How nice to see Carolyn Grace with her son Richard and her two-seater Spitfire at Lasham today.

Carolyn flew a most enjoyable display in the afternoon, which was appreciated by all.

After the unfortunate demise of the old bus, the new bus put in its first appearance at the launch point today. It doesn't smoke as much as the last one, and the extra deck should make for improved briefing facilities in due course.

Many will be pleased to note that the new bus sports the 'Tina Bus' label in memory of Tina Render.

Many thanks to Bob Bickers for his splendid paint job!

It's taken a while and an enormous amount of effort, but the new caravan site is really beginning to look like a caravan site! The picture on the left shows the first caravan being delivered - this one is for Bernie Morris. More are expected imminently.

We expect the remaining bases to be laid in the next few weeks and the completion of the electrical and plumbing work will follow.

At the western end of the site, the first of the log cabins are also taking shape. Luxury!

Due to the frequent significant increases in the price of AVGAS, the Committee of Management has agreed the following increases in price effective from 19th May 2008:

Aerotow to 2000 feet increased from £27 to £29.

Tug Hire increased from £115 per hour to £126.

These increases will be adjusted if the cost of AVGAS falls significantly.

The picture shows Val Phillips at the wheel of the Society's latest acquisition - a new mower and a new tractor to pull it.

The new mower cuts a five metre width and leaves a much better finish than the old rotary toppers; it can also be used in wet conditions. The air conditioned cab is a much improved working environment on those hot sunny days.

We think you'll see the field looking much tidier in the near future!

The notice of race and registration are now available at http://gp.lasham.org.uk.

All pilots who are considering entry to this event should register free on the above web site. Registration closes on the 15th of June 2008 when the top 15 UK pilots and the top 5 international pilots (IGC ranking list order) will then be invited to pay the entry fee. Any spare places will be announced at the end of June with the final line up being announced at the beginning of August.

Further details of the public "Air day" to be held on Saturday the 6th of September 2008 and the public web site will be announced in June. Anyone interested in helping on the public day or in the run up to the public day please contact Alastair Mackinnon in the Office.

I'm pleased to report that Murray Armes allowed himself to be co-opted on to the Committee of Management at the latest meeting. Murray has been a member of Lasham for three years, having started gliding at Booker over 20 years ago. Many will be aware of the substantial part Murray's played in the planning of the new caravan park as well as future hanagarage.

Professionally, Murray is an architect specialising in construction dispute resolution and he will continue to be part of the Airfield Devlopment Committee.