FIRST OVERALL: Eddie Clapham & Son in a 912 Rans with 24,665 points

FIRST IN 3-AXIS: As Above 24,665 points

FIRST DUAL FLEXWING: K. Ingham / R. Grimwood with 21,734 points

FIRST SOLO FLEXWING: Richard Rawes 9,361 points (see below)

FIRST TEAM: The Deddington Scrap Metal Company: (R. Keene, K. Ingham, R. Grimwood, K. Negal)

Rob Keene was declared the solo flexwing winner when the provisional results were posted on the Friday night, but a late protest resulted in Rob losing all his points for days three and four before the prizegiving on the Sunday morning at Barton.

Rob blew his engine early in day 3, and phoned the Committee to ask if he was allowed to change aircraft. The Committee couldn't find the relevant section in the rules, and told him they thought it would be OK. Rob not only finished the rally in a 503 Alpha, but scored so many points on day four that he soared into the lead. However, it was subsequently discovered that the rules specifically forbid changing aircraft. In a very acceptable compromise and in the spirit of the rally Rob was allowed to finish in the Alpha but lost all points for days three and four. He therefore finished sixth in the solo flexwing class, and his points helped his team win the team trophy. (Six teams entered in total).

Of 54 entries there were 38 finishers. 10 did not start, 5 retired before the finish and one Blade had an unfortunate encounter with a fence (no-one hurt, but a major rebuild required apparently). It was generally agreed that it had been a very challenging event, and in view of the weather conditions all the finishers were to be congratulated. The committee were also to be congratulated - a few hiccups aside (more details later . . .) the rally was a resounding success. Chris Ellis announced that the entire Committee would probably stand down now because they all wanted to compete themselves next year.

Yours truly also took part in the rally in the dual flexwing class with my brother Tim in his Jabiru powered Medway Eclipser. The aircraft performed brilliantly, the pilots less so - but we finished, 13th in class (or second last). The finishers trophy is proudly on display. Read Tim's report for more.