Windrushers Gliding Club: A History of Aviation and Closure
Windrushers Gliding Club established a significant legacy within the UK aviation community, serving as a hub for both aspiring pilots and seasoned competitors. From its early days of operation to its eventual closure, the club played a pivotal role in promoting the sport of gliding, particularly among younger enthusiasts.
Operational History
The club began its operations at Little Rissington before relocating to Bicester in 1956. During its tenure, it merged with the Royal Air Force Gliding & Soaring Association (RAFGSA). However, in July 2004, Windrushers was reformed as a separate entity following the RAFGSA's move to RAF Halton.
The club quickly became a center of excellence, achieving accreditation as a Junior Gliding Centre from the British Gliding Association (BGA)—the national governing body for the sport. This status underscored the club's commitment to youth aviation, a mission further highlighted by hosting the UK Junior National Championship in 2005.
Beyond youth training, Windrushers was a frequent host of high-level competitive events, ranging from regional championships to national class competitions.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Competition Record
| Competition | Year(s) Held |
|---|---|
| Regional Gliding Championship | Annually 2005–2019 |
| UK Junior Gliding National Championship | 2005 and 2010 |
| Standard Class National Championships | 2006 and 2011 |
| 18 Metre Class National Championships | 2008 and 2013 |
| Club Class National Championships | 2015 |
| UK Gliding Grand Prix (18 metre class) | 2016 |
Key Facts
- Founded/Moved: Relocated to Bicester in 1956.
- Specialization: Accredited as a BGA Junior Gliding Centre.
- Closure Date: Left Bicester Airfield in July 2020.
- Lease Termination: Officially terminated on December 12, 2019.
- Asset Status: Fleet sold; funds currently held in trust by the British Gliding Association.
The Path to Closure
The decline of the club's operations began in early 2020 following discussions with Bicester Heritage, the new owners of Bicester Airfield. The owners sought to modify the lease agreement, which would have stripped Windrushers Gliding Club (WGC) of several key privileges. Under the proposed terms, the club would have transitioned from a leaseholder to a general "airfield user," requiring them to book the airfield by the day to fly.
These changes would have led to increased operational costs and a significant loss of independence, making it impossible to expand operations or run competitions. Additionally, Bicester Heritage intended to take over club property, including workshops and recently renovated clubrooms. Consequently, the club vacated the airfield in July 2020, with members dispersing to other local organizations such as the Oxford, Shenington, and Banbury Gliding Clubs.
Fleet Management and Dissolution
Following the departure from Bicester, the club committee initially claimed the organization was entering a state of "hibernation" rather than dissolving. This distinction was critical regarding CASC (Community Amateur Sports Clubs) guidelines, which typically require assets to be disposed of to other eligible CASC organizations. By claiming hibernation, the club initially kept its fleet unavailable to other local CASC clubs.
By June 2022, company accounts revealed that the committee had concluded no suitable new site could be found. This led to the decision to sell the aircraft. Because the details of this decision were not publicly distributed via committee minutes, questions remained regarding the alignment of these sales with CASC guidelines. The proceeds from these sales are currently held in trust by the British Gliding Association pending a legal disposal plan.
Final Fleet Disposition
The following aircraft were sold following the club's closure, as verified by the CAA registration authority:
- Alexander-Schleicher ASK 13 (5 units): Sold to Midlands (Long Mynd) Gliding Club, Dumfries and District Gliding Club, Bidford Flying Club, and two private owners.
- Grob Twin III (2 units): Sold to South Wales Gliding Club and Scottish Gliding Club.
- Alexander-Schleicher K 8 (2 units): Sold to Oxford Gliding Club and one unknown party.
- Grob Astir CS: Sold to Southdown Gliding Club.
- Scheibe Falke 2000 Motor Glider: Sold to a private syndicate at Hinton-in-the-Hedges Airfield.
- Piper PA-25 Pawnee (Tug): Sold to Peterborough and Spalding Gliding Club.
- Robin DR400 (Tug): Sold to Norfolk Gliding Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Windrushers Gliding Club close?
The club closed primarily due to a lease dispute with Bicester Heritage. The new terms would have increased costs and reduced the club's independence, requiring them to book the airfield daily rather than operating as a leaseholder.
What happened to the club's aircraft?
After the committee determined that no new flying site could be established, the fleet was sold to various other gliding clubs and private owners.
Where are the funds from the aircraft sales?
The funds raised from the sale of the assets are currently being held in trust by the British Gliding Association (BGA) to determine a legal and appropriate way to dispose of them.
Was Windrushers a training center for youth?
Yes, the club was an accredited Junior Gliding Centre under the British Gliding Association and hosted the UK Junior Gliding National Championship multiple times.
What is the difference between a leaseholder and an airfield user in this context?
As a leaseholder, the club had specific privileges and independence to run its own operations and competitions. As an "airfield user," they would have had no such autonomy and would have been required to pay for daily access to the airfield.