Your correspondent, not being part of the RAF machine, is led to believe that a “Wizard Prang” might refer to two extremes, one being a jolly good show and the other, to crash an aircraft. Today we enjoyed a “Wizard Prang” or two!

Easter Monday was only the second day in 2026 when we have enjoyed a full flying programme, the club’s other flying days having been scrubbed either partially or in whole due to weather related issues.

So, the early birds were at it again and just catching the morning light over RAF Shawbury……

……to ensure that conditions were as good as they could be for Brad and his aerobatics training as he works towards a display sequence. First launch was at 0730 and for those who had heeded the rallying call and hauled themselves out of the scratchers to assist on the airfield, it all looked pretty good as we watched Brad throwing R35 around in the sky.

Although, and it has to be said, the resident hares were totes unimpressed by all this.

Conditions looked pretty good and as the sun warmed up the ground it did not take long to get thermic, and with our MEF gliding bursary students on Easter Break and no visitors it was the perfect opportunity for club members to enjoy a soaring day. For Norm and Jack, just the conditions in which to enjoy the K18.

And syndicate members John Luke and Geoff C each took a gravity defying trip in EEO.

Our “Wizard Prang” was going well but suddenly Rob shouted “there’s an aircraft on finals for 04!” Closer inspection showed that it was a mega RC model being flown by Biggles and the gang that is the Model Flying Club. It really did look the part as we enjoyed watching a series of aerobatic manoeuvres…….

…..until the other type of “Wizard Prang!” All that was left was for Biggles and the boys to pick up the pieces. Soz chaps and can appreciate that that must have cost a penny or two!

The 243 syndicate had sprung a leak – not the normal “Tena for Men” jobby for which they are rightly and justifiably renowned, but a leak in the iron thermal donkey engine on the Ventus 2CT. So they made up for it with a decent soaring trip in R35. And then with encouragement Rob was persuaded to spend some of his inheritance and squeeze into R66 to enjoy a trip of over an hour in the Concrete Swan.