BGFC’s AGM and Annual Awards

At the end of March our club held its annual general meeting and presented members with awards for services to the club. Bidford Gliding and Flying Club is run by members, who volunteer to help the club run professionally and safely for both members and our many visitors.

This year the AGM re-elected Frank Jeynes as chairman. In addition a new power member, Simon Clifton, was appointed to the board to help represent the interests of our power members. The other directors are Graham Barlow, chief flying instructor, and Paul Kaye as treasurer.

Frank Jeynes (standing)

Simon Clifton

Graham Barlow

Paul Kaye

The Annual Awards were presented after the buffet and a detailed below in the gallery:

Allan Bain

For his dedicated services to the club, glider and vehicle maintenance and all manner of site work.

Paul Kaye

His work as chairman for 3 years, organising another great Bidfrod Regional Competition, taking on the role as treasurer and 2nd to Jordan in the BGA ladder and 2nd for the fastest 330k task.

Freddie Turner

The greatest distance from Bidford: On 3rd July, Freddie flew a fantastic 1007.4km at 98.3kph. Bidford - Long Marston, -Crickhowell- Whitington, - Abergaveny- Ely- Bidford.

Jordan Johnson

The club ladder pundit winner: Scored   31,338 points and putting Bidford top of the BGA Ladder with some epic distance flights. He gained his BI rating and is now qualified as an FI(S) to train members and visitors.

George Whitbread

The junior most likely to: For his enthusiasm, training progress, and passing his Bronze exam.

Jordan Johnson

The fastest 300: Jul 11th 106.8kph (handicapped 109) for a 501.4km flight, (Bidford-Honeybourne–Woburn, Bruton, Hullavington, Forest Inn - Bidford)

Max Miller

The Pilot Most Likely to: Excellent progress in his training and on 2nd Aug, his first 314km flight at 79.3kph as well as several further XC attempt’s. Max is now training for a BI rating.

Jordan Johnson

The Caingorms Shield for the greatest: No epic wave flights, but on 10th May on XC from Bidford, with a height gain of 7700ft over Wales.

Steve Blakey

The Piston Head Award: For his services as club Safety Officer, tugging duties and as  Club airspace officer in the Bidford Regional Competition. 

Chris Morris , Allan Wallace and Allan Bain

The Graham Wright Stuff  for services to the club: Again, a shared award  for their many laborious hours rebuilding the walls by the workshop, care of the fleet and dedication to keeping our aircraft available for us all to fly., and for the maintenance work on the clubhouse.

Jordan Johnson

Don Hale Memorial Trophy: An award for the most outstanding Junior pilot. Clearly Jordan has demonstrated what can be achieved in gliding with skill and dedication. Jordan is now training for his Instructor rating and looking to help train other aspiring Junior pilots.

Paul Kaye

The Propbender: No actual props were bent, however a mention in despatches for manoeuvring the Scout into the Puchacz.

Paul Cunnington

For Exceptional Service: For having taken over the very difficult job of Treasurer, which no one else wanted, IN VERY DIFFICULT TIMES. And now he’s Marketing Manager running everything to do with publicity.

John Archer and Chris Morris

BGFC Trophy For Exceptional Service: For their dedication to organising and maintaining the Club CASC arrangements and undertaking the CASC 3 year review.

Christine Bell

Malcolm Tuggy One Trophy: For organising all the tug pilots running the tugs at the Regionals Competition and for her services as a tug pilot, tug mistress and her never ending generosity.

David Keays

BGFC Piston Head Trophy In appreciation: For all hard work and time spent on PPR and Avgas sales

Collin Hussell

BGFC Piston Head Trophy in appreciation: For all help and support at the club with tugging, IFP and regularly supporting the crew in readying and cleaning gliders and for all the encouragement he has given to possible new members to join the club.

Karen Spicer

A big thank you for making a difference to the club with the café and all the other things she does to help the club.

Julia Barton Reynolds

For the huge contribution Julia has made in taking on the office and membership duties. Her work last year in the office and handling visitors helped us immensely last year.