Banbury Gliding Club

Well done Peter!

Congratulations, Peter, who completed his SPL skill test today! At Banbury Gliding Club

Well done Lusitha and Yumeth!

Well done to Lusitha and Yumeth, father and son, who both converted to single seat gliders on the same day as part of their SPL journey! At Banbury Gliding Club

This week, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped aviation history and those who are shaping its future right here at Banbury Gliding Club, from first flights, competition flying and instructing.

At Banbury Gliding Club, we welcome women of all ages and backgrounds. If you’re looking for a new hobby, considering a future in aviation, or just curious, gliding is an accessible and rewarding way to get started. No previous experience is needed, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.

Get in touch: 👉 https://www.banburygliding.com/

Or you’d like to learn more about women in gliding and how to get involved across the UK, visit: 👉 https://womengliding.co.uk/

Huge congratulations to Simon on being awarded the BGA Diploma! 🎉

Thank you, from us all for your untiring efforts for the club 👏

Looking back on 2025, it's been a fantastic year for the club. We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved. Here are some stats for the year:

- Number of launches: 1,716
- Hours flown: 1,338hrs
- Visitors flown: 184
- New members: 19
- First solos: 5
- Badge claims: 10
- New BI Instructors: 2
- FRTOL: 2
- Number of new licences: 4
- Club expeditions: 2

None of this would be possible without our members and volunteers. Your time, commitment, and enthusiasm are what keep the club going, and we’re so very grateful for everything you do.

As we head into 2026, we look forward to more flying, more learning, and more shared experiences. Thank you all for a brilliant 2025.

Lots to celebrate today!

Well done to Ben for converting to the Astir!

Also a well done to George and Simon who both completed their SPL skills test! We won’t mention that George beat his dad by 28 mins 😉

Congratulations to Simon and George Ackroyd who both completed their SPL training today!

Today we say good bye to our faithful K13. After 29 years of BGC ownership, it’s off and starting a new life at Borders GC at Milfield.

A good week for our members with claims by Martin, Jim & Mariusz totalling:

🥈 1 x Silver height
🏆 3 x Gold heights
💎 2 x Diamond heights

Well done all! I hope you’re all celebrating your achievements.

Congratulations to Ben and Yumeth who have both flown solo over the last few days!

Ben who re-soloed after a 27 year break on Friday.

Yumeth who had his first solo flight yesterday!

Well done Andy! 🎉

👏 Well done to our amazing pilots who’ve just taken part in the UK Junior Nationals & Cotswold Regionals 2025 in Aston Down and the 18m Nationals in Husbands Bosworth!

They’ve flown brilliantly over the last week on their various tasks in some challenging conditions!

**UK 18m Nationals**
Darren Francis (1st), Leigh Wells (2nd) & Jim White (25th)

**Junior Nationals**
Oliver Ramsay (3rd), Olivier Warren-Torres (26th) & Robbie Pennink (22nd)

**Regionals Shrek Class**
Miles Bailey (1st)

**Regional Donkey Class**
Philippa Roberts (12th)

📸 A thank you to: Cotswold Competitions, Olivier, Philippa, & Pete for the photos from Aston Down below.