THE KITEFLIER
£SSUE 89 OCTOBER 2001 PRICE £1.90
NEWSLETTER
OF u THE KITE SOCIETY OF GREAT BRITAIN t(l.,es ~~.~~ 6~ ~, o"',pd'~ www.Dunstable-Kites.co.uk ~ lftt~ Sales@Dunstable-Kites. eo. uk • + 44 (0) 1582 662 779 ~ + 44 (0) 1582 666 374 The Kite Society of Great Britain P. O. Box 2274 Gt Horkesley In this issue: Colchester Two Kite Designs Essex Cheap Aerial Pho- CO6 4AY tography Tel/Fax: 01206 271489 Start booking those Email: [email protected] trips for the 2002 kite events http://www.thekitesociety.org.uk Marconi Celebration Editorial
Recent events in the USA have made this year's "One Sky One World Day" even more meaningful than ever. Letters 4 The International "One Sky One World" organisation was founded in 1986 in the USA by Jane Parker-Ambrose - below is a short statement (taken from their site) providing a basic Light Up the Sky 5 insight into what OSOW is about.
"It is clear that life on the planet earth is at a crossroads. The choice to turn from the path Event Reports 6 of self destruction from war, and environmental abuse; to love of self, others, and the world is before us. Increasing global awareness will lead to a widespread belief that any- thing other than peace and mutual concern is insensible, and will move us away from plan- Royal Albatross 8 etary cataclysm toward a better future. One Sky One World festivals will be held annually Kite Design around the world to promote protection of the planet, peace, friendship and understanding between all people. Beyond this, One Sky One World does not endorse any ideology or po- litical agenda." Royal Aero Club 11 Trust "The purpose of One Sky One World, is simply to promote the concept of global harmony and understanding between all peoples of the world through an expression of the universal- Private Ads 12 ity of kites and the wind. Through sharing the wind, our world wide connection with other flyers and all of nature is symbolically realized. The great air ocean favours no dividing boundaries, ideologies, and human conflict. It is much more the prerequisite for our exist- Too Much Fun 13 ence, a catalyst in the chemistry of life, supplying our every breath. The International Kite Fly is an attempt to let the wind lift our kites and our awareness so as to more fully under- stand the necessity for peace." UFO Box Kite 14 Design The sentiments expressed in 1986 are still relevant in todays world.
OSOW is being held on the 14th October at various locations throughout the world. The Paddle Winder 15 current UK events, coordinated by Jim Cronin (www.jims-place.org.uk) are being held at: Of course you can always fly your kite on your own. If ever there was a need for under- standing in the world—it is now. Membership Form 16
Organising Dit, Dit, Dit 18 Site Location Nearest Town/City Contact for Information Body Midlands Kite Hardwick Hall Chesterfield, Derbyshire Jim Cronin American In 20 Fliers Portsmouth Evesham Country Park Evesham Philip Roberts Philip Roberts - 01789 415824 Baiter Park Poole, Dorset Poole Kite Fliers Harry Douglas - 01202 732055 Barton Point Country Minster/Sheerness, Isle Low Cost Kite 22 Steve Watkin Steve Watkin - 01689 877064 / 837602 Aerial Park, Kent of Sheppy Photography Attingham Park Shrewsbury Roy Paterson Roy Paterson - 01743 354897 Sundorne Playing Fields Shrewsbury Tony Slater Tony Slater - 01743 235068 STACK Boot Camp 25
Aerodyne 26 Front Cover: Peter Lynn flies his latest design at Long Beach, USA— Roman Candle 32 Kitty Kite Photo courtesy of Gomberg Kite Productions International. www.gombergkites.com Events List 36
Whilst every effort is taken to get the details correct The Kite Society cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions that occur. Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editors or The Kite Society. The Kiteflier, Issue Page 4
Letters
From Sue Storey control of two line kites was something to be seen. I went home with a Dan Leigh Delta and a Kiteflier and We took part in the Beverley Garden & Kite Festival in that was me hooked. I later joined the Kite Club of May. We were very pleased at the support by M.F.K. Scotland where I made a host of new friends and and met up with Carolyn and Jerry Swift who came to gained a lot of knowledge. last year's O.S.O.W. after moving to God's own coun- ty. It was great to see so many kites in the air over I have now graduated from single line decorative kites the weekend (and into the evenings too). We flew through Indian Fighters and two line kites, both foil some kites and dropped some ducks and other fauna and sports, to a 4-line Rev, but my favourite is still the using a modified "Anthony's lifting messenger" found Cody. on www.sct.gu.edu.au/-anthony/kites/parafauna/ messenger which uses carbon fibre and glass fibre I have many interests and hobbies pursued over a life- frame and a diamond kite sail - ours goes up faster time, but since 1995 my main interest is kites, in all than it returns ! Most of our little friends use a chil- shapes and forms. dren's umbrella, - colour co-ordinated and saves a lot of sewing - minus the frame of course, to float gently The general interest in kites has moved toward power back to earth. The only failures are when the humes kites, whether this is because surfing, buggying etc forget to attach the static line (which is made from a presents a more macho image I don’t know, but I do trainer lace, making it easy to attach the hook and pin hope that as kiters we never let the variety that single by slotting it through the item and then through itself) line kiting gives to the sport disappear. Without that The pattern for the backpack was on http:// variety the sky at a festival would just not be the www.xs4all.nl/-pdj/chutfold.htm. The Swift's rig is same. quite something!! Holidays for my wife and me now include at least one We also went to Berck sur Mer at the beginning of kiting festival, normally Sunderland, where we meet April. Great festival as reported in the last issue. We like minded friends from both home and abroad. It’s also stayed on the sea front, got water from the ceme- great to see famous fliers from all over the world face tery etc. The owner of the mauve and yellow motor to face, and renew old acquaintances. Malcolm Good- caravan turned out to be Mattheau who invented the man has to be congratulated once again this year for 'Boumba' (or Boomba?) a few years ago. He let me fly another memorable show. one at Dieppe and was kind enough to tell us the di- mensions of it so we could make one. I had made two We are sorry to heat that Bristol had to be cancelled at of these 4 line scooped semicircle kites. He was very short notice due to foot and mouth problems. Avril interested to see how I had made them & how they Baker and her team put in so much work to keep it flew, making some suggestions to improve them going. We hope to see you next year Avril. (though we thought they flew better before) They need a ' fresh' wind so some days at Berck were per- In praise of issue 88 of the Kiteflier, George Webster fect! This year he rode his wind powered bike on the is to be congratulated for his contribution on Delta beach for hours one day. Kites. All articles with plans and tips on design are to be welcomed. In fact I am sure that any time you are Lastly, thanks to Gill & Jon and all the contributors to short of copy, none of your regular readers would ob- The Kiteflier- it's always a good read. I enjoyed the ject to you repeating designs, suggestions and plans Delta dissertation in the last issue but was surprised etc from previous issues as there are always new kit- that my seagull kites (one of mine was definitely in- ers who may appreciate these. vestigated by a real one) are classed as deltas. Keep up the good work. Normally one expects to receive top quality kites from well recognised kite suppliers, but I was disappointed I wish you all blue skies and tight lines. myself to find that an expensive kite I bought from a well known kite supplier at Sunderland International From Stuart Swanson Kite Festival did not come up to expectations in that it had been fitted with inferior carbon fibre spars at vari- Congratulations on another interesting issue of the ous points and had also been fitted with a spine which Kiteflier for July 2001, as you say you are dependant had been repaired or made up to length by the addi- all the time on contributions to keep it going. tion of an aluminium sleeve part way along its length. So is this a case of buyer beware, and check your pur- I came into kite flying recently, in 1995, when I think chase before you go home even if conditions are not kite flying was at its most varied. I am a pensioner, suitable to fly on the day you buy? I am also aware but not too old to get a great deal of fun and enjoy- that a second member of K.C.o.S. had exactly the ment from kites, both my own and those of others. same experience with a different kite from the same supplier. My introduction to adult kites took place in 1995 when I visited Lauder Festival, in the Borders. I was totally I would finally make a plea to advertisers and corre- fascinated by the variety and size of modern single spondents on behalf of others like myself who have line kites. To me at that time a kite was what I now not yet entered the world of email and the web. know as an Eddy Kite, a basic diamond shape with a Please include your address and telephone number, tail of bows on string. Enormous sharks, birds and remember snail mail users still have purchasing pow- octopi filling the sky with colour, and the speed and er. The Kiteflier, Issue Page 5
Light Up The Sky
Ok so winters on its way, the nights are drawing Light Up The Sky simply means that kites be fitted in, and flying time is now seriously reduced. This with some form of lighting, and with Halloween is the time of year for most to put the kites back and Bonfire night just around the corner, flashing into the loft and to start thinking about that headbands, wands and light-sticks make perfect Christmas present to yourself, or maybe what new items to adapt for this event. Some fliers will al- kite to build to show off next year. But why ready have some form of small torch or flashing should the dark spoil our fun? Haven’t you ever bicycle light, or maybe even have proper kites thought about flying at night? lights to use.
My first encounter with night flying was about This years Children In Need day will be staged on three years ago after buying a set of wingtip lights Friday 16th November, so there is plenty of time from Airborn Kites. These extended my flying time to inform all about the event. The evening would available and provided many hours of flying fun. take the form of kite groups up and down the UK With advances in new technology small light- staging an evening of fun, either in the weeks weight lights are now cheap and easy to come by. leading up to Friday 16th November or on the night. The plan is to have local flyin’s at as many You can write your name or message on your kite sites as possible to "Light Up The Sky" by flying with the excellent “Glow wire” kite light system any kite and any arrangement of lights, be it just exclusive to Dunstable Kites. This use’s what looks a small pen torch, to elaborate strobes and multi- like neon wire lights to produce a really stunning ple LED's to a maximum flying height of two hun- display that will have passers by running to the dred feet. For those that are not members of a nearest phone to report a new sighting of a UFO. club, please feel free to get fellow fliers together Many other lights not associated with kites can and organise a mini “Light up The Sky” event of also be used, such as bicycle lights, LED’s, small your own. torches and don’t forget all the children’s toys with flashing lights in them. I don’t think this idea has been done before, but I can see it being a whole lot of fun for all involved I have made lights for myself out of many of the (don’t forget the BBQ for the chestnuts!!!). What above items, and I even have a small multi col- about getting your team to fly to the hit songs like oured disco light ball that is lofted by a 12’ delta. Blinded by the light or Madonna’s Ray of light. There really is no limit as to what can be made, What a spectacle that would be, think about it! just keep an eye on the weight. Single line kites This would certainly be a fun fly in with a differ- can handle this well but on dual and quad line ence for all the family, and for many the chance weight is a very important factor, limiting the flier to experience night flying for the first time. to LED’s and wingtip lights only. You get to choose how the event runs, all I ask is This year whilst at Portsmouth I had the oppor- that there be a set registration fee per flier of tunity to fly at night with some like-minded flyers. £2.50 in the form of a cheque, postal order or CAF Three kites flying high with strobes and LED’s voucher, made payable to – “BBC Children In flashing away had folks coming over to us and re- Need appeal”. The collection should then be for- marking just how much fun it looked. warded to – BBC Children in Need Appeal, PO Box 76, London W3 6FS. I then began thinking about the possibility of get- ting more people involved. What if I could arrange I would like now to thank all those that have for other kite clubs to have a flying at a set time helped me in making this idea become reality. and date to raise money for charity? It has taken many hours of head scratching to get This led to the idea of “Light Up The Sky” with all this far, but all your responses have made it kite groups organizing their own event to raise worthwhile. So for now let’s think about taking money for the excellent BBC’s Children In Need part in the fun ahead and about raising money for appeal. the BBC’s Children In Need appeal with a “Light I spoke to a few people on what I had planned, Up The Sky” event. and the response that I got back was better than expected. They suggested I put together my ideas “Raise a smile and Light Up The Sky” and Email them to all kite clubs in the UK. Thanks again, Well, that I have done, and a few clubs have tak- Lloyd Kirton en up the idea, hopefully with many more to fol- low. The response from MKF was amazing with All feedback appreciated two sites being arranged within days of the origi- nal email being sent. Details of these events will Lloyd Kirton (woody) [email protected] or be available soon on their website. Kite Fliers For Charity [email protected] Page 6 The Kiteflier, Issue
Barmouth Beach Get-together - 28th/29th July 2001
After weeks of planning the weekend finally ar- Tetrahedral, along with Graham Lockwoods (NKF) rived with, for once, the weather forecast turning stunters. Graham Wyle (A&W). Brenda and John out to be accurate, being very fine and sunny. Pernal (Poole Flyers) with kites of various colour Over the period of the two days about fifty kite and shape, topping the sky and very scenic flyers managed to congregate giving a good dis- beach. play of kites and banners. Sunday proved to be the best day as there was a good breeze, ideal Sunday dawned, slightly overcast and with a for the big kites, which always draw the crowds. busy list of event. Rob Thomlinson was the win- The first event on Saturday, the altitude sprint ner of another altitude sprint. Biddy Roberts be- was won by Paul Forshaw followed by Don Nor- ing the winner of the ladies altitude sprint. Best man a close second – both NKG members. Small kite in show, judged by holidaymakers was Denis hand made silver Rok’s had been provided by Roberts with his brightly coloured Golly. Best Fiona & Aled Lewis, which called for an impromp- banner, again judged by holidaymakers was Fred tu Roc fight. This was won by the youngest NKG Apperley 3rd, Dennis Roberts 2nd and Carol member David Clarke. This was followed by a Forshaw first. contest between the Indian Fighters, which after a valiant effort by all concerned was won by Jack Late afternoon saw the arrival of The Barmouth Cunningham. Deputy Mayor, Mr Peter Bunce and family to judge the final mass flight. After much delibera- At last years Barmouth get together, we man- tion Graham Wyle was announced the winner aged to fly thirteen circoflexes, which we consid- (with his own designed Rosette) and received the ered to be a record, only to be beaten last week trophy donated by Barmouth Council. The Deputy by fourteen flown at Tewkesbury Festival. This Mayor’s wife also presented all the other success- Saturday we managed to beat last years Bar- ful winners with their individual trophies. mouth record by ten, with a grand total of twenty -three. All in all a most successful and enjoyable get to- gether. Many thanks to all who helped and con- Throughout the day spread across the beach tributed to it success. were friendship arches backed by the Dorothy & Ken Campbell’s large legs and Rob Tomlinson`s Brenda & John Southerton
Teston Bridge Kite Picnic - August 11th & 12th 2001
What a cracking weekend!! With a good wind on take this up and go for a mass GG fly. both days just about everything that could be flown was. With a little decorating of a few trees.. Well it The park rangers ran a sled workshop on both days has to happen… and were off their feet with the demand for their services. Mark, our caterer kept everybody happy A big thank you to all fliers who attended our little with food and drinks. Mark’s burgers and break- event. Not wishing to name anyone in particular fasts have to be sampled to be believed. but thank you for bringing all your magnificent kites. The sky was full all day, both days. A great time was had by all who attended, see you all next year. The Gibson Girl fly-in. Thanks to the fliers who bought their G.G.s along. On Saturday we had Pat and Ron Dell. three. Simon Hennesey, Les Porter and myself. On Sunday Simon had a previous commitment and couldn’t stay but Tony Baker graced us with his presence and his GG. Perhaps a larger event could Tewkesbury Kite Fun Weekend - 26th—28th May 2001
Many thanks to all the kite flyers who came to the out for the new web site at www.tkfw.co.uk it should Tewkesbury Kite Fun Weekend, I have never seen as be up and running by mid October. The support of our many campers on site as there was this year. A big traders was also very much appreciated. Hope to see thank you to all the people that helped with the B B Q, you all next year, thank you all very much raffle and tombola, you all worked very hard and man- Neville Wing aged to raise £815 for Macmillan cancer relief. To find info about next years event, it will be even bigger, look The Kiteflier, Issue Page 7
Hunstanton Kite and Classic Car Display 2001
The festival was officially opened by the Mayor of After the lunch break of classic cars we had a Hunstanton, followed by a display by the Sky Di- special tribute to Nigel Kemp, who died earlier vers with their North Shore Radical kites with this year in a tragic accident. Nigel had always 150ft tails. They were some of the only kites to supported our festivals with his massive stack of stand up to the strong wind due to their variable Flexifoils. Simon from Wham! Kites introduced it vent system designed and built by Don Tabor. with music chosen by Julie Kemp. They flew a This was followed by Team Adrenalize’s first double stack of Nigel’s Flexis flown by his friends event displaying the art of buggying and kite as a tribute to him. jumping. Stafford Wallace followed with a launch and re- A sweet drop followed Justo James the children’s lease of Indian fighting kites for the children to entertainer by the joint forces of the Great Ouse chase and catch. Kite Fliers and the Thorpe Kite Fliers. The last event of the day was a beautiful display Team Spectrum, the Force Nine sponsored team, with a black Evolution with yellow tails flown by showed their new routine ‘Over the Rainbow’ with Karl of Team Spectrum which ended a great day. their large prism kites and tails. The Hunstanton and District Rotary Club would Just before lunch Team Adrenalize agreed to do like to thank all the visitors, kite fliers and the the man lifter. They launched their stack of sev- Great Ouse and Thorpe Kite Fliers for their sup- en 12’ Flexifoils but it was to prove too much to port in raising so much for charity this year. hold, so it was lowered and two removed and re- launched as a five stack. And they hope to see you next year
There were two lovely 50’ lifts and then suddenly Bryan Cantle a large gust hit the stack and rocketed the man 100’ into the sky and just hung there—a most amazing sight and the most spectacular of the day.
Kite Flyers for Charity presents Light Up The Sky For BBC CHILDREN IN NEED
This is to be the first coordinated event by as many, if not all kite clubs from across the UK. The aim is to raise as much money as possible for the “BBC Children In Need Appeal” What we want from you is to organize an evening event on or as near to November 16th 2001 and fly kites with some form of lighting on them. You get to choose how the event will run, all we ask is that there be a set flying donation of £2.50 in the form of a cheque or postal order made payable to – BBC chil- dren In Need Appeal. Then hand this to the event organizer or nominated person before you fly.
Join together and make this a fun filled night to remember. Help to raise money and Light Up The Sky for The BBC children In Need Appeal
Further details available by email. [email protected]
Page 8 The Kiteflier, Issue
Royal Albatross from New Zealand—Christophe Goy
A Bird Kite designed for steady winds. In July 2000 I found a structure system which imitated a birds wing . Here is the basic plan with which I made all of my prototypes using an Albatross as an example. It can be flown as a single or dual line kite without any bridle changes.
The system is composed of three lengths of carbon fibre 5 or 6 mm diameter according to your choice, plus 2 small lengths of carbon fi- bre 3 mm to make the end of the wings.
The spine is 92 cm. long, which has a plastic di- hedral. The spreaders of 1 metre each are in- serted in the dihedral. Then the wire is used to bend the two spreaders into an arch. The Kiteflier, Issue Page 9
Royal Albatross from New Zealand—Christophe Goy
The trick of the design is that when you pull the end of the bow to the front this also has the effect of twisting the bow downwards and thus creating the profile of the wing.
Frame: here is a view of the structure without the sail, prepare the 3 principal car- bon lengths with the plastic dihedral. You will also need 6 metres of wire cable 0.6 mm (you can find the wire in angling or model shops) and 10 cm plastic aquarium tube to fit over the carbon lengths (5—6 mm internal diameter).
To make the wire frame: To determine how long the wires of the bow will be you should put the spreader in the dihedral (which is already mounted on the spine) and bend this rod with the wire. The distance between the spreader and the wire at its’ widest point should be 8.5 cm. To secure the wire loops use small metal tube inter- nal diameter 2 mm, and crimp to hold. When the first is ready, make a copy for the other side. Use the plan to cut the sail. Cut two pieces and sew together.
Sew the pockets for the wing stiffeners as shown. Use the .6 mm wire to form these alternatively use carbon. Note: the T-like symbols indicate sewing lines. Page 10 The Kiteflier, Issue
Royal Albatross from New Zealand—Christophe Goy
Making the pockets for the leading edge. Use the lines on the plan to make the first one and use this to duplicate the others. Cut four pieces for the main pockets and a further four for the two pockets at the end of the wings. Sew the pockets as shown on the drawings.
Then sew the pockets as shown in the drawings below.
Sew the edge of the tips Turn over and sew the edge allowing a 5 mm hem.
Sew the sail and leading edge pockets before the wing tip pocket.
Sew the main pocket on
To finish attach bridle lines To help keep the head open and sew in pockets you make two small pock- ets as shown and use a stiffener. Do the same for the tail.
Two Line Single Line Use the plan as a base to create other similar kites.
Christophe Goy [email protected]
Translated from the French The Kiteflier, Issue Page 11
Flying for Youth Conference and RACT Trophy
Report on the Royal Aero Club Trust Confer- Aero Club Trust were considering donating a ence - "Flying for Youth". trophy towards a national kite competition. Discussions with George Webster and others This was an all day conference attended by has led us to think that it would be more ap- 35 delegates from 27 organisations. Thank propriate to award the trophy annually to you to Ron Moulton for arranging the invita- someone that the kitefliers as a whole con- tion. sider to have made a major contribution to kiteflying in Great Britain. For those who The idea was to put airsports and youth know this would be similar to the Steve Ei- agencies in contact in order to improve op- deken Award given by the American Kite- portunities for youth. Much of the time was fliers Association. We thought it would be concerned with ways of financing the cost of nice to name it after one of the founder flying and the complex legal requirements members of modern Kiteflying in Great Brit- for dealing with young people. ain and well known kite author — Ron Moulton. The Royal Aero Club was set up in 1901 and has always treated 'flying' in an inclusive We are open to ideas as to the exact mecha- way so that it includes sports such as Bal- nism under which this award would be loon flying, parachuting and model aircraft - made. Our first thoughts are for nomina- all of which are full members. It was happy tions to be made directly to us at The Kite to include kite flying. Society and we then circulate the list to the local groups as well as publishing the details We probably gained from having attended, in The Kiteflier. People can then vote for most of the delegates will have some litera- their choice with the final result being pub- ture from the KSGB and an outline lished later in the year. knowledge of the existence of local kite groups etc. Nominations would take the form of stating the name of the nominee together with a It was interesting to know that there are 150 short precise (no more than 100 words) of Air Scout Groups (part of the Scout Associa- why this person should be considered for the tion) who include kite flying as part of their trophy. activities. I imagine that it would be possi- ble to contact Air Scout Groups if this were For this to go ahead we need your ideas. of interest to a local kite group. Please send them to the editorial address below and all ideas will be presented in the A final thought, the Royal Aero Club is a January issue. Let us hope we can get this member of the Federation Aeronautique In- up and running without any problems. To ternationale which as an international club enable us to publish the ideas we need to could possibly serve as the official guarantor have them with us by 15th December. of World Kite Flying Records. We would like to thank George Webster for I think that we will soon have a real problem his efforts in this area, he is such a good with standards and publicity following the ambassador for Kite flying! demise of Kitelines and the very uneven in- terest of such publications as 'Guinness Rec- Send your ideas and input to: ords'. The Kite Society George Webster P O Box 2274 Gt Horkesley [Following on from the above conference ad- Colchester ditional information was received from the Essex Chairman of the Trustees.] CO6 4AY Fax: 01206 271489 The letter received suggest that the Royal Email: [email protected] Page 12 The Kiteflier, Issue
Private Ads
Kiteman.co.uk For Sale 1 Dragon, approximate wing span 14’ 6” £100 Can be found at The Kite Shop, Friars Road, Barry Island, Whitmore Bay, Barry, South 1a All the special duty plastic materials are ready cut to enable the roof rack/ £40 Wales CF62 5TJ. Tel/Fax: 01446 carrying box for the above kite to be assembled. 742153. Email: the- 2 Eagle, approximate wing span 24” £20 [email protected]. Web: www.kite-man.co.uk. 3 Bat, approximate wing span 30” £20
Carries a full range of kite stock 4 Butterfly, approximate wing span “36” £30 plus Bouncy Castle design and manufacture. 4a Special duty plastic roof rack/carrying box ready made and painted black, £30
complete with carrying straps. This box is designed to carry the above Discount for KSGB members— three kites. Cash—10% , Credit Card—5%. 5 Wooden roof rack box complete with two locks. Internal sizes length 7’ £60 10½”/width 15¼”/height 6¾” This box has been used on approximately 10 occasions Tradewind Kites 6 Two sets of roof rack bars Have moved to 23 Harris Arcade, Reading RG1 1DN. Telephone a One set complete with four locks to suit car with gutters £30 and email remain the same (0118 956 8848, b One set complete with two locks to suit car with inlaid gutters £30 sales@tradewind- kites.demon.co.uk) but the fax 7 Prism Kite Bag. This is the normal roll up type of kite bag. With long £50 changes to 0118 959 8755. pockets for the kites, also has pockets for lines etc. Some of these items has been bought about by ‘old-age’ so I ask the buy- er to collect. Telephone Mr Gillman 01509 816192. Money raised will be Kite Shack donated to his favourite animal charity.
Can be found at Unit 3/4, Bri- dlington Experience, Willsthorpe, For Sale: Sea Rescue Navy Kite from kite. 4mph+. As new, never flown. Bridlington YO15 3QN. Tel: World War II. Similar style as French £45. Don Dunford Flying Machine, 2 01262 403444. Email in- Pilot with copper wire on original line kite Navy Blue. Made in the 70's. [email protected]. Web: wood frame for aerial. Offers. Tel: Model with white plastic spacers. www.kiteshack.co.uk. Open 10am—5pm. Most items are 01707 895159. £50. Tel: 01707 895159. held in stock including kitesurf equipment , landyachts and so For Sale: Jekyll 2 panel black trick on. KSGB members get 10% discount for cash and 5% for credit card purchases. Swindon 2002
As you are all aware we had to cancel ond week-end in MAY, when we are Kite Shop the Swindon Kite Festival this year able to find a site. All I can say at this because the Science Museum at time is that the search continues, We have been sent the following Wroughton wanted £4500 for the use "PLEASE WATCH THIS SPACE" in the address for a kite shop: of the site, we had had it free in past next KITEFLIER. years! We are searching for a new Kite Shop, 80 Poulton Road, site, and thought we had succeeded David Robinson Fleetwood, FY7 6TF. Tel: 01253 until our proposed site informed us 870000. that they couldn't allow camping on- site, so we had to cancel that venue. However the date will still be the sec- Mac Fighters
Mac McLeod of Macfighter kites Woven Labels has moved to 3 The Avenue, Hambrook, Chichester, West Here is a useful tip for single line kite fliers (and others) worried about losing their kites Sussex, PO18 8TZ. Tel: 01243 from breaking line or being cut in those Rokkaku fights. 576425. John Lewis department stores do a useful service in their haberdashery departments Mac and Jackie have missed all where you pay about £7 for woven labels to be made up 72 or 144 with your own details you kitefliers this year, but will such as name, phone number etc. Writing can be in Red, Green or Blue. look forward to seeing you next year. The company which makes them is J and J Cash Ltd, Torrington Avenue, Coventry CV4 9UZ. Tel: 01203 422228. The Kiteflier, Issue Page 13
Too Much Fun
If no one has, already written in to say what a Remember Bi-Dance’s Eurocup “Entertainer” brilliant festival Portsmouth was – well they routine? – Well now it’s more polished and should be ashamed of themselves! they also they do it as a four-piece, which makes it more than twice as good! What I am writing in about is to tell of our ex- periences on the beach the week previous to Ron and Susan also showed off their own pairs that and hopefully attract the attention of and singles routines showing why they get in- some festival organizers. vited all over the world as America’s best.
We were holidaying in Nevada when I called We were privileged to have watched almost an up some old friends – Susan Shampo (one of hour’s worth of refreshingly new and exciting the top ten American flyers) and Ron Despoja- routines all set to music. do (No explanation required) to arrange for us all to meet up with Jeannette and Mark Lum- Marilyn and I have offered board and lodging mas on Belmont Shore in Long Beach L.A. to Ron, Susan and her coach Al Stroh and we know that M & J will be OK so all we need now News spread and we weren’t the only ones is a festival with a budget to help with air that turned up to what turned out to be an im- fares. Any one interested should contact me at promptu mini-festival. [email protected] or to Mark and Jeannette direct. I have to say that some of the four man rou- tines were world class and the best I’ve seen Allan Pothecary – I’m just glad that two of the team were Brit- ish! [As many of you may know Mark and Jeanette were expecting their first child and are The four of them have appropriately named pleased to say that Benjamin Stephen Lum- themselves “Too Much Fun”. One of the ballet mas was born on July 20th, 7lb 13oz. More performances (written by Jeannette) is just details and photos are on their web site over nine minutes long and involves various http://home.earthlink.net/~lummas.] combinations of two and four line flying and is an absolute pleasure to watch.
"Too Much Fun" - Susan, Jean- Left to right: Ron Despojado,Susan Shampo,Jeanette Lum- nette, Mark, Ron mas,Mark Lummas, Marilyn Pothecary, Allan Pothecary, Al Stroh UFO ~OX K TEi fool :::c= 0 ~ PATTERN...... ~ CUT TWO .t...l .,.:; .>
POLYTHENE JOINTS 4mm internal diameter
25o 1 25o 1 250 1 25o 1000
4x4mmx 600mm B 2x4mmx 80mm 1x4mmx 77 5mm
600 600 600
A 80 80 B
600 The Kiteflier, Issue Page 15
For those trying to make a Paddle Winder winder for kite flying line, this simple one can be made easily from cheap grade 10mm plywood, dowelling and 22mm speed fit water pipe(from B &Q). As these can be made cheaply why not make several for different lines? 50lb – 150lb- 300lb.
Sides 2 of 273mm x70mm x10mm Board 1 of 160mm x 107mm x10mm Dowels 2 0f 15mm x 230mm
Plastic pipe 2 0f 22mm x 99mm speed fit water pipe Screws 4 of no 6 x 1” (twin quik, grips best) Screw caps 4 of for no 6 screws Washers 4 of 20mm
Cut the two sides, shape the ends, drill the dowel holes 50mm from ends with 14mm bit. Drill as square to the wood as possible. Cut two lengths of 230mm dowel add dab of PVA glue to the end, and hammer into sides, hold this over a big washer, pipe or hole so plywood does not split on other side.
The dowel will be wedged in very firm.
Fit centre board size will be about 107mm x160mm make it a snug fit, smear PVA glue around edge, this will stop the frame going out of shape with the tension building up with line on it. Fit the lengths of plastic water pipe, and add washer,screwcup, and screws to ends of all dowelling. Pipe should spin freely.
Finally sandpaper with fine grade paper for a smooth splinter free finish, best not to varnish,surface can be tacky with the line. That’s about it, happy flying (and winding)
I MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION I The Kite Society of Great Britain was founded in 1979 and, since then, has grown to be recognised as the leading organisation for kite flying in Great Britain with over 3500 members worldwide.
The main vehicle of communication between members is the quarterly publication 'THE KITEFLIER'. 'THE KITEFLIER' is published in January, April, July and October of every year. 'THE KITEFLIER' contains news of forthcoming kite festivals, kite retailer news, kite plans, kite group news and a comprehensive events list.
Other benefits of membership include free, or reduced, entry into selected kite festivals in the U.K., special parking arrangements where possible, discount - from 5% to 15% - on all kite purchases from the majority of kite retailers in the U.K.
More information about The Kite Society, U.K. based kite groups, kite traders and kite events is available via the intemet at http://www.thekitesociety.org.uk
A membership ' year' runs for four issues of 'THE KITEFLIER'. plus other occasional mailings. Each member receives a membership card entitling them to free entry and discount.
If you wish to join The Kite Society please fill in the form below and send it, with your payment, to the address shown. All cheques, postal orders and money orders should be made payable to 'The Kite Society' and, for overseas members, should be drawable in the U.K. and be in sterling.
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Pease send this form with payment to: The Kite Society, P.O. Box 2274, Gt Horkesley, Colchester C06 4A Y 1\ITIAUILI" 1\IT~§ ~ MAT~l?IAL§ ~ t7Al?t=I~L() l?f)4.() ~~t=I~L() MI()()L~§IX ~~J 4l?V U.l\.
"Tas been and gone" old Harry said But a new year is still untouched "I don't believe it's true Awaiting around the bend Another kiteing season done To get out there and fly a kite My how the time did flew'' With all our kiting friends
A dodgy year in many way For Santa time 2001 Cancellations, we've had a We wish you all good cheer Foot and mouth and other We'll see you on the field again Tw as sad, but what's to When spring comes next year.
PHONE/FAX: 44 (0)20 8804 9080 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE www.kiteability.co.uk Proprietor: Mrs P Dell
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4 Essex " ..-• TRADE ENQUIRES WELCOME THE ORIGINAL NO-JEW FIGHTER C06 4AY Tei/Fax: 01206 271489 V1S1t our websrtt: to order or for a FREE colour brochure call Email: [email protected] ::: - ,~" :: ..... 3' ' -= :::- :::~ .: ::-""::: . .._ - ~ - www.skyblooms.freeserve.co.uk Page 18 The Kiteflier, Issue
Dit, Dit, Dit—Marconi Celebrations
Marconi had been experimenting with kites as antenna lifters for some time before 1901 ably assisted by George Kemp, who first appeared on the sce- ne as Marconi was flying kites off the roof of the Post Office in London and asked whether he needed a hand fly- ing the kites. Drawings from one of George Kemps diaries can be found in the Marconi Company archives. It contains sketches and drawings showing various methods and solu- tions for raising an aerial using a kite or a balloon. There are also exten- sive notes of experiments Marconi carried out near the Bristol Channel using kites and balloons. Photo of Marconi by a radio set In 1901 Marconi built a powerful wire- "Stormfax, Inc. [email protected] less station at Poldhu. The spark gap http://www.stormfax.com/wireless.htm transmitter fed a massive antenna array in which 400 wires hung from December 12th this year marks the 100th an- 20 masts placed in a circle, each mast being niversary of an important moment in scientific 200 ft tall. There was another similar site set history— the first transatlantic radio signal— up in America at South Wellfleet, Cape Cod. and, of course, a kite was involved. Then disaster struck - a gale destroyed the Poldu station on the 17th September and so On December 12th 1901 the first radio signals had to be replaced with a temporary antenna were transmitted from Poldhu, Cornwall across which was too weak to reach Cape Cod. Mar- the Atlantic to Signal Hill, St John's, New- coni therefore decided to go to Newfoundland, foundland. For those of you with some under- being much closer to Poldhu, a good decision standing of radio it may be enough to say that in the end as the Cape Cod establishment also Marconi was transmitting by jumping enor- blew down on 26th November. mous voltages across a spark gap to create what today would be total interference with Arriving in St John's on the 5th December, every branch of communication were it used. Marconi and his assistants set up their equip- ment at Signal Hill barracks. The equipment This system, although dramatic, was not a consisted of hydrogen filled balloons and kites particularly long range affair and to increase to keep the aerial wire aloft. Marconi had the range Marconi needed an aerial. This had packed six kites, thinking ahead of possible to be raised high into the sky clear of sur- losses. Marconi tested the winds on the 10th rounding obstacles and it must have been in- December but they proved too strong for the evitable that he would turn to the kite sooner kite which broke free and was blown out to or later. sea. At the pre-arranged time on the 11th December they tried a balloon but heard noth- The kite he used was a Baden-Powel Levitor ing. On the 12th there was a strong gale and the Marconi company still has one of the blowing, this carried away the first kite they original kites albeit without any spars! In their tried but the second kite, trailing 500 ft of an- archives. It measures 9ft by 7ft and was man- tenna wire reached a height of 350 ft. It ufactured by G C Spencer and Sons, balloon stayed up long enough for Marconi and Kemp makers based in Holloway, London. In 1978 to hear the first transatlantic signals, three re- at the 75th anniversary of the 1901 event peating dots spelling out the letter S in Morse. Marconis wife, the Marchesa Marconi, men- During the next few days he received the sig- tioned that the kite was inclined to slide about nal 25 times. in the sky a lot but always worked satisfactori- ly. Marconi wrote "I placed a single earphone into Page 19
Dit, Dit, Dit—Marconi Celebrations my ear and started listening, the receiver on on December 12th (the anniversary) radio the table before me was very crude... (but) I stations will be invited to operate using kite was at last on the point of putting the correct- launched antennas between 00:00 and 24:00, ness of all my beliefs to the test... Suddenly, hopefully with transatlantic transmission - for there sounded the sharp click of the 'tapper'.. more information look at the Live Wire net. and I listened intently. Unmistakably, the three sharp clicks corresponding to three dots Nearer to home, part of the Live Wire group sounded in my ear". during the week 10th - 16th December will be at Bally Castle, Northern Ireland. This site The station at Poldhu was later given by the was used by Marconi during some of his very Marconi company to the National Trust who early experiments in wireless transmission. now own the site which is open to the public. Useful web sites for more information are: There are a number of www.marconicalling.com—The Marconi Com- events to pany Archives. commemo- rate the http://www.wireservices.com/n9zrt/live-wire/ 100th anni- events/marconi/ - Information about the versary of events throughout the world celebrating the this event. 100th year. The govern- ment of http://www.gov.nf.ca/marconi/index.htm— Newfound- Newfoundland Government site with infor- land are mation of events that have/will occur in 2001. holding a se- ries of http://homepages.tesco.net/~GI0SMUrf/ events called gi0smu.htm—A great web site for how to use 'Receiving a kite to lift a radio aerial. Can also be con- the World'. This will include the 'Live Wire' tacted: Adrian Hanna, 39 Dalton Crescent, group having a kite antenna celebration week Comber, Northern Ireland. (10th - 16th December) where radio stations all over the world will be invited to operate us- Gill Bloom ing kite lofted antennas during the week and
The Levitor, being very similar in construc- tion to a Rokkaku was designed by Baden- The Baden-Powell Levitor Powell as a form of man lifting kite. The kites were deployed in a train numbering 15cm between 4 and 7 with each kite having a surface area of 10 sq metres. The man 105cm lifting system was patented by Baden- 28cm Powell in 1895. However, because of the kite(s) basic instability the system was never as efficient as the Cody system alt- hough lifts of 100ft were achieved. 105cm
The four legged bridle tends to hold the spars flat to the wind making the kite un- stable—as it is NOT normally bowed. So some sort of stabiliser is required to make it fly properly. The Marconi archive pic- tures show a 6 leg bridle with the outer legs to the tips of the cross spars and one to each spar/spine intersection.
15cm Page 20 The Kiteflier, Issue
Geomagnetic Kites An American in Portsmouth
I arrived at Heathrow on Mon- bite. This turned into near SORRY! For security reasons, it has become necessary to day morning and was spotted disaster as the wind dropped remove the image formerly immediately by Barbara Meyer further and her line threat- displayed here. who had just arrived from ened to decapitate the inflata- Minnesota and Jon Bloom. ble clown that was part of a Are you flying an aluminium/ graphite, beryllium, boron, Jon had not yet spotted Bar- large inflatable play land for carbon fibre, magnesium or bara, but the Peter Lynn com- children. We speculated later titanium frame? Bad news, pression sack was a dead that the whole thing might it's obsolete! Steel is back, giveaway of my identity to Jon have deflated with the chil- thanks to this new technolog- ical breakthrough: and he saw Barbara waving to dren on it if we had been suc- me. It is not the first time cessful in taking off the fig- AL's Geomagnetic Kite Boost- that I have been recognized ure's head. However, all was ers as a kiteflier by my luggage. well and the winds picked up
Using high-tech, state-of-the This time is was very conven- and we proceeded to have a -art niobium-samarium- ient as it got the three of us wonderful time. Space was cobalt magnets, in conjunc- together which was my big- not the problem that I ex- tion with your existing frame, gest worry since I had never pected, although I was not as the Geomagnetic Kite Boost- met Jon. We quickly added aggressive in putting all of my ers will, at the touch of a button, magnetize your two members of FLIC and kites up and taking over more frame, by the modern mira- then stacked our luggage by a of the field as I perhaps cle of electromagnetic induc- bar and had a drink while we should have been. tion. waited for the other two. Af-
When your kite is flying in a ter a short wait, during which There were several things northerly direction, a mo- our baggage attracted the at- about the festival that im- mentary push of the "N" but- tention of airport security and pressed me. The first and ton will cause your frame to the fire alarm sounded in the foremost was that the event be magnetized so that the nose of the kite will be at- airport, the other two mem- ran on time. Most US festivals tracted toward the North bers of FLIC arrived and we have a horribly distorted view Magnetic Pole, and the rear headed for Portsmouth. of time, which they laughingly of the frame will be pushed refer to as "kite time". No away from the South Mag- netic pole. As long as you are Jon got us checked in at the one else seems to care, but it flying in a northerly direction, University of Portsmouth Resi- drives me nuts. It was a won- you get a constant boost dence Hall, pointed out the derful change of pace to have from the Earth's magnetic festival field and left us to a schedule that actually meant field! It's like an automatic tailwind! take care of a myriad of de- something. The next thing tails for the next day's activi- that caught my attention was When you're flying in a ties. After unpacking, Barbara the announcer; many US southerly direction, press the and I wandered over to the events suffer from either a "S" button, and a brief stream of electrons will be flying field to check things dearth of commentary or sent hurtling through the out. My immediate worry was commentary that is only use- induction coils in the opposite space. The only advantage ful to the kitefliers. Here the direction, magnetizing the that most US festivals have is announcer(s) involved the au- frame in the opposite polari- ty, so that it will be inexora- a larger flying field, I did not dience, explained what was bly drawn in the direction of see how we were all going to going on with a running com- the Antarctic landmass. fit in the space allotted. mentary and generally kept everyone entertained. You Unfortunately, the current state of this technology does The next morning we arrived have only to listen to the vid- not provide any boost if at the flying field and collected eo tape of the AKA convention you're heading east or our kites from Jon and com- to know that we are in des- west ... but our scientists and menced to wait for wind. We perate need of talent like this. alchemists are working hard on this problem, and we flew some of Barbara's kites hope to have a breakthrough for the International Fliers This running commentary sur- in the near future! show and then used her large rounded events designed to sled to try and lift my Trilo- entertain the public and to get Continued next page:- The Kiteflier, Issue Page 21
An American in Portsmouth Geomagnetic Kites as many people as possible actually 38 kilos when I got it out on the main field as possi- home and checked it, I can How it works: ble at some point of the day. only assume that the sides of An induction coil is wound This involvement of newer fli- the bag pressed against the around the spine rod in your ers in such events as the sides of the opening support- frame (or the down tube, for Creature Kite fly seems to me ed some of the weight or that you ladies out there) and connected to the digital con- to be key to growing the ranks Gombie's good kite karma troller transmitter attached of new fliers. The fact that a reached out across the Atlan- to the back of the kite. The new flier could get out on the tic Ocean and saved me from buttons of the remote control field with a shark kite or some excess baggage charges. Ei- mechanism may be operated with any digit you find con- other small kite and could ther way I was happy. venient. A momentary touch participate in a central activity Actually, I would have been of the button is all that is of the festival is a stroke of happy anyway, it was a great, required. The electrons race genius. I believe that every (or in the local vernacular), along and around the coil, imparting a "permanent" new person who flew on that brilliant festival; I had made magnetic field to your frame. field will be back next year many new friends and got to with something bigger and experience a festival and cul- The "Ultra" version doesn't better. Talking about the new ture with at least a few differ- merely rely on the mag- fliers leads me to my last ma- ences. Even things that might netism of the frame itself, but involves filling the tube jor improvement over US fes- have seemed like problems with rare-earth magnetic ma- tivals. I have never seen any- back home were novelties terial, to markedly increase thing like the basic kite train- here. Minor differences in the magnetic boost effect, ing exhibition at any US festi- food, the smallest bathroom I while only adding a couple of pounds to the weight of the val, and it should be at every have ever been in and the kite. festival. This is a great ser- continuing likelihood that I vice to new fliers and the was going to get run over Warnings: more experienced ones who crossing the street because I Use only under a doctor's fly near them. continued to look the wrong supervision. Not to be used way for traffic, all contributed by or near users of heart I cannot write about this festi- to a great trip. It would have pacemakers! Do not operate val without talking about my been a grave disappointment while in areas where blasting is in progress! panic after all of my kites to have traveled all that way, were soaked during the Sun- just to have everything the News Flash! day afternoon rain. I was re- same. signed to paying several hun- We are currently working on a micro-rocket-assisted take- dred dollars in excess bag- I would like to end with sin- off mechanism for those of gage charges to get them cere thanks to Jon and Gill for you who want REAL speed home. However, Monday their wonderful hospitality and from your kites. Unfortunate- dawned clear with a brisk especially for Jon who after ly, every time we've tested our latest creation, the kite wind and I managed to get running the festival spent sev- has melted and the only everything close to dry. I was eral hours on the road getting thing left was a few shreds of actually still over weight and us back to London. And to charred carbon/graphite. was worried as my bags were our hosts for that last night We're considering making weighed. But the Kite Gods Barbara and Tony Cartwright sails out of asbestos but the watched over me! The bag, who so graciously put us up government has banned this which was still significantly that last night. material for consumer use overweight, was a large duffle (drat those federal swine!). More to follow. purchased from Dave Gom- One last thought to ponder, berg. It barely fit through the how did Barbara Meyer ex- Allan Pothecary opening, which contained a plain to her husband the trou- conveyer belt and the scale. I sers that she talked Carlos out [We do not know where Allan got this from but it could not believe my eyes of? is very interesting.] when I read seventeen kilos on the display! The bag was Al Sparling Page 22 The Kiteflier, Issue
Low Cost Kite Aerial Photography
When I searched for “kite” on the Internet, knob, meant for a kitchen cupboard, is I came across a few sites showing off im- bolted for attaching to the kite line. This pressive aerial photographs that people pendulum arrangement appears to be had taken using kites. This was something quite popular with aerial photographers, as I thought I would like to try, but looking at it reduces the effect of movement of the the equipment involved was rather off- kite on the camera. Attaching the camera putting. Most people had built themselves to the line rather than directly to the kite is elaborate radio-controlled rigs to move a good idea for a couple of reasons. If their camera and trigger the shutter. But I fixed to the kite, the weight can adversely wanted to start with something cheaper affect its stability. When attaching the and more “expendable” in case things went camera to the line, you can have the kite wrong. I acquired two disposable cameras flying at a height where it will give more for £8 (special offer at Superdrug), but lift than at ground level. there was still the problem of how to trig- ger the shutter. A cheap time delay mech-
Figure 1. Ice Cube Trigger Figure 2. Camera Rig anism was needed, and again the Internet provided the inspiration - ice cubes. In the As you can see from figure 2, the whole page I found, (http:// arrangement hangs upside down so that, www.arch.ced.berkeley.edu/kap/equip/ as the ice melts, the water does not run all ice.html) the author described a mecha- over the camera. The camera is attached nism where a melting ice cube provides to the frame with gardening plant ties, the delay before releasing the camera which makes it easy to swap to a new one shutter. I adapted his idea and used a when the film is finished. The total weight clothes peg as my spring (see figure 1). A of camera and rig is 285 grams (10 oz). dowel fitted through the gripping end of the peg was positioned over the shutter Taking photographs button and the opposite side trimmed for First launch your kite, and let out enough length. An ice cube wedged between the line so that it is flying steadily. Sometimes end of the peg and the aluminium frame it is wise to wait a few minutes to see if holds the peg open. When the ice melts the wind conditions are right before at- the peg closes and the dowel presses the taching the camera. I have had my best shutter. results with a 1.5m2 Delta-Conyne which is a good stable flier. When you are happy I made a frame to hold the camera and to with the way the kite is flying, attach the allow adjustment of pan and tilt. The cen- camera rig to the line. I use a clove hitch tre of the frame is attached to a straight around the wooden door knob which holds piece of aluminium with a 90 degree plas- it securely and keeps the camera pointing tic bracket. At the end, a wooden door Page 23
Low Cost Kite Aerial Photography in the same direction without spinning was perfecting the technique, but lately I around. have been taking a few in trickier loca- tions. Next, fit the ice cube to hold the clothes peg open and wind on the camera. If the Picture 2 is one of my first pictures, and camera has a flash, you can set it now, so shows one disadvantage of lifting your that you have a chance of seeing when the camera too high. Although the family picture has been taken. Then let out the McManus is barely visible, you can see in- line to raise the camera to the required teresting patterns caused by fairy rings in height. Now just sit back and wait for the the grass. ice cube to melt. This can take a few minutes in cold weather, but can be sur- Picture 3 came out well considering how prisingly quick on a warm day. When you the daylight and wind were both fading. I think the photo has been taken, either took Picture 4 at the Poole Kite Flier’s Pic- nic in May. Picture 2. Everyone starts with a self por- Possible improvements trait. The dot at the The clothes peg is a bit wobbly, and bottom of the line is the the dowel sometimes misses the family having a picnic at middle of the button on the cam- Hengistbury Head, near era. Depending on the type of Bournemouth camera this may not be so much of a problem, but perhaps something to stop the peg moving sideways would help.
I might even risk a better quality camera now that I have a bit more experience with the disposable cameras. wind in the line or walk the kite down to bring the camera within reach. Fit a new ice cube, wind on Picture 3. Corfe Mullen recrea- the camera and let it up to take an- tion ground other picture.
My results so far The whole process of kite aerial photography is rather unpredicta- ble, since you are never sure quite where the camera is pointing. Us- ing an ice cube does not help as you don’t even have control of when the picture is taken. This is part of the appeal, but I do have quite a few photos of just grass from various heights. My success rate is about two or three good pictures A space for a bigger ice cube would be out of 24. Most of my pictures have been helpful giving a longer delay, especially on taken in good kite-flying places, whilst I hot summer days. This would enable the Page 24
Low Cost Kite Aerial Photography camera to reach a higher altitude or it more easily. A longer pendulum should would let you manoeuvre the kite by walk- make the camera swing about less. ing along the ground to get the camera in- to a better position. Maybe changing the In Conclusion aluminium to a different material that does If you have always thought of aerial pho- not conduct heat so well would keep the tography as difficult or expensive, I hope I ice colder for longer. have proved otherwise. Give it a go, I would be pleased to hear of anyone trying Rather than a solid pendulum mount, most out my “clothes peg and ice cube tech- aerial photographers use a cat’s cradle ar- nique”. One final word of caution, every- rangement, called a Picavet suspension, one who sees your camera dangling from which holds the camera level. This would the kite line will ask you: “What’s that be lighter and could be adjusted for length hanging from your kite?” and then: “How do you set it off?”, followed by “Oooh, that’s clever!”
Neil McManus Wimborne, Dorset Web-site: www.mcmanus.cwc.net Email: [email protected]
Picture 4. Poole Kite Fliers Picnic, at Baiter Park, Poole. May 20th 2001
Flexifoil Training Centre
Powerkiteshop have now opened their very first shop us always the water jump into the lake for a safe land- in the centre of Worcester in a joint effort with Wind- ing. Facilities such as toilets and showers, wetsuits and surfing Worcester to attract people from both sides of camping are also available on site so you are not too the sport to try both windsurfing and power kiting. far from the action.
Powerkiteshop will be stocking all the latest products For more information call: 01905 6220044 or 01543 from Flexifoil, Peter Lynn, Quadrifoil, Libre, Wipika, 878709 or you can E-mail: [email protected]. Kheo and Brunotti to name but a few and they can all be tried out on our 50acre site - whether it be surfing, Power Kite Extremes @ Powerkiteshop & Windsurfing boarding or buggying - we can cater for them all. Worcester Worcester Road (A443) As well as the new shop however - don't forget that Holt the centre is open for all power kiting activities Worcester throughout the winter. Enclosed and away from traffic WR6 6NH - wandering public and obstacles - this site has more Entrance is free - Buggying/Mountainboarding/Surfing to offer than most coastal resorts. - £8 full day - £4 half day (no half rates at weekends)
The 10 acre lake is crystal clear water - four-five foot deep in most parts - no waves - bathing quality stand- ard water and manned with lifeguards at all times. And the mountainboard/buggying centre is great also - now even flatter and the grass cut on a regular basis - this field is great for learning and racing in a safe envi- ronment and if you want to try out that new trick there THE THIRD ANNUAL STACK BOOT CAMP
Royal Pier Hotel, Weston‐super‐Mare 2‐4 November 2000 STACK UK has pleasure in announcing the Third Annual Boot Camp. Boot Camp is a residential training weekend aimed, this year, at all Novice or Experienced flyers, wishing to fly as individuals, pairs or teams. Below you will see the proposed programme for the weekend. There is a core programme, aimed at all “campers”. Alongside this there are six flying sessions where flyers will be assigned an experienced coach with whom they can set their own agenda. The goal for the weekend is to give “campers” the opportunity to experience all aspects of competitive kite flying and to use the skills and experience of their coaches to develop their own flying ability.
Friday 2nd 7.00pm Welcome drinks and dinner Talks: Aims & Objectives Saturday 3rd 8.00am Breakfast 9.00am Meet with your coach on the beach for briefing session 9.30am Flying Session One 11.00am Coffee Break 11.15am Flying Session Two 12.30pm Packed lunch on the beach & Pilot’s Briefing Meeting for Precision Competition 1.30pm Flying Session Three 2.30pm Coffee Break 2.45pm Informal Precision Competition for those who wish to enter 4.00pm Mega-Team flying 7.00pm Dinner Talks: Debrief & Ballet Routine writing Sunday 4th 8.00am Breakfast 9.00am Meet with your coach on the beach for briefing session and Stick Practice 9.30am Flying Session Four 11.00am Coffee Break 11.15am Flying Session Five 12.30pm Packed lunch on the beach & Pilot’s Briefing Meeting for Ballet Competition 1.30pm Flying Session Six 2.30pm Coffee Break 2.45pm Ballet Competition for those who wish to enter 4.00pm Mega-team flying 5.30pm Debrief & Presentation of certificates before departure
Price for the weekend is £200 based on two nights accommodation sharing a twin/double room, including breakfast, packed lunch and dinner plus the expertise of an experienced UK/European/World championship level coach during the six flying sessions. A supplement of £10 is applicable for non-STACK UK members to cover insurance. For single room accommodation, there will be a supplement of £30.
To reserve your place, please send a deposit cheque for £25 per person, payable to STACK UK, to the address below.
For further details: Kathy Jarvis, STACK UK, 19 Leigh Drive, Wickham Bishops, Essex CM8 3JS Tel: 01621 892481 email: [email protected] A FRENCH SURPRISE! uring June and July I happened to visit the lie D de Re on the west coast of France, and camped in an area of marshland that was once known for its production of salt in vast saltpans. The salt was stored in large buildings called 'hangars a sel', one of which had been rebuilt and used as an ecological museum of the area. There were the usual displays of fauna and wildlife of the marshes, but my eye was taken by XXI CERVIA INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL 2001 a display of beautiful and almost impressionist photographs of owll What a great start to this season's fully sponsored the saltpans, beach w international kite festivals. In February, the once again hugely formations, wind patterns in successful Kites On Ice International Kite Festival in Ma dison ... the sand, a whirlpool and aerial in March, the super 15th Berck-sur-Mer International Kite Festival in France photos of the towns and villages. (which I will write about in my next 'Ray's Adventures' article) ... and to top Well, by now you will have probably them off, I have just returned from the awesome XXI Cervia International guessed ... the photos were taken Kite Festival 2001 in Italy ... can it get better than this? Well, I will tell you from a kitel The r------., after my next trip,, which will be on photographer is ••~ IKF SHIELD WINNERS the 2Jrd of May, to the great and called Philippe ri'YI wonderful Narbonne International Feret and his The Brigh~ Kite ..... Shield is awan:htd Kite Festival in France. display showed annuaHy to someone who has made a The Cervia International Kite a bowed Eddy significant and UI'IIWWaftlecl contribution to festiva l has been going for the last kite with tail, but kite lying ovwthe ,.an. lhe .....cwlng rwads: 21 years and each time it just gets no others were bigger and better. lt is two weeks of detailed. The 'In honour ol ond wlh fftanh fw fiiGf -'J.nc. in festival magic. The organiser framework for all aspeds of h tpOif fltat )I8U ...... ' Claudio Cappelli, with the aid of the cameras 1917 Ron & tc.ith MDtMt his beautiful daughter Caterina, included an 1,. GNg LocQ plus all those Olympus mju 11 1919 felix Molham w o n d e r f u I and a video 1990 Ron Moody volunteers, do a camera which 19t1 The MI.K8IIMIS super job of was used for 1992 Slaffotd Wallace organising this framing the 1993 Jahn Barbr festival (which is shots. The latter 199.. Martin Croxton no easy task, as transmitted an 1995 Ray Oalchm this is a world HF signal to a 1996 Pat & Ron Dell kite festival at its monitor on the 1997 Danny S..... finest). lt's one ground and the 1991 Mik .Jennison & of the biggest in still camera was Toody Oalchill Europe, starring fired by radio 1999 Ravlethell interna tional control. The text 2000 Alan Outram guests from detail on the 2001 Mldt & Norma House M a I a y s i a , display was very L ______!:==~~~~ Australia, Israel, limited about the equipment, but if anyone is interested England, Pakistan, Sweden, USA, Canada, New in contacting Philippe, his details ore: Zealand, Japan, Germany, Belgium, France and Lithuania. Plus kite flyers from all over Italy. Name: Philippe Feret I arrived at Milano Malpensa airport at 3pm, right on Address: 4d Rue du Pont superieur schedule, and was met by Don Mock, who took me to 79110 Chef-Boutonne the meeting area where other international kite flyers France hod already arrived. I hove met most of them at other Tel: 05 49 29 38 66 international kite festivals around the world. lt was Email: [email protected] another 4 hour wait before the last international guest Ray Oalchill arrived. Cervia is about a 4 hour bus trip from the ['> airport and we arrived at the More e Vito Hotel, demonstration where we were all staying, at 1am. We were arena until late pretty tired, but soon woke up, os all the flyers that hod afternoon, when GOI already arrived earlier in the day come running out to some of the greet each and every one of us like long lost brothers - huge kites were CI'J hearty hand shakes, hugs and slops on backs. lt was being token llleH•Iettereflllettrl..... llltefl,.n indeed on overwhelming welcome. This is another port down. There L------..,.._ of kiting that con not be imitated or copied - the was never any genuine fellowship that we feel for each other in every shortage of spectators, especially on both respect, regardless of nationality. Each one of us has weekends, when it was wall-to-wall people. I found the been invited, in a way, to do a job to the best of our Italian spectators a very appreciative audience, and ability and we rely on each other to help make each they were not at all shy in asking to hove their photo kite festival we attend a huge success. I am very token with me or asking me to sign their kites or proud to be port of the elite team of individual programmes (which by the way, was a beautiful piece kite flyers from around the world. of work) . Everyone commented on the great music Cervio, with its great beach, is rated os one of the system that was done professionally by HIFI Vi deo most modern holiday resorts in Italy. lt is also ideal for Music Center from Foenzo - at some moments I could on active holiday, including wind and kite surfing, feel the beat of the music through the vibrations. When water skiing, bike riding, golf, tennis, etc. You name I performed my multiple kite ballet, George Peters it - they hove it for the lovers of physical fitness and volunteered to be my music man, giving me hand cues well-being. (like on orchestra conductor) of the music I was flying The festival is held on port of the nine kilometre beach to. Thanks George. of fine sand, There were hNo which is firm ~------~~------~------~ very successful enough to hold night flies with a ground stoke great wind that without the fear took the night of it being ;...... ,_....,""""!!~'JI!II fly way post the dragged out. I schedu l ed was on the closing time, beach just after ...... ,...... , and again the 8om every day -.~-iii-J-~":::. sky was one and flew until moss of kites 6.30pm. The that entertained wind come from the mosses who inland early in come to watch. I the morning on am always most days, then amazed at how around they manage to 10.30om would pock those huge turn around and single line kites come off the into those small ocean. By 11 am bogs in the the sky was one Worfc hard, play hardl Team No Umit - my friends from Germany dark. I would moss of kites of like to mention every description - beautiful designs and every colour a little here about the 7 man Teo m No limit from imaginable. There was hardly a place in the sky to put Germany. I hove never seen a team work so ha rd, another kite. I managed to find a spot where I could fly bringing all their gear on to the beach each morning all day, right off the edge of the water and the kite and packing it all up again at the end of the day, a nd festival's boundary line, but sometimes it was like then once again lugging all their kites, etc from the playing Russian roulette - dodging the single line beach back to the storage container. lt is not just one kites in front of me and watching out for the kite but literally dozens of huge kites, plus all the su. ~.:; ;-:; and the buggy flyers behind me with their equipment. They put on on awesome display of kites massive traction kites. I did get caught a few times and every day of the festival , which has to be seen to be ended up at the end of the festival with 18 cut lines appreciated. No wonder this team is in great dema nd and a few broken spars. lt is funny, no matter what at festivals throughout Europe. They were also a great festival I attend I always come away with learning a lot hit at each of the Kites On Ice festivals in Madison, of new words. Even in Italian! :) Wisconsin, USA.
There were so many kites in the a ir that it was literally After the festival each day it was a rush to get ,---....J impossible to put on a sport kite demonstration in the back to the More e Vito for a shower, before eating a well-deserved dinner. I hove never been a pasta fan, but I was so hungry I could hove eaten a horse! After the evening meal everyone got together in the bar room for fun, chatting and dancing. lt was like a New Year's party every night and a few times the Italian kite flyers, with their wives and families, would put on a cheese and wine party that everyone enjoyed. A few nights before the end of the festival I was invited by the members and friends of Team No Limit to a Beach Party that was a party to remember. Singing, dancing and drinking around a WINDRIDER•s KITE CLUB huge bonfire on a beautiful worm starlight evening, or should I soy morning? Like I said, these guys work hard but ploy even harder! FESTIVAL 2001 I must odd that we also did two great guided tours to visit a couple of 13,14 & 15 July historical towns, the City of Cessno and the Republic of San Marino. The Groylond/Woshington/USA tours included on interpreter/guide and the towns provided food for oing to this year's festival lunch. Everyone that went on the tour hod a really great time and enjoyed was something that we seeing another part of Italy. hod been looking forward Again I could literally go on for hours writing about my reminisces on my G to for several months. Cervio adventure, but it is time to thank all the sponsors who's Three Brits hod called us back in contributions hove mode it possible for myself and many others to be March to soy that they wonted to sponsored to this unique world· doss international kite festival. Thank you come over to our festival. Doug Cloudio and Coterino Coppelli and your great volunteers, Mr Music and Jones and Martin Croxton hod all the spectators and citizens of Cervio that mode us all so very welcome attended this festival in the early to your city. 1990's and hod some good Thank you for listening. Ray Bethell memories. They wonted to see if the winds were still os clean os they remembered them being. With light winds on Friday they couldn't fly the 'big stuff', but on Saturday the winds were good and clean so Martin could get those 67 foot long Scuba Diver's Legs flying high. Doug Jones brought along one of their favourite 'Hogomon' porofoils and it looked good with that big 'White Horse Kite Flyers' tube flying on the line. Phil Scorfe has built and donated (so what's new?) several kites to the Windrider's Kite Club. Do you think that Moria could hove hod anything to do with this? I And he didn't forget us again this yea r. He built and donated a porofoil with old 'Hot Rod' style flames on it. At Ray & Caterina Cappelli- the festival organiser's·daughter the end of the auction and when r------~------~ the smoke hod cleared, Rob Prott BKF NEW YEAR'S DAY FLY IN 2002 was the winner. Thanks, Phil. And Rob. ly in the New Year- fly out your hangover! For those in need of a Sunday was a bit drizzly with some 'hair of the dog'... refreshments ore available on site at the rain, so the Brits felt right a home! Devil's Dyke Inn, which is open all day and serves food. F They attempted to fly their kites but The site is especially popular on New Year's Day, so it's advisable to only wound up getting them all arrive fairly early if you wont to guarantee a space in the cor pork. soggy and filled with sand. That's .... Venue: Devil's Dyke/East Sussex when we decided to head for .... Date: 1 January 2002 home . .... Time: l l.OOom to 4.00pm Doug, Martin and Phil soy that it .... Map Ref: 198 TQ 258 112 was well worth the journey and .... Height Clearance: 1500ft many thanks to all of the .... Contad: Ray Ookhill (see page 6) Wind riders .
Toody Oalchill Ron & Moria Miller ~ ~---~ TEDDY'S TALE! e were hoping that our new Peter Lynn Teddy Bear kite would • be delivered from New Zealand in time to fly at the Telscombe W Tye Family Kite Day, but it was not to be and the wind would hove been too strong anyway. I hod been tracking the progress of the bear from despatch to its a rrival and deoronce at Heothrow, which was a rather strange experience that I did not know was possible until now. The wonders of technology, ehl lt arrived at midday on Monday, packed into a small cardboard box, about 18 inches cubed - how the hell did they get it all in there? When we stuff it into a bog it is 3 times the sizel Well, Jenny of Peter Lynn Kites explains ... Well how did we get it into the box? I thought you would know that in New Zealand we have this special ability to do ANYTHING with a piece of number eight wire! (:-)) We got the idea from our farmers, when they put wool into their huge woo/pocks for export they use a wool press, we use a similar system to get the kites into the DHL Jumbo Boxes. When DHL came out with those boxes
and said they would ship anything under 25kg around the world, (for that price and within 4/5 working days) os long as we could get it into that box naturally we had to take up the challenge. We think it works out very well for all of us! Hope you all hove a great time flying that kite and maybe I'll see it flying at Dieppe one day! Regards - Jenny So thofs how ifs donelll Of course we had to fly the bear at the first opportunity and 6pm was the time, At last the club has something BIG to fly - nice one os soon os Simon Hennessey finished work. I mode Oakie! Said 40ft inflatable bear sports a BKF t-shirt, the most secure anchorage ever and we inflated the complete with website address, and has a honey-pot bear to some extent and launched it with the help of drogue. He has yet to be christened- any ideas? ... I'm the lifter kite, with limited success. lt was not until sure that The BOF will have a few suggestions!!! (Ed) Simon asked me why I had left the zips open in the bear's legs did we eventually get a good inflation and up he went. The wind at that time was down to about 2/3 mph and we realised the power of this monster. I don't know who hod the biggest smiles - us or the Teddy Beorl :o))) Ray Oolchill (Photos by Simon Hennessey) BARRY ISlAND KITE FESTIVAL- THE FIRST! t was a long trek to Barry Dynamics T2s, and another good Island but well worth the effort, display on Sunday - despite the I as on arrival I got a very very strong winds. See these guys at personal welcome from The Kite Portsmouth next. Man aka Gordon Hawkins and his Norman and Dilys Beaching were ~------. wife Denise. I didn't even have to already setting up their wind Thanks for the gift Gordonl introduce myself, as he'd seen my garden and I offered to add some Sunday stayed dry and the wind photo on the Brighton Kite Festival of my wind things, but it was such a was gusting up to 40mph, but the website, complete with raised beer busy day that I never did get to trusted Mockform stayed up all day bottle! Nice one Toody- you're giving make a contribuJionl on ~50kg line - but only after burying me a reputation I (Yeah, right! Ed) My two good deeds for the day the sandbag to stop it being dragged I was somewhat worried about were showing a dual line flyer the along the beach. The buggy and parking for the day, as there difference between Spectra and kite surfing boys turned out in force was a 2 hour limit everywhere nylon line (you're hooked Ceril) at about 5pm, when it was low tide close to the beach. However, and retrieving a child's new kite and the beach becomes 500yds passes where issued to kiteflyers to from the roof of the pavilion. This wide with clean hard sand. I was park on the promenade, which was involved using my kite with a ring sorely tempted, but I think I need greatly appreciated. attached to the line and running less than 40mph to start withl John Wilcox of the Avon Ki te Flyers the ring up the other line to lift the By the way, if you are a real ale arrived shortly after me, with his kite off the flat roof. Easy when you drinker, don't even bother looking 200 sq ft Jordan Air Flowform - but know howl for it in Barry Island, it's all Eurofizzl there was only about 1OOyds of While talking to Gordon he said, But don't let that put you off the beach at high tide to fly it and he "Have you ever seen these Ray?" place, because the very enthusiastic was without any means of and showed me a pair of knitted organisers have plans for on even anchoring it on the sand. Get gloves, which I thought would be bigger and more successful kite yourself a builder's bag John! useless for kiteflying. However, they festival in the future. Team Vortex, from Southampton, were made of Kevlar and are used Be there next year! put in a total of 4 hours display in the local glass factory, so they Ray Oolchill flying on Saturday, with their Air cannot be cut or burned - ideal.
TELSCOMBE TYE FAMILY KITE DAY 2001 chilly N W A wind at Force 4/5 ...... ,Oalrltll greeted the first ...... ,..... a rriva Is at "'-....,....______~ _ _.
Telscombe Tye on Sunday 9 September and it continued all day, which made flying kites at lower levels a little unpredictable. However, the sun made a few appearances and brought out about 200 - 300 of the locals during the day. 15 BKF members were on hand to give advice generally about flying and to drop teddies for the local children's hospital's Rockinghorse Appeal. Because this was a joint venture with the local Telscombe Town Council, the Councillors were there to assess the success of the event, and at one point there were enough of them for a quorum - so they started a controversial political meeting ... at which point I made my hasty exit! lt was good to have Alex Burt of Carousel Kites trading on site and he even found time to fly a kite. Catering was ably conducted on the BBQ by the 42nd Brighton Scouts, as in previous years. The new BKF Donut created quite a stir as it lifted several feet into the air, but for a greater part of the day we kept it deflated for safety reasons (as there were many children on site). I was quite impressed when I offered to assist a lady to fly her stunt kite, which performed very well on longer lines, only to discover that she bought it at Lidl for £6.001 So all in all, another successful event with wind and no rain! FURTHER BKF INFO .,. Coordinator/Chairperson: ~ Pate Unnell ~01273 683082 [email protected] .,. Membership Secretary: ~ Corinne Hennessey ~01273 582309 Qoorime.henl'leSSe)'@Jtintemet.com .,. Events Coordinator: ~ Ray Oakhill ~01273 306842 [email protected] ... Editor: ~ Toody Oakhill ~I!! 01273 243528 [email protected] .,. Club Library: (Loans to BKF members only) ~ Pete Unnell (see above) .,. Club Merchandise: Enamel Pins/Cloth Patches: ~ Ray Oakhill (see above) T -shirts/Sweatshirts/Pens: ~ Alan Outram ~01737 771196 [email protected] ... Brighton K'lle Flyers Website: http://www .brightonkiteftyers.co.uk http://www3.mistral.co.uk/prchitty Webmaster: ~ Phil Chitty ~01273 305831 [email protected]
BRIGHTON KITE FEST INFO ... Brighton K'lle Festival 2002: Dote: To be confirmed Venue: Stanmer Park/Lewes Road/Brighton/East Sussex Organised by the Brighton Kite Flyers Festival Team Joint Festival Coordinators: ~ Simon Hennessey Whilst ewry mre is token tu get the details ~01273 582309 corred in 'Aerodyne', the Brighton Kite Flyers [email protected] mnnot oaapt responsibility for any errors or ~ Alan Outram (see above) omissions that may ~------. ... Brighton Kite Festival Website: oaur. http://www.bri ghtonkitefestivol.co.uk Opinions expressed Joint Webmasters: are not necessarily ~ Mik Jennison & Toody Oakhill those of the Editor .!iilwebmaster@brightonkite or of the Brighton festival.co.uk KiteA,.Irs. The Journal of the Bearly Made It Skydive Squad . The Internati on al Brother and Sisterhood of Parachuting Fauna and the U.K. Ted Devils· _ »>'tcltoo-.M'lt~ Choc a Bloc with Mindless Drivel and Politically incorrect, but quite~ honestly do you think we give a toss? ...... Nah. ~~~~~--- Downfall of stuntman who took a liberty with statue
IN 1£R 115 YEAR STINT AS GREETER TO Tl£ U.S.A. Tl£ STAll£ Of LIBERTY HAS WELCOMED MILLIONS Of VISITORS AND PEOPLE LOOKING FOR A NEW LIFE. THIS FAMOUS LADY HAS ALSO WITNESSED MANY WEI RD SHENANIGANS RANGING FROM THE BIZAR RE TO THE TRAGIC. NOT THAT THE LAT EST WAS IN ANY WAY TRAGIC, IN FACT IT WAS VERY WEIRD. Why would anyone in their right mind wish to land a powered paraglider or parasail onto the ladys torch? We're not sure if Terry Devaux was in his right mind but this was his second attempt to land on the famous statue. Whereas last year he missed the statue compl etely, this year he snagged him self on the torch and was left dangling precariously from his shroud lines for 40 minutes before being rescued by the Police and promptly arrested . Hundreds of tourists were moved from the statue before New Yorks finest began th~ir rescue operation. No on e was sure of where Devaux had taken off from, but onlookers said t h at he had circled the statue three times before snaggging himself some 300 feet above the ground. Devaux later claimed that he was aiming for the observation gallery on the torch but had missed, lucky old him. Maybe with some old Yankee i ngenuit y, the authorities co uld convert the statues torch to burn with real fire, that would surely dissuade any attempts to repea t this crackpot stunt. The things some humes will. do just to out do Parafauna ......
GORDON BENNET! A "FLASHER" BEAR. ITS DISGRRRACEFUL, IT OUGHT NOT TO BE ALLOWED, WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO? There we were at the Pompey Fest minding our own buiness, when all of a sudden there he was a Flasher Bear. complete with his raincoat outstretched flau nting his meat and two veg for all the world to see, and yes we had a bleeding good look and we can report that try as we might, we could see no signs of a parachute. Bad Taste Bears you should be ashamed. fancy that, no chute, its disgrrrraceful ..... SOUNDS AS If ITS ALL GOING A BIT PEARSHAPED DOWN IN HUNDI£D ACI£ WOOO • •••••.••••.••• • •. Cash deal over THE FAMOUS BEAR, ALONG WITH HIS FRIENDS PIG LET, TIGGER AND EEYORE IS AT THE CENTRE OF A Pooh's honey LEGAL DISPUTE INVOLVING£ MILLIONS ...... Not surprisinly, good old Po oh and th e mob, pot turns sour along with Harry Potter and of course Mickey Mouse is regarded as one of the most profitable merchandi s ing brands in the world. But now the firm of Stephen Slesinger, which bought the rights to Pooh from his creator, A A Milne, in 1929, is claiming that its merchandising deal made with Walt Di s ney himself in 1961 is going just a little bit sour. In the Los Angeles Superior Court, the Slesinger firm al l eges that Disney has witheld£25 million by failing to report Pooh rela ted sales of computer software, DVD' s and video cassettes featuring the famous Bear . Across the world vast sales of all types of Pooh memora bilia rack up qu ite amazing amounts of revenue and under the 1961 agreem ent Di sney pays 1.2 cents for every dollar of Pooh merchandi se sold . The money is divided between the Slesinger family firm, based in Tampa, Florida, a nd the AA Milne Tru st. In March Disne y bought the futur e Pooh royalties from the trust for £250 million. A Lawyer for the Slesinger f irm said that his client might transfer marketing rights elsewhere if the court found that the contract had been breached. The Lawyer also a ll eged that Disney had failed to report more than a £billion of Pooh income since 198 3. Disney has rejected the claim saying t hat the products in question were not covered by their agre e ment. High Powered Law y ers, Suprior Courts, Billions of Sq uid s .What a far cry from those far off day s in Hundred acre wood, when the highlight was Pooh sticks off the Br idg e, or perhaps ma s querading as a little black ra i n cloud. mak es yer think, don't it ?
DO ME A FAVOUR BOY ...... OH OCAR, HOW SAD,I'£VER HIND •..•.... A BEAR CALL£D WOCB£GOI'£ A MUCH LOVED lED? LEAVE ORF, DO K: A FAVOUR BOY, THATS JUST AN AVERAOC BHISS K:KJER AFTER A GOOO SESSION AT YE OLOC GUN AND FERI£T. MIND YOU, I SUPPOSE HE COULD BE ON A CHARGE FOR NOT WEAR ING A PARACHUTE , ALTHOUGH YOU COULD ARGUE THAT HE WOULD'NT NEED ONE DOWN THE PUB. Hold it, before any Macrame Knitters out there s tart bleat ing about wh y is it that so many BMI SS members are always in Woebegone: A much-loved ted the Pub getting Rat F aced, its quite simple. If y ou ha d to put up with wha t t hem Di ckhead Dropniks were inflicting on you, you'd be down the Boozer, getting slaughtered. Look, thats our excuse and we stick to it like you know what sticks to a blanket. Still for all that, if there is anyone out there wit h a Bear who is tru ly a bit woebegone, and t h ey feel that tarting up a woe b egone Ted is a b it beyond th em , and they have, in all probability more money t h a n sense, there are quite a few emporiu ms o ut there sole dedicated to tarti n g up all kinds of cuddleys . A quick trawl through t h e Ye ll ow Pages will soon sort on e out in y our locality, whilst any one of the numerous publications out ther e devoted to Teddyb ears will no doubt carry at least one advert, p ro mi s ing to do the bi z . You pays y~r dash, you takes
y e r c h o i c e . P e r s a n a 11 y , t h e ma r e k n o c k e d a-h n , ' t. " n rl c: r ,.. ' ' F F" +- h o o ~ ~ ~ ~ '- - '- - '- ._ - - Holy Shroud lines, ItS Superbearloon.
IS IT A BOlD ? NAH, IS IT A PLANE ? NAH , ITS THE WORLDS LARlLST TEOOY BEAR, OR SO WE ARE LED TO BE LIEVE JUDGING BY THE ORIGINAL PHOTO. WHO TEAM REMAX ARE OR WHAT THEY ARE SELLING, WE ARE NO T TOO SURE . WE DON T KNO W WH AT MAKE OF BEA RLOON, OR EVEN WHAT CO UNT RY I TS IN . THE SMART MONEY SUGGESTS THA T THIS IS FROM AMERICA, WHO KNOWS? .
We have no idea as to the facts and figur es of the cra ft, but its a fair be t that the balloon the Bear is cl u tching is big enough to lift the ba ske t on its own, th erefore the whole thing is pretty big . If anyone can fill us in with th e d etails we would be obliged . At a gue ss , i think this Bearloons capacity must somewhere aro und 100k, if not more(feet that is)
In the original colour photo supplied by Dro pnik Billings, the nylo n used to make t he ball oon looks intresting, colourwise t h at is . Whilst some r ed ,dark blue and black is used, the mai n part jacket and also the helmet is in a sort of milk chocolat colour, the l egs , face and ears are in what appear s to be _ei t h er a silvery blue or bluish silver . Intresting, t h oug h probably quite u s ual colers for Balloon fabric . Moan,mo a n, whinge, whinge, as usual, the groans abou t the poo sod ding b ear not h aving a c hute by the BDF were quickley sc uppered wh en some wa g pointed out that the Bear, in co mmon with all ballon s has a Parachute in the crown, or i n this case, th e top of his Bonce. (col lap se of stout party, exit s tage left )
THINGS YOU DIDNT KNOW YOU DIDNT WANT TO KNOW, OR WELL , KNOWLEDGE IS A DANGEROUS T HING.••~ IN A WORLD WHERE RECORDS ARE BEING BROKEN OR SURPASSED AT THE DROP OF A HAT, IT OCC U RRED TO US TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS THE CURRENT STATE OF PLAY AS REGA RD S THE VARIO US PA RA C- HUTING RECORDS ...... Really only one place to find if theres been any changes of late and thats t he jol ly old G.B.R. HIGHES T FALL SANS CHUTE* 1972, VESNA VULDVIC S urviv e d a fall of 33 , 330 ft or 10,160m t rapped i nside the tailplane of a DC9 over t h e Czech town of Srbska' Kamenice . HIGHEST FR EE AIR FALL SANS CHUT E* 1942, Lt IM CHISDV fell from 22,000 ft or about 7,000 meter s , from an Ilyushin 4 so mewhere on t h e Eastern Front.
HIGH EST EMERGENCY BALEOUT * 1958, Flight Lt J de Salis and Pilot Off P Lowe escaped from a height of 56 ,000ft or 17,100 m over Derby . LOWEST PARACHUTE ESCAPE * 1945, Sq Ldr T Spencer is rep uted to have escaped from a h e ight of 3D - 40ft or 9-12m over the Baltic, tho' one wonders how they measured that height.
So it would appear that there is very little c h ange in the posted hume parachute records ***BUT PARACHUTING ON THE WHOLE I SNT ...... DREDlL IT IJ> ••. No.384 IN A SERIES Wl£1£ WE TRAWL THRO' Tl£ BACK ISSLES, 'COS ITS A GM£ AN' 'ARF TRYING TO FILL IJ> THIS LOAD OF HIMJL£SS DRIVEL. ••••••••••••• DEAR FRED ,GOES THE LETTER, MY DROPNIK HAS A TRE E FOOT DELTA AND A YEARNING TO GO BEAR BOMBING, WHAT ARE HIS CHANCES? ZILCH PROBABLY, THAT IS, UNL ESS YOU ARE SEVE RELY WEIGHT AND SIZE CHAL LENGED. (TREE FOOT ?, DOES THE SI LLY OLD SOD ME AN THREE FOOT? ) NO PE, fact is, no matter what those Naughty Bit Manua l s might say, when i t co me s to being s u ccess ful at Bear Bombing, BIG IS BEST . Realising that the Boring Old Fart had bombed the odd one or two of our memb ers in hi s time, I s ho cked a nd terrorised him into giving hi s views , suc h as they are o n the matter Yawn, Bler, (ge t ready for so me extra special mindless drivel) When I was a boy, I well remember making Kites from Toilet Paper and Flour a nd Wat er Paste . •. .. Oi, get on with it you silly old sod •.... Oh yes, where was I ... for Bear Bombing you cannot b eat a largish Kite for hoisting a goodly payload. Having tried mo st de sig n s from Conynes to Codys and Sc oop s to Parafoils, I can hone stly say th at a large Delta is very hard to beat.
Big Deltas will hoi s t parafauna in th e widest range of winds to my mind at times bettering known Light and Heavy Weather de signs eve n i n t h eir respective condition s .
So then BIG IS BEST? Ye s, a Delta of 1 2ft or 4m will r ea ll y do the bi zzo time and tim e again. If you want to go bigger thats up to you. A 16 ft home mad e Delt a of mine lifts some phenominal load s a nd if you are a dab h a nd with a sewi ng machine a big delta is easily made, if y ou ' re not you will have to visit the Skybu ms emporium who specialise in big and c ustom Delta .
So there yo u h ave it. Wh at Kite you u se to bomb Parafauna is up to you, but yo u, but you wont go far wrong with good sized Delta. ------
OCAR DOCTOR, WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS THING CALLED PARAFA~A STRESS AND HOW DO I aF£? PARAFAUNA STRESS IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS HUME STRESS AND IS A CONDI TI ON CREATED WHEN ONES MIND OVERIDES THE BODYS BASIC DESIRE TO CHOKE THE LIVING DAYLIGHTS OUT OF YOUR DROPNIK, WHO DESPERATELY NEEDS IT. HOW DO YOU COPE ? YOU LEARN TO LIVE WITH IT AS IT IS PART OF THE PARAFA UNA CONDITION, IT GOES WITH TnE JOB.
NEWLYWEDS IN 13,000ft TANDEM TERROR ••••••.••••.••••••••••• NEWLYWEDS Kevin and Beverley Mcilwee narrowly escaped disaster when a tandem jump theydid went horribly wrong. they hit the ground with terrific force but luckily they suffered only a few broken bones. On holid ay in Franc e the couple , both experienced Parachutists decide to tr y a tandem jump. all went well i n the fr ee fall but the main canopy failed to deploy prop erly . Kevin was unable to jettison the main canopy and as h e deployed the reser v e, it wrapped around the main. Slowed only slight ly by t h e tangled c hut es they spiralled at an es timated f i ve times normal d escent spee d . In the crushing impact with the ground Be verl ey sustained a broken kn ee ,ankl e and both feet . Kevin esca ped with ju st a broken leg. Lucky o r what .
SO AS EVER, ITS THE USUAL TO THE USUAL ... C/o Th e Boring Old Fart ®The Teddytor i al, 48. LAUREL LANE, WEST DRAYTON,UB7.7TY.IN WHAT WILL ALWAYS BE ENGLAND ,NO MATT ER what the Traitors and our En e mies hav e planned .
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IN LIGHT OF SUBSEQUENT EVENTS IN NEW YORK, THE FIRST PIECE IN THIS ISSUE MAYBE REGARDED AS SOMEWHAT CRASS. IT WAS'NT MEANT TO BE, IT WAS JUST OVERTAKEN BY MUCH MORE SHOCKING THINGS. HOWEVER, ALTHOUGH THE TRUE FI RST LADY OF AMERICA MAY HAVE A TEAR IN HE R EYE,SHE Kite Event Calendar 2001/2002
October 14 One Sky One World, Various Locations. See Editorial for details. November 2-4 STACK Boot Camp, Weston-Super-Mare [email protected] 2002 April 6—15 Berck Sur Mer International Kite Festival, France. [email protected] May 5-6 Weymouth International Beach Kite Festival, Weymouth Beach, Dorset The Kite Society 11-12 Suffolk Kite Festival, Rougham Airfield, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk Martin Corrie 25-26 Middle Wallop Kite Festival, Hampshire Kites Up June 1—4 Tewkesbury Kite Fun Weekend. Neville WIng 8-9 Basingstoke Kite Festival, Down Grange Sports Complex, Basingstoke Al Cosgrove 20— Fano Kiteflier Meeting, Denmark 00 49 40 21 3848 23 22-23 Southampton Kite Festival, Lordshill Playing Fields. Michael Lowe 29-30 Shrewsbury Kite Festival, Sundorne Playing Fields. July 13-14 Newbury Kite Festival Kreative Kites 27— Tewkesbury International Kite Festival Neville Wing 28 August 3-4 Middle Wallop Kite Festival, Hampshire Kites Up 24-26 Portsmouth International Kite Festival, Southsea Common, Hampshire The Kite Society September 7—15 Dieppe International Kite Festival, France (Provisional) [email protected]
Contact Address Telephone Email Kites Up Roy Broadley 01256 812487 [email protected] The Kite Society P.O. Box 2274, Gt Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4AY 01206 271489 [email protected] Scruffs 77 Oxford Street, Pontycymer, Bridgend CF32 8DD 016560871871 [email protected] Martin Corrie 01206 299560 Neil Harvey 01285 740295 Simon Hennesey [email protected] 01273 582309
Joanna Mersey Bignor Park, Pulborough, Sussex RH20 1HG 01798 869214 Richard Nourse 85 Bells Orchard Lane, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 4HP 01929 554690 [email protected] Frédéric Pouil- 2 Place de la Mairie, 62170 Saint Aubin, France. [email protected] laude 03 21 89 55 98 Neville Wing 9 Howard Road, Tewkesbury, Glos GL20 8QX 01684 295132 [email protected] Great Ouse Kite 27 Milton Way, Peterborough, Cambs PE3 9AP [email protected] Fliers 01733 269687 Force Nine Kites 40/42 High Street, Clacton, Essex CO15 1UQ 01255 221059 [email protected] Michael Lowe 44 Bellemoor Road, Shirley, Southampton, Hants SO15 7QU 023 8077 0788 Bryan Cantle 21 Shepherds Close, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 4HP. Kiteability 2 Garfield Road, Ponders End, Enfield EN3 4RP 020 8804 9080 [email protected] M.K.F. Alan Bill, 90 Weybourne Road, Great Barr, Birmingham B44 9DE 0121 360 1955 Dunstable Kites 01582 662779 [email protected] Al Cosgrove [email protected] Kreative Kites 01635 528400 [email protected]