[Busman747]

How many of you are aware that Accrington had its own gliding club? All google references are from 1931 as far as I can see and the Secretary had his office (home address?) at 67, Eagle St. Check out the top photo, the other photos on the page are Broadoak, The Conservative club and at the bottom, Woodnook.




This is an interesting article from 1931, you can buy a "sailplane kit" for only £95-00 what a bargain!!


http://www.lakesgc.co.uk/mainwebpage...022%201931.pdf

Here is a small piece from the above website, it didn't take well to being copied and pasted into word, but you will get the drift....

THE ACCRINGTON GLIDING CLUB.
The score or so members of the Accrington Club who were present
at Be-aeon Fell on ~1ay 17 were much interested in the pel'formances
of their own llrimary glider. a fIansectt, which is of German manufacture,
and the Preston Club's glider. a R.F.D.. made by an English
South country firm. Unfortunately the Bolton Club did not get their
glidcr rigged, although they hud brought it on the Saturday.
Fi'I~ fl.i:;hts \\>'ere made by the two Clubs, three by Accrington and
two by Preston. on Sunday. and it was plainly manifest that both
Clubs possess ~liders capable of putting up some remarkably ~ood
performances and have outstanding pilots in their leaders-AccringtOll
in Mr. Maurice Bainbridge, and Preston in l\rIr. Falla. A point in
common is that both pilots have had considerable ftyina experience
with the Air Force. having first flown in 1915.
Mr. Bainbridge made thre~ delightful flights. reaching a point
about 70 feet above his initial height and twice or so lifting on
uprising currents of air. He sailed across the valley at about 180
feet in hei~ht and altogether gave a clner display of control. His
times. taken by the President. Mr. Edgar Sharples. were 60 seconds
in his first flight and I minute 40 seconds on the second flight.
Mr. Falla had rather shorter flights. but they, too. y,'cre highly
demonstrative of the thrills of gliding. The glider was brought back
to Accrington by one 'of the motorist members, Mr. Croasdale, and a
few enthusiasts WllO had camped on the site on Saturday nigllt within