Gliding club 'devastated' to lose airfield

The club have been given six months to leave the airfield which they have used since 1974

A gliding club has said they were "devastated" after they were told to leave the airfield they have flown from for 50 years.

Trent Valley Gliding Club, in Kirton-in-Lindsey, Lincolnshire have 80 members and have used the site next to RAF Kirton since 1974.

Peter Dixon, 61, an instructor at the club said it was "unsettling to be uncertain about their future".

A solicitor acting for the landowner said: "communications have taken place between the tenant and the landlords respective solicitors."

The club is ran by volunteers

In a letter sent to the club, shared with the BBC, the group were told their tenancy would end on 10 October.

Chairman of the club Richard Malam, 69, said he was determined to challenge the notice.

"This came completely out of the blue," he said.

"I wouldn't be doing my job without thinking can we challenge that, is that the end game?"

Mr Malam said he believed if the club did have to move, they would lose members

"Anywhere we go is going to be different from here and that'll put people off."

According to Mr Malam before the club's arrival in 1974 the RAF had a gliding school at the site, he said if they were asked to leave it would end 85 years of aviation there.

The solicitor for the landlord said: "The tenant's directors will be well aware of the nature and length of the club's lease."

The club's members range from ages 13 to 80

"It's almost like the shock of capture," said Rick Jones, 58, an instructor from the club.

"It was quite a hard thing to take initially."

Mr Jones said if the club did have to relocate it would not be easy.

"Unfortunately, airfields just don't grow on trees."

Peter Dixon, also an instructor at the club, said they were going through a "difficult period" but they were "a little bit taken aback" by good wishes and comments from the community.

"Gliding can be a selfish hobby, but it takes a team to make it happen."

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