The Vintage Glider Club (VGC) was founded in 1973 by vintage glider enthusiasts under the vision of Chris Wills (27 August 1931 – 4 May 2011). The club’s objective was and still is to maintain and preserve the rich gliding history of yesteryear and to ensure that the machines which charted the path of gliding history will still be here for the next generation to experience and enjoy.
At the time the VGC was founded there was little interest in vintage gliders, so much so that not even museums paid much attention to their plight. Thus the key concept of the VGC was born; that the preservation of our gliding history would best succeed in the hands of the enthusiast, thus ensuring that these unique machines remain where they belong – in the air. Consequently the VGC was formed in 1973 at a rally for vintage gliders at the Coventry Gliding Club in England. A total of 23 vintage gliders attended from the UK, Switzerland and Germany. This encouraging start has since seen the VGC develop significantly over the year and is testimony to the passion and the determination of the everyday enthusiast all over the world.
Since that informal get-together in 1973. The VGC has grown into an international club with more than 900 members worldwide. Among them are enthusiasts not just from all parts of Europe, but also from the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan and Russia.
Members of the VGC stay in touch via our regular magazine “VGC News”, which is cram-packed with exciting features and articles, the club website and the open facebook group “Vintage Glider Club”.
The most enjoyable way however is through the many Rallies that take place during the year. The highlight is our International Vintage Glider Rally – a large get-together of members and over 100 gliders. The venue of this exciting Rally changes from year to year and is hosted by a different European Gliding Club. Non-VGC Members can experience the VGC at our Rendezvous Rally. This smaller event takes place immediately before the International Rally and acts as a stopover for many members on their journey to the main rally.
It is down to the vision and passion of the VGC that large numbers of original gliders, that would have otherwise been forgotten, have been saved and continue to soar the skies to this day. Not only that, with the aid of original drawings, a number of extinct vintage gliders have been brought back to life!
Here at the VGC we don’t just remember vintage gliders, we are dedicated to continuing our cause and we have welcomed younger “classic” gliders into our fold. Many of our members are aero-modellers who not only have links to full-scale gliders, but also have their own section in our magazine. We also maintain a large archive as a means of preserving the history of the gliding movement.
Over the years the VGC has become a unique international community of pilots and enthusiasts, whose vintage and classic gliders are a wonderful sight both on the ground and in the air. Our members exchange ideas, enjoy flying and last, but by no means least, pass on a living gliding heritage to tomorrows future generation of pilots.
PRESIDENT | UK RALLY SECRETARY
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT | VGC MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY
VGC CHAIRMAN | PR
VGC TREASURER
VGC INTERNATIONAL RALLY SECRETARY
EGU REPRESENTATIVE
VGC SECRETARY
VGC NEWS EDITOR
VGC SALES
sales@vintagegliderclub.org
BGA TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE
technicalofficer@vintagegliderclub.org
ARCHIVIST
archivist@vintagegliderclub.org
EUROPEAN SALES
ASSISTANT ARCHIVIST
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT (D)
VICE PRESIDENT (NL)
VICE PRESIDENT (UK)
CHAIRMAN
AUSTRALIA
BELGIUM
SLOVAKIA & CZECH REPUBLIC
DENMARK
FINLAND
ITALIA
SWITZERLAND
USA
Membership of the VGC is not just for the full size pilot. Modellers are, and have been welcome for many years. In many cases scale models are the only way that we can enjoy seeing some vintage aircraft fly as the real thing no longer exist or is not airworthy.
Membership of the VGC is a valuable source of information for the scale modeller. The VGC News publishes regular articles and 3-view drawings, and the VGC Rallies held internationally give the opportunity to see and photograph vintage gliders.
Each year the VGC awards members for achievements in restoration, flying and service to the Club. The awards are presented at the Annual Dinner. The VGC Executive Committee consider nominations throughout the year. We are now offering members the chance to nominate fellow members for trophies on-line for the consideration of the committee.
If you wish to nominate a VGC member for an award, please send an email to nominations@vintagegliderclub.org.
INTERNATIONAL RALLY CHALLENGE TROPHY
This award has been set up to recognise the best restoration of a Vintage or Classic Glider attending the International Rally by a VGC member.
This is awarded solely on judging by the panel at the International Rally itself.
INTERNATIONAL RALLY ACHIEVEMENT TROPHY
Awarded to the best achievement during the International Rally or the best replica vintage or classic built glider attending the International Rally.
This is awarded solely on judging by the panel at the International Rally itself.
CHAIRMANS TROPHY
Founded by David Shrimpton and awarded for meritorious services to the VGC.
SYD DAVIES TROPHY
Awarded for recognition of services to the VGC. The award is primarily set up to recognise individuals achievements throughout the International VGC Community either in the current year, or over a longer period, through their voluntary work, devotion, or in other ways; that have greatly benefited the VGC movement either Locally or Internationally.
RODI MORGAN PLATE
The Rodi Morgan Plate was set up to acknowledge the most meritorious flight at the UK National Rally each year by a VGC Member.
FRANK REEKS TROPHY
The Frank Reeks Trophy was set up to recognise the best Grunau Baby attending any VGC Affiliated event Internationally by a VGC Member. The award is generally based on the best sympathetic restoration that represents the original design and its variants in both construction and presentation.
SHAW SLINGSBY TROPHY
The Shaw Slingsby Trophy was set up to acknowledge the best flight by a VGC Member in a Slingsby Tutor or Cadet each year. The award is open to any flight/s by VGC Members Internationally.
PHIL TILEY MEMORIAL CUP
The Phil Tiley Memorial Cup was set up to acknowledge the most outstanding event at the International Rally.
BEST RALLY MODEL
The Best Rally Model was set up to acknowledge the best model attending the VGC International Rally built by a VGC Member.
VINTAGE GLIDER CLUB COMMENDATIONS
The Vintage Glider Club Commendations are set up to recognise meritorious achievements by members of the VGC and can include commendable flights, restoration work, or assistance to the Club by VGC member/s.
1995 – Slingsby Petrel (Graham Saw)
1996 – Avia 40P (Mike Birch)
1997 – Kite 2B (Ralph Hooper, Frank Irving, Bill Tonkyn)
1998 – Sky (John Tournier)
1999 – Elfe PM3 (Graham McLean)
2000 – T21b (Klaus Schickling)
2001 – L-Spatz (Gere Tischler)
2002 – Kranich 2D (Achmer)
2003 – L-Spatz 55 (Jukka Pikkusaari)
2004 – Huetter 28 (Werner Kaluza)
2005 – Bowlas baby Albatross (Jeff Byard)
2006 – Kranich 3D (Josef Auer, Fitz Bauer, Gerhard Bauer)
2007 – Scheibe Specht D-555 (Axel Mitzscherlich)
2008 – Moswey 4A HB-522(Andreas Fahrni)
2009 – DFS Reiher (Achmer Team: Stefan Krahn, Hermann Hackmann, Harald Kaemper, Oswald Dickau, Stephan Soll)
2010 – Minimoa BGA 1639 (Francis Russell, special honour to Peter Underwood)
2011 – Zlin Z-24 Krjanek 1948, OK-8193 (Jiri Lenik)
2012 – Castel C-25s, HB-887, Germany, Jürgen Dreyer
2013 – T.21 B, BGA-1619, CLC, The Glider is owned by Bill Cook & Ken Reid. It was beautifully restored
including many details. The restoration was completed in May 2013.
2014 – MU-13D XY-MUX Danish Historical Gliding Club
2015 – K6CR EI-GLG Bob Playle / Nicolaas van Kuyk
2016 – PIK 5 OH-139 Harri Mustonen, Finland
2017 – Laszlo Revy, For his excellent Minmoa replica, the Cimbora and all of his work on gliders
2018 – Jiri Lenik, “Grey Wolf” as it took 11 years to build
2019 – Peter and David Underwood, Kirby Kite Prototype
2022 – Jiri Lenik – for the Cavka
INTERNATIONAL RALLY BEST ACHIEVEMENT TROPHY – AWARDED TO THE BEST ACHIEVEMENT DURING THE INTERNATIONAL RALLY OR THE BEST REPLICA VINTAGE OR CLASSIC BUILT GLIDER ATTENDING THE INTERNATIONAL RALLY.
2001 – Christoph, Clemens & Walter Zahn, Habicht
2002 – Reiher (D-7033, OCS)
2003 – Chris Raine, Kite 2
2004 – VGC Poland (for hosting the 32nd International Rally)
2005 – Jan Forster, T31b, BGA-3181
2006 – Not awarded
2007 – Johannes Fischer, Ka6CR, D-6290
2008 – George Slot, Ka4, PH-247
2009 – Ulf Kern, Hol’s der Teufel, OK-A415, for 7.05 hours flight
2010 – Not awarded
2011 – Peter Moskovits, Foka 5, 7.00 hours 54 min
2012 – Zweefvlieggroep Hilversum, T-21c, PH-110
2013 – Justin Wills, flew the Schleicher Rhonbussard inherited from Chris around a 300km triangle during the rally.
2014 – Minimoa PH-80
2015 – Bergfalke D-6413 of Christian Hülsheger
2016 – Not awarded
2017 – Jűrg Weiss, For his flight in the Moswey3 HB-374, 105km and 4h58
2018 – Connie Bruun, For her flight of 8.5hrs in a K6
2019 – Mike Armstrong, 296km in Oly463
2022 – Levente Saghi
2009 – Not Awarded
2010 – Johan van Dijk – digitising the entire VGC microfiche collection by bulk scanning
2011 – Peter Hardman – Outstanding efforts for the VGC
2012 – Wasserkuppe,- Silver Jubilee; preserving gliders for the future.
2013 – Wally Kahn – for what he did for gliding in general and specifically his support of vintage gliding.
2014 – Gabor Fekecs & Francis Fumblet – for outstanding work on their database of gliders
2015 – Christne Whittaker- for her support and work for the VGC
2016 – David Williams – outstanding work for the VGC Archive
2017 – Peter and David Underwood – for their years of restoration work on gliders, especially the Kite prototype, and helping VGC members.
2018 – Jan Forster (after 20 years, stepped down from the Board, finishing as President)
2019 – Christine Whittaker (For her extraordinary service as secretary and chairman, for some time both at one time)
2020 – Bruce Stephenson (for his wonderful work editing the VGC News )
2021 – David Weekes (for his unique contribution in running the VGC Merchandise Sales over many years.)
2022 – Martijn Hoogenbosch (for his many years as International Rally Secretary)
2000 – Collin & Alice Anson (VGC sales)
2001 – Willi Schwarzenbach (Lifetime Vice President)
2002 – VGC Achmer Group (youth work in aid of VGC)
2003 – Nell Dijkstra (Council Secretary, Sales effort and Dutch membership contact)
2004 – Mike Stringer (Accountant on behalf of VGC for many years)
2005 – Margaret Shrimpton (Editor and improvements to VGC News 1993/1996 & 2001/2007)
2006 – Harald Kämper (Vice President, FAI award for services to Youth and Gliding 2006)
2007 – Laurie Woodage
2008 – David Shrimpton
2009 – Robin Willgoss (VGC international website)
2010 – Peter Underwood (support of the VGC and representing the VGC on the BGA Technical Committee. Extraordinary restorations and restoration support for many years)
2011 – Graham Saw, (Long standing VGC Committee member)
2012 – Bruce Stephenson, (for all the work he did for the Club as a Board Member)
2013 – David Weekes, (for his hard work on Sales for many years, at Internationals and during the year)
2014 – Gere Tischler, (For organizing the AERO for the 5th time.)
2015 – Nick Newton, (for being VGC President)
2016 – Nell Dijkstra, (for work behind the scenes)
2017 – Werner Rüeg, (For his years of long support to the club as Swiss representative and for the work he is doing for the Swiss VGC)
2018 – Klaus Schickling, (For his 9 years as Rally Secretary)
2019 – Sue Brooke, (For her extraordinary service as treasurer)
2020 – Jan Forster (for his long support of the VGC in various Board functions)
2021 – David Williams (For his outstanding dedication in acting as the long-term curator of the priceless VGC Archive)
2022 Sue Brooke, (for her continued service as VGC Treasurer)
2005 – John Dredge Capstan 7000′ Challock.
SHAW SLINGSBY TROPHY – BEST FLIGHT IN A TUTOR OR CADET EACH YEAR
2015 – Onno Blankenzee for a 50km with T21 PH-799
2017 – Peter Moskovits, For his nearly 5h flight in the T-21 FJB
2019 – Roger Andrews (T.21 Long Mynd Bungee Checkrides)
2022 – Peter Moskovits – for long flights in his T21 at Celje
2010 – Ulf Kern & Jiri Lenik (Hol’s der Teufel & Krajanek team cross country from Tibenham to the coast, over the sea and field landing 50km from Tibenham).
2011 – Gere Tischler & Hartmuth Sammet (For “Kameradschaft and Hilfbereitschaft”, They changed in the middle of the night, their glider trailer tire for a flat one from an other trailer, some miles from the air-field Spitzerberg, they where finished with there helpfull work at 04.30 hour).
2012 – Volker Skrzypek, (lent his K7 to be used at Pociunai even though he was too ill to attend).
2013 – Lasham, Gary Pullen
2014 – Arnborg, David Cornelius
2015 – Terlet, Erwin Jansen
2016 – Göran Bruun & Pentti Saaristo (organising sharing Finnish gliders by Rally participants)
2018 – Marja Osinga & Marlou Hoekstra & Martijn Hoogenbosch (humanitarian support for a disabled colleague)
2019 – Gere Tischler (10 years AERO organiser)
2021 – Robin Birch (For his professional skills to the daunting task of scanning the historic plans in the Archive.)
2022 – Mitja Ribaric – for his support organising the Interrnational Rally at Celje
2010 – John Greenfield & John Gilbert. 1/2 scale Orlik.
2011 – Andreas Ursprunger & Roman Fraisl. 1/3 scale Willow Wren.
2015 – Richard Brandenhorst (Best Rally model).
2017 – Gábor Pásztor, For his detailed and excellent vintage model of the R15 Koma, HA 5033 two-seater side by side glider.
2007 – St. Auber Club members M200 OO-ZHH
Leigh Bunting, Grunau 11b VH-GDN
Jiri Lenik (Czech) Krajanek OK-8560
David Weekes, 21000′ Aboyne in a Skylark IV (UK)
Werner Tschorn, 217kms in Weihe 50 D-1080 Eggersdorf (Germany)
Frank Konsek, Grunau Baby 2B D-5457 5hrs 32m Eggersdorf (Germany)
Johannes Lyng & Team, Restoration Jaskolka OY-ZO (Denmark)
Frank Kramer, Restoration 1941 TG1 Cinema Military Trainer (USA)
Rick Fretwell , Treasurer Duties
2009 – Walter Eisele, Restoration Zugvogel D-8824
Tonnie Wensing, Restoration V-20 PH-90
Ralph Hasselman, Restoration Cumuls D-6068 (Osnabrücker Verein für Luftfahrt e.V.)
2010 – John Gilbert, Restoration Skylark 3 BGA-844 BBT
2011 – Dansk Svaeveflyve Historic Klub Restoration Kranich IIb, 1943, D-0031
2012 – Harald Kamper, For organizing the Rositten expedition
2013 – Ted Hull, for his whole oeuvre
2014 – Peter Ocker, for his book
2015 – Alexander Gilles, for his photographic work
2016 – Not awarded
2017 – Christian Ueckert, For his flight in the Minimoa D-8064, 102km and 4h47
2018 – Russell Hardcastle & Adlphe Wilsche (restaurations Meise and Mü13D)
2019 – Alexander Gilles / Peter Hibbard (Photo flight Standard Austria and SHK)
2022 – Markus Klemmer/Thorsten Kessler
2010 – Harmut Sammat, L-Spatz 55, D-8310
John Gilbert, Skylark, BGA-8(3)44 BBT,
2011 – Sören Schaefer Ka-7, D-5659, Called Lilly,
2012 – Pertti Halinen and Pekka Hänninen 1958 Pik 5c, OH-188, Finland,
Benvenutas Ivanauskas Baby IIb, LY+BA, Lithuania,
Ulrich Voswinckel and Udo Von Jorges. Wright Flyer, the most perfect replica ever seen.
Germany.
2013 – Oly 2, BGA-1125VV401 owned by Terence Henderson. Page 85 in the 40th Anniversary Book
2014 – Rolf Bornheber, Grunau Baby Iib, D-7156
2015 – Not awardeed
2016 – PIK 16 OY-BXU Niels Peder Møller/Jørgen Bruun, Denmark
2017 – Not awarded
2018 – Russell Hardcastle, Restoration of Meise & Adolf Wislch, Restoration of Mu 13D
2019 – Lazlo Revy, Otto Bacher & Christian Matthieu, Minimoa D-1480
2022 – Johannes Lyng – for the Polyt III
Skywriter Award
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