AN OFFENHAM great grandfather took to the skies to overcome his fear of flying just weeks before his 89th birthday.
John Butler once again proved you are never too old to try something new and reached new heights courtesy of Bidford Gliding Club.
Ahead of his special day on November 10, John joined his son and daughter-in-law – who shares the same birthday – for a 25-minute glider flight each on Saturday (October 22)
After being pulled to 2,500 feet by a tow plane, John was then released for his glide back to earth in a white Polish-built Pachacz glider. Pachacz translates to owl as Polish manufacturers name their craft after birds.
The former print room manager at Rover in Longbridge retired in 1998 and moved to Offenham in 2018.
According to son Neil, the trip to the skies came about after the aspiring daredevil said he wanted to do ‘something exciting to keep himself feeling young’.
“We had a wonderful day and thank the pilot and support staff at Bidford Gliding club for making John’s 89th birthday one to remember,” he added.
