Queensland Kite Flyers Society
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Bellbowrie 4070

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QKS Redcliffe Kitefest 2003
24-25th May

The 9th Annual Redcliffe Kitefest.

Denotes Hi-Res Image available

It was great to see so many interstate and N-Qld kite flyers support this years kitefest.   From Tasmania: Allan Parish Eveon Rowe and Genevieve Duhig;   from South Australia: Phil and AnneMarrie McConnochie;   New South Wales: Noel Shaw, Graham and Carol Gurney, John and Joan Gordon, Mark Dole, Warren and Lee McIntosh, Eileen Snee, Ross and Ruth Leighton, Sue Harris; and a few more I can't remember. The kitefest this year attracted the largest number of kite flyers ever.

It all started Friday afternoon with a few people turning up at Pelican Park about 3pm and then an informal dinner at Spinnakers catching up with old friends and making new ones. I had several people say to me the fellowship between flyers makes the festival. Spinnakers turn on another great meal and a good feed was had by all.

Saturday morning registration ran smoothly with all flyers receiving a small bag of goodies along with their accreditation. The new festival patches where well received and I believed Tony Rice was responsible for the design.

Most of us unpack our gear and got ready for a great day.   The Queensland sun came out and we couldn't have hope for better sunshine, unfortunately there was only a gentle breeze which wasn't enough to get more than a handful of kites aloft.

The lack of colour in the air was certainly made up for on the ground with 6 or 7 ground displays of banners and windmills.   Ross Leighton had about 10 banners in his corner, while Mika and Andy showed what could be done with Anthony Thyssen's scrap off cuts, making some great looking fish banners.

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The Public where attracted to these displays asking questions about kites and the society, most of interstate guests where only to happy to give out our brochures and information about the society.   (Good on you Guys).
Phil McConochine unveils his new delta which had people looking skyward and managing to stay in the air most of the festival in the light conditions. He also used this kite as a lifter to try and hoist his giant Sunflower in the air.

An old faithful of John Gordons is his Block of flats delta, this amazing design also had its moments in the light winds. The day seemed to run away so quickly and before long it was time for Ian Dinte and I to fire up the BBQ's.

The BBQ seem to go well, next year its been suggested to look at some hot dishes in place of the salad, something I will look at.

How was the Auction?
Something we started for a bit of fun 2 years ago has now turned into a major fund raiser and a great source of laughter for the kitefest.   I really wish to thank those people who donated items to the auction and Gail Austin for driving the prices up.

To end the Auction Cr Rita Smith presented to David White on behalf of the QKS a Certificate of Appreciation for his commitment and dedication.   Although the running of the festival is a team effort there is no doubt David completed about 90% of the lead up organising to the festival by himself.

Sunday morning saw a lot of activity around the edge of the field with people setting up for the day and the 8.30 briefing didn't encourage the wind any more either.

The mass launch of the delta stunt kites look magnificent and some of the flyers were doing some great tricks in the light conditions.

Down the other end of the field the some single line kites where getting into action.

 
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My replica Hargraves hasn't been out of the bag for nearly two years because it is so time consuming to put together.   I'm glad I made the effort this year as it flew very well.

Andy and Mieke made a great looking Genki from the plan in the last issue of Gofly (club news letter).   It's a great looking kite, well done guys.
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Anthony Thyssen made a huge ball he entertain the kids with by dragging it around the edge of the field.

Graham and Carol Gurney had some Rob Brassington design kites which are very unique and colourful.   Rob builds these kites in Tasmania and sells them all over the world.

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Most kite flyers got a pleasant surprise with gift of a bottle of wine to remember the festival.

Unfortunately all good things come to an end and another Redcliffe kitefest was over.   So lets all work together to make it bigger and better for next year.

Phil Holloway
 

I'd like to proudly thank our sponsers, especially those who bought kites to take part in our rokakku battle. With the winning kite - Goodtime Sports.
Anthony


Other photos....

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Updated: 28 May 2003