The Bath Gliding Club - now the Bath, Wilts and North Dorset Gliding Club - took off in 1963 and has continued to soar to greater heights ever since. Judging by this 1965 film from the Points West archives, the reason for their success is in part to do with the support of individuals - both financially and in terms of time - as well as the determined spirit of its female members. Take Joy Lynch, from Devizes, for example - she was the club's first woman to fly solo, having received several hours of training and instruction from the Club's then Chief Instructor, Gordon Meeling.  | | Catching a thermal over Wiltshire |
In the film, Joy explains why this graceful and relaxing sport is so appealing. Compared to motoring, she suggests, gliding is not as expensive as you might think, and the more skilful you get, the longer you stay in the air - which means even better value for money. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Wiltshire from Bath says ever since she went for her first ‘joy flight' she had wanted to learn to fly - together with her husband. They could enjoy two flights each during an average weekend and while even not getting airborne she explains how being grounded can turn out to be just as rewarding, as there is plenty to keep idle hands busy, from filling in log books to helping bring aircraft off the field. Ken Stephens, the club's then Vice Chairman talks about the exhilaration of gliding, suggesting that: "It frightens you a little but when it starts to frighten you too much it's time to stop."  | | Elizabeth Wiltshire receives instruction |
The club had already bought four gliders by 1965 - only two years after it was established, proving its early success. The film includes some beautiful aerial images of the countryside in and around Keevil, as well as some interesting footage of gliders as they looked in the mid-sixties. Even the gathering of members' cars makes an interesting historical record! Although modern gliders look sleeker and more aerodynamic than their 60s counterparts, the relaxation of gliding continues to be its chief attraction no doubt - particularly when such sport is carried out here in the beautiful West Country. More films from Points West - Use the right hand links to other local Where I Live sites to see more archive film from Points West.
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