Formed in 1949 by Maj Gen(Retd) A J Deane-Drummond CB DSO MC at RAF Odiham in Hampshire as an Army Gliding Club. Kestrel relocated to Lasham in 1950 forming the origins of gliding at that location, with sister clubs opening within the Army Kestrel became part of the newly formed Army Gliding Association, returning to its birth place and continues to operate from RAF Odiham to this day.

The club operates from what must surely be the last surviving
WW1 vintage Bessonneau hanger. The original canvas
coverings have been replaced with a new weather proof
surface thanks to Rubb buildings.

During the 1990s The Crown service Gliding Club from Farnborough
relocated to Odiham brining with them a fleet of gliders
and a very useful tug and shared the facilities until their move to Lasham in 2002 being replaced by 618VGS operating a fleet of Vigilant motorgliders.

With the airfield being operational Kestrel has had to make the
most of its available airtime. The introduction of weekend courses has greatly improved the ability of Kestrel to offer its facilities to the local service community for whom it exists, these have proved
very popular and this year sees an increase in the number being
run.

Throughout its existence Kestrel pilots have represented the
Army at Interservice and National competitions and this continues to this day with both single and two seat gliders competing giving junior pilots a taste of competition flying.

In 2006 Kestrel became part of the Royal Air Force Gliding and soaring association bringing a change in fleet and the addition of a motor glider which greatly improved the clubs airfield utilisation.

Over the years the fleet has been updated and club members have come and gone, but the basic reason for Kestrels existence has remained the same. To provide an adventurous training facility in the sport of gliding to the local service community and this will continue under the RAFGSA.

The club operates weekends and membership is open to all Service personnel and MOD Civil Servants. To find out how you can take advantage of these facilities or to book a course or trial lesson contact Kestrel at: enquiries@kestrel-gliding.org.uk
or contact the club direct on 01372 458579.