be UK citizens, resident in the UK, and training and flying can only be conducted at Clubs, Associations or training establishments in the UK. Applications must be submitted through a Sponsoring Organisation, Club or Association. Full details, terms & conditions and an application form are available on the <a href="http://www.royalaeroclubtrust.org ">Royal Aero Club Trust web site</a>. <hr /> BHPA AGM <img width="261" height="222" style="position: relative; float: right; padding-left: 12px;" src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110301002021&cid=5732f4a6f686e5f616c6472696467652e706e67@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="John Aldridge is awarded the Presidents Trophy by Chairman Martin Heywood (photo: Bill Morris)" /> This year's BHPA AGM was held at Bisham Abbey just outside London. The BHPA Chairman, Martin Heywood reported on the most significant developments during the year, notably the move to new offices at Merus Court and the increase in landowner insurance cover to £5 million. This year's BHPA AGM also saw John Aldridge, a past member of the SE Wales Club, stand down from Exec after 15 years at the helm of competitions. Martin thanked him for all his hard work during those years. The presentation of trophies and awards then followed, with John Aldridge receiving the BHPA President‘s Trophy for conspicuous service to the sport, and Awards of Merit going to Nikki Bodill of Accuracy competitions and Andy Wallis of the Derbyshire club. The Wings over a Cloud award for the best article to appear in Skywings went to Australia‘s Helen McKerral. The meeting was then asked to vote for four candidates from the seven who were standing for election or re-election to Exec this year. Fortunately I and Angus Langford were re-elected, and will be joined by two new Exec members, Chris "Calvo" Burns and Bill Bell. My thanks to everyone who supported my re-election. At the short Exec meeting that followed the AGM, it was agreed that John Lawson would take on the role of BHPA Vice-Chairman, and Brett Janaway would take over External Representation. It was also agreed that Ed Cunliffe would be co-opted as non-Executive paramotor representative. A full BHPA AGM report is available on the <a href="http://www.bhpa.co.uk/bhpa/news/notices/AGM_Report_2011.php">BHPA Web Site</a>. Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 01:11:00 GMT

<img src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20110115011118&cid=16765732f63796d666c795f6865616465722e676966@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club" /> <hr />   BHPA Insurance Update Now that we are into 2011, all members of the BHPA are on the new insurance policy arranged with Hiscox, and are flying on the same basic third party coverage terms. This means that all SE Wales club pilots have £2m third party cover, and, where an incident results in the involvement of the landowner (for example at take-off or landing sites), the landowner has up to £5m cover as an insured person on our policy. There are other changes to the 2011 BHPA Insurance policy and these will benefit Club members who are also BHPA licence holders, ie. dual pilots and instructors. The £25k cap which has existed since September 2003 has been raised to £50k in respect of the passenger/student. This will hopefully offer a little more peace of mind to those involved. But as this particular change only started on 1 January 2011, and the BHPA operate a rolling renewal system, the raised cap will only apply when you renew your licence. Most instructors and tandem pilots are currently flying on their 2010 membership/licences, so the lower cap of £25k will apply until they renew their licence. The documentation on the BHPA web site will be updated shortly, but in the meantime if you have any queries, please contact the BHPA Insurance Director. <hr /> BHPA AGM When the latest edition of Skywings dropped through your letter box earlier this week, you may have noticed a green insert providing official notice of the forthcoming BHPA AGM. This will be held at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre on Saturday 12th February 2011 at 11.00am. You may also have noticed that yours truly, Paul Dancey, is up for re-election this year. I've enjoyed my time on Exec, and like to think it's benefited the SE Wales Club, but re-election is far from certain as it's a hotly contested election this year. So, you've guessed it, here comes the plug - If you'd like to see me re-elected to the BHPA Exec and won't be there on the day, please complete the green proxy form, and return it to the BHPA office in Leicester by the end of this month. Many thanks. <hr /> Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News Problems with this list in the run up to Christmas

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 20:21:00 GMT

My apologies for all the subscription confirmation messages sent out by this list in the run up to Christmas. I'm afraid it appears that someone decided it would be fun to try to "break" the subscription system for this list, which ulimately resulted in the system automatically sending out unwanted "please confirm your subscription" email messages. Fortunately the system is designed to not reveal subscriber email addresses so this was all the damage they were able to do. As a precaution I took the mailing list offline over Christmas and set about installing and configuring a new copy of the latest mailing list software. I also took the opportunity to make a number of important changes to the setup to try to ensure that this doesn't happen again. As a final step, I've now cleaned up our subscriber database and uploaded this to the new software. This is message has been sent by way of an appology for any inconvenience caused, and as a test to make sure everything is now working correctly. If anyone receives more than one copy of this email please let me know. Once again my apologies for this hicup. Regards Paul Dancey SEWHG&PGC

SEWHGPGC e-News

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 21:00:00 GMT

<div align="center"><img width="600" height="125" src="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/cgi-bin/dada/cymfly_list.cgi?f=show_img&l=cymfly&id=20101222210003&cid=6b2f696d616765732f786d61732e6a7067@MIME-Lite-HTML-1.23" alt="" /></div>   <hr /> Dragonfly The latest issue of Dragonfly is now available for download from the Club web site at: <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/dragonfly.php">http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/members/dragonfly.php</a> <hr /> The 2011 Blorenge Bash Don‘t miss the return of this fun filled 3 day Bank Holiday Event! The event will again be based alongside the River Usk, on 20 acres of picturesque river meadows, at Pen-y-Worlod Farm in Abergavenny, and as in previous years we will be providing a free minibus shuttle service to take pilots to and from whichever of our sites are flyable over the weekend. There will also be showers on site for a quick clean up after a good days flying. This year we have one marquee, for beer and entertainment, and individual tents for traders and events. On Sunday there will be a model aircraft display with Mark Leavesley as well as a model helicopter display with Bob Johnson. There will also be a bronco rodeo ride for those who like white knuckle challenges. There will again be a hog roast on Saturday night, and a catering company on site to supply food throughout the weekend from dawn till dusk. There will be bands playing and a DJ on both Saturday and Sunday night. Three nights camping, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, is included in the "weekend" ticket price. Tickets will go on sale in the new year, and there are big savings on the gate price if you book online before May 2011 <hr /> Hope you have a great Christmas Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 14:20:00 GMT

SEWHG&PGC - eNews <hr /> With 10 months to go before the next Blorenge Party and Fly-in which will be held over the 2011 August Bank Holiday weekend, and the clocks going back and evenings drawing in, we thought Se Wales Club members might be interested in attending the LongMynd Club's Mid-winter Uplift event in December, and are therefore circulating the details on behalf of the LongMynd Club. Paul <hr />   MID-WINTER UPLIFT PARAGLIDING FILM FESTIVAL (In aid of Midlands Air Ambulance)   Dec 4th, 10.30am - 9.30pm   The Gateway Centre, Chester Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1NB   Tickets are £10 in advance (£12.50 on the door) allows multiple entries throughout day. For info and payment options see: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.longmynd.org/about/social_uplift">http://www.longmynd.org/about/social_uplift </a>During the long dark winter months most of us pilots will resign ourselves to laying our gliders down into hibernation. Those with a "die hard" attitude will either wait it out on the hill through snow and wind or travel to the far flung corners of this planet. All waiting/searching of those most magical of moments - air time. For others, winter flying exists mainly in our heads, by reliving successes/failures of the past year and dreaming of adventures in the next. During these months we will need our senses reviving, our neurons sharpening. We will need to be reminded how it feels when we're doing what we love so much. We will need to be inspired. We are planning a day of films and speakers which extol the varied aspects of this sport. The programme is almost finalised and so far includes; Films Jocky Sanderson's Security in flight II. It's been 14 years since his first best selling SIV film. There have since been great leaps in glider design, performance and safety so Jocky has produced a new version filmed in high definition and using slow motion editing techniques. A keenly anticipated film. We are also showing a selection of other recent films covering acro, adventure and free flying. And short films from Pimple Queens. Speakers <ul> <li>Toby Colombe on flying big distances in the mountains. Toby is the current world record holder with a 168km out and return on a tandem in Slovenia. He won first place in the British Open, Sslovenia 2010 in sports class. Firstst in the British Championships 2009 in sports class and 2nd in serial class. He runs a successful company guiding in Morocco, France and Spain. </li> <li>Steve Nash and Gareth Aston talk about their Mongolia expedition. </li> <li>A representative from the Air Ambulance will be talking about the service and ways we can help them at incidents. </li> </ul> Photography competition and exhibition Cross country magazine are awarding a prize for your best photograph taken 2010. Email your entry to mkfly@hotmail.co.uk before 10th November. 2 per person, up to 4 MB. Photos will be on show and for sale on the day. Parachute repack With Bill Morris (BHPA licenced parachute packer). There are a limited number of places available. Cost is £20. This must be booked and paid for in advance. For information and bookings please email mkfly @hotmail.co.uk Shop Selling items for the outdoors and for flying, it's perfect for early xmas shopping. Coffee shop Open for lunch (jacket pots, sandwiches, pannini etc) 12.30 - 2.30 then coffee/tea/beer cakes till 8.30 for more info please email elliemouse2@yahoo.co.uk or mkfly@hotmail.co.uk

SEWHGPGC e-News

Sun, 03 Oct 2010 20:10:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr /> Message from the editor of Dragonfly I am looking to include some regular items in future editions of Dragonfly that may encourage more members to contribute material. Suggestions include 'My Favourite Flight', 'Where to Fly-Home and Abroad' and 'Flying Tips'. These would not require War and Peace articles but maybe a couple of paragraphs and perhaps one or two photos. A favourite flight does not have to be a PB or major XC to be memorable or of interest to readers and we are all looking for new places to fly and a fellow pilot's recommendation is always far more valuable than any advert. Tips might include useful kit, ground handling pointers or a desire to highlight a particular safety issue. Of course longer items are equally welcome. Maybe you have useful knowledge you wish to pass on, whether it is how best to edit videos or favourite internet items you have found. If you find it interesting I'm sure so will other members. Please forward any material to <a href="mailto:andrew@brazierandrew.orangehome.co.uk" class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated">andrew@brazierandrew.orangehome.co.uk</a> Many thanks Andrew

SEWHGPGC e-News

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:10:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr /> Temporary Airspace Restrictions Temporary airspace restrictions have been put in place for the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, Newport. A temporary Helipad has also been setup on the site: Between 0600 and 1800 daily from 27 September to 3 October, no aircraft is to fly below 2500 ft amsl within the area bounded by a circle having a radius of 3 nm whose centre is at 513620N 0025600W Further information is available at: <a href="http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/aic/EG_Circ_2010_M_068_en.pdf">www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/aip/current/aic/EG_Circ_2010_M_068_en.pdf</a> ______________________________________ New Telephone number for the BHPA The new telephone number for the British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association is: 0116 289 4316 ______________________________________ Blorenge Party & Flyin 2011 The Club is currently planning a Blorenge Party and Flyin for the August Bank Holiday next year. This will be based once again at Pen-y-Worlod Farm, Abergavenny, by the side of the river Usk. Further details will be posted when arrangements have been confirmed, but put the date in your diary now, to make sure you keep that weekend free.

SEWHGPGC e-News

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:20:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr /> Vehicular access at Nant-y-Moel The Forestry Commission is currently undertaking major work in the forest at Nant-y-Moel and have informed us that the track will not be available for vehicular access to the flying site whilst this work is undertaken. For the time being access to the Nant-y-Moel flying site is on foot only. Please park sensibly to avoid congestion on local roads, and do not block the access gate as the heavy machinery required to support the work will use the track to access the site. There are also new signs at the gate indicating the areas where the actual work is taking place. To comply with Health and Safety regulations these areas are closed to members of the public whilst this work is undertaken. <hr />   The BHPA moves home The BHPA office will be closed until Wednesday 15th September whilst staff relocate to new premises. The new address will be: The British Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association Ltd 8 Merus Court Meridian Business Park Leicester LE19 1RJ United Kingdom Unfortunately the telephone number is also changing, but the new number is not known at present. <hr /> 2011 Blorenge Bash At our recent AGM it was agreed that we would try to arrange a Blorenge Party and Fly-in next year, so keep an eye out for further announcements once arrangements have been sorted <hr /> The Cross Country 2010/11 Travel Guide The Cross Country 2010/11 Travel Guide is now available as a free download from the xcmag web site at: <a href="http://www.xcmag.com/2010/08/cross-country-travel-guide-201011/" class="postlink">http://www.xcmag.com/2010/08/cross-coun ... de-201011/</a> The guide covers 23 of the best sites around the world: Brazil, India, Mexico, France, Spain, Turkey, Australia... The 100 page paper version was originally bundled free with XC130. <hr /> Paul

SEWHGPGC e-News

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:50:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr />   <h3 style="text-align: center;"> The SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd </h3> Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the South East Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd will be held in the Wedgwood room of the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny on Sunday 29th August at 7.30pm   The purpose of the meeting will be to: <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> The following members are currently standing for election or re-election at this year's AGM: Andrew Brazier Sheryl Cameron Mark Cousins Paul Dancey Steve Millson Mark Pearson Dave Tregaskis Chris White Trevor 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 15th August 2010. The formal AGM will then be followed by an informal "questions from the floor" session, and the presentation of Club trophies for 2009. A full list of the trophies to be presented can be found at <a href="http://www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php?action=view_league_table&category_id=009">www.sewhgpgc.co.uk/xc/xc.php</a> These include two new trophies: The Jim Hay Trophy (Novice XC trophy) The Steve Allen Trophy (Best XC in a BCC round) Our AGM is an opportunity for Club members to have a say in the running of their club and to celebrate the achievments of fellow members, 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 Mailing List - URGENT

Thu, 27 May 2010 23:00:00 GMT

Club AGM Postponed I'm afraid Sunday's SEWHG&PGC AGM has been postponed untill a later date. We have reluctantly taken this decision due to personal circumstances beyond our control which unfortunately resulted in us not being able to conclude the necessary company buisness at this time. A new date and time for this year's AGM will be circulated in due course. Appologies for the last minute nature of this announcement and for any inconvenience caused.   Paul Dancey On behalf of the SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club Board

SEWHGPGC Mailing List

Sat, 15 May 2010 13:40:00 GMT

SEWHGPGC Mailing List

Sat, 01 May 2010 14:50:00 GMT

SE Wales Hang Gliding & Paragliding Club - eNews <hr /> <h3 style="text-align: center;"> The SE Wales Hang Gliding and Paragliding Club Ltd </h3> 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 30 May 2010 at 7.30pm   The purpose of the meeting will be to: <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> The following members are currently standing for election or 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 Trevor 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 Friday 14th May 2010. The formal AGM will then be followed by an informal "questions from the floor" session, and the presentation of Club trophies for 2009. Two new trophies will be presented this year: The Jim Hay Trophy (Novice XC trophy) The Steve Allen Trophy (Best XC in a BCC round) Our AGM 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   <hr /> Site Closures Members are reminded that the following sites are currently closed for lambing and livestock resettlement: Pandy - 1st - 21st May Blaenavon - 1st March to Mid May Hay Bluff - Monday - Friday from the 1st - 31st May (ie. the site can only be flown Saturdays and Sundays during this period)

SEWHGPGC Mailing List - Pandy Urgent

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 14:50:00 GMT

As some of you may be aware the Club is currently having problems with car parking arrangements at Pandy, adjacent to take-off. Access to the field before the gate onto Hatterall Hill was originally negotiated by Dave Sagan back in 2003, and has in the past generally worked well, but the Club has now been told that the field is closed for lambing until the end of May. As far as I'm aware this is a new restriction that has not applied in previous years, but of course the flying site at Pandy is itself closed from the 1st - 21st May to allow stock to be settled on the hillside. Steve Millson has kindly agreed to visit the landowner to discuss the situation and to see if there is anything that can be done about this, but in the meantime we have a problem. Pandy has always been an extremely sensitive site, and it has taken lengthy negotiations over the years to maintain access to this cracking easterly. But with parking opportunities at the top of the hill very limited, and and easterly forecast for the weekend this could all too easily blow up in our faces sooner rather than later. Until this situation is resolved we would urge Pilots to consider other easterly sites, such as Ebbw Vale so as to not put undue pressure on parking around Pandy. If you are going to Pandy, please wherever possible share transport and park at the bottom of the hill, ferrying gliders and pilots up to take-off as necessary. If we end up with cars parked on all the verges at the top of the hill and or roads and drive ways being blocked this weekend, the situation is likely to spiral out of control. I appreciate this is not good news and is going to be a real pain for everyone. But if we are to maintain access to this site we really need everyone's co-operation whilst negotiations are ongoing. Paul Dancey Club Chairman

SEWHGPGC Mailing List

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:10:00 GMT

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="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/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="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/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="https://www.cymnet.co.uk/~sewhgpgc/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>