BMPA History

1999 Summer Meeting, June 4-6, Shenington

The weather forecast and clash with the French meeting militated against this being overwhelmed by attenders. Nevertheless, twenty one members and guests assembled during Saturday including three airborne parties.

As planned, the event was informal. The weather was good enough on Saturday for glider launches by both winch and aero-tow and some members tried both during the morning. Go-Karting in the afternoon was exciting and well patronised in spite of heavy showers. The final laps were done with six karts, half on wet weather tyres and half on slicks. The latter demonstrated the phenomenon of aquaplaning and the total impossibility of controllong it. Some of us learnt a lot about two dimensional spinning, the kart simply follows its current trajectory whatever you do - just like ground looping, sit back and enjoy it. It transpired that there were no Schumachers amongst us so no one came seriously unstuck and there were no collisions. We ended with a lot of wet and laughing people who somehow managed to get dried out in the gliding club house. We went on to a sumptuous barbeque, cooked outside but eaten in, and a convivial evening at the bar. Those who stayed on to Sunday enjoyed the best weather of the weekend and some good gliding. We were sorry not to have any ballooning but hope to try again next time.

Andrew Clymo