THE HISTORY OF V.A.R.M.S The Annual Diary 1990 - 2009

27
BEFORE JERILDERIE
Once our team of Alan Mayhew, Scott Lennon (from ACT), Tim Mellor, Alan Gissing, and Gerry
Carter was formed, the planning and practice stage commenced. You see, Jerilderie starts
months before Queen’s Birthday weekend. We scheduled early morning (8am) practice
sessions to try out flying in still conditions. Equipment was sorted out. Winches, winch lines,
hand tow lines, turnaround pulleys, timing clocks etc. Launching on winch and hand tow lines
was practised as was thermal seeking and precision landings. Jerilderie became the whole
focus of our gliding activity. We had a common purpose i.e. to improve our flying skills out of
sight.
Anyone wanting to join in was welcome. Several members of the Doncaster club came over
and practised with us. Graham Johnston and his team got involved. We had more people at
some practice sessions than we usually see at competitions.
It was also time for reviewing the suitability of models for the task. I built a Stepp 3 to fill a gap
in my fleet, the very antithesis of my Ellipse. As it turned out, the conditions didn’t allow me to
use it. Tim Mellor bought a Multiplex Flamingo.
FRIDAY JUNE 9
Well, the preparation had to end sometime and the reason for all of the activity had arrived.
The weather forecast was terrible. So 60 fliers headed for Jerilderie. I started driving in rain
and it really didn’t stop until somewhere north of Shepparton. It was obvious that there had
been very heavy showers with minor flooding everywhere.
Arrived at the caravan park at about 3:30pm and by 4:00pm was out at the field where most
people were packing up after a good days practice. It was about then that the rain started and
gloom set in. Given the weather forecast, was any flying going to be done at all? So all headed
back to the warmth of the Colony Inn for a drink, a chat and eventually a meal. And this is the
other side of Jerilderie. This is where the socialising gets done, the post mortems, the
theorising etc., and where new friendships are started.
Off to bed and pray for better weather next morning.
SATURDAY JUNE 10
Morning..........
It rained all night and there was no sign of a let up at all at first light. Cloud and rain from
horizon to horizon. When I got to the field I found everyone gathered in the horse saddling
shelter while waiting for something to happen. Then we all moved into the hall at the race
track and waited some more. There were some breaks in the rain and wind strength was high.
To fill in time we then went through registration, having transmitters checked for currency of
certification and cards check for memberships of the FAI. Fortunately, by this time the Lions
Club caravan had arrived and was putting out breakfast, tea and coffee etc.
I took a break to go and get some supplies (bread etc) for the rest of the weekend. The bakery
has good bread but sells out early. Everything shuts in Jerilderie after 12 noon on Saturday
except for the pubs and the milk bar. Be warned!
To fill in more time. the LSF Annual Meeting was held. Otherwise this would have been held on
Sunday night. The main decision was to move the tournament to Easter for next year only. The
reason is that at that time there will be a Soaring Symposium held, involving a flier with an
international reputation (probably Nic Wright) and extra time at Easter will allow people from
further afield to attend, to listen, see and to learn. It is not to be missed. A similar symposium
was held in New Zealand a few years ago where Joe Wurtz was the star attraction. This has the