Paginatitel

Europe: Welshpool

by Nigel Thomas, Regional Director

The annual gathering of European AYA members was held this year at the delightful airfield of Welshpool over the extended weekend of June 6-9. It was a huge success! The weather forecasters and pundits foretold of dire conditions but, as is very often the case, they told lies!

The whole event was organised by a stalwart band: Graham Baker, Arthur Bell, and David Anderson, ably assisted by their friends and families. These gents co-own and operate their AA5B G-BOXU out of Welshpool.

Due to the forebodings of the met men, many people arrived on Thursday, which put a big strain on the

accommodations.

The team took it all in their stride, however, and all the early birds were suitably fed and watered at a local hostelry and bedded in all manner B&Bs, bunk houses, and hotels. Even if the weather turned really poor, we

already had the makings of a decent fly-in!
Friday dawned, and, at the crack of sparrows, a flight was taken to assess the weather in readiness for the inevitable phone calls. It was south-westerly winds at 8-10 knots, cloud base at 1,600 feet, and at least 10 NM visibility. Good enough for a VFR join. Further over to the south and east was a weather front, through which a number of members managed to wend. Others, mainly those coming from that direction, weren't so lucky and found their way blocked by a lowering cloud base. They wisely diverted and returned home, sad but safe.

The arranged activities for the weekend included visits to Powis Castle, a beautiful fortress built in about 1200 -- just a little older than some of us can remember--and its gardens. Also canal boating trips, rail rides on an old light steam railway, and shopping in the local market town. Most people managed at least three of these activities during the weekend.

Our meals and the main event banquet were all taken in a hangar set aside for us by the amenable and supportive airfield owner Bob Jones. Oh! If only every airfield were run by him or by people of equal foresight and commitment to general aviation, then we would be truly in paradise!

The meals themselves were concocted and beautifully prepared on site on temporary stoves (Thanks, Jenny and Alisson!) with a wide variety of choice. Yes, even vegetarian!