Fraserx Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Hello again everyone. As you know - I was tasked with writing a report on our weekend at Dunstable. It's done now and is about to be sent to KiteLife following a few wee tweeks suggested by Stephen and will thereafter be posted on here (don't get all excited - it ain't Shakespeare! LOL). Thing is, KiteLife need pictures and have asked me to gather a selection and send them to supplement the report. So, could anyone who has any pictures they'd allow to be considered, please send them to me? I need as big files as you have, according to KiteLife, and I'll need them to be titled - at least rudimentarily - so I know who they're of and what's happening (if it's not obvious, of course). Files, or collections of files - zipped or otherwise - up to 20MB, should be sent to (wait for it - this is good....): [email protected] Come on folks - I need your responses as quick as you can. Go on - you know you want to! Fraser Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailor99 Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 superb email address Fraser LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted January 29, 2008 Report Share Posted January 29, 2008 Ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big bri Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Nice one Fraser, BRIAN... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stone in Shoe Bob Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 One here http://www1.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview..._microphone.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big bri Posted January 30, 2008 Report Share Posted January 30, 2008 Did we actually have a tally or number that showed over the two days Bob down in Dunstable. BRIAN... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Hello yet again, All! Well, it's FINALLY done! Whew! Yep - the report is here! You can see it in final form - ie: with pictures - on KiteLife at: http://www.kitelife.com/archives/issue58/d...ble58/index.htm but here's the text: I must thank those who took pictures of the weekend and have spent ages emailing them in huge, original form to me for onward transmission to David Hathaway to select from to accompany the article in KiteLife. Jeremy (sailor99) and Ian (ian4c) sent me some and both Dave from Kiteworld and especially Bruce (Harrier), spent AGES and numerous huge emails to give me a large number of pictures to choose from. Excellent effort chaps - thank you! DUNSTABLE 2008 Saturday Wondering just what I'd find at a UK meet of those who have discovered the strange and addictive world of Revolution kite flying, I pulled into a wet, grey car park at about 9:30. I was immediately heartened to see Revs up and flying and, despite a totally overcast sky, there were loads of 'em! Within just a few minutes, my kite joined well over a dozen others wrestling with the challenging conditions, the numbers constantly growing until by mid-morning we had 22 flying Revs! To a newbie like me, the range of kites was amazing. A myriad of colours and panel patterns – though, I think, almost exclusively 1.5s - literally filled the sky above the site. No-one mad enough to go non-vented as far as I could see, but all coping well with the constant-18mph-continually-gusting-to-30mph wind. From B-series venteds, through Stephen Hoath's full-of-holes 'super-venteds' to so-called 'FLIC revs', because of their use by Four-Line International Club from France - with the sails made entirely of narrow strips of fabric in a star shape. The last time I saw anything as 'strappy', I was trying to persuade a girl to take it off! Nevertheless, in their element in the conditions, they seemed to fly beautifully. Despite the return of the rain in the afternoon, we ALL flew, ALL day until eventually there was so much water falling that one literally couldn't see across the flying field! A number of us adjourned to a nearby pub for a few beers and to re-hash the day. We decided to go to our various homes or hotels then come back in a couple of hours to spend more time together (and have few more beers…). Annoyingly, I managed to mess up an arrangement to travel back to the pub with Ian, so I missed it, but a good time was reported and everyone managed to turn out on Sunday! Sunday Sunday seemed more promising weather-wise – clearer, brighter and no rain! Another 10mph gave us all something to think about though and ensured that none of us got complacent with the progress we'd made the day before! An even better turnout meant the field was even busier and the scene was set for another thoroughly enjoyable day - the daunting wind ensuring that everyone got a real workout and the team flying providing a marvellous centrepiece to the activity. The Flying Squad inspired all those of us with lesser skills, either by providing a display of ability we could aspire to or, for those confident enough, by generously welcoming anyone willing into the world of team flying, with a number of people getting a taste of the discipline required. All-in-all, a thoroughly committed and worthwhile weekend then – a sentiment I know was shared by everyone. But wait – who's that arriving and quietly setting up their kites? Turned out it was a bunch of lads who know a thing or two about this Rev lark…. To my shock, The Decorators graced our meet with one of their rare appearances, underlining – as though it were needed – the worthwhile nature of the weekend. At this point we all gathered together for a group photograph and to sample Mr Brian Beasley's outstanding pork pies and the camaraderie really blossomed. It was now that the wonderful generosity of Mike and Dave from KiteWorld came to the fore, with their donation of prizes for the raffle. Bruce (Harrier) going home with a sought-after a 20th Anniversary Rev and Doug now having a smart new Revolution kite bag to inspire him to re-build his Rev collection following his retirement as proprietor of Dunstable Kites. Woody, a local flyer, will now be cutting a fine dash at future (if warmer!) Rev meets in his Drachen/Rev Anniversary T-shirt which, along with a huge number of patches celebrating their 20th Anniversary as well as a number of the sought-after spares packs – all awarded to deserving recipients throughout the day - was kindly and generously donated by our favourite kite maker - Revolution. Rob (Skunk) had taken time out from his excellent flying to erect an impressive banner, which must have taken hours of work to make and provided a proper focal point to the field and looks great in the pictures. Along with the number of Revs however, it also attracted the National Trust's on-call 'jobsworth', worrying about an un-sanctioned 'event'. Funny – you'd have thought they'd have been reasonably pleased that 20-30 nutters would want to spend two entire cold, wet January days visiting the architectural masterpiece that is their Visitors' Centre. There MUST have been 150-200 £3 visits to their café – surely not to be sneezed at. Ah, sorry, I forgot – this is Great - 'Oi – stop enjoying yourselves. I distinctly saw you smiling without a permit – I won't tell you again!' Britain, isn't it? Ha! Oil was swiftly poured on the mildly troubled waters though and with time for a little more flying to round off a great two days, the group started to disperse across the field. We soon started to drift back however, as the Flying Squad and Decorators for the first time blended into one team and defied the by now very strong wind to give us a tantalising taste of what might be thrilling us all later in the year…. By now, though the rain had stayed away, it was time for us to begin packing up and start heading off in all directions across the country, for hot drinks, warm fires and some reflection on a fine weekend of good company. Ably supported by the large number of wonderfully-talented pilots, including my fellow long-traveller (though from the opposite end of the country) Dave Ellison, Simon Dann, Flying Squaddies Garys Tyrrell and Matthews and of course, all those I have missed or whose names I didn't manage to catch (I'm sorry!), Stephen Hoath was a marvellous host as usual – always seeming to appear on one's shoulder just when a little more help was required. My old and addled brain being what it is, I won't try and name everyone whose hours of selfless coaching made the whole weekend a pleasure, but there can't be many hobby activities where those at the very top of the tree would, at their own expense, travel miles in bad weather simply to help others – some with virtually no skill whatsoever – to enjoy themselves. Back home again, I tried to describe the experience to a cyclist friend of mine by likening it to he and his friends setting off on a Sunday morning bike ride and US Postal and T-Mobile – including Lance Armstrong and Jan Ullrich! – turning up to join them and help them make the most if it. He got the picture…. I hope all of you who weren't lucky enough to be there do too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big bri Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Erm,The Gorilla,Pie senario mate.Its missing.... Nice Fraser,well done mate.Thanks for the time and effort and your company. BRIAN... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Many Thanks Fraser. Simon Dann - The Flying Squad It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the weekend, wet and windy, but you know what I'd do it again! It was a real treat to meet so many folks from the Forum, and I think all the name flyers would agree that the Revolution flyer is special because we all know that its not that hard to fly but only time and patience will make you good. And the events this year marking the 20th birthday will be special, for so many reasons. Simon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baloo Posted February 1, 2008 Report Share Posted February 1, 2008 Wonderfull Fraser. Thank you for putting the weekend into words. Hope to see you all at Portsmouth or Bristol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian4c Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Hello yet again, All! Well, it's FINALLY done! Whew! Yep - the report is here! An excellent report Fraser. A very good read. Brought back memories of a great weekend despite the dull and windy weather. My thanks also for the tuition from Stephen, David E, Steve (Pudsey- I think I have cracked it!) Thanks also to Bob who really worked hard in the background. And a big thanks to the chaps that spent ages in the wind and heavy rain sorting out some knitting I devised! Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david ellison Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Top journalism Fraser Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailor99 Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Not sure if I agree with David that it is top journalism - you haven't quoted anyone out of context or ruined anyone's career by exposing an indiscretion! But as a write up that is really enjoyable to read it is a masterpiece - right up there with Charles Dickens, Harold Pinter and Mable Hepplethwaite. Top job Fraser. I couldn't agree more with your sentiment about very skilled flyers giving freely of their time and expertise to help those of us with less talent or experence. So for Fraser's write up and for the 'coaches' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Top journalism Fraser Ach - you're only saying that coz you got yer name in it! Ha ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Not sure if I agree with David that it is top journalism - you haven't quoted anyone out of context or ruined anyone's career by exposing an indiscretion! That's coming in the book - "The Icarex Underpants", coming out in (washable) paperback in February. I'm in talks about a film too - anyone got any ideas on the casting? I was thinking of Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) as Stephen H, Vinnie Jones as Big Bri, Julian Clary as Jeremy and Brad Pitt's been pestering me (but I keeping emailing home back that he'll have to slim down a bit to play me). Whaddaya all think? ...masterpiece - right up there with Charles Dickens, Harold Pinter and Mable Hepplethwaite. Top job Fraser Ha ha ha ha! Thanks Jezza. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Erm,The Gorilla,Pie senario mate.Its missing.... It was in Bri, but KiteLife censored it on public decency grounds... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailor99 Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Julian Clary!!!!!!!!!!!!! What kind of a boy do you think I am? And at this point I would like to remind you I am married! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Thanks for all your comments, everyone. You're all very kind. To tell you the truth, to get it readable and reasonably accurate takes rather more thought that I had assumed - I was hoping for bucket loads of kudos for about half an hour's work while watching the telly! LOL I must give a heartfelt 'thank you' to Stephen and Susan for giving it the once over and identifying a number of first-draft omissions that would have been spectacular if not noticed (like mentioning Revolution...?!! LOL)) and to all the picture contributors mentioned earlier. Right then. When's the next one, eh?? Surely we're not gonna wait eight MONTHS for Bristol?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fraserx Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Julian Clary!!!!!!!!!!!!! What kind of a boy do you think I am? Whaaaaat? Tall, snappy dresser, funny....that's all I meant.... And at this point I would like to remind you I am married! And I'm sure he's lovely. Ha ha ha ha ha! I am, of course, just being a trouble-maker and using blatant slurs and untruths for comedic effect. And Brad Pitt's not pestering me either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rev addict Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Nice report Fraser, I think you summed it up what was a very good weekend for Rev Fliers. Also a great opportunity to put faces to names. Jim The Rockape Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rev addict Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 Nice report Fraser, I think you summed it up what was a very good weekend for Rev Fliers.Also a great opportunity to put faces to names. Jim The Rockape Or should it be names to faces Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian4c Posted February 2, 2008 Report Share Posted February 2, 2008 And I'm sure he's lovely. I had to laugh Fraser - you are a card!Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Felix Posted February 3, 2008 Report Share Posted February 3, 2008 To my shock, The Decorators graced our meet with one of their rare appearances, underlining – as though it were needed – the worthwhile nature of the weekend. Fraser, Thank you very much for your report. It was very good to be able to attend the event and to establish the practicality, even in somewhat extreme conditions, of what might be achieved later in the year. I hope that everyone will be able to participate in the 20th Year Celebrations... Felix Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrier Posted February 5, 2008 Report Share Posted February 5, 2008 Well done Fraser, as you say when are we going to do it again, December? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superskunk Posted February 8, 2008 Report Share Posted February 8, 2008 Yes Fraser nice account of the weekend looks like we will have to bring you along to more shows for the write up ,well it wouldn't be ya flying only joking matey I will add your link in thekitedens report Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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