December 1999

Last of the Century

Christmas Party

Friday 17 December is party night, at the same venue as last year and with the fancy dress theme of KIDS TV. There will be a buffet – which we shamefully have never succeeded in polishing off- and, ehm, lots of drinking. The cost is £5 unless we hire a really good party game (no bull, mate) which will cost some more. Please invite anyone you wish, as there’s plenty of room, but do let us know who’s coming, and book your place now. Starts at 8.30pm.

Spanish Holidays

Another resounding success for the trips to Spain in October. We know now that we’ve got the recipe right, we just need to keep on baking that cake. We won’t go on and on about it, cos those who were there know how good it was, and those who weren’t just don’t want to know, OK? We’ll tell you about young Brian though, who now holds two of our Spanish Trip Records. The 1st , for longest flight at Santa Pola, extends Ed’s 3.5 hrs to an astonishing 4.5 hrs. The 2nd was for spontaneous weight loss, an amazing 50% of body weight, achieved by emptying the equivalent of one arm, a leg and his brain through his chocolate starfish behind Villena take off. The local hang gliding pilots erected a plaque on the resultant cairn the following week, dedicating it to “Santa Mierda” the patron saint of bullshit. 

See images of the holiday on Gary Williamson’s NEW WEATHER WEBSITE: http://freespace.virginnet.co.uk/weather.forecast/index.html

Hillend Fees

You may not be aware that there is a site fee payable for pilots to fly at Hillend. It is an annual fee of £5 per person, or £2 per day, which is paid to the landowner. It is due from every pilot who is Elementary Pilot and above who intends to fly there any time during the next year. Those who have paid the annual fee receive a card with their photo on, which allows the landowner to check pilots on the hill.

Parapente Ecosse has the dubious honour of collecting the fees and producing the cards. Please don’t wait until you fly the hill before paying, as it then becomes an administrative nightmare. We only want to do this once a year, so please organise to get us your fee and photo before the end of January. Unfortunately we will have to charge an admin fee for cards received after that date, as it actually costs us money to produce the cards and send them out. Your help will be appreciated.

Cheques for £5 should be made payable to Swanston Farm, and sent to Another Planet. Include a photo if it’s your first year or get your photo digitally shot at the shop.

Bargains Bargains Bargains Bargains Bargains Bargains Bargains Bargains

Many of you will have received a call from us offering the bargain radio of the year. If you’re not one of the sixteen who immediately bought one, you might want to consider it. The radio is an Icom, a brand with an excellent reputation, and it has more than the usual range of features. Suffice to say that it’s small, tunes in to the airport and has a great battery life. It was £259, but we can get you one for £199, or when we order in bulk £169. If you want to know more, give us a call, or drop by to the shop to play with one. Do so now. They won’t be around for long, (they may already have sold out) and bargain radios don’t come round too often..

Hands Up

anyone who’s bored with the Steading Inn. Jeez that many! Well we’ll have to change the Wednesday night venue then. One suggestion is to have a month of trials in different pubs until we find one to our liking. Any bright ideas for possible spots? We will notify all in the next newsletter, unless we receive dozens of calls in favour of the Steading

If you’re anything like us, Christmas will present you with three problems. The first is what on earth are you gonna buy everyone? Don’t worry. The second is what do you tell people when they ask what you really want? Calm down. Last of all, how on earth can you escape all the Christmas carols, shiny decorations and mad shoppers in a yuletide frenzy? Easy mate. 

Another Planet is now crammed with toys for all ages. Fluffy waterproof fleeces to melt your lover’s heart, flying toys to fill the nippers stockings, or Oakley eyewear to remind yourself how special you are. Come along and drink some vino, fill a basket at leisure with original gifts and pick out the goodies to put on your list to Santa. ( Don’t forget to ask for a Paragliding Calendar 2000) If all else fails you can always buy a voucher for any amount for anyone you please – including yourself. 

If you haven’t been to the shop lately you’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Merry Christmas