BBC TV Centre, London

The BBC TV Centre in Wood Lane London was the venue for one of our occasional minibus outings in February.

A party of 13 assembled at Wood Lane for a 2 hour tour of the centre which included a look at the News Room, TV studios and the Weather Centre. Having taken this all in we were then invited to participate in a mock of the quiz show The Weakest Link and one of our party was invited to try the Autocue and be a Newsreader.

Following our visit we retired to a Middle Eastern/Moroccan restauant for a relaxing meal.

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.

Christmas Gathering

Our Christmas ‘Open House’ held on Sunday 20th December attracted some 60 members along to the Clubhouse during the day. A grand buffet spread was prepared by Paul and Hilary Haigh with additional contributions from other members of the Social Committee and a wonderful fruit punch concocted by Richard and Pat King. A convivial time was had by all.

Our Christmas Raffle was also drawn on Sunday 20^th. Listed below are the lucky winners. Scary thing was that the first four winners all drew their own numbers!

Welcome to flying from Gloucestershire

This is the new section for Cotswold Aero Club to keep you all up to date with our news and special offers on our flying club and our flying lessons.