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Good News! The Flood and Water Management Act (water rates) 5th May 2010

As previously discussed in BGA Newsletters, this Act sees a shift in the way water companies calculate drainage costs – from rateable value to surface area. Following a campaign led by CCPR (the Central Council for Physical Recreation), a clause allowing water companies to set lower tariffs for surface water drainage for community groups was inserted into the Flood and Water Management Bill, which became law on 8 April.

More Good News! Music Licensing – Performing Right Society (PRS) and Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) 5th May 2010

Also as previously covered, in addition to the current PRS licence that clubs must purchase, there are proposals to require sports clubs to purchase PPL licences with related cost and administrative burdens. The BGA has been working with CCPR on this matter. In the time between the election being called and Parliament dissolving, the Government was unable to lay the statutory instrument implementing a requirement for sports clubs to purchase PPL music licences in addition to those required for PRS. So no change for now...

Business Rate Revaluation 5th May 2010

Another side effect of the credit crunch and recent local authority business rate reviews is that some local authorities are removing discretionary rate reliefs. However, clubs who are registered CASCs (Community Amateur Sports Clubs) remain entitled to 80% mandatory rate relief. Want more information about becoming a CASC? Email alison@gliding.co.uk

Alcohol Licensing Conditions 5th May 2010

The Home Office has published the mandatory conditions for the sale of alcohol. These apply to all clubs with a Club Premises Certificate in England and Wales. Failure to comply with these conditions would at the very least lead to a review of the premises but could result in a £20,000 fine, imprisonment for up to 6 months or both.

From 6 April 2010 these conditions:
- Ban irresponsible promotions
- Ban dispensing of alcohol directly into the mouth of a customer
- Ensure that customers have access to free tap water.

From 1 October 2010 these conditions will:
- Require an age verification policy to prevent underage sales
- Ensure that customers can choose small measures of alcoholic drink (half pint for beer and cider, 125 ml for wine and 25 or 35cl for spirits).

In addition to reviewing your bars activity, the major action to take is to put an age verification policy in place by 1st October 2010. The BGA will be developing a generic club version that, once verified by the BGA Executive, will be available to download as a word doc from the Policies pack. We will let you know when it is ready.

The Community Infrastructure Levy 5th May 2010

When consulted, the BGA opposed the introduction of this legislation. However,
The Community Infrastructure Levy, introduced under the Planning Act 2008, came into force on 6 April 2010. Where planning authorities choose to introduce a levy, then fees will apply to all built sport and recreation developments with internal space in excess of 100 square metres. Further details are available on the communities and local government website .

The report covering the 2009 Chairmen's Conference and Treasurers' Forum is now available for download. Printed copies are available upon request to the BGA office.

Child Protection AwarenessTraining 2010 8th February 2010 updated 7th April

BGA Child Protection Awareness training seminars, offering free training, will be held on the following dates:

Booker GC: 14th March 2010 10am – 1pm
Bicester GC: 18th March 2010 6pm - 9pm
Newcastle: CANCELLED. Unfortunately, this seminar has had to be cancelled. We hope to rearrange for later in the year.

Run by the BGA’s Child Protection Lead, Philip Burton, the training is ideal for nominated club Child Protection leads and deputies as well as club committee members and CFIs. The session is certificated and looks at the issues within gliding for Child Protection and the wider society covering legislation, best practice, making a referral and the CRB system. To book your free place, please email debbie@gliding.co.uk

The deadline for bookings is 8 days before each event. Venue details are available here.

The BGA is delighted to announce that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) has allocated funding to enable 20 gliding clubs (in England) to take part in the Learning Revolution October Festival of Learning. The festival is being used by BIS to showcase informal learning activities that are already available for people to take part in. Gliding was identified as a suitable sporting activity and the BGA was invited by the Central Council for Physical Recreation (CCPR) to make a bid for funding. The BGA has 20 grants of £1000 each available to English gliding clubs.

Clubs are invited to apply for one of these grants. The first applicants will be considered on merit of application (competitively) on Thursday 8th October 2009, with the final deadline being Thursday 22nd October 2009. Applications received after Thursday 8th October will be considered only if funding is still available, and then on a first come, first served basis, provided the criteria are met. The BGA’s decision is final.

All activities should be held in the month of October, aimed at adults aged 19 years and over, held in England, and where possible aimed at groups that would not normally take part in gliding. Follow these links for more information.

The World Final of the Sailplane GP will take place in Chile in January 2010, being the culmination of the GP series from 2008. The Sailplane GP series is growing in its popularity and exposure. The IGC are now seeking bids for organisers of the 2010 Qualifying Sailplane Grand Prix events which will culminate in the World Sailplane Grand Prix final in 2011. Holding a qualifying GP is an ideal opportunity for a club to use this prestigious gliding event as the catalyst for a public presentation of their club and the sport of Gliding.

The GP is intended to be a media friendly event accompanied by other air sports demonstrations, a local Air show and other public activities to promote your club. It is also important for the qualification of UK pilots into the World Grand Prix final.

If you would like further information or would like to discuss the matter, Russell Cheetham, the Chair of the BGA Competitions Committee would be delighted to hear from you - russellcheetham@clippasafe.co.uk.

As previously reported (see below), the new Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) requirements state that from November 2010 any new volunteers or employees who come into contact with children or vulnerable adults once a month (or for three days or more in a single month) must be ISA registered. Existing employees and volunteers will be phased into the ISA system by 2015. Further guidance will be provided by the BGA as specific advice for sport is made available. In the meantime the BGA strongly advises members to follow all BGA guidance on best practice in safeguarding children.

The BGA is aware of the new Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006), Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA), and the Vetting & Barring Scheme (VBS). We are aware there are some minor changes to legislation this autumn, but that the key parts of the Act relevant for sport will not have an impact until July 2010. This gives the BGA a full year to prepare and to provide clear guidance for members at every level of our organisation but until the Government has issued the guidance specific to the sport and leisure sector the BGA is not in a position to make detailed plans, nor to consult in an informed way with members. We are expecting that this subject will be receiving significant press coverage soon; ahead of publication of the specific Government guidance.

The BGA continues to work closely with CCPR and other relevant organisations to plan, consult and deliver information and guidance to members in such a way that ensures our organisation and its members are fully compliant with the requirements of the Act. In the meantime the BGA strongly advises members to follow all BGA guidance on best practice in safeguarding children.

Useful links: www.gliding.co.uk/bgainfo/clubmanagement/policies.htm (In addition to the BGA Child Protection Policy and procedures, here you will find suggested documents to support many aspects of implementing the child protection policy and procedures – including up to date membership forms).
www.isa-gov.org - For the latest information from the ISA and its new service – you can register to receive regular updates
www.cpsu.org.uk - The NSPCC’s child protection support organisation
www.crb.gov.uk - The Criminal Records Bureau website

Those who attended the recent Chairmen’s Conference will know that an award, in the form of a free place on an BGA instructors course, was presented to Highland Gliding Club, with second prizes of bottles of bubbly to Ulster and Cambridge Clubs. Awards are made for ideas practised and tested at member clubs and recommended as capable of being introduced for the benefit of members at other BGA clubs.Further applications are now invited and full details appear on the Good Practice Sharing page.

An update about recent changes to the plan for the roll out of the new Independent Safeguard Authority Vetting and Barring Scheme is available here.

Chairmen’s Conference and Treasurer’s Forum 1st December 2008 updated 19th December

The traditional format of separate BGA Conferences is being resumed this year. The 2009 BGA Chairmen’s Conference and Treasurer’s Forum will take place on Saturday 24th January at Woodside near Kenilworth. The programmes for this must-attend event are filling with items of topical interest for those running gliding clubs. In addition, this year both agendas will include speakers who will be discussing the current economic climate. For further details and a booking form, see below:

In the morning of the BGA Conference (on Saturday 7th March at Hellidon Lakes) there will be an extra opportunity for Club Chairmen to meet Patrick Naegeli and Pete Stratten, the BGA Chairman and Chief Executive respectively, for a discussion, which will follow up on some of the topics raised at the Chairmen's Conference.

The web-based forum specifically for Chairmen of BGA clubs has just been launched. It has been set up and is being run by the Development Committee with relevant contributions not just from them, but also the rest of the BGA and the BDFA (British Disabled Flying Association). The forum offers the opportunity to converse directly to other Club Chairmen. Invitations with an access code for the forum have gone out by Email. If you think you should have received one, but haven’t, please email alison@gliding.co.uk

The BGA is currently working towards the Foundation level of the Equality Standard for Sport. Closely related to issues and challenges surrounding membership recruitment and retention, widening participation in gliding will reap many benefits and help ensure that our sport remains vibrant in the future. The BGA is taking advantage of the support available from a leading expert as part of a Sport England funded, CCPR-run scheme.

The CCPR has announced the launch of the 2009 competition. The BGA is entitled to endorse applications from up to three gliding clubs for a chance to win up to £6,000 and the title Sports Club of the Year. You can find out more about the award and what qualities the judges will be looking for on the CCPR web site. Applications from clubs must be submitted to the BGA for endorsement - the deadline for this has been extended to 20th February.

Every year we award BGA Diplomas for “Services to Gliding” at the conclusion of our Annual General Meeting. We now invite nominations from clubs in respect of any member who, whilst not eligible for one of the major National or International Aviation Awards, have given particularly good service to gliding within the club or BGA structure. Nominations are invited in writing (not more than 8 to 10 lines) by the end of November. Alternatively email your nomination to debbie@gliding.co.uk.

One of the BGA Communications and Marketing Committee’s objectives is to raise the profile of gliding with the ultimate aim of increasing our clubs' flying membership. We are introducing a new scheme which will offer financial assistance to clubs planning specific projects, with the objective of attracting new members. More details are available here and application forms can be found on the Club Management Documents page.

Once again, we are asking BGA member clubs to consider putting forward nominations for three of the Royal Aero Club’s major awards – the President’s Rolex Trophy (for outstanding achievement by a young person aged between 14 and 21); the Old & Bold Trophy (for a person aged over 65 who has been conspicuously involved in aviation, particularly sport aviation); and the Ann Welch Memorial Award (for people who have made a major contribution to flying instruction). Nominations will be considered by the BGA Executive at their meeting on 4th November and so should arrive at the BGA Office for the attention of Pete Stratten before 31st October. More details about the awards are on the RAeC web site. A nomination form can be found here.

Many gliding clubs already support their local air ambulance service. Between them, the 16 air ambulance charities in England & Wales operate 22 helicopters and fly 17,500 missions per annum. They are the busiest voluntary emergency service in the country and receive no government, NHS or lottery funding. If you would like to know more about your local air ambulance service, perhaps with a view to contributing to their running costs, you can find links to all Air Ambulance Charities at http://www.airambulancecharities.co.uk/find_your_air_ambulance.html

The BBC has opened nominations for its 2008/09 Unsung Hero Awards. The award seeks to recognise the people who devote their time, energy and effort to helping more people enjoy sport around the UK. Nominations for the 2008 BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award can be made at www.bbc.co.uk/sportsunsunghero. The closing date is Friday 31 October. 15 regional winners will be chosen from around the BBC's Nations and Regions in November. Bursaries of up to £2,500 are also available to each regional winner.

Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults. Do you know your clubs responsibility towards rigorous recruitment, the CRB and vetting and barring – both now and from October 2009? If your answer is “not too sure,” please book on the awareness seminar to be held at Aston Down on Sunday 5th October 2008 from 10.00 to 12.30 (09.30 registration). Places are limited so please book ASAP by contacting Phil Burton on 07799 831 504/01986 895314. Further sessions and venues around the country will be announced in due course

The CAA has now clarified their position regarding the registration of gliders (and other aircraft) owned by clubs which have Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) status. It has been confirmed that aircraft owned by a CASC are eligible for registration directly to the CASC, rather than having to be registered via trustees. The only caveat is that title to the aircraft must actually rest with the CASC and not with an associated entity. This is the case at some gliding clubs that are registered as a CASC but have their aircraft owned by a similarly named limited company. Our thanks to Shenington GC whose efforts have helped this situation to be clarified.

Reports of all four streams at the 2008 BGA Governance Conference - Chairmen's, Treasurers', Operations and Marketing - are now available for download.

The BGA has produced a comprehensive pack of policy documents, procedures and guidance notes covering gliding; business; HR; and young people. The pack is based on recommended best practice and existing club policies. It is designed to be used as a resource for clubs as existing policies are reviewed, or new policies are drafted and implemented. The majority of the contents of this pack are of an advisory rather than a mandatory nature; it is intended to be in keeping with the existing style of management of the sport. There are some policies which aim to address current legal requirements. An example is the Child Protection Policy.

One pack, comprising of a file of the documents and a CD-ROM containing all the documents in electronic format, is being sent to each club in the next week. The pack is also available to download from the BGA web site. Benefits seen in clubs with a robust set of policies include a vibrant membership, plenty of pre-solo pilots and being able to secure external funding for club projects.

The BGA Executive Committee has approved the first BGA Environmental Policy statement. It is available here.

A new BGA guide covering all aspects of securing funding for club projects has been produced and is now available for download.

The Government estimates that that only 10% of the 4,306 Community Amateur Sports Clubs are taking advantage of Gift Aid. However, according to HM Revenue and Customs, those that do have saved over £2.6m – demonstrating that Gift Aid can really add value to a CASC’s fund raising activities. CCPR is keen to ensure that existing CASCs are taking full advantage of the benefits available to them and so has developed new guidance ilustrating how CASCs can maximise the potential of Gift Aid. To access the guidance, please visit the cascinfo web site.

Share your club’s good practices by posting details of systems, ideas or projects (small or large) that have delivered results for you on our web site. Submit details by 15th July to be considered for the BGA Club Good Practice Sharing and Best Practices Awards and the chance to win either a free place on an instructors course for one of your members or a week's use of the BGA's Duo Discus X for your club (subject to availability). For more details and to register your entry, go to the Good Practice page. The closing date for this year's awards is 15th July 2007.

The CCPR are currently undertaking a research project which aims to understand the impact of current and future Government legislation on sports clubs. This will enable CCPR to argue more effectively on behalf of sport and recreation. Please could you spare 10-15 minutes of your time to complete the survey. Upon completion you will be entered into a prize draw to win your club £500 of sports equipment. The survey is at www.sportinginsights.com/ccpr/survey.htm

Are you a club committee member and worried about how your club will survive the seemingly endless steeplechase of financial obstacles put in its way? The BGA Development Committee is running a two hour workshop at the BGA Conference to help you. Using examples based on real life cases you will run analyses, using an analysis method developed at a UK gliding club, to improve your observation, judgment and decision making. Given that any business is greater than the sum of its financial parts, you will also be considering the relationship of wider issues that shape your club. You will have the opportunity to analyse your own club accounts (actual or budgeted) and to discuss the importance of good communication. To book your place at this 2 hour workshop at the BGA Conference 1.30 – 3.30pm, Saturday 10th March, please email alison@gliding.co.uk for further details and a pack of preparation goodies. Places are limited, so book early!

Club Websites Will Need Updating 5th February 2007

UK companies (and that includes gliding clubs) must now include certain regulatory information on their websites and in their email footers. If this is not done, they will be in breach of the Companies Act 2006 and risk a fine. Every company should list its company registration number, place of registration and registered office address on its website. Any ‘contact us' form must provide an email address and geographic address easily accessible on the site. If your organisation has a VAT number, it should be stated – even if your website is not being used for e-commerce transactions. More information is at http://www.out-law.com/page-7594

The report from the conference is now available. This contains items that may be of interest to all pilots - not just to club management. Click here to see the document. If club chairmen would like copies of the PowerPoint presentations used on the day, they should contact the BGA Development Officer.

The Performing Right Society (PRS) has launched a campaign to increase the number of sports clubs purchasing PRS music licences. Licences are required for events such as discos, and also for the use of audio-visual equipment. Charges are calculated according to the PRS members clubs tariff. The CCPR is concerned that no prior notice has been given of the PRS intent to target sports clubs and that there has been no discussion of appropriate fee levels for sports clubs. The CCPR has met with PRS to try to reach an agreement that recognises the voluntary nature of most sports clubs. To progress this, the CCPR needs to gauge the impact that that the PRS action would have and asks clubs to visit www.cascinfo.co.uk to complete the short survey there.

Funding from the Club's Perspective 13th December 2006A number of clubs have recently contacted the BGA Development Team to discuss projects that they are working on. Given the unique set of challenges that the project process places on the volunteers concerned, the Development Team would like to put clubs in touch with one another so that they can ask each other questions, share experiences and give one another moral support. If you have experience (current, successful or otherwise) in this area and would like to be part of such a group, please email the BGA Development Officer, Alison Randle.

The BGA wishes to encourage Clubs to develop and then to share good practices in all aspects of their management and operations.

Although clubs are inevitably to some extent in competition with each other, on the whole they have demonstrated in recent years that they are willing to share ideas. Clubs that have developed a new concept are also often quite proud of their achievement and keen to show it off to others.

Now we have devised a more organised but simple way in which the sharing of good practice can be achieved.

To encourage clubs to help build our information bank, we are offering annual awards for the best contributions.

BGA Club Chairmen’s Conference and Treasurers’ Forum 30th September 2006

Exciting and challenging times, coupled with an ever increasing popularity with Club Officials has prompted a move to a larger venue for this year’s Club Chairmen’s Conference. A provisional agenda is available by clicking here.

There is a varied programme to promote discussion of current issues. As ever there will be ample opportunity to catch up with other volunteers and discuss how you all approach and solve similar issues. We would like to make it easier to adapt good ideas to suit your own (very individual) club, so have lengthened the ‘Club Slot’ and are inviting clubs to bring posters. Taking time to share your experiences will be most appreciated by other clubs, so please do join in.

Although there is only one invitation pack per club, it isn’t just Club Chairmen who are invited. We are asking for Club Treasurers to attend as John Birch is running a Treasurers’ Forum for part of the day. Please encourage your ‘Treasure’ to attend!

There is probably space for a few clubs to bring one other person. Perhaps your club is reviewing your business plan or taking on a specific project and would benefit from this opportunity.

The fee is £15 per delegate, which includes lunch and refreshments (as well as the less visible parts of the budget like room hire, photocopying and so on)

Invitation packs have already been sent out. If you are a Club Chairman and have not yet received one, please contact Debbie Carr at the BGA Office (0116 253 1051) or email debbie@gliding.co.uk

The CCPR is developing a Community Amateur Sports Club website, http://www.cascinfo.co.uk. The site will provide an interactive focal point for the scheme and ensure that information is current and accessible. The site will be live by mid-October and is intended to provide clubs with information on the scheme and other fiscal issues effecting grassroots sport. The CASC scheme has already saved community clubs around £14m – a figure which could be much greater if more clubs signed up. For more information on the scheme or to register your interest please contact your BGA development officer.

The RAeC is seeking nominations via clubs for a number of its awards. Clubs are asked to forward nominations through the BGA for the following:

Ann Welch Memorial Award - awarded to the BGA, BHPA or BMAA instructor (exceptionally to a non-instructor)whose activity has made a significant contribution to education and training in Gliding, Hang-gliding and Paragliding and Microlight aviation. This activity will normally be in flying instruction but, exceptionally, may include proven aids in associated subjects such as navigation and meteorology.
The President's Rolex Trophy - awarded to a young person or group of young people between the ages of fourteen and twenty one, for outstanding work, performance or achievement in connection with any aspect of aerospace activity.
The Cowburn & Kay Old & Bold Trophy - awarded to a person aged 65 or over who flies or who has only ceased flying in the previous year, and who has been conspicuously involved in aviation and sport aviation in particular, for their work, initiative, devotion or in other ways.

Nominations should be received by the BGA (Diana King - details on nomination form) no later than 31st October (but preferably earlier). Nominations will then be considered by the BGA Executive Committee prior to submission to the RAeC Medals & Awards committee. The nomination form is available on the BGA web site (PDF or MS Word) - please clearly mark which award the submission is in respect of.

A child protection training, awareness and CRB seminar will be held at Aston Down on Saturday 23rd September (0930 until 1300). The event is ideal for nominated Child Protection leads and deputies as well as club committee members. Two free places per club, thereafter £10 per person. The session is certificated and looks at the issues within gliding for Child protection and the wider society covering legislation, best practice, making a referral and the CRB system. To book, email Phil Burton . Further sessions will be held at Kent GC on 14th October (same times) and Cambridge (date TBA).

Once again, the Royal Aeronautical Society Centennial Scholarship Fund has generously provided funding for us to offer up to 40 flying scholarships. The scholarships are available to young glider pilots and to other young people wishing to take up the sport. They are available to those aged between 15 and 17, in full time education, and who have not yet flown solo. Both existing club members and newcomers to the sport are eligible. The scholarships are payable in the form of a credit to the successful applicant's club flying account. Club CFIs and secretaries have been sent full details of the scheme. Applications - which must be countersigned by CFIs - must be made to the BGA by 30 September; the successful applicants will be notified by 31 October. Various documents are available for download, as follows:

The BGA has published a comprehensive set of Aerotowing Guidance Notes. These are essential reading material for all tug pilots and are now available for download.

We have negotiated a special rate administration charge of £7.50 for BGA clubs needing to make a CRB check. This is the lowest charge that we are aware of for sports participants - these charges can be anything up to £35. CRB checks against volunteers are free apart from the administration charge; checks against paid employees cost the administration fee plus the current checking fee (£28 standard/ £33 enhanced). More details are available from Phil Burton by Email or 07799 831 504

A further training seminar will be held at Kent GC on Saturday 6th May (0930 for 1000 start). Aimed at child protection leads, deputies and committee members the session gives a valuable insight into legislation, best practice and provides an opportunity to have your questions answered. The training is certificated and lasts 3 hours. Delegates must attend the whole session in order to receive the certificate. Each club is entitled to 2 free places; extra places are £10 per person. To book, contact Phil Burton by Email or 07799 831 504. We are looking to run sessions at Cambridge, Aston Down and Husbands Bosworth in 2006. If your club would like to host another session, please also make contact.

A training seminar for club safety officers will be held at Burn GC, near Selby, at 10am on Sunday 19 March. All club safety officers are welcome, but should pre-register with Chris Nicholas. The purpose of the seminar is to help Safety Officers to be more effective and to learn from the experience of others. There is no charge for attendance.

Clubs are reminded votes for the post of BGA Chairman must be received by the BGA office by Friday 3rd March. AGM voting papers must be received no later than Thursday 9th March.

The Government is consulting with the public over what types of arts, film, heritage and sporting projects should receive lottery funding after 2009. Previously, many gliding clubs have received lottery funding and it is important that we make our views known so that this source of funding may be retained. The BGA would like you to respond to the consultation - either as a club or as an individual. More information and an online version of the consultation form are available on the Department for Culture, Media & Sport web site A BGA document giving more information and providing specimen answers that you might like to use to help formulate your own answers is available here.

The General Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC), of which the BGA is a member, has issued two updated factsheets on the subject of airfield safeguarding. The factsheets can be found at http:www.gaac.org.uk – follow the links to Planning/Factsheets. The BGA Development Officers are always available to offer advice and assistance about airfield safeguarding issues.

Judging from recent requests for support from clubs, many local authorities are currently updating and consulting with their communities about their Local Development Plan (LDP). If you haven't already done so, please check with your local councils (District and County) to see what they're up to and get your club put on relevant distribution lists. It is important to make yourselves known at this stage as this may affect planning policy perhaps years into the future. The BGA Development Officers can provide advice and assistance to clubs on request. In the past, the BGA has responded to such requests in conjunction with the General Aviation Awareness Council (GAAC) and we would like to know about LDP's. We will make formal representations to local authorities if requested to do so by clubs; ideally any such representation should be in addition to your club's own response.

The report from the conference is available in various formats. All versions contain items of interest to all pilots - not just to club management. Click here to see the document formats available. If club chairmen would like copies of the PowerPoint presentations used on the day, they should contact the BGA Development Officer.

The deadline for nominations for BGA Diplomas has been extended until the end of January (but no later!) As usual, diplomas will be awarded at the BGA AGM and Conference on March 11. Diplomas are awarded for Services to Gliding and should be submitted by clubs clubs in respect of any members who, whilst not eligible for one of the major National or International Aviation Awards, have given particularly good service to gliding within the club or BGA structure. Nominations in writing (please not more than 8 to 10 lines) to Pete Stratten. To help clubs decide on nominations, a list of previous Diploma recipients can be found here.

Does your club encourage people to take part in sport and set the standard other clubs aspire to? Does your club have a proven track record in working with schools, local authorities or other community organisations? Does your club have high standards o good practice, safety and governance? In other words, should your club win a Sports Club of the Year Award? The CCPR and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts have announced that applications for nominations for the Sports Club of the Year Awards 2006 must be received by 31st March 2006. £15,000 of prize money is on offer. Further details and an application form can be obtained on the CCPR web site. Please note that all applications must be endorsed by the BGA prior to submission.

The BGA will be running its Club Marketing Seminars in 2006. These cover all aspects of marketing but will focus on identifying the target audience and the messages for them, how to get your message across, and working with the media. The seminars are presented by Keith Auchterlonie, the BGA Communications Officer and Helen Evans, Editor of S&G. Dates and venues for 2006 are as follows: Sunday 22 January - Husbands Bosworth; Saturday 4 February - Lasham; Sunday 5 February - Rufforth. Attendance is free, but places are limited so clubs are asked to reserve places as soon as possible with Keith Auchterlonie. A copy of the agenda is available here.

The use of Plasma rope for winch launching in the UK is becoming more widespread with seven clubs now using it on five different types of winch and (as far as we know) three more planning to start using it in the New Year. One club is using it for autotow and some are looking at the possibilities of aerotowing with it. Two clubs have notched up more than 1000 launches on plasma rope, with no noticeable degradation as yet. A wide variety of information is beginning to be collected with many benefits cited including safety, higher launches, reduced wear of kit and airfields and certain financial benefits.

The Plasma Rope Group is an informal email group that has been running for several months and aims to provide a forum for discussing plasma rope related information, including such questions as how much preparation is required before a club can start to launch with plasma rope. The group now has 46 members from 42 clubs, 6 of whom are representatives from clubs overseas.

A questionnaire has recently been distributed to gather as much information as possible with the results to be shared with the group. Whilst the BGA cannot lead negotiations on behalf of clubs, being part of the group should also give clubs the opportunity to make use of economies of scale when purchasing rope.

If you would like to join the group or would simply like more information, contact Alison Randle (alison@gliding.co.uk or 07757 190025)

The BGA Safety Committee is holding a seminar designed for club safety officers on Sunday 13 November. The seminar - the first of a series to be held throughout the UK - will be held at Husbands Bosworth. More details, including an agenda, can be found by following this link.

The recently published AIC 79/2005 restates previously agreed requirements where charity flights are carried out by non commercial GA, including gliding. The BGA expects all clubs to fly potential members in accordance with the trial flying code of conduct as described in BGA Laws and Rules. We do not seek to fly passengers for hire and reward. Where a club specifically carries out a charity flight rather than a trial lesson (for explanation of a charity flight and the link to hire and reward activity, see the AIC), it should recognize that the CAA expects the flight to follow the guidelines described within the AIC. This doesn't affect our current position regarding trial lessons and the BGA is currently addressing the detail of the AIC with a view to putting forward amendments.

A further dedicated training session on this important topic has been arranged. The training will take place at Aston Down on Saturday 12th November 2005, 0900-1300. The event is aimed at the designated Child Protection Lead and deputy from all clubs. Two free places are available to each club; additional places are £10 each. There are a total of 24 places available. For further details and to book places please contact Phil Burton (01986 895314 / 07799 831504) or Email to pjbconsultancy@aol.com

The 6th August deadline for clubs to apply to preserve their existing licensing conditions has now passed. If you have not made application prior to this date, you must apply for a new licence now if you wish to continue the sale of alcohol. All existing licences automatically expire on 24 November. Information is available from the CCPR web site.

The BGA has produced a new brochure entitled Gliding - A Sport for All. The brochure focuses on the inclusive nature of gliding and clubs may wish to use this when responding to new member enquiries, seeking funding and, generally, to help with their community relations. You can view a PDF version of the brochure here. Bulk copies may be obtained from the BGA office, priced 5p each.

There have been press reports that the directors of Red Letter Days have placed the company into administration. This was "as a result of cash flow difficulties which can only be resolved with further investment". Meanwhile Rachel Elnough, the founder of the company, while refusing to admit to administration insisted she had agreed a deal to sell the business. The administrators are Andrew Pepper and Alastair Beveridge of Kroll. Clubs may wish to exercise caution when accepting Red Letter Days vouchers.

The Junior World Championship is being held at Husbands Bosworth this month (6-20 August). There is a flyer available here which you can download for display on club notce boards to encourage pilots, family and friends to visit.

The British Women Pilots Association is running a national competition, beginning in August, aimed at getting more women airborne. Free trial lessons at flying schools throughout the country will be offered as prizes. So far, over 50 schools and clubs have offered to provide a free lesson on range of aircraft types, including microlights, helicopters and gliders. They would like more clubs to offer a free trial lesson. Those that do will receive publicity through the BWPA. As they intend that prizes will only go to women who are serious about learning to fly, this may offer a relatively easy way of attracting new woman members. More details are available on the BWPA web site.

Sport England has developed a range of seminars covering many areas of club management. Seminars are available for:
Sports development planning
Volunteer management
Funding & promoting your club
Sports facility development – planning a building project
Developing sporting partnerships & junior clubs
A club for all.

You can find more details, together with venues and dates at on the SportEngland web site. This section of the SportEngland web site is being continually developed so it is worth checking back to see what other resources are available.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport. Without them, our clubs couldn't function. 2005 is the Year of the Volunteer and SportEngland has produced a useful booklet to help clubs understand why and how they should recognise and reward their volunteers. You can download a copy from the SportEngland web site.

The CAA has published CAP 755 - Recreational Aviation Activities Manual - which aims to provide organisations which offer recreational flying oportunities to the public (trial lessons, gift vouchers, etc) with a set of general safety standards and procedures. The BGA is currently developing its own Recreational Aviation Activities manual based on CAP 755 which we plan to trial with a number of clubs in early 2006. The CAA document can be seen by following this link.

On 7 February 2005, the Licensing Act 2003 came into force. Applications for conversions and variations must now be submitted. It is vitally important that clubs already holding a Club Registration Certificate or a Justices' On-Licence convert to the new licenses before 6 August 2005 . Clubs must act now to avoid any future unnecessary complications. The CCPR in association with Davenport Lyons has produced Guidance on the Licensing Act and an Executive Summary which aims to explain what effect the new Licensing Act will have on clubs and how to apply to convert to the new license. It is important that this information is distributed to all clubs concerned as soon as possible. The Guidance and Executive Summary can be viewed on the CCPR website or by clicking here .

The CCPR continues to campaign for a fairer fee structure for sports clubs and has received assurance that a review of the new fee structure will be conducted if there is evidence of a negative impact on sporting clubs. The CCPR is now collecting this evidence. If you have any examples of this ‘negative impact' please send an email to Ben Nicholas, CCPR Policy Officer

A number of clubs in Germany have for some time been winch launching using plasma ( Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) rope and the reports of this new material have been excellent.

The downside is that it is more expensive than steel cable to buy in the first place.

An RAFGSA club has recently started trials of the new rope, using Dyneema ® 12 Strand, and two other clubs are interested in trying it. The BGA is negotiating a deal for clubs interested in trying plasma rope at this stage. The UK manufacturer, Marlow Ropes, has said that if we can involve more clubs in the trials at this stage, they can quote a better price.

If any other clubs would like to become involved in this exciting new development, please contact Diana King (01926 315989 or diana@gerontius.demon.co.uk ) to discuss the project and for further information.

BGA Clubs have one final chance to nominate themselves for the CCPR Voluntary Sports Club of the Year Award. More details and the link to the nomination form are in the club management news item dated 31 January, below. Nominations must be with Pete Stratten (by Email if neccessary) no later than close of business on 31 March.

The CAA has reissued the exemption that allows us to operate from unlicensed airfields teaching in private category SLMG aircraft. The reissue includes an updated list of approved sites. The document can be downloaded from the CAA web site.

The Central Council of Physical Recreation and the Foundation for Sport and the Arts are once again promoting the Voluntary Sports Club of the Year Award. This award, with prizes of £15,000 is given to clubs that can exhibit 'best practice' in their field. Gliding clubs have as good a chance as any to win. In 2003, Borders GC took second place, winning £4000 in the process. Nominations can only be made by the sport governing body so we are inviting all BGA clubs who wish to be considered to complete the nomination form and return this to Pete Stratten at the BGA office. A decision on which clubs to nominate will be taken by the Executive at the beginning of March. Competed forms should therefore be returned no later than Monday, February 21st

The Sport England web site contains a sreies of guidance notes and templates covering a range of topics which may help clubs develop project ideas. A wide range of subject headings are covered, some of which may be useful to all clubs, whether or not they are actively seeking funding. Follow this link - http://www.sportengland.org/index/get_resources/resource_downloads/funding_information.htm

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has now announced the new licensing fees for Club Premise Certificates. These represent a huge increase which will make it impossible for thousands of sports clubs to continue to run a bar, and will force the closure of many sports clubs altogether. The BGA wrote to the Department in late 2004 to highlight the injustice of levying fees based solely on the rateable value of a club's premises but our objections, along with these of many other sporting bodies have seemingly been ignored. The CCPR, on behalf of their members' 151,000 sports clubs and their 13 million participants, have now attacked the Government for failing to consider the negative impact of the fees on local sports clubs. The BGA and the CCPR ask all clubs to review the effects of these new charges on their finances and to consider lobbying their MP. More details, together with a pro forma letter are available on the CCPR web site

Spaces are still available for the next round of Club Marketing Seminars, designed to help BGA clubs formulate and carry out an effective marketing plan. Dates and venues are as follows: Midland GC (Long Mynd) - Sat 22 January; Soaring Centre (Husbands Bosworth) - Sun 23 January; Bath & Wilts GC (The Park) - Sat 5 February. The seminars start at 10am and run through to 4.15pm. Please book your place with Keith Auchterlonie ( keith@gliding.co.uk )

The CCPR is repeating its series of seminars which explain how clubs can take advantage of the many tax benefits for community amateur sports clubs, including mandatory rate relief and Gift Aid. The evening seminars run through February and March at various locations around the country ( England only). More information can be found on the CCPS web site at http://www.ccpr.org.uk/dyncat.cfm?catid=13897.

The next child protection awareness seminars for clubs will be held at Aston Down on Saturday 12th March and at Husbands Bosworth on Saturday 9th April The BGA has endorsed and financially supported this training which is specific to gliding and the issues surrounding our sport. Two members from each club (ideally one responsible for young people in the club and a committee member) are able to attend without cost. Additional places are £10.00. Bookings to Phil Burton on 01986 895314 or email pjbconsultancy@aol.com.

The Awareness Sessions are certificated for attendees and the training is supported by the NSPCC sport unit. It is a condition of this that delegates must attend for the whole session (10.00 - 13.00). Registration and refreshments at 09.15. Individuals will receive their own training pack and clubs will have a full pack with CD.

From 1 October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requires service providers to make 'reasonable adjustments'' to their premises to tackle any physical features that prevent disabled people from using their services. Many of the adjustments that businesses may make to their premises already qualify for tax relief. New Inland Revenue guidance clarifies the reliefs available in relation to several of the most common types of adjustment in order to assist businesses and encourage them to comply fully with the new law. The new tax guidance is available on the Inland Revenue's website at http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/specialist/disability-act-guidance. To receive paper copies of the guide please phone 020 7438 7143.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued new advice and guidance for the development and safe operation of unlicensed aerodromes, much of which has been made available for the first time. The guidance is included in CAP 428, 'Safety Standards at Unlicensed Aerodromes', which covers areas such as:
*health and safety
* planning permission
* aerodrome characteristics
* flying operations
* aeronautical notification
* provision of air traffic services.
The information applies to all unlicensed aerodromes, regardless of whether they are a hard runway equipped airfield, a helicopter landing site or a 'farm strip'. These facilities must also comply with the Air Navigation Order and Rules of the Air.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport has issues a consultative document specifying the likely charges to be associated with this act, which will be implemented on 7th February 2005 (England & Wales only). These charges do not differentiate between commercial operations supplying alcohol and not for profit organisations such as community sports clubs and will result in a large increase in costs for clubs - the CCPR quote examples of increases of over 5000%. A letter that has been sent to BGA clubs can be seen here. The consultation document and details of how to respond can be seen on the DCMS web site.