Friends,

I’ve had the honour of being hosted by Cotswold Gliding Club this past week and I cannot resist the urge to thank everyone involved. I know I’m preaching to the choir, but the CGC is a very special entity. The openness and enthusiasm with which the club members welcomed us was wonderful.

There must have been a dozen club members during the week who helped me, guided me, and made fun of my Irish heritage. I’m indebted to all. Thank you.

There are a number of members who went far out of their way to show we what I was doing wrong.

My fellow course week fliers, Peter, Melinda and Simon, thank you for being my family for the week. By Tuesday we were a well ironed machine. That felt very nice.

We walked out of the club house on the first morning we all thought we were in a fantasy land. Julian had just landed in front of us on his flying duvet. Jools, the entrance was only missing the tuxedo. What a sheer joy this man is to work with. Like a puppy with boundless energy Jools jumps at every job – our first two days would have been very different without Jools. And still, the lion’s share of my gratitude is for his personification of the joy of flying.

David. Simply thank you. You had to be dragged back for lunch each day. You never cried uncle in the evening. I had 34 launches this week! That is because of you. Thank you for your skill and patience both in the wench and on the bbq. J

In Donald Puttock I’ve meet a very special individual. This man was born to teach. Don, one day I’ll get into the K23. When I do you will be in the back seat with me. I loved my week with you and I will have fond memories of you and this week forever.

Thank you Cotswold Gliding Club.

-Jason