December 2012 by 'Sarah Gill

HOVERCRAFT Light

December 2012

The official magazine of the

Hovercraft Club of Great Britain www.hovercraft.org.uk

December12 inside

And December descends…

Ho Ho Ho…. And welcome to the December edition of the club magazine. For some strange reason the Clarke household is particularly well organised for Christmas, the tree was up as soon as soon December arrived, the decorations and lights spread through the house. And I’m reliably informed that the presents are as good as purchased and ready to be sent to Santa. The Christmas booze has also been purchased, and to some degree sampled…. For us to be this organised is ridiculous, one of the reasons behind this is possibly down to my input, or more importantly, the lack of my input…. I can however triumphantly say I did put both trees up!!! I say trees, please do not be duped into thinking we have one in the west wing and one in the east wing!!! Sadly nothing so grand, one in the kitchen, and a bright ‘pink’ one in the kitchen….. ggggrrrrrr! Christmas for the Rhodes/Clarkes/Team Nationwide is a huge family affair, which I have to say at 40 years young and being a Dad, I love!!!

our fellow racers in Europe, and across the World can only be a positive, and strengthen the bonds between the HCGB and other the European and World administrations.

With 2013 in mind, and in case you haven’t seen the announcement on the HCGB Forum the Hacketts Lake meeting, May 25th, 26th and 27th will now incorporate an EHF meeting on the Saturday and Sunday, with the event being reverting back to a National meeting only on the Monday. Without going into it to deeply here, the meeting will be a joint National meeting and EHF on the first two days. A lot of time and effort has been put into this proposal from the Comps Committee and others, and I personally would like to thank those involved for their time and continued effort in the pursuit of all things hovercraft for the HCGB. Embracing

All that’s left for me to do now everyone a Happy Christmas prosperous New Year, for 2013! say eat and drink sensibly…. certain this won’t be the case!!

And finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone whom has contributed to the magazine in 2012, your efforts are greatly appreciated and we look to your continued support in 2013, making our clubs central hub of communication both fresh and interesting to all our members! is wish and a I would but I’m

Enjoy the magazine!! Darren and Sarah

04 Diary It’s a date

09 Hovercraft industry Russ Pullen

14 Championships www.hovercraft.org.uk

20 Merchandise Jo Discoll

05 Chairman’s Desk The latest update from our chairman

10 Just for fun Darren Clarke

16 AGM March

21 Hovercraft for sale www.hovercraft.org.uk

06 2013 European Kevin Foster 07 Hovercraft adventures Hovercraft Adventures 08 Drivers profile Stevie Gill

The Hov Pod is a 3-seat factory assembled personal leisure cruising hovercraft No kits available, sorry. Commercial craft available.

With 2013 just around the corner, I’m certain many of you will be looking ahead to the racing and cruise seasons, pondering when to start the new build, or tackle those repairs. Having had an enforced season off in 2012, we are looking forward to enjoying the 2013 season. The one problem we have is that at the end of the 2011 season, all the craft were either broken, breaking or looking and feeling a little tired and worn around the edges. So after having a little mess around here and there this year, we can’t wait for 2013 season!!!

40 years Granville Spedding

17 Across the pond Dave Reyburn

12 You can race this Daniel Turnbull

18 Across the pond Australia

13 New arrival Connor James Pert

19 Letters to the editor Rogor Morton

For further details Web-site www.hovpod.com Email sales@hovpod.com Cover Pic: Chloe and new arrival Connor James Pert born 11:30pm 13/11/12 weighing 7lbs. Photo taken by: Claire Mason LightHovercraft 02

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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Diary 2013 MARCH 9-10

The Chairman’s Desk Chapter Nineteen, Weathering A month ago I was wondering if there would be enough events happening next year to keep everyone active. I am amazed by how quickly the calendar is filling up. All the current weather storms and atrocious travelling conditions are not conducive to thinking about summer evenings in a field with loads of friends. The social gatherings of likeminded people for fun are a major draw of this club. A Hover-in or similar event is an ideal way to introduce new members to the club. If you can find a site and a date to hold one, I am sure it will be well supported.

AUGUST 5-11

AGM and Symposium Hilton Hotel, Northampton www.hovercraft.org.uk

Proposed Internationl Championship Antalya/Turkey - Europe www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 4-6

AUGUST 17-24

National race meeting Magnolls Farm, Lancs. www.hovercraft.org.uk

Christmas is nearly here. Some dread it; others (especially children) love it. Thinking back over the last eight years, my boys have developed skills and interest that can only be attributed to their involvement with this club. Their Christmas presents have reflected this and it will again this year as well. Because they will read this before Christmas, I cannot tell you what I have bought them.

North West Highland Cruise Lochcarron, Isle of Skye www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 25-27

AUGUST 24-26

JUNE 15-16

SEPTEMBER 7-8

National Race Meeting Hackett Lakes, Notts www.hovercraft.org.uk

Many of you will be aware of the precarious situation at the Hovercraft Museum. They continue to have concerns about the site, the landlord, the lease, the buildings and the funds. The Hovercraft Museum is the only one of its kind and the collection of craft is unique. Emma Pullen has joined the board of Trustees and is working extremely hard with them to stabilise the future of the collection. Your support and involvement is needed by the Hovercraft Museum Trust. I have asked Warwick Jacobs (another Trustee) to write an article for the magazine as well. If you have never seen the museum, I strongly recommend it. Some of you will realise that what you thought was a new idea has been tried many years ago.

National Race Meeting Gang Warily, Fawley www.hovercraft.org.uk

National Race Meeting Cholmondeley Castle, Malpas www.hovercraft.org.uk

National Race Meeting Rother Valley, Sheffield www.hovercraft.org.uk

JUNE 29-30

European Hovercraft Federation events in the UK had subsided for several years. Last season saw the return of an EHF event at the Big Lake, Nottingham. The weather, coupled with it not being an HCGB National Championship event has been attributed as the reason for the poor attendance.

SEPTEMBER 21-22

Possible Race Meeting TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

National Race Meeting Towcester Racecourse www.hovercraft.org.uk

JULY 13-14

After much work and negotiation it has been confirmed that there will be an EHF race meeting at Hackett’s Lake, Nottingham at the end of May 2013. It will also be an HCGB National race meeting as well. The points will be extracted from the EHF event over the first two days and the third day will be racing solely for HCGB points. There is also the possibility of hosting the EHF final event at Towcester but that has not been confirmed yet.

OCTOBER 5-6

Possible Race Meeting TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

Thanks must go to the team of Chris Barlow, Jamie Lewenden and Conrad Beale for the work that they have done as the front team at the EHF meeting last month. Aligning, negotiating and getting agreement on the rules and running order is a major undertaking.

JULY 27-28

The Competitions Committee, lead by Kevin Foster, are putting the final touches to the next season’s HCGB ‘green book’ of rules that every hovercraft racing driver should read before they turn up at their first race event of next year. Russ Pullen has been busy encouraging members around the country to discover launch sites and camping areas for next summer’s hovercraft cruising. Club Members will be invited to bring their craft along (sometimes for the weekend) and have some fun. If you know of a launch site with parking/camping facilities close by and you have local knowledge of the area, please contact Russ. I would love to see more HCGB club members out on the open water/ mud etc.

Possible Race Meeting TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

Whilst every attempt is made to keep calender items up to date, some calender items may alter after print or the Editor is not made aware of changes-please check relevant UK or European websites for most up to date calenders. If you know of any changes or updates, or wish an event to be listed, then please contact the Editor at magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

LightHovercraft Published by The hovercraft Club of Great Britain Ltd www.hovercraft.org.uk Editors Darren Clarke Sarah Gill

Advertising Rates Issues 1 3 Size 1/4 pg £9 £26 1/2 pg £17 £49 Full pg £33 £95

Distribution Roger Allman Tel: 07765 303755 Contributions Last date for contributions is the of a month.

Printed by ADH printing 2 Boyne Rise Kingsworthy Winchester Hants SO23 7RE

20th

12 £95 £184 £357

Contact the Editor for details at magazine@hovercraft.org.uk

Some of you know Wouter. He is a unique gentleman of the Netherlands and has been an ardent supporter of all things hovercraft and is also a member of HCGB. He contacted me recently with the possibility of acquiring some hulls for the club to use where appropriate. The outcome is a 1000 mile road trip before Christmas by Jake Cooper and me, to collect seven hulls for the very modest cost of a trip to Wouter’s home town of Naarden and some suitable token liquid recompense for their former owners.

Small adverts are free to HCGB members and run for three issues unless reqested otherwise.

The objective is to encourage junior hovercraft builders by giving them access to hulls on the understanding that the hulls return to the club if the build is not completed. Jim Waddell has already been working to involve Bicton College and their feeder schools in hovercraft building. If there are other organisations or groups who would like to join in, then please contact me.

The opinions expressed in any item or article in this magazine are those of the contributor. They do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or policies of the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain Ltd. The entire contents of Light Hovercraft are copyright and permission to reproduce any part must be sought from the Editor. While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, we do not accept any responsibility for any inaccuracy.

The Council have been discussing ways of increasing revenue to help fund ideas such as this. By reducing the financial burden of hovercraft components, how many other craft would be built as projects by future builders of racing or recreational craft? Ongoing funds would have to be found to subsidise builds. The potential of increasing spectator revenue at HCGB events with little impact on club volunteers is one idea and the use of surplus funds from the 2010 World Championships is another. With the current success of Les Bran’s micro Euro craft in the UK, there has been much discussion about the under 11’s who would like to use them. Please give some thought to the possibility of including an area or time at a club event where we could make this happen? Do you think it is time there was a cadet class? A competition against the clock over a technical course for different age groups would be a great entry level to the skills of hovercraft use. Have a great Christmas and a better New Year. If you wish to discuss anything, my contact details are at the back of the magazine. Chris

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Jamie and Conrad have just returned from a weekend long EHF Committee Meeting in Germany where they tabled our proposals for holding a round of the European Championships in 2013 at Hacketts Lake. I’m very pleased to confirm that this proposal has been approved. This will be the first event in the 2013 EHF Calendar. The event will also be a HGCB National, and we will take HCGB points from the EHF races on Saturday & Sunday for a normal HCGB day 3 on Monday. Because of this:

Sunday. Prizes will be awarded for 1st to 3rd place for Novice, Junior, F50, FS, F2 and F1 only. •Monday will be run to HCGB rules. •Race programme for Monday will be as will be as standard HCGB running order. •HCGB prize giving will be held on Monday - normal prizes will be awarded. There will be more information published in the Magazine about the event soon. There are a couple of changes to EHF Race Regulations particularly regarding hitting or missing out course markers that we need to consider, particularly how or if the penalties associated with this are carried forward to the National Championships points extracted for Monday’s racing. On another note, we have also been asked by the EHF if we would consider hosting another round of the Championships to close the season at Towcester; this could be an absolutely stonking race weekend with the Nationals and the European Championships all being decided over the same two days - the Chilterns Branch have been asked about this and will be making their decision at their branch meeting very soon.

None of these meetings clash with UK events and I would urge anyone who has the opportunity to try and race at the EHF events if they possibly can. Grez Neuville is not far from Le Mans in NW France and an easy run from the ferries - doable over a weekend. Both Prudhomat and Flottsbro are in the school holidays. Everyone should try it at least once, you won’t regret it. We raced (well Sarah did) at Prudhomat this year and it was a brilliant experience. The site has been built especially for hovercraft - where else will you get eight land/water or water/ land transitions on one course? The campsite has electric hookup, hot showers, bars (note the plural!) and a fantastic atmosphere - the weather is good too. We’re definitely going again. Looking forward to the coming race season already. Kevin Foster Competitions Committee

FT, HELP!! A R

PARTS A

Looking for the original photo as need the best quality for personal use

D N

TS SKIR

•UK National F3 drivers will take part in FS •UK Formula F35 will be combined with Novice on days 1 and 2 •UK Open races will be included in each race session (not an EHF race) •There will be HCGB National Racing also on the Monday The EHF calendar looks like (day 3) • Race programme for Saturday this: and Sunday has been approved •Saturday and Sunday will be 25/26 May Hackett UK Johnscriven@msn.com run to EHF rules •Start grid for the first race will be based on EHF points to date, followed by unplaced non-UK drivers, then unplaced UK drivers in UK National grid positions. •Prize giving for the EHF Championships will be held on

8/9 June Grez Neuville France 27/28 July Prundhomat France 31Aug /1Sept Flottsbro Sweden possibly 21/22 September Towcester UK

HOVE RC

Hacketts Lake FirstRoundofthe 2013 European Championships

Please contact either: johnscriven@msn.com or funkydarkangel@hotmail.com

ALL OF OUR GIFT VOUCHERS HAVE 12 MONTH VALIDITY TO USE THEM AND WE CAN POST DATE THEM FOR CHRISTMAS DAY IF THEY ARE BEING PURCHASED FOR GIFTS. Hovercraft Adventures Ltd 133 St Radigunds Rd Dover Kent CT17 0LA 01304 729008 / 07762503745 info@hovercraftadventures.co.uk www.hovercraftadventures.co.uk

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AFTER A SAFETY BRIEFING YOU WILL THEN LEARN TO CONTROL THESE AMAZING MACHINES AROUND OUR TRAINING AREA. THEN ONCE COMPETENT YOU WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF EVENTS INCLUDING TIMED LAPS, RELAY RACE AND A HOT LAP SHOOTOUT. EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AND THE WINNER WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO COME ALONG AGAIN FOR FREE.....

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RAZOR RACING

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www.hovercraft.org.uk

www.hovercraft.org.uk www.hovercraft.org.uk

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and drive better as a result (well done)!

well known driver. He is the Stig of hovercrafting.

Is this the end? No just simply the beginning! College and Uni might get in the way for the next few years, but Stevie’s no-longer in juniors so look-out for her from the side-lines, or watch-out for her on the race track. John Scriven

Who is the hovercraft driver you would most like to beat? Well when I’m older and have the time and money to. I want an F1 so that I can beat Dan and les at there own game.

Name: Stevie Gill Race Number: 100 Stevie has always known hovercraft racing from the earliest of ages (2), when we as a family joined the HCGB in the late 90’s. Back then both she and her sister were two little angels and remained that way for years, right up until we tagged along with a HCGB road trip on their way to the French 2006 world championship (they know who they were). Not only did they expose my girls to fag-ball, but the ladies (LOL) of the group within day’s converted these poor little angels into a couple of chavs (I’m still not impressed about that (but it was a fun trip))!!!

Make of Craft: Razor (modified alien)

Anyway about 4/5 years ago Stevie’s sister Sarah “Best Newcomer 2008” started to race in novices, and during that time Stevie was happy to just practicing driving the craft in between races, but sadly it wasn’t always possible to do that and therefore Stevie would miss-out on the fun. It got to the point where I would drive the girls all the way from London to the early Treasure hunt meetings where Bryan White and Jon Pert had cut-out a special track for the girls to drive on (thanks lads’).

What is your favourite hovercraft venue? And why? My favourite hovercraft venue is Claydon house. This is because I get the most frills from there and because I think it’s got a good amount of water and land.

So all’s good and everybody’s happy! When Stevie did her HCGB driving test and passed, a meeting or two later there she was driving out to the grid for her first ever race, and boy was it good to watch! I can’t say that her races got better and better, but they sure was eventful, equally important to see was the interaction between the kid’s and not just the junior drivers, good team building stuff. Stevie must have done lot of “something right” as she went on to win the 2011 rose bowl that year. I’m also proud that Stevie has also inspired others to improve their game; they too now try harder LightHovercraft 08

Formula: Junior When and where did you first drive a hovercraft? I first drove a hovercraft when I was 10 years old at a treasure hunt .And Brain White and John Pert cut out a little track just for me. Thank you Why hovercrafting? Because I love the rush I get when I’m racing and because it’s something different unlike the average sports like football or rugby.

If you could choose any other craft but your own what would it be? And why? If I had to choose any other craft it would have to be Bernie Hook’s craft. Because his craft looks awesome and I think it could do really well in a race with me driving hehe. In the world of hovercraft whom would you give a special trophy to? And why? If I could give anyone a trophy in the world of hovercrafting it would have to go to Mr Barry Oakley. Even though he gets mine and Sarah’s names muddled up he still does a fantastic job. Without him team GB wouldn’t be the same.

Who does the repairs to your craft? My dad John Scriven does most of the repairs to it, on the weekend and when it’s back in London. With help from my uncle Pete (Peter Gill) and my sister Sarah Gill and my nan deals with all the skirt segments. Whilst I’m still learning how t fix everything. Do you use the HCGB page? No I can’t say that I do to be honest because everything I need to know I get of my sister and my dad. Other hobbies other than hovercraft related? • Listening to music • Being with my mates • Skiing If you could be invisible for just one day what would you do? If I could be invisible for the day I would freak people out and convince them that their going crazy lol. What is your favourite holiday destination? My favourite holiday destination so far would have to be Austria. Are you on Facebook and/or Twitter? Yes I’m on Facebook and no I’m not on twitter. 7 facts about you? 1) I still haven’t gone swimming but, I’ve probably just ginxed it now! 2) Im 16 years old and I still have a classic Winnie the pooh bed room. 3) I study Public Services at collage so that I can become am immigration officer. 4) My favourite colours are pink, green and black. 5) My best friend is my sister Sarah. 6) My favourite film is dirty dancing. 7) My middle name is Lianne.

Want to work in the hovercraft industry? Flying Fish Hovercraft are currently looking to recruit staff in the following areas. Sales & Marketing Manager We’re looking for an experienced and motivated sales manager to develop and maintain our network of representatives and agents. You’ll have a strong background in a relevant industry and be confident in preparing and delivering on a plan to increase both direct sales and (particularly) overseas dealers. This is a demanding role and you’ll be prepared to work long hours, travel to attend overseas shows and achieve targets. Package will include a basic plus commission with on-target earnings in the region of £35k. It’s not necessary that you have any hovercraft experience, what’s crucial is that you have the right attitude, drive and ambition - coupled with the right background - to help the company achieve its targets. Laminator Laminator required to join our team producing parts and hulls at our factory in Sandwich, Kent. Experienced preferred but not crucial if you can prove a relevant background or experience which demonstrate you have the right skills to develop. Salary after probationary period is £16k Design Consultant 2012 has seen a complete redesign of our existing range of craft and the release of new models. We’re looking to constantly improve, upgrade and develop our hovercraft and breed a culture of innovation within the company. We have an R&D program in place and welcome fresh input and ideas from experienced designers. If you feel you have the skills necessary to join us on a consultancy basis, we’d love to hear from you. Remuneration by negotiation. To be considered for any of these positions, please forward CV via email to Russ Pullen at Flying Fish Hovercraft www.flyingfishhovercraft.co.uk

Flying Fish Hovercraft Ltd. Building 4, Sandwich Industrial Estate Sandwich, Kent CT13 9LU t : 000444 (0) 1304 619820 sales@flyingfishhovercraft.co.uk Company Reg. 07818507

Is there anyone in the world of hovercraft you admire? I admire Michele Scanavino (Miki) from Italy because he is an amazing www.hovercraft.org.uk

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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Don’t write in, it’s just for fun!!!

FORTY YEARS AGO – GRANVILLE SPEDDING

1) Which is the only sport to be played on the moon? 2) Who was the 2012 Sports Personality of the Year? 3) Who am I? Tennis was my sport. I won a total of 109 titles overall. I was born on the 2nd September 1952 in Illinois, USA. In 1974 I won my first Wimbledon Men’s title, and followed that up with another success in 1982. I was runner up to Arthur Ashe in 1975 and Bjorn Borg in 1975. 4) The ‘Green Jacket’ is awarded to the winner of what? 5) What is the National; sport of Japan? 6) What were the names of the official mascots for the 2012 Olympics? 7) If you’ve been presented with the ‘Venus Rosewater Dish’, which tournament have you just won? 8) How many straight lines are there on a football pitch? 9) What the three disciplines in Three-Day-Eventing? 10) If you take a ‘guard’ of centre, two or leg, which sport are you playing? 11) Which former Olympic event requires the winners to move backwards to win? 12) Who am I? I’m the only racing driver to win the Formula 1 Drivers Championship driving my own car? 13) What is the only Olympic Sport that has a finishing line that no competitor will ever cross? 14) On a standard dartboard, which is the lowest number that cannot be scored with a single throw? 15) What famous American Golf course is known for ‘Amen Corner’, ‘The Big Oak Tree’ and Eisenhower’s Tree’? 16) Michael Schumacher won seven Formula 1 Drivers Championships, but in only two manufacturers cars. Who were they? 17) In the Olympic games, what is the longest race?

A Branch Begins – December 1967

Answers 1) Golf, Alan Shepard, 6th February 1971. 2) Mark Cavendish. 3) Jimmy Connors. 4) Golf, The US Masters. 5) Sumo Wrestling. 6) Wenlock and Mandeville. 7) The Ladies Singles Tournament at Wimbledon. 8) 17. 9) Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. 10) Cricket. 11) Tug of War. 12) Sir Jack Brabham in 1966. 13) Swimming. 14) 23. 15) Augusta National Golf Course. 16) Benetton and Ferrari. 17) 50km Walk. 18) Pole Vault. 19) Pete Sampras. 20) 10 per lane. 21) 100. 22) 10 – Bowled, Caught, Run Out, Stumped, LBW, Hit Wicket, Timed Out, Double Hit, Handled Ball and Obstruction of a fielder. 23) Jamaican Bobsleigh Team. 24) Nottingham Forest. 25) Exeter City.

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18) Which sport requires a ‘planting box’? 19) My nickname was ‘Pistol Pete’, who am I? 20) How many hurdles are there in the 110m Hurdles and 400m Hurdles? 21) How many tiles are used in a game of Scrabble? 22) How many modes of dismissal are there in a game of Cricket? 23) In 1988, four Jamaican Olympians, Devon Harris, Dudley Stokes, Michael White, and Nelson Stokes hit the headlines, why? 24) Lead by “Old Big ‘ead” which ‘unfashionable English Football Club changed European Football history forever, by winning back-to-back European Cup finals? 25) Newcastle United play home games at St.James Park, but which other current English League Club also has a home ground of the same name?

Earlier this year I was contacted by email to see if the Club would be happy to receive some archive material from the start of the “Hoverclub”. Eventually a parcel arrived from Jane Davies, the daughter of Colin Curtis containing nine large ledgers and minute books. The earliest book is a 1965 Cash Register recording some of the first expenses incurred by the club; another contains the very first members’ subscriptions. Two minute books begin with a record of the inaugural meeting of the Dee and Merseyside Hover Club of the 5th December 1967 at the Green Lodge Hotel in Hoylake. Eleven folk were present, a committee of three was elected – the chairman being Mike Turner (whom members of the North West Branch later got to know very well – a knowledgeable yet rather eccentric hovercraft enthusiast. He had an interest in the Hoverhawk Hovercraft, and his house was full of a vast array of hovercraft engines and parts), and a noted apology of absence was received from one G. Harding. Without going into too much detail, decisions about fund-raising, a meeting venue (funded by a 2/6d meeting sub!), number of ‘craft in the area (no definite answer at that meeting) and a likely hover site were listed. Interestingly in 1967 there was an outbreak of foot and mouth disease, and it was hoped when that ended, the branch could use the Sealand Aerodrome on Sundays when the Gliding Club was meeting there. It was intimated that the Gliding Club might even build a hovercraft too.

the Hoylake Advertiser were to be informed of the formation of the Branch, and others who had shown some interest to be mailed to inform them of the next meeting.

Hoverlloyd Terminal Telex started pumping out the information.

Six pages of the September edition reported the historic first crossing of the English Channel by a light hovercraft in 1972. At the helm of ‘Cyclone 2’ was Nigel Beale on a journey that took two hours and twenty minutes. Nigel left Pegwell Bay at 3:20pm and arrived at Bleriot Beach, Calais at 5:40pm – picture below.

It went like this:Calais/ The light hovercraft arrived at Calais Hoverport 20:10hrs. I shall send it back on flight No. 351. I shall leave the ticketing to you. Ramsgate/ OK Fair enough. I expect he will be a bit cold. Is the craft coming back with him on the service Calais/ Yes. But I don’t know how to declare it. Ramsgate/ OK. Call it a boat. The customs this side are defining it as a yacht as it is air driven. Calais/ It is a prototype and not registered you see. Ramsgate/ OK. I shall make a cargo manifesto covering the ‘thing’. Can you tell us whether the craft arrived without any serious problems as I have the Man’s wife here worrying what may or may not have happened. Calais/ Commander standing by me. No damage to the craft, everything perfect. He is sipping a nice cup of French coffee at the moment. Is very wet, needs new and warm clothes. Ramsgate/ I have the Wife and children here and they are happy and have been more worried than him I expect. Ramsgate/ Why are husbands always so nutty? Calais/ OK. All being read. A round of cheers. Ramsgate/ And congratulations to the Commander.

The only report those at Pegwell Bay got of Nigel’s progress was when the

“The SR.N4 flight 351 from Calais arrived at Pegwell Bay at 10:30pm

The records end with a meeting on 17th August 1969 – during which time there had been 69 meeting altogether including many committee meeting. Lots of activities had been planned and executed during those early years. In the July 1971 edition of the Hover Club News, the Dee and Merseyside Branch has a blank column for its contact, and the last mention of the Branch is in the January 1972 edition. By this time two branches (Cheshire and Manchester) are going strong with Colin Burley in charge of the Cheshire Branch and George Armitage the Manchester Branch. The September 1972 Edition Special

with Nigel aboard and ‘Cyclone 2’ safely tucked away on the car deck. After the bow ramp was lowered Nigel started up the lift and thrust engines and, rather like an act of birth ‘Cyclone 2’ slid out of the belly of the N4. As if remembering to sever the umbilical cord, ‘Cyclone 2’ lost a couple of segments from the rear of the skirt as she left the craft’s ramp and upon reaching the the Apron the throttle cable came away! But the ‘craft and operator were safely back in Britain. The Hoverlloyd staff at Ramsgate and Calais had obviously been a great support, along with a trusty support crew. An amazing feat for a very early hovercraft - well done Nigel. To read the full account of Nigel’s remarkable trek go to the 1972 September and October editions of Hover Club News on the Magazine pages of the website.

A question was raised concerning insurance – no-one seemed to be aware of the legal requirements. Mike recorded his hope to demonstrate his hovercraft at various fetes, but especially at a Rotary Conference at a Butlin Holiday Camp. Finally

the

Liverpool

echo

and

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YOU CAN RACE THIS HOVERCRAFT This could be you! Learn to drive, compete, and gain that crucial experience of racing before you purchase your own machine. A craft is available that has been specifically built for new members to have a go at racing. It is a simple single engined craft suitable for new Novices and Juniors, and is available at most race meetings. The skill and insight you gain will be valuable in deciding what type of craft you may wish to build or buy in future. This craft comes with its own trailer, and has a race kit of spares and consumables to see you through a race weekend. You will need to provide: • towbar and number-plate • helmet • buoyancy aid/life jacket • overalls and gloves • petrol • race entry fee • boundless enthusiasm!

Congratulations to Jon and Tracey Pert

For more information on hovercraft visit http://www.hovercraft.org.uk

on their new arrival Connor James Pert born 11:30pm 13/11/12

Hot food and drink are often available on site. Warm waterproof clothing is recommended suitable for the British weather. At least one change of clothes is recommended, you may well get wet. A donation towards the upkeep of the craft is recommended at £50 for a 2 day race meeting.

weighing 7lbs.

Club Membership and provisional Novice racing Licence will be required. Get membership at www.hovercraft.org.uk, you will need to register, and then add a paid subscription. Buy your Novice racing licence from the Racing Services area in the club shop, which can also be accessed from www.hovercraft.org.uk Any queries contact memberservices@hovercraft.org.uk You will also need to pass a manoeuvrability test before racing. If you would like a go or to find out more, contact Daniel Turnbull Tel 01332 700658 danielturnbull@btinternet.com Here we have for sale a new Razor (racing) Hull complete with buoyancy, which has never been raced, never had an engine nor fan frame fitted. It is a deep blue with white inner duct and orange base, it will come with (but not fitted) a white seat, white rudders and white flow straigtheners. We put this unit together to time the assembly process, note - there are a few small blemishes in the very thin gell coat of the upper hull. Going at at special one off price of £875.00 Please contact John Scriven on 07956431630 LightHovercraft 12

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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HCGB National Championships 2012 F1 Racing No 1 27 2 319 9 352 8 6

Team Daniel Turnbull Raider F1 Nationwide Fire F1 Conrad Beale Team Loopster Michael Metzner Steve and Mike Meteor Racing Team

Total 117 104 40 37 34 25 15 15

Team Team Drew Team Beale Team Toon Bernie Hook James Limburn Razor Too Hannah Deacon Double A Racing Andy Griffith Team Wiggin Wayne Ravenhall Mark Allman Frazer George Michael Lambert Racing Lee Willars Rachael Gifford Team Oakley Nationwide Fire 503 Benn Bristow Glen Smith Geoff Sweetman Colin Foster Kent Gano Team Black Josh Daly Christopher Daly Team BNBN Doug Limburn Section4 Rob Cooper

Total 170 137 96 95 89 76 57 51 46 45 40 37 34 32 28 20 16 16 13 12 11 10 10 9 8 6 5 5 2 1

Team High Cross Racing Zoe Deacon Team Saga Louts Phil Tattersall Team Baker Bearwood F35 Natalie Cooper Rachael Gifford Phil Jakeman

Total 165 130 100 64 60 29 28 17 15

F503 Racing No 81 52 48 77 62 106 112 73 44 80 47 75 74 55 41 97 45 95 98 89 130 70 69 120 88 94 53 63 92 64 F35 Racing No 203 219 214 201 205 212 209 211 221 LightHovercraft 14

F2 Racing No 33 60 50 77 100 48 92 47 62 73 44 80 51 81 55 354 75 351 88 316 120 41 39 70 98 121 95 58 53

Team Team Polfrey Fred Wilson Team Goldney Bernie Hook John Scriven Team Toon Section4 Wayne Ravenhall James Limburn Double A Racing Andy Griffith Team Wiggin Tom Robinson Team Drew Michael Lambert Racing Michael Metzner Mark Allman Constance Metzner Josh Daly Team Castrol Team Black Lee Willars Phil Jakeman Colin Foster Benn Bristow Team Black Nationwide Fire 503 Kevin Thomas Team BNBN

Total 120 103 89 87 81 79 66 57 55 49 42 38 35 30 26 25 22 17 14 14 13 11 10 9 7 6 6 5 4

FJ Racing No 11 1 100 110 132 146 152 7 214 102 96 15 125 130 14 9 8 18 12 176 161 25

Team Sarah Foster Team Beale Stevie Gill Jonathan Stevens Christian Broad Nils Atkins Abi Beale Bearwood College A Imogen Hawkins Honor Greaves Meteorites Bearwood College B Daniel Scott Nicole Sweetman Bearwood D Team NorthantHovercraftClubA Charley Bristow will gano Bearwood F35 Juniors Leah Clarke Timmy Burke Cullompton college

Total 143 133 116 103 77 66 51 48 46 44 35 27 24 21 17 14 12 11 8 5 4 3

www.hovercraft.org.uk

Racing No 143 142 134 132 176 177 181 146 136 151 171 170 180 155 164 154

Open F1 Team Francis Morales Phil Hall Storm Hovercraft Team Broad Team Finch Andrew Folland James Eddy David Atkins Stu & Sam Mark Olner Fingers Crossed Racing Andy Collins PEST Warren Briggs Charlie Metcalfe Katie Woodason

Total 142 128 127 94 55 53 52 48 38 33 23 23 19 17 14 13

Team The Flying Normans Storm Hovercraft Team Polfrey James Limburn High Cross Racing Raider F1 Section4 Team Saga Louts Team Drew Stu & Sam Team Wiggin Nationwide Fire F1 Daniel Turnbull Team Baker Team Hoosey Team Broad Steve and Mike Team Finch Team Oakley Bernie Hook Rachael Gifford Team Goldney James Eddy Team Loopster Meteor Racing Team Mark Allman Andrew Folland Ricky Goosey Zoe Deacon Double A Racing Geoff Sweetman Colin Foster Michael Metzner Team Black Francis Morales Natalie Cooper Phil Tattersall Christopher Daly Team BNBN Rob Cooper

Total 133 119 101 84 75 69 68 60 55 45 42 37 29 28 23 21 20 20 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 3 3 1 1

Open (Overall) Racing No 147 134 33 62 203 27 92 214 81 136 80 2 1 205 76 132 8 176 45 77 211 50 181 9 6 75 177 145 219 73 130 70 352 120 143 209 201 94 53 64

www.hovercraft.org.uk

Racing No 27 1 2 9 352 8 6

Team Raider F1 Daniel Turnbull Nationwide Fire F1 Team Loopster Michael Metzner Steve and Mike Meteor Racing Team

Total 95 51 50 40 25 20 20

Team Team Polfrey James Limburn Team Wiggin Section4 Team Drew Team Hoosey Bernie Hook Team Oakley Mark Allman Team Goldney Colin Foster Geoff Sweetman Double A Racing Team Black Christopher Daly Team BNBN Rob Cooper

Total 149 124 88 82 78 43 29 28 15 15 14 14 13 12 11 10 9

Team The Flying Normans Storm Hovercraft Stu & Sam Team Finch Team Broad Andrew Folland James Eddy Francis Morales Ricky Goosey

Total 152 140 79 50 46 29 17 15 14

Team High Cross Racing Team Saga Louts Team Baker Rachael Gifford Phil Tattersall Zoe Deacon Natalie Cooper

Total 160 124 62 20 17 17 15

Open F2 Racing No 33 62 80 92 81 76 77 45 75 50 70 130 73 120 94 53 64 Open F3 Racing No 147 134 136 176 132 177 181 143 145 Open F35 Racing No 203 214 205 211 201 219 209

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HCGB AGM & Social Weekend 8th, 9th & 10th March 2013 The annual Hovercraft Club of Great Britain AGM is to be held on the 9th March 2013 at the Hilton Northampton, just off junction 15 of the M1. For anyone starting their AGM weekend on the Friday evening, a carvery meal at the local Toby restaurant is available – please advise numbers online so we know who is interested. Planned activities for your AGM include: A display and talk on Crash Helmets and Body Armour. A question and answer session with your Council members. A technical talk by Jamie Lewendon. An update on cruising activity and planned events. The HCGB shop will be open on Saturday and Sunday for all your new season clothing requirements. There are a couple of slots available to fill if you know of anything that would be of interest – please contact either Del Smart or Carla Thomas with details. Itinerary for the AGM Saturday 13.45 Talk and demo about Crash Helmet and Body Armour fit and function 14.45 Tea/coffee and biscuits 15.00 AGM 15.45 Council Question and Answer session

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16.45 Technical Talk 19.00 Pre dinner drinks 19.30 Dinner dance and Award Ceremony Sunday 10.00 Sunday morning hangover challenge 11.00 Cruising Talk The AGM costs for Saturday and Sunday including room, dinner, breakfast and all entertainment are as follows: Single room Package £100.00 Twin / Double room Package £180.00 Triple room Package £240.00 Adult / Child room Package £120.00 Other options: AGM only £0.00 Saturday Dinner and Evening Entertainment £40.00 Friday night room and breakfast: Single £50.00 Twin / Double £80.00 Triple £90.00 Adult / Child £50.00 Saturday Light Lunch £12.25 Menu for Saturday Light Lunch is a selection of the following: Roast Beef and Onion Wrap

Finger Sandwich Selection Mixed Olive and Red Pepper Kebab Roasted Vegetable and Cous Cous Pitta Melon Platter Cheese Platter Chocolate Éclair Mixed Fruit Tarts Please book for the number of people requiring Saturday Light Lunch on the HCGB shop website. Bacon butties and chips are available late evening Saturday for those that need more food. The bar prices for the evening are again discounted by 15% for drinks bought from the Collingtree bar and also there will be no corkage charge for anyone bringing their own wine for consumption during the evening meal (one bottle per person max please). Full details are available from the HCGB shop webpage. All of the AGM options listed above are bookable on the HCGB shop website from November 2012. Any queries please contact either Del Smart or Carla Thomas via the HCGB website.

www.hovercraft.org.uk

Letters from across the pond ...

racing the new Raptor was everything I had hoped for. We only had four craft on the grid (all F1/FS) but by the 5th lap I was lapping the field. This went on for 3 heats and by the end of the day I think there was a new realization of what a light weight hull with an 800cc engine could do. While it was my first ever F1 win, it came with some unintended consequences – One of the F1 racers has now sold his craft and has gotten out of racing completely, while another has dismantled his craft, is selling the engine and plans to build a new hull for F50 next year. So that leaves only 2 F1 capable craft for next season. I think I know how Dan Turnbull feels now.

Greetings from the USA! Where it’s now starting to get quite cold here in the Midwest and most hovercraft activity is now limited to working on projects indoors while we wait for the ice to form (if we get any this year) and then the winter hovering season will commence for the few that are willing to brave the cold! The Hoverclub of America had its final official cruise the first week of November in southern Indiana near Cincinnati, Ohio. And yes it was freezing cold and it rained on us most of the time too. However we made it to our destination and the weather cleared up on Sunday for a much better day of cruising and eagle spotting. I even had a large deer jump in the river and run directly toward me, before it turned and bounded off into the woods. This cruise was a chance for me to prove out my newly re-engined Neoteric Hovertrek and give it a good shakedown. I had replaced the 50hp Fuji Robin with a 90hp liquid cooled Rotax 493 (upside down configuration). It mostly worked well but I think the carbs need bigger jets and I’ll have to put the thermostat back in as it barely would come up to operating temperature the whole day. The radiator is hidden inside the plenum where it gets a huge amount of www.hovercraft.org.uk

cooling air flow. That project took me forever to complete, and it still needs some tweaking. Sigh… On the racing front – we had our last race of the year back in late September at the Chilson Pond venue in Michigan. I really like this place as it has everything you could want in a race venue. We raced twice there this year and hope to repeat that next year as well. This event marked the long awaited racing debut of my FS Raptor. I almost didn’t think I would be racing it the day before as I’d had some bizarre bad luck with the engine crank oil seal blowing off some unknown reason. We hammered it back in place, and it wasn’t pretty but it worked, and the Raptor proved to be unbeatable all day long. We combined formulas as usual and it resulted in three basic formulas: Slow (entry level/ juniors), Medium (F25/F35) and Fast (F1/F2/FS). The best racing from a spectator standpoint was the decent field of F35’s slugging it out, but for me

Our race program has been in rebuilding mode since 2010 when we had no racing at all. This year F2 seems to have died out, but there is now a new push to get F50 going. While F50 or F503 has been popular over in the UK for quite a few years, it never caught on over here. That is now changing and there is a renewed enthusiasm to field a new grid of F50 craft for next season. Kent Gano acquired a 503 powered Eurocraft, and three or four club members are building new 503 powered craft. I hope to join the fray with my other Raptor hull which will soon have a 50hp 503 equivalent engine. This could be just what we need to build our numbers up again. We’ll find out next March when we meet in Alabama for our first ever University Hover bowl competition, where the University of Alabama and Auburn University are building FS/F50 craft to compete against each other. Sounds like fun! Road trip anyone? All the best - Dave Reyburn – VP, Hoverclub of America

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After the Mighty Murray What next is the question Daring Dalrymple? Dear Air Cushion Vehicle enthusiast, The next QSH club cruise will be on Sunday 9th December 2012 at 9am at 96 Muriel Street Redland Bay. Launch into Lagoon Passage from the back terrace. High tide will be at 6am. There will be plenty of smooth water for a cruise to the islands as low tide will be at midday. This is also our Christmas break-up so bring along something for the barbecue and salad for hot weather with cool drinks. Peter and Elaine expect to be home from their long trip and adventure to Western Australia, South Australia, Primbee NSW and Newcastle NSW.

The last cruise was held at Pelican Park Clontarf on Sunday 25th November 2012. Angus Kerr and Ann Torrance in a Viper 65HP and Arthur Stead in a Revtech Renegade powered by a 20hp Honda air-cooled 2 cylinder 4 stroke travelled across the Pine River mouth parallel with the Houghton Highway and Ted Smout bridge then ventured upstream past the Wyampa Road Boat Ramp and Tinchi Tamba Wetlands, under the Bruce Highway bridges, past the South Pine Junction and up to the AJ Willie Bridge at Petrie. In attendance were Phil and Kerri Audsley, Bill Toppin, Neil Budworth, Judy Stead, Rita Chaffey and Steven Odgaard. Brandon Bull had a mechanical breakdown during engine test the night before and was unable to weld up a fractured drive shaft in the Yellow timber Turbo Wedge 225 powered by a Subaru 1600cc. Neil Budworth also had a mechanical failure during static trials at home with a fractured top fan LightHovercraft 18

pulley on his Turbo Wedge 265. The Billy Baker came along on its trailer as a static display; the thrust engine fired up on 2nd pull of the rope and sang beautifully, but the Robin lift engine was still refusing to start on the weak spark and out of tune exhaust back pressure. We enjoyed fine weather with light to moderate wind and the boating and picnic facilities at Pelican Park are kept well maintained by the Redcliffe Council. The last planning meeting was held on Tuesday 20th November 2012 at 7-30pm at 350 Mortimer Road Acacia Ridge. In attendance were Angus Kerr and Brandon Bull, Arthur Stead, Phillip and Kerri Audsley, Neil Budworth, Bill Toppin, Jim Calder, host Rita Chaffey and Steven Odgaard.

Arthur Stead gave a report on his trip along the Murray River with Sam Waugh and John Mendham. Murray River from Mouth to navigatable source. Distance 2,433.3 kilometres. 1st leg Wednesday 9th May – Wednesday 23rd May 1715 kilometres 2nd leg Thursday 18th October Wednesday 24th October 718 kilometres

Arthur also announced their next ambitious adventure. Lake Dalrymple. 22,400 hectares. Located west of Collinsville, Bowen and Proserpine in a region of Queensland known as the Dry Tropics. 1,860,000 megalitres and 37 metres deep. Held back by a concete wall 876 metres long. Average lake depth 8.3 metres. In the monsoon season it can have 2 metres flowing over the 504 metre spillway and can spill for up to six months. Constructed between 1982 and 1987 and opened by Ian Sinclair, Ralph Hunt, Senator Ron Boswell, Senator David Brownhill,

Mark Stoneman and Paul Johnson (Qld Water Resources).

Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen and the shire councillors of Dalrymple started the project off in 1982 with the construction of an access road and John Goldby the Qld minister for Water Resources and Mark Stoneman Member for Burdekin laid a horseshoe in the first concrete pour, just for good luck. The Dam is nestled between two mountain peaks in the Leichhardt Range where the river cuts its way through a rocky gorge known as the Burdekin Falls. Rivers flowing into the lake are Suttor River, Sellhiem River, Rollston River, Belyando River, Cape River, Campaspe River and the upper Burdekin River. Nearest town is Ravenswood.

Jim Calder received his Moreton Bay permit in July and is now keen to tune up the Hornet with the 3 cylinder Polaris engine. Brandon Bull has been to 3 QSH events and joined as a new member. Moved by Angus Kerr and seconded by Phil Audsley, Brandon was accepted unanimously. Welcome Brandon as our youngest club member.

Just a bit of an overview of things “hovercraft” that have happened during our trip to WA. Our first encounter with a fellow enthusiast was on 4th Oct while we were visiting the “Haystacks” a group of interesting granite rock formations in the middle of a wheat field near Port Kenny. This man (forgotten his name) had witnessed the first international rally held on Lake Burley Griffin Canberra (1964). He was very interesting to talk to and since Peter was the first person he had spoken to in many years who even knew anything about it. He described all the craft and said the main focus was on the lift which he realizes now with the modern skirts is the easy bit. He took a business card from Peter and www.hovercraft.org.uk

said he would be interested to keep in contact. On Friday 5th we pulled into a tiny fishing village called “Haslam” on the Eyre Peninsular, where the water was very shallow for miles and Squid fishing was very popular. A young fellow about 14 came over and began talking to Pete about the craft. He was very keen to know all about it and said he would love to build one as the waters would be perfect for it in this area. He said he has saved $10,000 and thought this would be a good project to spend some of this on ). We were sorry we didn’t get his name or any contact details but intend to write to him via the Post office as we are sure it will get to him being such a small place and nothing much there. The PO seemed to be the place to hang out and watch the grey nomads come and go from the free camp area. On arrival in Norseman we pulled in to a petrol station with cheap petrol (we had been paying $1.99.95 per ltr through the Nullarbor). We missed out on the Kangaroo tails at Nullarbor so we weren’t going to miss out on the cheap petrol) It was at this petrol station that we were greeted by two men, one a bit scruffy and the other really scrubbed up well with gold and diamond ear rings etc, a very odd couple. They were amazed to see the hovercraft come in as they had one in their back shed that belonged to their boss John Brady, who was out of town on business. They took lots of photo’s and took us out to the shed to see the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We have set up a facility for Council to send an email message to members if we need to pass on important information (such as last minute changes to events due to weather conditions). In order to receive such messages you need to have a working email address in your member profile. If you don’t have a current email address www.hovercraft.org.uk

craft. It was in pieces getting it ready to send to Adelaide to Kevin Dixon for some modification to render it having better performance on the salt lakes which are all around there. The craft is a “Hornet” and was built by Kevin, it was badly worn on the base and the skirts from the harsh salt lakes, it was powered by an EA81 Subaru engine. We gave them a business card also and asked them to pass it on to John and have him contact us so we can put him in touch with Jeremy. Apart from the numerous curious people that wanted to know all the in’s and out’s of hovercraft, how they work, how fast they go, what do you use them for, where do you get them, etc the next really interesting meeting was with some people in Denmark. This was a real fluke as we were not intending to spend much time here but thought it pretty and worthy of a drive to the River mouth. As we arrived there a man came across from the River Mouth Caravan Park and was so enthusiastic about the fact that we had a hovercraft. Another name we can’t remember I’m afraid but he offered us free accommodation just to keep us there so we could discuss hovercraft. He took us in his car to his son Paul’s house a couple of kilometres away where he opened his enormous shed to reveal all kinds of boys toys from jet ski’s, through, quad bikes, a huge bus they are renovating with full laundry, bathroom and kitchen facilities, and amongst all this his hovercraft. The craft is an aluminium copy of Ross McLeod’s “hover

ute” powered by an EA82 Subaru with twin thrust units with elevators individually controlled enabling the pilot to bank the craft whilst making a turn. It has a 20hp Cola lift engine driving a 9 bladed multiwing aprox 700ml lift fan. The craft is 5.5meters long and has a bag and fingered skirt. They showed us a video of the craft in action and it looked really good on the water. Unfortunately they have had trouble getting permission to run it commercially on their inlet and as they own a caravan park in the area they can’t afford to make waves with the local authorities. They are reluctantly thinking of selling the craft. We have emailed them and thanked them for their kind offer of accommodation and hope to keep in touch as they do come over to Qld sometimes and have been to visit Ross McLeod.

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Prices of HCGB Logo Merchandise Woolly hat - £7.50 including embroidered club logo Fleece hat - £7.50 including embroidered club logo Kids Hoodies - £14.00 including embroidered club logo on breast Kids Zipped Fleece Jackets £14.00 including embroidered club logo on breast Kids short sleeve T shirt - £6.50 including embroidered club logo on breast

Soft shell jackets – black or navy - £35.00 including embroidered club logo on breast & back Fleece zipped jackets – all colours - £22.50 including embroidered club logo Hoodies – all colours (other than orange) - £ 20.00 including embroidered club logo Ladies fit short sleeve T shirt – all colours – £12.00 including embroidered club logo Ladies fit long sleeve T shirt – all colours - £15.00 including embroidered club logo Men’s short sleeve T shirt – all colours - £12.00 including embroidered club logo Men’s long sleeve T shirt – black only - £15.00 including embroidered club logo & printed logo down right sleeve Unisex short sleeve polo shirts – all colours - £15.00 including embroidered club logo Unisex long sleeve polo shirts – all colours - £17.00 including embroidered club logo Baseball Cap - £7.50 including printed club logo LightHovercraft 20

Mouse Mat - £6.50 All-in-one race suits – navy – N/A Two piece water proof sets – black - £25.00 Puncture repair kits - £1.50 Kids ear defenders - £7.50 Ear caps – £1.00 Lipsyl - £1.50 Sun cream - £3.50 The Hovercraft Story Book - £8.50 5 Postcards in frame - £22.50 4 Postcards in frame - £20.00 Powered Model Kit - £15.00 Combat force Hovercraft - £3.50 Logo Pens – 40p Thermal Mugs –£6.00 Mugs – £7.00 Key rings –TBA Wrist bands - £1.00 Umbrellas – £15.00 Cotton Shopping Bags – £5.00

Hovercraft for sale BBV F3 Shaft drive, TZR 250 with trailor £1800

F3 Meteor Racing Craft Fully recondition hovercraft currently being carried out, available in any colour that the customer would like, integrated hull fitted with standard TZR 250 engine. Brand new set of skirts fitted. This can be built to any spec wanted. Price depends on spec wanted. From £1700 upwards Call Ricky Goosey: 07875335702 For Sale – Mr Bump Lee Willars built, modified Eagle Racing Hovercraft Elegantly finished as Mr Bump Built and raced in 2012, finishing 3rd Overall in F50 Hull, Engine Frame, Steering, Splitter Plate, Fuel Tank and Skirt only (No Engine) Two careful owners, c/w HCGB Log book and very minor ‘war wounds. Engine frame to suit Rotax 503 c/w Gearbox. Stick an Engine in and your ready to race!! Collection only - £1,500.00 Contact Clive Mason Mob – 0772 9783989 Email – clivemason33@yahoo.com Need to sell our VENOM F50 built 2012 with Rotax 503 FAC , due to my cousin Kim stopping racing. Nearly NEW craft , three laps in Nottingham & four heats at Worlds; fantastic craft even out for it first time at Worlds & doiing 4 of 6 heats still 11 th place. Comes with moveable splitter a airguide box under it. Think £3,500.00 would be a fair price? Contact tel. 0032 497899829 Jos in Belgium or here. Tony Broad & Conrad know the craft ! Craft is currently in Belgium, but could be delivered to Calais for collection.

most of the local branches meet regularly, normally in a pub, to sit around and chat hovercraft or organise an upcoming meeting or event. feel free to contact them and they will be more than happy to welcome you along to the meetings.

ONLY AVAILABLE TO HCGB MEMBERS Hoodies – orange - £20.00 including embroidered club logo, own name printed on right breast (optional) and HCGB Marshall on back. Unisex short sleeve T shirts – orange - £7.00 including printed club logo Sweatshirt – orange - £17.50 including embroidered club logo, own name printed on right breast (optional) and HCGB Marshall on back

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local branches