20 December 2011

Hi everyone!

Last weekend really was special! We had brilliant weather, brilliant skydives and brilliant people to share it with! Thanks to Lizette, Traci, Natasha, Hani, Avril (Kevin’s better half), Jo and the rest of the team, the orphan Christmas party was a huge success! Some members really donated generously and thank you to each and every member who contributed in making this day so special!

These kids really had a day to remember. Papa Roy took the “Santa slot” and did a swell job! – not that I am surprised :) Guys, you really are a great bunch of people and sometimes we do not always appreciate each other as much as we should.

We had a brilliant Christmas party and the evening rocked away to the vibes supplied by our very own skydiving DJ’s, Brad and Tazz who were great as usual! Marius and Jo also made sure the beer was cold and plenty!  

Thank you all for a great year! Thank you for your friendship, thank for your fellowship and thank you for just being a great family. Like any other family, we also have our “in-laws”, “outlaws” and distant whatever’s, but we still are mellow bunch, aren’t we?

On a more serious note, we are about to hear our “ditters” go for the year 2011, heading for 2012 leaving some of our team mates behind who will be sorely missed. To some, this will be a difficult time and we think of each and every one who will be setting one less place at their table this year. May God bless you and give you comfort over this time – our thoughts are with you.

Friends, wherever you may travel over this Festive Season, please do so safely and return to JSC well rested and in high spirit. Those of you taking the long road to J-Bay, please drive safe.

May you all be blessed and may you experience a fantastic 2012!

Blue Skies
Pottie

7 November 2011

WOW!!!!

What a boogie!!!!

Saturday started off with some great skydives. Taya Weiss and Jeff Neblekopf graced us with their presence and we experienced some breath-taking wing suit piloting and videography!! (This oke is so good you would think the footage comes from Photoshop!) Taya has been driving this boogie with tremendous effort and her only return on this huge investment is the passion she manages to flare up in this great discipline amongst our local skydivers. Taya, your noble efforts are not going by unnoticed, that you can be sure of. Thank you for your dedication.

The boogie was a roaring success! Thanks to Derek Wood and Chris Williams the DZ was in immaculate shape, we even had some shade at boarding point! Chris replaced our shade netting that was stolen with some temporary shade netting that not only looked good but also did a perfect job!! Derek made sure all stayed safe and he did a fantastic job in managing our air space.

Saturday night entertainment in the Cutaway Pub was arranged by Marius and Jo. The Dee-Jays in fact, are two of our very own JSC members, namely Brad and Tazz, who absolutely rocked the house! The food at the canteen, as usual, was brilliant. Yvonne prepared a curry noodle salad that was out of this world!  

The most important is our Pac Partnership guys. Norman and Brendon are always willing to step the extra hundred miles to make our club work. Whatever we ask, they will accommodate as far as reasonably possible. They already donated free camera slots for any 4 or 8 way team that trains at JSC. Besides that they also covered Taya’s organizing slots for the tonto boogie. Guys, keeping a plane in the sky is not cheap. Slot numbers are down, fuel prices are up and yet these guys bend over backwards to grow our sport. We do not realize how blessed we are to have them in our corner. Norman, Brendon please know that we appreciate everything you are doing for us. You guys are the best!!!!!

The skydivers visiting from other drop zones such as Robertson and Rustenburg brought both skill and colour to this event. Thanks for your support guys, it was a pleasure and an honour to have you at JSC!!

Stay safe all,
Pottie

Check out some photos posted by Linda Meyering Steyn on her Facebook page...

5 September 2011

I just want to thank each and every person who contributed in making Jarrod's Memorial day something special. Chucky’s ashes were released in the sky yesterday by Rainer on a tandem skydive executed by Glen Vermeulen while accompanied by close friends and members under their canopies.

After that Roger did a fly-by that was truly spectacular. There was a lot of effort put into this by a lot of friends and members. Guys, what can I say? You’re the best!!!!

Blue Skies
Pottie

:: JARROD'S MEMORIAL PHOTO PAGE ::

16 May 2011

Hi everybody!

Let me start by saying thank you for your trust in me by electing me as Chairman of JSC. I am really excited and I must say that we have a very dynamic committee this year! The new JSC committee is as follows:

Operations Officer: Derek Wood
Treasurer: Christo Pieterse
Equipment Officer: Kevin Owen
Admin Officer: Hani Labuschagne
Grounds Manager: Andre de Klerk
Chief Instructor: Beverley Cosslett (NSTO Appointed)
Chairman: Eugene Potgieter
Marketing and Website: Traci Scerri
IT & Hardware Support: Chris Botha
Finance: Dave van der Merwe

I am sure that all will agree that this can only be a winning team! JSC went through rough and stormy waters and were it not for Derek Wood and his team who steered her back to safety, we would not have had the privilege of receiving the club in such good condition. Derek, you certainly proved yourself under difficult circumstances. Your open and friendly approach in your frequent communications really brought peace of mind to all of us. (Guys, in his capacity of Operations Officer, Derek will continue to ensure that everyone stays well informed of all the happenings at our club).

Derek and his team did a splendid job, but we still have a lot of challenges ahead of us before getting everything back on track. Although we are truly honoured by being appointed as the custodians of JSC, we can only succeed with the help and support of our membership. I want to call on each and every member to support the committee when and wherever you can. These guys are not getting paid for what they are doing and I would think it only fair to assist them in such a way that their families, jobs and businesses are not being sacrificed in the process.

Enough of the serious stuff. For way too long we were entangled in so many unpleasant issues at JSC that we lost our way in friendly family atmosphere. Well, we want it back and the only way to do that is to bring the warmth and the fun back to our club. Fun events, such as boogies and parties and just making it a fun place to be (not too soon on the parties please, I am still recovering from last night :)

That will be our mission for this term.

Soft winds, gentle landings to all!!!

Pottie
JSC Chairman

4 May 2011

It never rains, it just pours..........!

Another long weekend of wet weather but yet again we produced 10x loads on Saturday and 4x loads on Sunday.  It was fantastic to see BLU flying in our airspace again!

BLU arrived in style late Friday afternoon with some of JSC’s competitors on board. Everyone had a story to tell with the bar providing an awesome atmosphere. All the results from Nationals will be found updated on PASA’s website. Well done to all the teams who took part as well as our own teams representing JSC.

A huge thanks to Lizette for doing manifest on both Sat & Sun. Without this gal my weekend would have been disastrous.

Ian and Yvonne for always cooking amazing meals. Even Shaun did a great job up front.

Marius and Joe for providing great service and warm spirits when the weather turned cold.

To all the safety staff and packers including Rhett thanks for checking reserve pack dates. On this subject all reserve chutes must be re-packed every 6 months regardless. Our safety crews have been instructed to check all reserve pack dates and can prevent you from jumping. This includes all tandem systems.

 SAFETY TIP FOR THE WEEK: 

Check all gear prior to boarding the aircraft i.e. helmet, goggles,
3 rings,  chest strap, handles, leg straps, pins, static line/rip cord, pilot chute.

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

26 April 2011

Happy Easter to all those who still enjoy lots & lots of chocolate over this period. Remember this will affect your wing loading big time!!!

A new date has been set to host the AGM – 14 May. I’m sure everyone will be back from the Easter break by then.

The BLU theme will still apply so please make sure you dress in BLU!!! Oh, and let’s not forget the party after the AGM. "Blufallo milk"’ will still be served.

Balloons will be sold with great prizes to be won. The funds raised will go towards resurfacing our runway. Please come prepared to support our worthy cause.

Just to remind everyone operations will resume from this weekend
30th April – 1st May! Only those students who have become uncurrent as a result of bad weather will be refreshed at no cost.

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

18 April 2011

Hi Members

This past weekend proved once again that the elements dictate events. The AGM & the was party was cancelled due to power outages & constant rain resulting in no jumping either!

Apologies for putting the notice out so late in the day. All efforts were exhausted to obtain a generator large enough to run all the facilities as well as the sound system. Currently prices are being sourced to purchase a large generator.

In addition, a new date will be set to host the AGM.

I would like to thank Marius & Jo for once again providing a positive spirit in the "Cutaway Pub" and with the help of portable sound systems we were able to host a party of our own!

Ian, Yvonne & Shaun pulled out all the stops to cook us a dinner that most five star hotels would die for! Who said a candlelight dinner isn’t romantic!

The ground staff including Basil & Andre for keeping JSC looking so tidy!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all those taking part in Nationals in Robertson. JSC will once again bring back all the medals!

Please note JSC will be closed this long weekend (22-25 April) and will resume operations on weekend 30 April to 1 May.

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

12 April 2011

Hi Members

We started off with low cloud on Saturday morning forcing us to wait it out. Eventually the cloud base lifted allowing us to do 17 loads. Sunday was a bit quieter with only 12 loads.

A huge thanks to Neil (pilot) for making the right decisions when low cloud set in.

Ian, Yvonne & Shaun for cooking such amazing food. Marius & Jo for the great service & friendly atmosphere.

Ground staff (Andre) thank you for keeping JSC looking so clean & tidy. Sam & Emily doing manifest & keeping the loads full.

The safety crew: Jarrod, Ryan, Rhett and all the jumpmasters. Rhett has finally become our newest registered jumpmaster, always willing to assist and instruct. Well done bud!!!!!!!!!

Remember this weekend is the AGM starting at 5pm sharp. For those delivering your proxy please attach a copy of your ID or PASA card.

The party will follow soon after and the theme is still 'BLU'! BLU-FULLO MILK will be served only to those who are 'BLU' enough!

The party this weekend boasts 4 x DJ’s and a live band. This will truly be the biggest bash of the year! Please note the bar will be closed during the AGM.

PLEASE NOTE!
JSC WILL BE CLOSED OVER THE LONG EASTER WEEKEND (22-25 April)
Operations will resume the following weekend 30th/1st May

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

4 April 2011

Hi Members

All round, a very successful weekend with 'White' still doing a great job.

Saturday we managed 18 loads and Sunday was surprisingly good with 14 loads, a total of 32 loads!

Once again, the weather forced us to shut down at midday on Sunday but you can't keep good people on the ground for too long. We started up again around 3pm.

To remind all members of the AGM brought forward to the 16th April. Some folks are unfortunately away over this period but it must be every member's duty to attend. If you have to present your Proxy form please submit a COPY OF YOUR ID attached to the proxy. Remember only one proxy per individual!

Remember the party theme is 'BLU' with our infamous 'Blu-ffalo milk' (man's best friend!)

Bid forms are now available for those who wish to bid for all service provider positions.

For those gullible enough to fall for the April Fools prank…………! Well, maybe it's best I say no more! For what it's worth, I'm still receiving mail to book that Hercules jump.

 SAFETY TIP FOR THE WEEK: 

Remember your wing loading should be calculated on the smaller canopy. In most cases your reserve is smaller than the main chute.

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

29 March 2011

Hi Members

PLEASE NOTE:

IT IS EVERY MEMBER'S DUTY TO BE AT THE AGM. THE PROXY IS ONLY FOR A DEATH IN THE FANILY OR OTHERWISE OUT OF THE COUNTRY. THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO AIR YOUR OPINIONS AND VOTE THE RIGHT PEOPLE INTO IMPORTANT ROLES!

The proxy forms have been updated for this year's AGM (only one proxy per person is permitted).

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

28 March 2011

Hi guys

Wet, wet, & more wet!!

However, skydivers are positive people and we finally managed 9 loads on
Saturday and 1 load on Sunday.

Well done to the first course candidates. Unfortunately, there was no jumping for the students this weekend. We also managed some CF (crew) jumps with a few crazies from Witbank (Sharky & co).

JSC held a CP competition this weekend with some amazing skills. Jacqui and her judges did an awesome job.

Senior Jumpers:

1. Rob Kruger

2. Attie Fourie

3. Selwyn Johnson

4. Jasper Williams

5. Sean Schook

Intermediate:

1. Warren Hitchcock

2. Corné Vorster

3. Roy Seber

To all teams, we wish you all the best for Nationals and trust with the return of BLU along with the handles all will be back to normal shortly.

Thanks to Allison for doing pre-manifest (this is truly a thankless job).

The pilots Neil & Roger were amazing considering the weather conditions.

Thanks to Andre and Basil for coming out on Wednesday to cut & trim all the grass. The entire DZ has been shaved!

Marius and Jo entertained us with 'Karaoke' in the pub, I must say, I was the best singer by far.

Ian / Yvonne fed the millions AGAIN! Really good food! To those who missed out on that apple crumble, you sure missed out!!!

To all the ground staff & packers, you guys are great.

I will keep all members updated with repairs & test flights to BLU.

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman

24 March 2011

Hi Members

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Roy for standing as Chairman. Serving on this committee takes time and commitment and you have shown that.

I trust this committee will endeavour to continue to serve and meet all members' needs. Our sport attracts diverse personalities and you are all special.

JSC is a very special venue with a relaxed environment, when after a long day’s activities one can sit back and enjoy a cold drink while enjoying the sunset.

Together, let's preserve our little piece of heaven.

Derek Wood
JSC Chairman