Page 32 - Oundle Life September 2024

QA
About five miles from Oundle and
Thrapston, right on Brigstock’s doorstep, lies Northamptonshire’s only gliding club. Welland Gliding Club was established in the 1960’s, but it only moved to its current home in 1990.
Can anyone come along to have a go? Yes, they can, you just need to pre-arrange your visit via the website.
What age do you have to be to join the club?
It’s quite a responsibility flying an aircraft, so while it would be suitable for some ‘mature’ 12-year-olds, 14 is preferable. No upper age limit. See the website for more details.
How much is an annual membership? £350 per year. £9 per winch launch. 45p/minute glider hire. Time and teamwork also required.
What are the opening hours? Predominantly weekends, from 9.00am till we’ve run out of fun. Do you visit other clubs? Annual ‘pilgrimage’
to the two seat glider competition at Pocklington, Yorkshire.
What facilities are available on site? A 1200m runway, clubhouse and hangar with gliders.
Is one to one tuition available? All training is included in the membership fee. One student and one instructor in one two-seat glider. student pays for the flight.
What does the clubhouse have to offer? A lot of laughs and banter, but also ground school and de-briefing after training flights. Kitchen for cooking bacon, egg, sausage in the morning. Coffee and tea all day. Basic toilet facilities.
Best things about the club? Every flight is
a challenge with the elements (sun, thermals and wind), but we all work together so we can each enjoy some fun in the air. The surrounding Northamptonshire countryside and wildlife is beautiful.
32
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FLYING
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Welland Gliding Club
To book a flight or for more information visit:
www.wellandglidingclub.com