Tricks, thrills and an adrenaline rush … heading to Mid-Suffolk

Around 30 members of the Suffolk Kite Flyers Club are heading to Stonham Barns Park from 1 June to make use of the flat grass land at the beautifully maintained 140-acre leisure, retail and holiday venue.

In June (this year) the Club was planning on celebrating its 30 Year Anniversary as a flying club but was given notice at its Rougham Airfield base in Bury St Edmunds at the beginning of 2023; and so have been looking ever since for a suitable replacement venue – for power kiting, kite buggying and blow karting.

Explains Club Member Tim Hunt, from Barking, Suffolk, ‘This new venue is hugely exciting for us.  We need space and a great place to meet up for this fascinating and exhilarating wind sport and Stonham Barns Park has everything we need and more.’

‘We are always looking to introduce new members to the club and with our affordable membership and friendly atmosphere we hope to meet many new kite flyers in Mid-Suffolk who fancy trying something new for the summer.’

‘It’s such a great adrenaline-based sport. ‘We say to members … Know your limits but never stop trying to exceed them!’

The Suffolk Kite Flyers started life in Ipswich’s Lanseer Park (in June 1993) predominantly flying single line and sports kites, however, as their members’ focus changed so did their venue requirements.  Now mainly flying power kites as buggy engines, as well as a small group of land yachts, they need a wide-open space that Stonham Barns Park can provide.

Adds Alan Forward, Owner of Stonham Barns Park, ‘We are delighted to be able to provide a space for this unique sport which is clearly not only enjoyable for the participants themselves but for spectators also.  We hope the club settles in quickly and enjoys the additional facilities we have here on offer at our destination venue.’

Annual Membership is Adult £100 and Family £150.  Everyone who joins must have Personal Liability Insurance covering all activities. For further info visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/suffolkkiteflyers/?ref=share

Weekenders are organised by the Club to bring together members for socialising – offering the opportunity to caravan and camp and fly whenever members want to – and also Beach Days Out to give those involved the opportunity to take their sport to some of the UK’s beautiful beaches.