It’s March again so once more it’s time for our Awards Presentation Dinner. Around 75  club members and guests gathered at Brickhampton Court Golf Club for our 2009/10 event. MC Richard Crosby kept us all in order during an enjoyable evening which saw a 15 awards for First solo, 7  for PPL along with several Night Qualifications and IMC Ratings. A couple of our instructors have enjoyed themselves this last year with Roly gaining a helicopter licence and Phil a Sea Plane rating.

The prestigious Walwin Cup was awarded to Monika Swaine, the Daniels Trophy to Dave Farrugia and Derek Veal with the Aladdins Lamp going to Des Rocks. The citations are reproduced below.

‘The Walwin Trophy is presented in memory of Rex Walwin, a founder of this club and it’s first instructor. The trophy is presented to a student who has achieved a consistently high standard during training or has overcome a significant personal difficulty in achieving the award of a PPL. This year in recognition of her perseverence in progressing through the course despite various work and other non aviation issues impacting on her ability to devote the time needed the award goes to Monika Swaine.’

‘The Daniels Trophy, donated by Harry Daniels, a pre-war club member with a keen interest in navigation, this trophy is presented to the winners of our annual Aerial Treasure hunt. As is customary the clues were set by the previous winners, namely Francis Brownsill and Ken Cattell. Despite there being a small number of entrants for the 2009 event the clear winners were Dave Farrugia and the late Derek Veal.’

The Aladdin’s Lamp

To commemorate that ‘I’d rather not be there’ moment. The most notable event in this category this year was achieved by a Teddy Boy suffering an unfortunate upending of the Cuby on 22 grass runway here at Gloucester. No significant damage luckily other than to pride. So, step forward for a rub of the lamp – Des Rocks.

One more Des, and it’s a hat trick and you get to keep the lamp!!

Entertainment was provided by comedian and sports impersonator Aaron Jones who kept us all laughing for his entire performance. Aaron’s quick fire wit also added a certain hilarity to the results of our raffle which raised £350.00 for Midlands Air Ambulance.

A photo montage is on display in the club house. Copies are available if required.