UHPC

Successful UHPC 2013 XC Ulster Open Sat 25th and Sun 26th May2013

Some cracking flying by the brave souls who were happy (I think!) to take off in strong and blustery conditions. All who chose to fly got airborne - and back - safely and given the less than ideal conditions, flights from Boviel, Dungiven to the north coast, or near it, were achieved. Those who appeared to be waiting for the perfect thermal had impressive flights without leaving the hill, but congratulations to the pilots who fought with every scrap of lift all the way over the back.

Thanks are due to Tony Conway for directing operations; to Donna his wife for the first class food - best we've ever had at the Open; to Ian Cross for heading up the organisation of the event and to all who went on retrieve journeys, especially Drew McLaughlin. It was good to see so many turning up for the event, including Rafal and the boys from the South of Ireland and individuals are to be congratulated for making their own decisions about whether to fly or not.

Results - courtesy of the worthy winner, Mark Piggott:

 Many thanks to our sponsors of the Ulster Open - we really appreciate your generosity:

Also known as: Simon Murphy's Flying Circus

UHPC Annual Dinner - 29th March 2013 @ 6:30pm

The craic was mighty at the Annual (Christmas!) Dinner at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, which was faultlessly organised by Gary McKie who seems to have secured the job for next time and was rewarded with a bottle of appropriate medicine along with the appreciation of everyone for his efforts.

It was good to see the ladies well represented, with newly qualified Club Pilot Alastair McMaster's wife Eveleen along to keep an eye on him!

It was also good to see Alan and Katya de Tourtoulon who had made the pilgrimage from Dublin to spend the evening with us. Alan managed to sneak a couple of hours' sub-zero airtime at Shane's Hill the following day as reward.

 
 Club Chairman Ian Cross paid tribute to Davy Smyth, one of our most enthusiastic members who recently passed away.

Club trophies were awarded to deserving recipients Tony Conway and Michael Knight, with Best Newcomer Gavin Rabbett unable to be present to collect his.

As the bar was closing, the last few stragglers adjourned to the foyer for a final chinwag before drifting off home.

Latest News

 Successful Slieve Donard Sponsored Charity Event Saturday 23 February 2013 - Around 18 hardy pilots successfully ascended Slieve Donard, the highest mountain in Northern Ireland at around 2,800ft, each carrying all their flying gear to raise funds for the nearby Wm. Keown Trust charity. Temperatures on top were sub-zero with a dusting of snow but all pilots took the easy way down, flying their paragliders and all landing safely by the town of Newcastle at the foot of the mountain. Full report to follow. The Charity is the William Keown Trust based in Dundrum www.wkeowntrust.co.uk. It is involved in "Highlighting the achievements and promoting the dignity of people with disabilities".  For more information contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Reserve Repack night - 1st March 2013 from 7-10pm

Location : Antrim forum

Yet another successful and well-attended event. Well packed reserve parachutes give confidence as we approach the new flying season.