January/Febuary 2013 by 'Sarah Gill

HOVERCRAFT Light

Jan/Febuary 2013

The official magazine of the

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

inside

Jan/Feb13

Just in case anyone missed it, that’s January gone in a flash….. Christmas and New Year appear to be a long way in the distance in the rear view mirrors! And what a dramatic January weather wise it’s been!! Great Britain once again grinds to a shuddering halt as two weeks of snow bring the country to standstill! BMW drivers across the UK trembling in fear, as they peer from behind their curtains at first light as a light covering snow has appeared… turning there autobahn loving speed machines into an automotive version of Bambi on ice!!!! (For the record this will apply to most modern day rear wheel drive cars, but the BMW always appears to be the one peeking out of the hard shoulder or ditch at the head of a huge queue of traffic after you have queued for hours upon end!!)

in turn flooded the garden!!! Personally I love the snow and cold being a keen skier, I’m always hoping hand on heart we’ll have enough to dig the skis out, but sadly that never occurs!!! Funny though, that we don’t have enough snow to be able to ski, but BMW drivers can’t drive down a side street without sliding around like a baby penguin!!!!

Like most parents we undertook the ritual of digging the sledge out and bombing down a bank into either fence or hedge bottom, then returning home to build the token snowman (and snowdog now, thanks to Channel 4), and then wipe away the tears of a heartbroken child when after three days the snowman has melted and

But before messing around in fields, lakes and rivers commences we have our Annual General Meeting & Symposium on the 9th and 10th March, again being held at the Hilton Hotel just off Junction 15 of the M1 motorway at Northampton. I’m certain our organisers this year, Del Smart and Carla Thomas will pull out

07 WHF Tony M Drake

04 Diary It’s a date 05 Chairman’s Desk The latest update from our chairman 06 EHF participation Keith Rhodes SKI AND BOARD TRIP? Keith Rhodes Help!! John Scriven

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

I nearly forgot… hovercraft… I knew there was a reason I was writing this… well 2013 is upon us and in full swing, and what a ‘jam packed’ calendar of both racing and cruising events there is, with something that should cater for everyone’s needs. I think at the last count there are 7 National race meetings, 4 European race meetings and 9 cruising events! So, on the whole a busy old year!!!!

Minutes Roger Morton 08 Intersested Paul Whitehouse 11 You can race this Daniel Turnbull 12 AGM March

all the stops and make it a weekend to remember! If you’ve not yet booked your tickets, you can do this on the Forum at the Club Shop! Link below; http://www.ekmpowershop12.com/ ekmps/shops/hovercraft/agmpackages-10-c.asp Well that’s me done for this month!! Enjoy the read! Darren and Sarah

14 40 years ago Granville Spedding

22 Hover News Brian Russel

16 Cruising 2013 Russ Pullen

24 Merchandise Jo Discoll

18 Sponsor Nicola and Adam Turnbull

25 Hovercraft for sale www.hovercraft.org.uk

Live Stream Derek Sweetman 20 Stemnet 2012 Darren Clarke

For further details Web-site www.hovpod.com Email sales@hovpod.com Cover Pic: Exploring Grain Tower, a Napoleonic Fitness at the mouth of the Medway. Photo taken by: Russ Pullen LightHovercraft 02

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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Diary 2013 MARCH 9-10

JUNE 15-16

AUGUST 17-24

MARCH 23-24

JUNE 29-30

AUGUST 24-26

APRIL 20-21

JULY 13-14

Cruise TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

AUGUST 31-1 EHF Race Meeting Flottsboro, Sweden www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 4-6

JULY 20-21

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

National Race Meeting Claydon, Aylesbury www.hovercraft.org.uk

SEPTEMBER 7-8

enough to visit Cullompton College earlier this month to meet up with Jim Waddell and some of his Technology Club students. Jim has recently been working on involving other schools and colleges in Devon in building hovercraft and has been instrumental in arranging an event at Bicton College in April. Members in that area should contact Jim if they can support the event.

MAY 18-19

JULY 26-5

SEPTEMBER 21-22

With the AGM rapidly approaching it is time to consider what you can put into the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain. Can you improve on what other members have done already? Do you have ideas to advance the club? Can you implement these ideas? Please ask yourselves these questions? The club needs your positive input and expertise.

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

The Chairman’s Desk

Chapter Twenty Re-invigorate

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

Cruise Medway/Swale www.hovercraft.org.uk Point to point race & cruise Kent www.hovercraft.org.uk

Cruise TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

Cruise Irish Raid www.hovercraft.org.uk

MAY 25-27

JULY 27-28

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

EHF Race Meeting Prudhomat, France www.hovercraft.org.uk

JUNE 8-9

AUGUST 5-11

North West Highland Cruise Lochcarron, Isle of Skye www.hovercraft.org.uk National Race Meeting Gang Warily, Fawley www.hovercraft.org.uk

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

OCTOBER 5-6

Possible Race Meeting TBA www.hovercraft.org.uk

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

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

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The Council Officers are elected volunteers who have put themselves forward to benefit others. If you consider that they are not doing the best for the club, please step forward and take on the task for the good of the club members. The AGM is also a good event to meet up with friends and have a great party that is not in the middle of a field. The details are in this magazine and on the website.

If you wish to discuss anything, my contact details are at the back of the magazine.

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

Contributions Last date for contributions is the a month.

There are hovercraft club members involved in numerous different facets of this fascinating engineering discovery. Some of these members are willing to spend time and energy encouraging young people to explore the many areas of engineering involved in producing different hovercraft. I have been lucky

With all the rumours flying about, I am hopeful that the number of hovercraft active this summer will increase in both racing and cruising activity. There could be some cadet craft about as well. We certainly have many more events this year to have fun at and there are still more developing.

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

EHF Race meeting Grez Neuville, France www.hovercraft.org.uk

It is now late January 2013. For those who race, the realisation that half the build time over winter has now gone. For those who use their hovercraft for other pleasures, the glimmer of hope appears on the horizon, of calm water, low winds, gentle tides and warmer weather. For our model fraternity, the heating in the shed will soon be turned off. For those of us who have corporate ventures, check the sun cream stock in readiness for the glorious British weather. For the museum it is time to plan the Hovershow.

20th of

12 £95 £184 £357

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

Chris

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

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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EHF participation in 2013 new thread OK. New thread on practicality of doing thisIF - BIG IF - I used my trailer (4 craft capability) and took one other craft (space at least for one - possibly more if Tristan and/or Damian didn’t want to do EHF Does anyone want to buy the spare space/s - and either travel in the RV or drive over under own steam? And - does any one want to buy a ride to the EHF events taking their own camping gear ( rv not available for sharing for the weekends - up close and personal out of bounds LOL) I think the 2 french meetings are (for me in the RV) out on friday morning -back on Monday PM Sweeden will be out wed night back tuesday PM. In theory I can take 9 passengers seat belted in the RV. In practice sleeping bags in the communal area for passengers will limit this to 4 on beds- 2 more (less than 5ft 6” tall) on the dining area leaving not much floor to sleep on! (or putting tents up in a quite corner of services).

FANCY A HCGB/EHF/WHF MEMBERS SKI AND BOARD TRIP?

WANT TO GO TO A NEAR SECRET RESORT IN THE TARNETAISE

Valmorel is one of my favourite resorts as it’s economical and quiet. It caters for all levels of skiing and we know a secret valley with a pitch of 50* which we last skied ourselves all week making fresh tracks all on our own, so any powder hounds can fill their boots, as well as a really steep wall just off piste where those with the skill sets can really carve out a steep pitch. It’s the only European ski resort I have ever seen with a dedicated novice’s zone where speeding is banned and it is an exclusive novice zone. So if you never tried it – now’s the time – do it with friends and have loads of fun. Great for families, and as cheap as chips when you self cater. And you get to go with friends who can help you if it’s your first time so you are not out on a limb. No need to buy lots of special clothing – salopettes (ski trousers) are the only thing you need to buy that you can’t use in everyday UK winter wear. The rest is on the shelf at Decathlon. Really – you don’t need to spend shed loads of money on kit.

Practically - probably 6 max passengers -and would need to be good company!!!! very “cosy” Say - passenger cost £120 all in ( ferry fuel all inc) BYO food etc Craft - say £150

Problem is not many people use this forum so not sure if this reaches out to those who might be interested. Shame really as its a good sounding board in the main.

My very best wishes to you and your family and I hope you have a great 2013.

Easy payments – a regular monthly standing order will cover all your costs so it’s all paid for before you get there. On a budget of around £300 per person we can provide self catering for a week long ski fest, hotels and catered chalets are available – just tell me what you want Lift passes will be around £150 each for a family pass up to 17 years, about £180 for an adult pass, and all you need to do is get there.

Great little town centre with all the après ski you will need-car free- friendly and fun modern centre keeps the alpine feeling going all night long.

Johnscriven@msn.com

YOU NEED TO MAKE YOUR COMMITMENT BY END OF MARCH 2013. Any questions- just PM me on the website, email me or just call me on 07894 697891.

FT, PARTS A A R HELP!!

D N

RSVP.

The WHF Secretary, Vice Presidents and I wish you the compliments of the Season 2012 was a very mixed year for us. We had a fantastic World Championship in Saalburg, Germany, but sadly it was marred by the tragic death of Michael Feulner. How ever you choose to celebrate Christmas and the New Year please spare a few moments to remember Michael and his family who miss him very much.

But – you will need to make a commitment – its UK half term and if it’s not booked by spring 2013 you will not get in. Interested? Don’t dally – email me at karhodes@btinternet.com and make your commitment to a great week on the mountain in 2014 with those you love and hate in equal measures – and wear a silly hat all week.

This could mitigate some of my costs to go - for me time off is not an issue but not everyone will have the flexibility with days off. Some feedback to see if there is interest and see if this is viable will be interesting.- kind of cliff richards summer holiday theme LOL!

I am prepared to book and organise a HCGB ski trip for all club members – including EHF and WHF members and followers for 15th Feb 2014 – half term UK – for 1 week, for either self catering or hotel/chalet accommodation. We will put on guided tours to nearby villages for all standards of ski/boarders, lessons, off piste excursions, a GS competition for all levels and some après ski nights!

HOVE RC

From Keith Rhodes, conatct him if intersted via club forums

TS SKIR

Looking for the original photo as need the best quality for personal use Please contact either: johnscriven@msn.com or funkydarkangel@hotmail.com

RAZOR RACING

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www.hovercraft.org.uk

Tony M Drake, JP. WHF President.

Minutes of the Council of The Hovercraft Club of Great Britain Meeting 248 –Monday 3 December 2012 at 8:00pm by conference call Ref. 01 02 03 04 06 07 08 09

Item Members present: Gill Crane, Chris Daly, Kevin Foster, Jim Lyne, Roger Morton, Carla Thomas Apologies: Tony Drake (President), Deborah Hunt Minutes of Meeting 247: Circulated prior to the meeting. Approved. Matters arising not covered below: None Coaching certificate / Instructors licence: A work in progress with Ewan Black taking the lead. Non-racing activities: Carla & Jim are coordinating the updating of non- racing rules & regulations. They will liaise with the Recreational Activity Coordinator in respect of the construction regulations for recreational craft. Carla is looking for help with and ideas for recreational activities at race meetings. The club website: We have set up a facility to use Mail Chimp for mass emails to club members and there is now an urgent notices area on the club website. Carla and Roger are trying to simplify the joining process on the website. The Challenge to Youth: Kevin will take the Challenge forward in 2013. Wooter had discovered 7 unfinished hulls that the club could get for a nominal cost. Council agreed to fund the cost of the hulls and a trip to bring them back from The Netherlands so we can offer them

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

10 11 12 14 15

to schools and colleges. The College Challenge: A work in progress, with Jim taking the lead. Jim has started again and is now encouraging colleges to build craft and enter novice races. Overseas members: Council had previously agreed to offer EHF members the opportunity to join HCGB at a reduced subscription whilst receiving the magazine online only. This initiative had floundered due to the difficulty in creating additional types of membership. It was agreed that nevertheless we wanted to encourage European drivers to race in the UK and UK drivers to race in Europe. Issuing club magazine on-line only to some members Council agreed that we wished to have the flexibility of being able to offer the club magazine online only to some members (e.g. overseas members or members paying a discounted subscription). We have agreed a reciprocal deal with the Hovercraft Museum that each other’s members will get 50% off membership but with no entitlement to receive a magazine by post. Carla and Roger will investigate the technical problems in doing this. Any other business: Council agreed to try using Groupon to pre-sell tickets to one or two race meetings with the intention of attracting many more paying spectators. The extra money raised could be used to subsidise schools and colleges to encourage more youth participation and grow the sport. Next Council meeting: Monday 4 February.

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PAUL

whitehouse ...capturing quarter mile combat

Paul was born in Crawley, Sussex in 1961. He developed a keen interest in motor sport and aviation during his childhood and in his early twenties combined this with his love of painting. Incorporating his skills acquired as a design engineer and technical illustrator, Paul now specialises in fine quality paintings, primarily working in Gouache, priding himself on their technical and historical accuracy. Satisfied clients include racing drivers, pilots, classic car enthusiasts and various museums. Along with his enthusiasm for producing paintings which are automobile or aviation oriented, Paul also paints other subject, including marine and wildlife. A number of his paintings have been produced as limited edition prints and greetings cards. Pail is a member of the Guild of Motoring Artists (GMA) My interest in all forms of mechanical transport started at an early age. During the mid sixties and only living a stone’s throw away from Gatwick Airport, many hours were spent watching numerous aircraft, i.e. Viscount’s, Vanguard’s, Comet’s, DC-3’s, 1-11’s and VC-10’s, to name but a few, coming and going. Pocket money was spent on numerous Airfix model kits which once made up and painted would take pride of place on shelves or hanging from lengths of fishing line from my bedroom ceiling. I also expressed a great interest in all forms of motorsport. My parents would take me to a variety of relatively local motorsport events, i.e. Scrambles, Speedway, Grass track, Saloon, Historic and Sports car racing at the old Crystal Palace circuit along with the occasional trip to Brands Hatch. Upon my return from these events, I would spend hours sketching my heroes such as Brian Leask on a Husqvarna scrambler, Barry Briggs on a Jawa speedway bike or Graham Hill in a Lotus. My bedroom walls were covered in my artistic attempts at capturing them in action and these were accompanied by numerous magazine cuttings of Motorsport and Aviation subjects. LightHovercraft 08

At school, art was my favourite subject lesson of the week. Fortunately, I was usually able to manipulate the subject matter in these lessons to incorporate some form of motor sport or aviation image. Soon after my twelfth birthday, my parents decided that a trip to the Brighton Speed Trials would make for a good day out and feed their son’s hunger for more motorsport events. The 8th September 1973 turned out to be a day that has stuck in my memory indefinitel y. A couple of exhibition runs by dragsters were scheduled to take place towards the end of the day’s events. This was the first time I had witnessed this form of motorsport. First up was Roger Bishop in `Stripteaser`, a heavilymodified Mini Van incorporating a 3.8 litre Jaguar engine, then it was the turn of Dennis Priddle in `Mr Six’. Dennis had laid down Europe’s first ever six second pass at the `Whitson Big Go` event at Santa Pod a couple of months earlier, hence the dragsters name. This sleek blue and yellow machine with a 6.5 litre supercharged nitro methane breathing V8 rumbled its way to the start line. What followed was unbelievable. Dennis hit the loud pedal and the resulting explosion of noise reverberated around the arches along the rather bumpy seafront road of Madeira Drive. 7.69 seconds later, `Mr Six` crossed the finish line leaving clouds of rubber smoke, clutch dust and nitro fumes in its wake. Before the day was out I had dragged (excuse the pun) my parents down to the pits so that I could get a closer look at this particular machine, that moments earlier, had scared me half to death. Now my school exercise books were being covered with doodles and sketches of all forms of quarter mile machines. I would take images of vehicles such as Morris Minors, Ford Capri’s and Escorts and modify them to incorporate stretched bodywork, supercharged V8 engines and huge drag slicks. I was hooked! Upon leaving school, at sixteen, it was off to follow my dad’s footsteps into Engineering. I started on a four year apprenticeship at the APV factory in Crawley, long gone now. At that time it seemed that all of us apprentices were into mopeds. Yamaha FS1E’s and Suzuki

achievements.

AP50’s filled the car park and, for me, a Honda SS50 as my preference was for the sound of a four stroke engine as opposed to the buzzing two strokes. A passion for motorcycles eventually resulted, in 1981, with me acquiring my dream machine, a 1978 Kawasaki Z1000. This was inspired by films such as `Mad Max`, it was also the `weapon of choice` with the drag racing fraternity at the time. Over the next few years I worked my way from the shop floor, into the tool room, then into the drawing office – this is the path that led to my career as a design engineer. Although I loved my stints on the drawing board and attempting technical illustration, the drawing board was soon to be superseded by CAD systems. For the last 20 years these systems have played an important part in my design work. The 3D CAD packages, now used by me, produce fantastic exploded views www.hovercraft.org.uk

Memories of the days I spent as a youngster at Gatwick Airport along with my interest in nostalgia airliners led to a series of limited edition prints and greetings cards being produced, working primarily with Powerful Pictures and more recently Rothbury Publishing. Images of BOAC VC-10, Comet, Britannia aircraft and BEA Viscount have been produced. These have been interspersed with prints of my painting depicting motoring heroes, to include, Barry Sheene, Ayrton Senna, Jim Clark and Nigel Mansell.

with photo realistic renderings along with physical 3D models at the touch of a button. I married Caroline in 1987 and we and our two daughters continue to live in Crawley. They have all had to tolerate my love of motor sport and aviation and have been dragged along to various events over the years. During my spare time I still find myself sketching and painting using my favourite medium Gouache. I also enjoy using Acrylics. Over the years many of my work colleagues and friends and associates have commissioned me to do paintings of their favourite cars, motorcycles or www.hovercraft.org.uk

aircraft. I have had my art work exhibited at local aviation events and air shows including the RAF Museum at Tangmere. This historic WWII airfield, along with RAF Westhampnett (now Goodwood) being only half hours drive away, has featured heavily in my aviation paintings. I often find myself drawn to depicting Spitfires and Hurricanes from the various squadrons based at these airfields during the Battle of Britain. I am especially proud that my painting of the air speed record breaking Hawker Hunter, WB188, was presented to the legendary test pilot Neville Duke at a special ceremony celebrating his

More recently I have ventured to capture the colour and excitement of drag racing on canvas. Although I believe the interest in this field of motor sport will apply to the niche market, I have wanted to experiment with this for a considerable time. I consider myself fortunate to live within a short distance from Goodwood and have attended each of the ‘Festival of Speed’ and ‘Goodwood Revival’ events since they commenced. I was thrilled when it was announced that a number of nostalgia dragsters from the United States had been invited to attend the 2008 ‘Festival of Speed’ event. The list of dragsters that would possibly be present took me back to the time of the midseventies when I was fascinated by LightHovercraft 09

these nitro burning slingshot dragsters. Looking at the list I started to paint like a man possessed, frantically sourcing reference material that would lead me to three separate paintings of the nostalgia dragsters expected to attend. I decided to take these original paintings to the event to get them signed by the relevant dragsters’ owner/driver. This turned out to be a fantastic event for me as not only did I get to meet all my heroes from the mid-seventies. Bob Muravez in the 1964 `Barnstormer` dragster, Dave West in the beautiful `Fighting Irish` fueler and Dusty and Gwen McWilliams with the `Cams Rattler`…they were only too pleased to sign my original artwork and were amazed that someone from the UK would hold such an interest. The highlight of the day for me was meeting Ron Johnson who is the owner of the restored `Barnstormer` dragster that was driven by Tommy Ivo at the 1964 Dragfest event here in the UK. I was even invited to sit in this legendary machine. I was more than ecstatic to oblige! One of my most recent ventures in depicting drag race subject matter has included working with motorsport author and chairman of the Allard Chrysler Action Group, Brian Taylor. The A.C.A.G. consists of some drag racing enthusiasts who have formed an alliance for the purpose of restoring Europe’s oldest dragster, which was built by Sydney Allard in 1963, to running condition. The dragster has been at the Beaulieu Motor Museum since its retirement in 1965. I produced a painting of the Allard dragster running against the `Mooneyes` dragster in 1964 at the event which kick started the sport of drag racing in the UK.

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. I donated the painting for auction after having 100 printsproduced. All have been signed by Alan Allard, Nick Mason (the drummer with Pink Floyd, petrol head and Patron of A.C.A.G.) and I. The proceeds from the sale of my original painting have gone towa rds the restoration of this historic vehicle and the proceeds from the sale of prints continue to do so. Hopefully, if things continue at their present rate, then the exhilarating sound of a 1964 5.7 litre Chrysler V8, running on a cocktail of Methanol and Nitro Methane, will be heard at drag racing events later this year. During a business trip to Las Vegas the latter part of 2009 I had the opportunity to attend my first drag race meeting in the U.S. This had been an ambition of mine to do so for a very long time. The N.H.R.A. national event takes place at `The Strip` situated in the desert just outside Las Vegas, not far from Nellis Air Force Base.

Wow! What an event! A trip to Santa Pod is never going to be the same again! My sketchbook is full of ideas for potential future paintings which will keep me busy for awhile. Being an associate member of the A.C.A.G. enabled me to attend the SEMA show in Las Vegas which took place the week following my visit to the N.H.R.A. event. It was here that I met with various members of the `Project 1320` group. Its members are trying to preserve the history of drag racing in the U.S. They have amassed many documents and film of the sport from its inception in the late 1940’s. They are also very keen to get the Allard, once up and running and because of it’s historical significance in the sport, out to various drag racing events in the U.S. next year. I now have quite a few paintings of drag racing subjects committed to canvass and, as a result, I am hoping to host an exhibition of my work at the European Finals at Santa Pod later this year. My passion for motorcycles, particularly drag bikes, has continued. In 2003 I purchased a 1976 Kawasaki Z900 to restore. I still have great fun, reliving my youth, riding this bike…now it only sees the light of day if the weather is fine. My days of all weather motorcycling are long gone. I am also currently building a 1977 Kawasaki Z1000 retro drag bike…well, what else did you expect?

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!

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

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. 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

Let’s hope I can continue to sell my original artwork

Please contact John Scriven on 07956431630 LightHovercraft 10

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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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 16.45 Technical Talk

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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.

HOVERCLUB OF GREAT BRITAIN LIMITED NOTICE OF MEETING

Council, branch and members' resolutions

The Forty Fifth Annual General Meeting of the Hover Club of Great Britain Limited will be held at The Hilton Hotel, 100 Watering Lane, Collingtree, Northampton NN4 0XW at 3:00pm on Saturday 9th March 2013

Ballots for Council and committee vacancies

Any other business.

AGENDA

Apologies for absence.

Minutes of the Forty Forth Annual General Meeting.

Matters arising from the minutes.

The Chairman's report.

Annual accounts and auditors' report.

Appointment of auditor for 2012 - 2013 Financial year.

Secretary:

Roger Morton 67 Albert Street St Albans AL1 1RT

Note: Nominations for Council and members' resolutions must be sent in writing to the Secretary to arrive not later than 3:00 pm on Tuesday 5 March 2013.

Any queries please contact either Del Smart or Carla Thomas via the HCGB website.

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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John Gifford in ‘Humbug’ ever cheerful and willing, overcame many difficulties and setbacks.

GRANVILLE

spedding ...FORTY YEARS AGO

To all Hovercraft History Buffs – a very happy, prosperous and successful New Year. Before we end 1972, the last report was of the final rally of the season at Stanford Hall. Many members will have very fond memories of those many years at a really first rate racing circuit. Remember? Crossing a river, (with a mass of other craft at the start!) then a long bumpy stretch

avoiding many trees to the infamous “bedstead corner”. This was a tight right hand bend including a jump down to the lake. The reason for its name was that an old mattress was once place against the tree (seen on the right) as craft often drifted off course into the tree. There were various methods to traverse this corner, remembering that craft were not as highly powered at they are today, and not quite as controllable. The sideways drift to line up with the gap or the wide sweep, giving a straight fast run to the gap in the trees.

mags is any mention of the BP Schools National Hovercraft Competition Finals at the Hoverlloyd International Hoverport at Pegwell Bay in September 1972. Jeff Green and I took a group of lads from Bolton to compete on the mudflats by the side of the Hoverport. Our craft performed well until the feed pipe from the petrol can parted and left our driver high and dry some way from the shore. The Warriner School from Banbury won the event in a Nigel Beale designed craft, seen here being driven by their pilot,

Shortly afterwards, a drift right along the lake to take a left sideways run onto the land to the start finish line. This photo shows ‘Caspar’ upside down in the lake – with Keith Oakley in Eureka and Dave Ibbotson in Vulcan II slowing down to pass the stricken craft.

One highlight of the event was seeing a bulldozer which had been brought into to make an easier track onto the circuit get stuck in the mud, and eventually was ‘drowned’ by the incoming tide! The second was a trip in the Hoverlloyd hovercraft to Boulogne and back without stopping (not good). We were all allowed to visit the flight deck – quite an experience.

One sad omission from the later 1972 LightHovercraft 14

Nicholas Garrett. (Pictured in the January 1973 Magazine – copyright BP)

passengers were un- insured. My two and Jeff’s one, not very wise were we? Into 1973......... and enjoy all the new year’s events. The December edition concluded with some photographs of a few of the ‘unsung heroes’ of the amateur builders; those who had competed but did not bring home the trophies. This craft is a HoverAir “Hoverlark”, called ‘Discord’, owned by N. J.Batten from Devon. I also had a donated Hoverlark, now in the Hovercraft Museum, which had many interesting adventures including www.hovercraft.org.uk

sinking on the beach at Southport one very cold winter. Next – John Gifford in ‘Humbug’ ever cheerful and willing, overcame many difficulties and setbacks. Job’ Diary – built beautifully but did not give satisfaction. Did better in the River Thames race in 1975. Finally – something I had forgotten. www.hovercraft.org.uk hovercraft.org.uk

Pictured below is AH3 – designed and built by Peter Dance. In the November edition he reported a catastrophic failure of the crankshaft of a Villiers engine at 6000rpm. The engine split into two separate halves The Scrutineers report concluded the engine was going too fast, the craft was denied a log book, and Club members were warned that as a failed craft, LightHovercr LightHovercraft 15

Cruising towards 2013…..

First a bit of background.

A couple of years back, a number of the HCGB’s ‘cruising’ members decided to split from the HCGB and set up a separate club. Personally, I fail to see why it needed to happen as the HCGB simply provides a framework for enthusiasts to organise events – either racing or cruising. Without real, actual, solid people actually organising events… there ARE no events. No race meetings, no cruises, no AGM weekend or branch meetings. The club basically offers an umbrella and some useful tools (such as insurance/operating guidelines and a van full of the bits needed to run a race meeting) for each of us to ‘use’ to the benefit of the membership. But, some of the cruising fraternity wanted to do it under a new organisation. And off they went. That's fine but of course, as a result, the HCGB went through a period where there were few, if any, cruising events in the

promising start and encouraging for 2013, particularly as we had several new owners along for maiden voyages!

calendar – the focus being almost exclusively on the racing side of our hobby. When I returned from living in Australia for two years, Chris Daly asked if I’d take over organising some cruising events, and as we have a number of new hovercraft owners down here in the south-east, I readily agreed. As one of the directors of Flying Fish Hovercraft, we started to include HCGB membership with new craft sales so that new owners have the opportunity to get to learn their craft with the support of more experienced hovercraft operators. Not keen to throw new owners to the internet knowalls, the aim was to give them practical support and advice using the network created by HCGB membership to ensure responsible and safe operation. So it all fitted together quite well. Living down in the South-East, with an established and growing cruising scene, I decided to concentrate on running events down here for 2012, with an open invite to club members who wish to run events in their own area to get in touch. One highly successful move was to put in the diary a date for a cruise every month during summer. It’s something I’d learned from my involvement with the Queensland Hovercraft Club in Oz. In Brisbane, the second Saturday every month is an event unless truly evil weather is forecast. Whilst the weather is (supposedly at least!) more reliable in Queensland, the Swale/Medway is fairly protected so the chances are that we can always do something on the planned day – we didn’t have to cancel any events this year due to poor weather despite one rather sporty event back in June. This ‘planned regardless’ approach was encouraging for people to make plans – as a result we averaged 7 craft at the events throughout the year which I’m pretty happy with, and ran events up the Thames, Medwale/Swale, Solent and Humber. A LightHovercraft 16

It was also agreed that with regards the cruising events promoted or organised by the HCGB, that participants would need to be members of the club, just like those that choose to race at HCGB racing events. There’s several reasons for this. Without this requirement, there’s no incentive for attendees to join the club. Then there’s our own set of responsibilities and possible legal implications. Plus, it’s an advantage if folks operating at events are accountable to the club whilst at an event we’re promoting. This is sometimes relevant when we run into rabid twitchers or ‘landowners’’ (seriously, we have fairly regular encounters with Lord Diddlydum’s little helpers telling us he ‘owns’ the mud in the Medway and we shouldn’t be there.) We also decided that we’d try, where possible, to make sure that cruising events didn’t clash with other HCGB associated events, ie race meetings, other recreational/promo events, Hover Museum open days, Raids or EHF/WHF meetings. For that reason, we’d wait for the race calendar to be finalised before adding cruising events for 2013.

So, what’s planned for 2013? Well, quite a bit actually! Cruise dates are now confirmed for the weekends below so make sure they’re in your diary! I’m not trying to make these events too ‘grandiose’ – it’s better to have something in the diary, however modest, than try to make events equal the infrastructure of a Race Meeting and miss out dates. Whilst dates are shown for the weekend, some will be ‘officially’ just one day, with an option to stay on if you wish. Venues will be announced shortly, but at the present time, I can tell you we are definitely going to be holding events at Morecombe Bay, Kent/Essex and Norfolk. We’re confident of another couple of venues as well (that’s not the ‘Royal We’ by the way, I’ve got some help making one or two of them happen!) – and maybe even a French River Cruise, so watch this space! We’re also planning two or three competitive events to take place within the cruises. The April event will include a point-to-point www.hovercraft.org.uk

PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLLS

race on the Saturday morning, thereafter a cruise. We are also waiting confirmation of a venue for a proper ‘mud-race’ just like the good times of 2005/6. This will likely be the May/June event (or both if it proves popular!) March 23rd/24th - Medway/Swale cruise. April 20th/21st (Point-to-point race and cruise launching from Long Reach Ski Club, Kent.) May 18th/19th June 29th/30th - Morecombe Bay July 13th/14th August 24th-26th (Solent Cruise piggybacking the Gang Warily Race Meeting.) September 28th/29th October 19th/20th As I said above, where venues are not shown, they will be confirmed in due course and I’m trying hard not to make 2013 as focused on the South-East as 2012, but I need more local help to make events happen in other corners of the country. Being very busy anyway, without help and local knowledge in other areas, it’s easiest for me to fall back on the great-fun-and-easilyorganised Swale/Medway events. If you wish to ‘grab’ any dates, or add any cruises to the calendar, I’d love to hear from you and I’ll do everything I can to help make it happen. You can call me on 01304 619820 or mail me russ@flyingfishhovercraft.co.uk Best wishes for the new year Russ Pullen.

www.hovercraft.org.uk

A handful of forum users members have expressed some displeasure at the new approach to ‘diarising’ and promoting cruising events on the club forum or in the magazine. To explain, my remit is to organise safe, fun events, build and protect cruising as an HCGB activity. So, whilst there are possible or proposed dates for (any) HCGB events being discussed, or awaiting responses from councils etc – non HCGB events won’t be promoted within the club where they may clash with unconfirmed and proposed events. For the first time in the history of recreational hovercraft, there is a rival club – so we as members need to protect the clubs position and make sure we don’t ‘give away dates’ to our own detriment. Imagine there was a rival race series, would this club rush to promote it? Of course not. Well, this is the same position. The main gripe has been from a handful of people (some not even members!) who are simply trying to use our club to promote their rival event, without that being of any advantage to the HCGB or its membership. Hopefully the article above explains our reasoning on diary management and puts the matter to bed. Just like the forum ‘discussions’ over the cost and value of competing in EHF or HCGB events, not every decision will suit every member – and what’s offered by the club may not be perfect for everybody. But protecting the club is the number one priority and at 45(?) years old, the HCGB remains the largest and most active hovercraft club in the world. Whilst the departure of some of the active cruisers has meant that the recent focus has been entirely on racing – we aim to keep rebuilding the cruising activities within the club and make this aspect as much part of the HCGB as our world-leading race series.

LightHovercraft 17

Harry tries out Ross Hammond’s Broadcast quality camera in its rain shroud

Towcester 2009 David & David Atkins with Harry & Callum Sweetman notice less boxes

Team Turnbull (Adam and Nicola) are taking part in Swimathon 2013, the world’s biggest fundraising swim. We have chosen to do the Team 1500m (60 lengths). Last year Adam did 12 lengths with Dan and Nicola sharing the rest. This year Daniel and Laura are doing the lap counting. Adam has been working hard in his swimming lessons and this year is aiming for 22 lengths, with Nicola doing the rest. If you would like to sponsor us, you can do this online by making a secure donation, using your credit or debit card. We do have a paper sponsor form too if you’d rather use that. We are each hoping to make at least £100, but it would be great to get even more than that. Adam is very keen to get over £100 as he has discovered that he gets a free t-shirt! Here is the link to sponsor Nicola: http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=412580 Here is Adam’s link: http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=412591 The money is being raised for Marie Curie Cancer Care, who give people with all terminal illnesses the choice to die at home. Marie Curie Nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end. Every £20 that we raise will provide one hour of Marie Curie Nursing care in a patients home. Feel free to forward this to anyone you think may be interested. Thank you very much for your generous support Nicola and Adam

Livestream

– Webcast - Live broadcast –

www.hover-racing.org

2010 that we started to really understand what we were doing was telling the race story, passing the shots from one camera

The directors were using a professional talkback system to the cameras but it all was quite complex to operate the large camera, vision mixing equipment and afterwards most of the camera operators then dispersed to do other things. Red car studio is born The kit used was quite bulky and needed to be smaller and more easily carried. Keith’s set up is part built from security camera equipment utilising computer network cables linking to a laptop and 3G dongle for up-link to the Internet server which then broadcasts it via the web; the output is then checked with a download Andy Collins at the controls in August 2009 at Gang Warily

My father is a Cricket fan and as a child our family would attend Kent County cricket matches; I was always most fascinated by the BBC outside broadcast. The mass of cables, the huge scaffolds and big cameras the large number of big trucks and would sometimes peer into them to see the pictures they were collecting from each of their cameras.

At race meetings Keith wears a few different hats he looks after the lap scoring timing kit and tends the up-link that gives you Livestream and then rushes off to race control when something stops working.

It was during the run up to the Worlds LightHovercraft 18

we now find it is relatively easy to put together and use. As the 3g mobile phone network has generally become more reliable streaming quality has improved, but still it plays up on occasions! Back at the Towcester Worlds 2010 I was using a borrowed Sony TRV video camera that had 20x optical zoom and 70x digital zoom, I found the camera on a quality tripod was great and you could get good stable shots. The other advantage that Keith pointed out is the 1 amp operating current so they function happily on long extension leads. I managed to find on E-bay a few Sony TRV cameras and also obtained old heavy duty tripods that were stable, and by extending the pan arm improved the ease of panning and at least they would not lift off the floor!

Many years later I got involved with Livestream with Keith and Anita Oakley.

With live broadcast there is no second chance if you get it wrong and the director has your shot selected of the grass/sky you will be chastised by your viewers often via the HCGB bulletin board, but we need your feed back to check our output!

Picture of the Mixing desk at Worlds Towcester 2010

to another so the viewer could follow the race aided by a commentator watching our footage. We had some great equipment (thanks Ross and David) and facilities for the run up to and for the Worlds 2010.

through a separate dongle and laptop link which takes about 12 seconds to come back to us. Keith also set up a talk back for each camera on his system which we augment with radios. Once we understood all the connections www.hovercraft.org.uk

My brother Geoff also became interested in what we were doing and stopped diving so regularly and also purchased a Sony TRV camera! At a race meeting we use up to 1000 metres of cable which then has to be wound back onto reels at the end of the meeting but at Gangwarily we also put them away each night. www.hovercraft.org.uk

The camera positions are decided on what can be seen at a particular position, by how many camera crew we have and also by how much cable we have. Operating the cameras in the rain is challenging but it has become easier once we found some rain shields for the cameras the stamina of the crew has been admirable covering the entire Endurance racing at the big lake with the wind adding to the challenge. The Big Lake 2012 also marked a change! Nicole Sweetman no longer on camera duty competed in Juniors adding to the action by turning over her craft and Geoff re-qualified by doing International Novices too! At Towcester and Claydon House Dan Sweetman competed in novices. 2013 will see Callum Sweetman entering Junior and Harry Sweetman in Novices, I will probably re-qualify too! So now I appeal for your assistance we need your help on the cameras and with directing and also someone to interact with and watch the feedback on the Bulletin board and on Facebook too so we can improve and get our set up working even better!

This will spread the work so we can race too and give you some action! If you have watched Hovercraft racing and can smoothly pan and zoom a camera we need you, even if you can only cover a few races, we do still want to help too! Ex-racing drivers are great camera men because they can spot a plough or a twitch before it turns into wheelie!

Team Sweetman 2012

Derek Sweetman, Harry Sweetman, Callum Sweetman, Geoff Sweetman, Dan Sweetman, Robert Sweetman, Nicole Sweetman When the dates for the World Championships in 2012 were announced we had a problem 4 out of 7 of our camera team were at school/college so it was eventually only Dan and I who could possibly attend. We were also to be without our commentators Graham and Barry. My next article is about Livestream at the Worlds in Saalburg Germany. Derek Sweetman.

LightHovercraft 19

STEMNET 2012

Model Hovercraft Challenge

In early 2012 on finding Kimberley was pregnant with our second child, we made the decision to have a ‘season-off’ racing, as our first child Charlie was born some 13 weeks premature. Taking into account a possible repeat of this, and along with the fact that my Lee Willars built (and repaired numerous times, thanks Lee!!) Eagle hull was now looking and feeling some what tired, a season off would save us some money for the nursery also!! But as the pregnancy progressed things seemed to be going very well, and the decision to miss a full seasons racing was hurting a little. Then by more than judgement the situation changed a little!! The Managing Director of my then employers, Gary Jordan of ECS Engineering Services Limited, at Pinxton in North Nottingham had found out via a fellow employee of my somewhat ‘left-field’ hobby. ECS has a history of sponsoring employees in there endeavours, and with that that the offer of ‘part sponsorship’ came along, in exchange for a few logos on my craft (which hid the repairs and helped hold her together!!) and with that a deal was struck. During these conversations, I found out that Gary is also involved with a organisation called STEMNET. Gary is an Ambassador for his local school, too which his three sons all attended; Ambassadors give there time to help and assist local schools and organisations alike; STEMNET STEMNET creates opportunities to inspire young people in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This enables young people to develop their creativity, problem-solving and employability skills, widens their choices and supports the UK’s future competitiveness.

introductory emails, with Phil explaining STEMNET to me and me the HCGB to Phil, along with the Youth Challenge Project, I decided to invite Phil for a face to face meeting at the Hacketts Lake meeting at Nottingham. Sadly for Phil he came along on Saturday morning, where due to high winds we had made the decision to delay the start of the practise and racing programmes. However I gave Phil a tour of the pit lane and introduce him to Conrad Beale. As usual Conrad had his hands full of spanners, pistons and cable ties, but took time to speak to Phil about the Youth Project and exchange numbers. Phil seemed quite impressed with the hovercraft, and coming from a background of rally cars and off road vehicles, he appreciated what we do and why. During this visit Phil informed me that he had already arranged a project for a handful of schools to design a model hovercraft. The teams would be marked on research, presentation and finally a competition to see whose hovercraft could travel the furthest distance. During this chat Phil asked if I would like to come along and help judge the competition, which was to be held at the Nottingham University, Clifton Campus site. I was happy to agree to helping out, which was also vindicated by Gary at ECS, whom let me have the day there fully paid…. Bonus!!!! The only draw back was now, would by the impending birth of my second child to spoil the day, so to speak!! As Friday 6th July, 2012 dawned, Kimberley was showing no signs of

giving birth so I set off for Nottingham University, Clifton Campus. On arriving I was greeted by eight teams from four Nottinghamshire schools all taking part in the first hovercraft challenge organised by STEMNET in Nottinghamshire. The Teams were from Arnold Hill Academy, Eastwood Academy, Harry Carlton School and The National Academy. The only restraint for the design of the model hovercraft was to use a small motor powered by a battery, and your basic chip shop polystyrene tray. Outside of that the teams could add whatever they thought they needed for their design to work, along with finishing them in an attractive and eye catching manner. The teams had to also create a design/project board showing their research into hovercraft, ideas and thought process that went into their finished model. The Teams where also requested to design and wear matching team ‘tee shirts’. So on the day there were various categories which each team would be scored on by the judging panel, these were; the best hovercraft design; the best team design/project board, the best team tee shirt; the winners of a STEM quiz and the hovercraft which travelled the furthest (points awarded for the distance travelled over two runs), with the points tallied up to give an overall winner. All the project/design boards for all the teams were both inventive and colourful, with one team going into real depth by starting with Sir Chris Cockrell and mentioning the World Championships, hosted by the HCGB at Towcester in 2010. The same very board had a picture of our own Peter Symes Thompson and Ricky Goosey in action at Jakes Place!! Alongside me on the judging panel, were two Year 12 students whom have both been accepted on to the prestigious Arkwright Scholarship Trust

STEMNET helps encourage young people to be well informed about STEM, able to engage fully in debate, and make decisions about STEM related issues. STEMNET gratefully receives funding from the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS), the Department for Education and The Gatsby Charitable Foundation.

I have to say some of the schools had taken it far more seriously than the others, with two of the teams attempting to employ two motors, in one instance two motors for thrust, similar to the twin duct principle from ‘yester-year’ and the second being the more familiar one being in the form of a lift and thrust engine. However, we all know these tried and tested methods do work, when implemented correctly. The problems the twin thrust motor encountered we’re numerous, motors falling off (sellotape failure – should have used duck tape!!!) and working against each! The lift motor versions sadly became too heavy, with lift becoming an issue…… now this sounds familiar!!! The National Academy ‘A’ Team, whom appeared to have done there homework on the design, included a basic and crude skirt, to the bottom of the tray to act as a skirt, in the form of bag bin liner – a little like the bag skirt - this would pay dividends in the distance race. All six judges scored each team on there efforts, with the finale being the distance race, which to give each team a fighting chance would be completed over two runs Results from the distance races, expertly measured by yours truly; Points were scored on the distance travelled and the reliable design from The National Academy ‘A’ Team, scored heavily on the distance travelled combined with their scoring on the other aspects of the day; they claimed the overall prize for the day. However to credit each team and in the spirit of fairness, the judging panel hastily retreated into a group ‘huddle’ and created some subcategories whereabouts several other awards were issued to the runners up, 3rd place and best project board. The award ceremony was undertaken with yours truly being given the honour of presenting the budding designers, engineers and pilots with their trophies, along with a HCGB goodie bag kindly donated by the HCGB shop team, a big thanks to Jo, Nigel and Del for that!! I have remained in contact with Phil Hughes since helping out on that day, and I’m now undertaking the process of becoming full a STEMNET Ambassador. Due to the success of the day, and the support of the schools, teachers and pupils alike, Phil is in the process of arranging the event on an annual basis,

h t t p : / / w w w. s t e m n e t . o r g . u k / content/about-us Gary introduced me to a chap called Phil Hughes, of Phil Hughes Educational Consultants, whom are a STEMNET partner in the East Midlands. After a few LightHovercraft 20

( h t t p : / / w w w. a r k w r i g h t . o r g . u k / ) whom both are sponsored and funded by Rolls Royce up to the age of 21 years old, a Student representative from Nottingham University, Esther Johnson from STEMNET and further STEMNET Ambassador from another Nottinghamshire school, his background being engineering also.

www.hovercraft.org.uk

and I’ve been asked if I would like to be involved again. We have been discussing the viability of taking a hovercraft to the University Campus, initially as a static display within the hall/gym with the potential of undertaking a live demonstration on the University grounds, this idea is only an idea at the moment, as there are certain protocols and Health and Safety issues to address, but I have lodged the offer of me and my F50’s time and fuel (fingers crossed 1) its running 2) its not raining 3) the ‘do gooders’ and noise abatement people don’t ask the

representatives and being allowed to view the hovercraft up close, fianlly filter them into the spectator section, again this has all to be agreed and finalised. I have to say I never normally have been one to put his head above the parapet and do things for the greater good, but this is the second time in three years I’ve broken the mould and done something like this, the first being the live demonstration at my son, Charlies school with my team mate and brother in-law Tristan Rhodes some two years ago. Maybe a combination of now being a responsible adult and parent

Team/School

Run 1

Run 2

Harry Carlton School ‘A’ (Craft girl 2) Eastwood Academy ‘B’ The National Academy ‘A’ Arnold Hill School Harry Carlton School ‘C’ Harry Carlton School ‘B’ The National Academy ‘B’ Eastwood Academy ‘A’

150mm 200mm 2000mm 300mm 0mm 300mm 100mm 300mm

0mm 50mm 1500mm 0mm 250mm 310mm 200mm 350mm

difficult question “how loud will the demo be…..” 4) How fast will you be going…..) So I will see how this pans out. I have also discussed with Phil that we are again racing at Hacketts Lake in Nottingham on the weekend of the 25th – 27th May, 2013 for the EHF and HCGB National meetings. To which I have had conversations Club Chairman Chris Daly, and the main Hacketts Lake protagonists/ organisers, Keith Rhodes and co, with the offer that if any of the schools participating in the challenge or alternatively any local STEMNET affiliated schools want to come along, they are welcome. The format of this hasn’t been agreed or finalised as yet, but I would envisage we would make it an organised visit, giving the school groups a tour of the pits, possibly meeting our Junior drivers, Challenge to Youth Project

and the introduction into the crazy world of hovercraft has had a life changing effect on me, or maybe I found a second calling…. Who knows!!! I have to say being asked to help out for the day I had no idea what to expect. However I found the day extremely enjoyable and rewarding and upon seeing the effort some of the schools put in was a marvel. I was introduced as representative, and participant of the Hovercraft Club of Great Britain, and found that the students, teachers and fellow judgers alike were interested in what we do, where and why? And as my family and friends will testify talking about hovercraft racing and hovercraft in general is something I love to do death!!! Darren Clarke LightHovercraft 21

deployed too far from the rescuee to be retrieved.

HOVER NEWS

Brian Russell

B Sc (Hons) MRINA

MODEL HOVERCRAFT TO THE RESCUE An innovative use of radio controlled model hovercraft is being pioneered in a collaborative venture between Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service and Palaform – manufacturer of model hovercraft. This venture arose after two wild fowlers drowned after trying to rescue their dog who was attempting to retrieve a game bird they had shot, which had landed on frozen waters. As is often the case in such scenarios, the dog managed to get safely back to shore. At the subsequent inquest, the coroner said the Fire and Rescue Service should have done more. However, the high cost of training personnel, as well as personal safety, often mitigated against such involvement. In addition, neither the Police nor Ambulance Service personnel are trained for, nor have the equipment for rescues in water, or frozen water conditions.

Currently, the construction instructions are being completed, with the aim that they can be followed Figure 2The Sirius 600 Rescue Variant With the Life Jacket and Rescue Line reel Removed, Alongside a Standard Version

triggered to flip the life jacket onto the water. During the transit of the hovercraft, the rescue line, which is anchored to the shore, pays out behind the craft. Once gripped by the person(s) to be rescued, the slack is taken up and the line hauled in. Whilst early tests showed that this system worked, some improvements were needed to move to the next stage.

Further suggestions were made by MHA

Figure 1 The Griffon 600, Shewing the Rescue Line Reel in Front of the Propeller and the Spring Loaded Tray

In February 2012, a Fire Service budget was approved, a Griffon 600 bought and built by a fireman with no previous modeling experience. The Griffon 600 is made of Depron, which is a very light material, but easily damaged if not looked after. The model was modified with the fitting of an additional aluminium spring loaded tray, that carried the life jacket. This, with the reel mounted rescue line resulted in an All Up Weight (AUW) of 2 Kg. The spring loaded tray is restrained by a catch which can be remotely LightHovercraft 22

members to consider a body board fitted with a rescue line. With the right power unit this craft is capable of tackling hard surfaces as well as over water. This suggestion has been passed onto the Fire Service and the feedback is that they may consider this idea later on. Additionally, the Fire Service did consider using a Mayday Hansa Board, but unfortunately stowage on a fire engine is limited and a Hansa Board requires fully trained personnel to use the board to reach the trapped person and therefore it was decided not to continue with this method. Unlike the Griffon 600, the Sirius 600 can be fitted with a separate lift fan, as seen in Figure 2. This prototype was delivered to the Fire and Rescue Service in October 2012 and returned in mid December, with a number of comments. These included: the

craft was not powerful enough, greater hoverheight was needed and the rescue line occasionally snagged in the corner where the propeller duct met the hull. The next stage is for the Northampton Fire and Rescue Service to test the model on frozen water and in the meantime, modifications to meet the comments made, schemed. The modified craft will then be used to carry out further evaluation tests. This innovative use of radio controlled model hovercraft enables the rescuers to operate from the shore and not to have to venture into the conditions that have trapped persons needing to be rescued. There is little doubt that the concept has the potential to meet rescue requirements, not only in the UK, but World-wide.

The Hovercraft Museum is offering any Hovercraft Club of GB members half price membership for 2013 which is a saving of £12.50 encouraging more overlap between the two groups. We do a thick newsletter three times a year and membership gets free visits to your and a guest . Teas coffees are available and access and use of the library and archives is a must! We have 500 members worldwide and been a charity since 1987 and held over a dozen Hovershows which have attracted 1000s each time on the few days a year we are given opportunities to open. It is hoped we can do more appointment visits and anytime in 2013 and get more Open days and special events tp show off the 70 or so hovercraft now here. Over a dozen craft are early Hoverclub craft including the 1960s PinKushion and the DEB 1C and Scottish CW3. Two of our earliest donations were from Rev Granville Spedding , a 1969 Hoverlark still working and the NW Hoverclub the ClarkeCushion . We have the late Grant Whittingtons Guinea Pig (GP-Too) which is fully restored and a great tribute to the 82 year old engineer.

Boats were often difficult to use and the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service recognized that in any future similar circumstances, speed was of the essence and considered the use of a radio controlled model hovercraft to take a rescue line and a lifebuoy to anyone in trouble. An approach by Terry Blissett from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue was made to Jag Ramjee, proprietor of Palaform, to discuss possibilities. During the initial discussions, Palaform’s Aero design was considered, as it was big enough and flat enough to take some payload. Construction material is polystyrene, but as space on a fire engine is at a premium, a slightly smaller model was required and the company’s Griffon 600 was chosen.

with 150 m of rescue line and a life jacket, which with the CO2 inflation cylinder weighs 450 gm. With the revised lifebuoy sliding tray design, an AUW of 1.6 kg was achieved, saving a further 400 gm. This arrangement has the added advantage of making the craft independent and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue are also looking into various types of lifebuoys, these being self-inflating/preinflated rings and automatically triggered, this to improve deployment and reduce overall craft weight. During the MHA presentation it was suggested that a life strop in the shape of a ring be used in place of a lifebuoy, as this would have the added advantage of being light, package friendly and can allow several people to grasp hold of it. This information has been passed onto the Fire Service for consideration.

Hovercraft club members come from all over the World especially Australia and Canada so it would be great to see more of you on site . Amongst our archives are Cockerells original models, John Thorny-crofts 1892 working model and plans galore! We have over 5000 photographs 2000 slides and every hovercraft magazine and journal done. Two giant SRN4s dating back 45 years provide a great hanger in addition to our giant World-War 1 and 2 seaplane hangers. In fact, a new design was needed, the model having a length of 600 mm and a beam of 300 mm. Once the design was completed, the tools needed for vacuforming the moldings were made, by hand, out of MDF and coated with three coats of epoxy resin to form a seal. These tools were then used by local company Arnolds of Northampton to make the moldings, which not only included the hull and propeller duct, but the tray that held the life jacket. Rather than flipping the tray to deposit the life jacket in the water, the tray once released, slides along two sloping tubes into the water. With the revised lifebuoy sliding tray design, an AUW of 1.6 kg was achieved, saving a further 400 gms. This arrangement has the added advantage of making the craft independent and able to have a new tray fitted, in the cases where there are more than one person to be rescued, or in case the first life jacket may have been

You can book a visit at enquies@hovercraft-museum.org or see our Facebook page or tel 02392 552090. This year Hovershow is our first three day Bank Holiday one in a while and is on Sat 23rd 24th 25th May 10 till 4.30. Bring a craft to display and get free entry! The Years membership includes hovercraft trips and visits and discounts on Hovertravel fares, a great hovershop and lectures and events. We have some great new publications written by musuem members with our archives all at half the delivered manufactures RRP

Figure 3 The Prototype Sirius 600, Showing the Tubes Along Which the Life Payload Tray Slides and the Rescue Line on its Reel at the Top Left by a complete modeling novice. An initial manufacture has seen sixty white and forty black kits of moldings delivered to Palaform. The craft is named Sirius 600 and the prototype for Northampton Fire and Rescue Service use carries a reel www.hovercraft.org.uk

Hovercraft by Ashley Hollebone small hardback only £5 usually £8.99 Hovercraft story Ashley Hollebone larger soft back only £8 usually £16.99 On A Cushion Of Air by Robin Paine giant tome on Hoverlloyd ..only £25 rather than £45!! How It Works the Hovercraft £5 Lady Bird reprint! Hovercraft Museum Trust Daedalus Site Chark Lane Gosport Hampshire POI13 9NY

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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Prices of HCGB Logo Merchandise 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 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 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

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

Hovercraft for sale BBV F3 F3 shaft driven BBV Red and green hovercraft powered by a Yamaha Tzr 250 engine. Prefect beginner craft comes complete with a trailer to transport. This craft is ready to race. Grab a bargain for £1800 the lot. For any more info or questions please Contact Ricky Goosey on 07875335702

Contact Clive Mason Mob – 0772 9783989 Email – clivemason33@yahoo.com

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

www.hovercraft.org.uk

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.

local branches 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.