Ron Geake

Attendees:                  Bernard “Speedy” Gonsalves, K6cr  GSR - Ron Geake, Boomerang GPP
Visitors:                     John Aitken, Bert Persson, Mike Green and a Group from Caboolture
BDGC Members:         Simon Rammelt, Mini Nimbus FQA - Neville Badior,  Libelle GCT
                                  Ib Braes – Ventus GGF
Wondai airfield, in the South Burnett region of Queensland, was the site, and Barambah District Gliding Club the host, of a vintage glider fly-in from September 27 to 30. Although small in number the welcoming friendly atmosphere prevailed and excellent flying was had by all.
Bernard ‘Speedy’ Gonsalves logged eight hours and climbed to over 10 000ft in his K6cr.  Ib Braes, Simon Rammelt and Neville Badior had excellent flights with heights over 12 000ft.
Bert Perssons flew his Teste from Caboolture on Saturday, stayed overnight and returned on Sunday – all on glide power, no motor after launch. Consultation with a map showing the terrain will highlight the magnitude of these flights.
Bert and Ib. who knew of each others gliding exploits over many years in Europe and Australia, finally met for the first time during Bert’s visit.
The purpose of the fly-ins and the annual regatta is to promote Vintage Gliding in Queensland so it is intended to continue with these events to encourage participation. As we have such excellent conditions at Wondai we also extend an open invitation for all to come and fly at any time as we have winch and Auster available each flying weekend.
The next fly-in at Wondai will be held from Thursday, 27 December to Sunday, 30 December 2007. Further information can be obtained by contacting Ron Geake,  telephone 07 5486 7247; mobile 04 1771 9797; email <rongeake@bigpond.com>.