SEVEN intrepid young aviators tried their hand at gliding on May 26 as part of the Presteigne Youth Club's half-term outing to Shobdon Airfield. The youth club, which is now in its fourth year of operation, has made the gliding trip an annual event. Unlike other forms of flying, gliding involves plenty of mutual cooperation and thus makes an ideal team building activity.

All participants (whose ages ranged from 11 to 17) had a chance to take the controls for themselves under the guidance of Herefordshire Gliding Club's expert instructors Phil King and Mike Hayes. Commenting on his students' progress, Phil said "The youngsters proved to be very keen students. We showed them how to use the glider's controls first to circle upwards in the rising air and later to steer the glider down again to a safe landing on the airfield under our close supervision from the back seat of the dual control glider".

The youth club is run entirely by volunteers and open to school years seven and above. Club chairman, James Tennant-Eyles, is extremely keen to hear from potential new supervisors, particularly those having previous youth work experience or specialist interests they want to share with others. It could be the most satisfying investment in the future you'll ever make. Contact James on 01544 267363.