The Grampians Soaring Club is celebrating 40 years since its inception this weekend.
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Like any sporting club the local group has built its foundation on the back of hard work from its dedicated volunteers and many of the club's 46 members will gather to celebrate this weekend's milestone.
In 1974, the first flight of the Grampians Soaring Club was made by Noel Lovell at Jack Beattie's property at Navarre.
Noel was a well-known entity in Ararat, with that first flight being made in a Kookaburra an Australian built two-seat glider.
Today the club owns a number of aircraft including a two-seater training glider, a two-seater high performance glider and two single seater gliders.
In addition, a number of club members have their own gliders which are housed in the main hangar.
Initially the Grampians Soaring Club set up operations at Stawell Aerodrome, but moved to Ararat in November 1977.
Very quickly the hard working club members built a hangar and had completed their clubrooms by November 1980.
The Victorian State Championships were first held in Ararat in 1982, which put Ararat on the world's 'gliding map', as a location with some serious gliding opportunities.
Since that time the club has grown in membership and extended its facilities to include its own tow plane, a larger hangar space, and enhanced facilities that allowed the Victorian State Championships to be held again in December 2011.
Club members regularly compete at various championships around the country.
Members of the public are invited to come to the Ararat Aerodrome (just off the Western Highway near the Caltex Roadhouse) and inspect the facilities and aircraft.
The Grampians Soaring Club will be open to the public from 10am until 2pm this Saturday.
Those that are interested in an air experience flight, will be able to purchase a ticket on the day. Vouchers are also available, and can make a great Christmas gift for that person who is looking for something a little different.
Public flights take place most weekends and public holidays. More information can be obtained by contacting committee member Gary Stevenson on 5352 4938.
