We must have started planning Leicester II when we were considering the prospects for John McLean Trophy at Fenland l scheduled for 10 – 11 July. One of the factors then was the availability of time after flying the Tiger Trophy at Leicester ll on 4 -5 September. Since then circumstances, including weather, have prevented contests at Leicester l, Compton, Sleap and Fenland ll, only Conington having had a clear'ish run.

Leicester ll, initially solely for the Tiger Trophy, was therefore used to mop up several other contests: The John McLean, the McAully and the Don Henry. Devising a schedule for this ever-changing event was achieved by HCO Brian McCartney and published on BA website 26 August.

First briefing was via Zoom at 19:30 on Thursday 2 September, arranged by Brian and attended by most pilots and officials. Safety was, as always, the priority, and included mention by the CD of air show at nearby Cosby, individuals’ personal attitude to Covid precautions, and actions to be taken in event of major incident. 

First on-site briefing was deferred from 10:00 to 10:30 Saturday, and roll-call showed two pilots for Sports, one for Intermediate, three for Advanced and one for Unlimited. In addition both Sports pilots had entered for both McLean and McAully Trophies, and three Advanced pilots for Don Henry. Whilst the numbers were low, the scorer’s load was high, so Scoring Director Jen Buckenham provided a special briefing for judges.  The previous weeks’ 8/8 cloud grounded all until it lifted at 15:00 hrs, enabling all pilots to fly the Tiger Unknown and one other sequence, finishing around 17:30.  

Sunday’s briefing was held at 09:00 prompt, and with 8/8 blue skies first flight was at 10:00, enabling a brunch break before second flights at 12:30, and finishing at 14:30. Awards were presented (and received) by Phil Burgess and son James to those listed below. The Contest Director expressed appreciation of all who had contributed to the success of the competition, notably pilots and their scores-evident high standard of flying. Chief Judge took photographs of winners, also published in this report.

Eric Marsh,
Contest Director