MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER MEETING OF THE

KERNOW HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION

AT THE CLINTON SOCIAL CLUB ON 8TH DECEMBER 2003.

With Chairman Pete away skiing Graham Phipps took over the chairman’s job and welcomed the 17 members present. Three more members crept in late.

Apologies were received from Roger Full- no excuse made, Patrick - doing his night job and Alan Ashley whose has exhaust problems.

The Minutes of the November meeting were read and with one identity error remedied, approved and signed.

Correspondence. A letter of resignation from Geof Easthope was read. Geof said that with his flying activity terminated and hearing problems limiting his participation in club meetings he felt it was time to go. said “I will if required, be available to straighten out any little landing problems.”

Members said he could not be allowed to leave after his loyal support and help on flying sites, at club meetings and especially in his workshop. Nigel proposed and Brian seconded a proposal to make Geof an honorary member and this was readily and unanimously agreed by all present.

Matters Arising.

Training. Hang Gliding. Nil.

Paragliding. Nil.

Competitions. Members were reminded of our Frostbite Competition planned for 17th 18 Jan.

Club Flying. Hangers have been out at St, Agnes with Charlie Z and Geof Brook getting airborne after long lay offs. Paras have been active at Hayle and Carn Brea.

Incidents. The short spell of silence was broken by Andy reporting on behalf of Mark B describing a crash in the dunes at Hayle at the end of low level 360s. Mark denied all knowledge of the incident and temporary loss of memory was diagnosed.

XC Flying. A flight by Patrick was reported which started at St. Agnes Head and ended near Swanpool where Patrick had to burn off 2000ft to land. Phippsie said he had climbed out in the same thermal back at St. Agnes but had left it head back to the cliff.

Social Events, Mark confirmed that the indoor climbing event was on for Sunday 25th Jan for up to 20 bodies at £1.50 each. Names to Mark please

Smart Group. Alan said how well the group work and encouraged more member to get signed in. Member said it will necessary to work out how the group should work alongside the club web site.

Vault Bay Site. The site remains closed. A meeting with the farmer is to be arranged and members are to stay away from the site until further notice.

Annual Dinner. Fixed for Friday 16th Jan at the Seigners Arms Perranporth. Bookings to Chairman Pete please.

High Cliff Site. The flight experience for Francis Crocker is in hand by Roger Green who is waiting for Francis to choose his time.

BHPA AGM and the Air Sports Exhibition. Brian told the meeting that his car load arrived at Telford at 11 a.m. The show was busy but there was little of hang gliding on display. The party had B&B at Shiffnal and dined at the tradition Old Bell. Only Mark attended the AGM and in his absence at this meeting we have to wait till next month for his report. Brian said “why can’t the Festival of Free Flight be as well attended and organised.” Member asked that the Secretary raise this with BHPA.

Other Business.

KHGA AGM. The secretary asked to be advised of any matters members wish to included on the agenda including Targets and Plans for 2004.

Members Forum.

Brian said that Andy Shaw (Green Dragons) will do winch training for paraglider launching. Will the club fund such training. Graham Phipps says this is a matter for the Tow Syndicate. Alan Phipps told members of the “home Grown” and self financed learning and training which made the hang gliding towing possible and suggested that paragliders pilots support a suitable pilot to obtaining senior tow coach status so that we can do our own training “in House”.

Phil Whitelaw enquired about the outcome of the Crash Trophy meeting. Silly boy - he should know better than to anticipate the actual recipient. Be at the Annual Dinner!!

Vicki Asked that the Skinners Brewery visit be put off from 9th Jan until a day in February. The first Friday after 17th is proposed. Wait on a further announcement.

Andy Larder introduced himself as a new paraglider pilot member.

Tim said he is still waiting on the return of 3 trophies needed for presentation at the Annual Dinner. He suggested nominations for the Venture Sports Trophy should be made in advance.

50 Club. To the Chagrin of members present the prizes went to persons not present. £50 for Alan Clarke and £ 5 for Jinnie Scott.

And with that the meeting ended quietly at 21.45.