MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER MEETING OF THE KERNOW HANG GLIDING & PARAGLIDING ASSOCIATION AT THE CLINTON SOCIAL CLUB ON 9th DECEMBER 2002

The meeting opened with Graham P in the chair as Chairman Pete was away skiing.

Two new/prospective members, Paul and Ron were welcomed.

 Apologies for Absence were recorded for Chairman Pete, away skiing, Ex Chairman Daisy away on holiday in Canada and Patrick said to be working.

A Special Announcement was made by Mark Woodhams advising the meeting of the death of the BHPA President Anne Welch MBE. Mark outlined the career of Anne Welch and told of her service to our Association and other sport flying organisations.

Minutes of the Last Meeting were read approved and signed..

 MATTERS ARISING.

Steve’s Seat.  Alan reported that the notorious picnic table and seats in the corner of the landing area at St. Agnes had fallen apart due to rot and suggested that there might be an opportunity for us to ask Carrick D.C. if we might erect a replacement in a less obstructive position and of a design suitable for a memorial.  This was agreed and Alan was asked to write to Carrick accordingly.

Carbis Bay Site. Roger Full told members that the site owners have made it clear that the current arrangements are provisional pending their decision on the future of the land. The meeting agreed Roger should write to the owners thanking them for permission to fly the site and tendering the fee which would have been paid to the previous owner. Roger asked members to be particular about car parking and to avoid any obstruction of the road.

Truro Brewery Visit. No news.

OTHER BUSINESS.

BHPA AGM and AIRSPORTS EXHIBITION. Vicki and Alan reported a very badly attended AGM with no items for discussion and the unopposed election of the proposed executives. The exhibition was said to contain little new for Hang Gliding or Paragliding but an increasing content of powered flying items.

Youth Section. Brian asked about the possibility of encouraging young people to get involved with us. Discussion on the idea ranged over the existing welcome already extended to youthful family members and friends, the Scout Parascending Clubs operating elsewhere. The chairman suggested that Brian prepare a motion to raise at the AGM next month.

Tow Syndicate and Crash Trophy Meeting. Graham in the chair reported on the meeting which he said was the best  for some years.

Festival of Free Flight 2003.  Alan passed on information that Merv Turner was having a problem with the venue as the arrangements with Kemble Airfield were prooving to be difficult. Regrettably the meeting had to conclude that there was no way we could assist in this matter.

Wessex HG  & PG Club.  Alan said that the Mighty Wessex Club were seeking money contributions to help purchase their site at Bell Hill. No details are yet available but concern was felt regarding access to the site being restricted to Wessex members. It was decided to await more information before considering how we might help.

Training . Both HG and PG reported “not a lot” although Graham had put in some very hard work with a novice FLPHG student, Coad P.

MEMBERS FORUM.

Nigel  asked whether members were making NOTAMS regarding midweek flying. It seems that only irregular use was made of the Freephone 0800 51 55 44 (Civil Aircraft Notification Procedure). Safety Officer HG, that’s Graham joined into to encourage members to use this service saying it may not prevent an incident but puts a pilot and the sport in a much stronger position in the event of an enquiry following an incident. Graham also mentioned the need to check on Freephone 0500 35 48 02 for info’ on TRAs including Red Arrow display activities. Further we were reminded of the need to keep our friends at Perranporth Airfield advised when we fly Perran, St. Agnes or Chapel Porth sites.

Brian said how glad he was to see Mark flying again at Carbis Bay.

Mark came in to congratulate Mark Woodhams on his recent Skywings article.

Phippsy  related some amusing dust devil incidents.

John Trewartha asked about the possibility of  raising funds by offering advertising space on canopies and wings. It was agreed this should be considered by the Chairman and secretary or better still by our sponsorship expert Daisy.

Barry suggested that we seek alteration of the Hang Gliding symbol on  charts so that it indicates the wind direction in which the site might become active.

 50 CLUB.  Vicki bestowed her favours on Phippsy (£50) and Barry (£5).