Latest news with #gliding
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Kirton-in-Lindsey gliding club 'devastated' on loss of airfield
A gliding club has said they were "devastated" after they were told to leave the airfield they have flown from for 50 Valley Gliding Club, in Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire have 80 members and have used the site next to RAF Kirton since Dixon, 61, an instructor at the club said it was "unsettling to be uncertain about their future".A solicitor acting for the landowner said: "communications have taken place between the tenant and the landlords respective solicitors." In a letter sent to the club, shared with the BBC, the group were told their tenancy would end on 10 October. Chairman of the club Richard Malam, 69, said he was determined to challenge the notice. "This came completely out of the blue," he said."I wouldn't be doing my job without thinking can we challenge that, is that the end game?"Mr Malam said he believed if the club did have to move, they would lose members"Anywhere we go is going to be different from here and that'll put people off."According to Mr Malam before the club's arrival in 1974 the RAF had a gliding school at the site, he said if they were asked to leave it would end 85 years of aviation solicitor for the landlord said: "The tenant's directors will be well aware of the nature and length of the club's lease." "It's almost like the shock of capture," said Rick Jones, 58, an instructor from the club."It was quite a hard thing to take initially."Mr Jones said if the club did have to relocate it would not be easy."Unfortunately, airfields just don't grow on trees."Peter Dixon, also an instructor at the club, said they were going through a "difficult period" but they were "a little bit taken aback" by good wishes and comments from the community."Gliding can be a selfish hobby, but it takes a team to make it happen."Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Lutterworth gran, 90, takes to the skies after raffle win
When 90-year-old Barbara Brookes took part in a raffle she had no idea it would lead to her soaring the skies in a adventurous grandmother headed up into the clouds in the passenger seat on Sunday and said the view over Leicestershire was Brookes, from Lutterworth, said: "I couldn't believe what was happening. It was an amazing experience - I'm not going to forget that."After winning the top prize in the Lutterworth mayor's annual Christmas charity raffle she decided to also use the experience to support three local charities and has raised more than £2,100. Ms Brookes, who has three grandchildren, was "a little apprehensive" about the flight, but said: "It was absolutely wonderful."I could see reservoirs and all the different colours of the countryside. I even saw somebody's swimming pool."Looking out, I don't know how high we went, they told me but I've forgotten. I'm allowed at 90."Gliding instructor and pilot Rob Barsby, from Aerosparxs in Leicestershire, flew Ms Brookes in the aircraft and described her as a "unique" woman."Over the years I've flown lots of people but Barbara was fantastic," he said."Her energy, her willingness to do these things. I let her fly. "She did really well. I'm really proud of her."Barbara's got full credit from me for not just doing the ride, but raising money for charity." Ms Brookes has so far raised about £2,145 through online donations for three charities - Academy for Dementia Research and Education, Lutterworth Community Transport and Age Concern Lutterworth and District."They are so special to me, helping me through difficult times," she said."They have been absolutely wonderful to me."I thought if we can get £500, wouldn't it be wonderful? Never, ever, in my wildest dreams did I expect that much."This is beyond all belief and I can't thank everybody enough."Lutterworth mayor Robert Coleman, 71, who told Ms Brookes of her raffle win, added: "Barbara is an inspiration to me. "She was determined to do it and has raised so much money already for the charities."
