Bob O’Malley-White’s 15,000 ft Parachute Jump Raises £3,697.73 for the 2028 MBF Festival!

This is the story of Bob’s event.

I had the idea to fundraise for the Festival and to share a family adventure, with daughter Aby, grandchildren Stan and Bert, which I arranged so that 100% of all proceeds would be passed to the MBF.

Generously, numerous Brethren and friends donated and also several MARK and RAM Lodges. Individual’s donations attracting Gift Aid and individual credit towards their Honorifics, whilst Lodge donations are credited towards their 2028 Festival total.

After a previous false start, weatherwise, we were able to enjoy the pre-jump nerves! during the training session and getting kitted up into flying suits, whilst relatives and brethren who came in support, enjoyed the Dunkerswell sunshine and Buzz on the airfield.

The elderly plane rolled slowly down the runway, gradually increasing speed, climbing in steep circuits, incredibly slowly, labouring under the weight of the tandem jumpers pressed tightly together, until approaching the centre line at 15,000 feet.

Door open, wind rushes in, clouds and the land so far below, possibly the most scary bit shuffling forward in pairs to the brink!

“Bend the knees”  “Head back” and Out we went, firstly the several experienced solo jumpers, then the newbys.   Skydiving is very difficult to describe.

We experienced a freedom as never before, unlike bungee jumping or rollercoaster or falling. We felt a new out of life experience, diving through the sky on a seemingly supportive cushion of air, without any feeling of being out of control. Once we learned how to breath, in a sensational 120 mph vertical dive for a full minute, that is!

Then we steadied with a sharp jerk and opening main chute at 5,000 feet, the airfield and beautiful Devon countryside and coast was spread like a map below.

We could go left or right in a spin “You have control”, flying around the airfield as we gradually descended, this sightseeing part of the adventure lasted for 5 minutes.

The instructor was a true expert, “knees up” and then he gracefully deposited me on the grass, after an amazing and exhilarating descent.

Thank you to everyone for your generous support for our 2028 Festival and to the Richards who provided IT and leaflets.

Bob O’Malley-White PGStwd ProvGAlm