RSGC Ladies Day 2026
This Sunday saw the return of our annual Women in Gliding (WinG) day, an initiative conceived by the British Gliding Association to encourage more women in to the sport of gliding, as currently, only 7% of glider pilots within the UK are women, a number that is far too small.
Brad and Nick were first on the scene, getting the K21s and tug DI’d, followed not long after by Lord Upton-Waters (Mike O), who was soon ordered home on account of locking his dear wife in the house!
Despite the colonel best efforts yesterday to relive his days, defending from the relentless artillery fire in the 24th Regiment of Foot (The South Wales Borderers) of Rorke’s Drift, Zululand, he came arrived for ladies day sporting his new uniform as RSGC’s Diversity and Inclusion Officer. Nice thighs, Colonel!
Mrs #vulcanbomber was also very generous is sending a delicious chocolate cake with #vulcanbomber in tow (think that’s the right way round).
With the entourage arriving, including our aviatrixes for the day, Grace, Caroline, Lizzie and Laura, we soon had the hangar unpacked, and in the end, R22 and R2 were brought out to runway 22, along with the SAGA boy’s Ventus (243).
All powers to the ladies on the first launch, with Lizzie hooking R22 on the tow rope with MEF student Grace and instructor Laura at the helm. Before the rope could be connected, the AA had to be called out to WG, having been informed the rope had jumped a loop on the drum and was stuck. It turned out the Colonel just had a weak wrist and required a firmer pull.
Grace, an RAF Operation Theatre Assistant in training at Birmingham University, continues to impress those she flies with, demonstrating a natural ability and on her third and final launch, experienced a brief introduction to aerobatics from our very own G Queen. We look forward to Grace continuing flying with us and applying for the ‘Go Solo’ fund, enabling her to achieve her ambition of learning to fly.
Speaking of the G Queen, it was not long before she was summoned by her other half, Chris, having locked him out the house after brining both sets of keys to the airfield… sound familiar?
Locksmith Laura with the key master, Mike O in the back of shot.
Lizzie was next up with CFI, Gally the Goat. Lizzie continues to progress towards solo, and today, commenced her circuit training in R2. Whilst it may not be designed for circuit bashing, it was great to see it flying and provided Lizzie with valuable experience of flying different aircraft types. We’re excited to see Lizzie continue with her training, and who knows… RSGC may have another instructor within a couple of years!
Whilst Gally and Lizzie debriefed, Mr and Mrs Bucket (pronounced Bouquet, of course) took R2 for a jolly next. Hyacinth (Caroline) bid us farewell with her usual regal wave, as her and Richard (Nigel) departed for 3000ft. The two enjoyed a half hour trip, before Hyacinth had to return to tera firmer in readiness for one of her candlelight suppers. Now, for the younger readers who think the blog writer has lost the plot, Hyacinth and Richard Bucket (pronounced Bouquet), were a much-loved upper-middle class husband and wife duo and a 1980’s sitcom, Keeping Up Appearances.
#Vulcanbomber was next up in R22 for a quick trip as he rejoices in the sensation of flying solo, and building up experience for his up-and-coming SPL skills test.
1445 saw the return of a flight of two Junos having transported various dignitaries of the RAF Red Arrows to the Midland’s Air Show.
Nick’s attempt at marshalling a Juno… they weren’t interested.
Upon R2’s return, Lord Upton-Waters made the most of his day out from the care home and enjoyed a flight with his carer Geoff M. Lord U-W took his Gentleman’s in-flight plumbing arrangements with him in R2. Nick checked it was plumbed in! The two bagged the longest flight of the day, establishing themselves in lift over Shrewsbury, remaining comfortably above 3000ft for most of the flight.
All in all, a very enjoyable day was had by all. Despite the number of ladies on the airfield not being that high, the day was still a tremendous success. Grace and Lizzie managed to acquire three instructional flights each, as opposed to the originally planned one BI flight, allowing them more stick time to practice various exercises as they progress through the SPL syllabus. The reduced numbers further enabled them to have extensive pre-flight briefs, and post-flight debriefs/analysis. It was great to see Caroline back on the airfield again; we hope this is the start if many more flights. Of course, this day couldn’t have gone ahead, had it not been for the efforts of our very own G Queen and incredible ambassador for RSGC, Laura. Thanks, Laura for organising a tremendous day. We look forward to the inclusion of a buffet next year, lol!
We could hear Kim Al Swan uttering his displeasure of the hangar arrangement from afar!
Hot Weather Ops Challenge for Cranwell
Now, a challenge for our friends at Cranwell. Due to the recent spate of hot weather, the Colonel and Brad have devised a new hot weather procedure for RSGC using the acronym ‘SHAWBURY’. The question is, can Cranwell be as creative?... and who will have the casting vote?
