Women’s Gliding Weekend

Gliding clubs across the country are underrepresented by women.  The British Gliding Association are working to redress this and here at Bidford we played our part on 13th and 14th July, with four half-day courses exclusively for women attendees.

Attendees were able to meet members of the club, such as Christine Bell, our Chief Tug Pilot. Christine is a CAA-approved instructor and examiner and is responsible for the aircraft and the pilots that launch the gliders. She was there on the weekend to talk about the vital role that the “tuggies” play and what it’s like to be at the other end of the rope!

Frank Jeynes, one of our directors, took the Women’s Gliding Weekend organiser up to experience from the back seat Frank’s aerobatics display. Frank put on the display for the attendees, during each lunchtime break over the weekend. Was it groans of pleasure you can hear from the back seat? Below is a shortened version of the display.

One of our attendees decided to make a reel of what she saw and did on the day. Thank you Kim!

It was a tremendous weekend. 

18 women attended and enjoyed some gliding presentations before flying in wonderful conditions.  We’re very proud that the feedback we received was that the women felt our club was extremely welcoming, friendly and respectful.

We look forward to the number of women members steadily increasing as we expand our diversity and inclusiveness initiatives. 

We are pleased to be associated with the BGA inclusivity program.