Date and location is now finalised for the annual Wingbeat reserve repack:

• Date: Sunday, February 26th
• Time: 10am to 3pm
• Venue: Walkerburn Village Hall, EH43 6AE
• Cost: £3 per person to cover the hall hire.

This is an opportunity for everyone to repack their own reserve in small groups, under expert supervision. The idea is for everyone to roll their sleeves up and get involved - helping others to repack makes it easier for all, and is a really good way to understand the process better. You can also see for yourself the differences in packing methods. Don't worry, the process is not difficult and with several pairs of willing hands to help you will see how easy it can be.

All you need to bring is your harness and reserve. We have a supply of elastic bands for use by all. It is a good idea to do a test 'throw' before repacking. Put your harness on and try to simulate going for the handle and actually throwing the reserve. Keep an eye on whether it all works smoothly or if there are any issues. A common one is to find the lines are too long to pull it out of the harness! The reserve itself should only pop out of its container right at the end of the throw with the lines fully extended (but you will probably not get it that far). You can do a test throw at the venue on the day, but you may prefer to do this a couple of days before and then leave your reserve out to air before repacking (this is what the professionals such as Aerofix recommend). If so, just bring it bundled in an Ikea bag or something similar.

Getting There.
Location is the village hall in Walkerburn, two miles east of Innerleithen on the main A72, with the 62/X62 bus stopping right outside in both directions.

If you come by car, you can park on the main road but are likely to lose a mirror there, so better to find a spot in the side streets nearby. Alternatively, if you carry on one minute down the road towards Innerleithen you will see a car wash area just before the bend, with plenty space to park.
There is a local shop open to 2pm almost next door to the hall doing the usual basics (bread, ham, cheese etc) and take away teas/coffees. Next to that is the George Hotel doing sit-down meals and alcohol and there is a really nice cafe just past the car wash.

Note: We don't have access to the kitchen in the hall so you need to bring your own supplies.

If you are coming along - please fill in this doodle poll so we know to expect you.

Hope to see you there.

Wingbeat Team