The Kernow and Gunpowder Trophies - 2008

CD's Report
A new word has entered my personal lexicon - Emmet. It's the current Cornish derogatory term for tourist. It means 'red ant' and at least in part it's derived from the ruddy hue of newly-sunburned visitors. Well, there was plenty of opportunity for participants at this year's Kernow and Gunpowder competition who didn't slap on the factor 30 to get well scorched.

For some reason, this year was a Beginners and Standard-only affair AND was slated to start 0800 on the Friday. Now, that means for pilots and officials alike, a Thursday transit.

Now, yes, I know it's a long way. Yes, the airfield's on top of a moor and last time I flew past it a couple of weeks ago both the airfield and me were seriously IMC. So, not too many people choose to come down here to compete. Well, that's a real shame because over the years, we've done unexpectedly well with the weather here. Not that we thought that on the Friday morning, though. The Culdrose TAF was unrelievedly gloomy so after a formal briefing everyone was allowed to disperse until the afternoon, some of us going over to the North coast where the sky was severely blue and a paddle mandatory. The timing was well-judged as we got back to Bodmin just in time for some wonderful gaps to appear, sufficient to allow the Beginners and the first round of Standard to complete in good order.

This left three rounds to fly on the Saturday - quite a big ask, normally. However, once again the sky opened up and with one or two hiccups for the odd bit of low cloud, the whole thing was a wrap by 1600. Medals and awards, many thank-you's to Howard Fawkes and the local hosts and especially the judges (thank you Lynne, Bob and Joolz) who had made such an effort to come and everyone was able to disperse in an unhurried fashion. A big 'thank you' for me, too, for the pilots who DID make it down here.

This is a most spectacular and friendly venue for a competition. So, please, put it on your list for next time!
Ben Ellis
Contest Director.