Thurs 6th March

 The forecast for Thursday was for a southerly or South Easterly wind increasing in strength during the day and highish cloud cover. Thankfully the easterly element didn’t materialize and it was certainly warmer than recently. 

Not quite the blue skies of recent days (Mike Horwood)

 

The ground equipment and three gliders were all out and DI’d before the 9:30 briefing with Ron Johns, in charge for the day. A small group assembled for the briefing without a number of the Thursday regulars, but good to see Aston Key and Geoff Lawrence in attendance after a break. After a spell of dry weather the field was dry enough  to set up the winch for a NE-SW run.

Peter Smith's latest project (Tom Sides)

Thanks to Peter Smith for installing the replacement wind sock after the winter storm damage, and to George Sanderson for installing the LED flasher in both K21s.

The first flight got away just after 10am with Ron instructing in a ASK21 and reported weak wave to the south of the field, having an extended flight of 27 minutes. Chris Wool  joined us to help with the instructing list. 

A lot of overcast (Mike Horwood)

 

Thermal activity was never going to occur but the weak wave was in evidence throughout the day. Ron recorded the longest flight of 39 minutes and there were a number of flights around half an hour. The wave rotor which was in evidence below the wave, made for some interesting moments. The southerly wind, which is always the worst direction at North Hill due to the gusts coming up the gully, made for some interesting approaches, but thankfully didn’t strengthen as forecast.  By 3pm everyone had flown at least once so an early finish was called. A total of 18 flights, 7 solo and 11 dual instructional, just short of 6 hours airborne. Not bad for a grey day. Thanks to Ron for running the day and good to see Chris back in the slightly warmer weather. He needed it warmer as he arrived on two wheels. - John Borland

Wed 5th March

 The cold frosty night turned into a thick misty morning by the time we all arrived at North Hill. The forecast was for it to clear and so it did, eventually. In the meantime five of the six club gliders were DI'd and taken to the north west launch point, we were Daily Briefed by Glenn and many cups of tea were drunk before the sky cleared enough for the first launch. 

More blue skies (Mark Layton)

 

Glenn Turpin and Pete Smith aided by Andy Pincombe worked through the two-seater flying list which was not very long as most of those present were solo pilots. Charlie West (Julian's son) had his first glider flights, Aston Key returned from a long layoff and there were two trial flights carried out by Dave Perriam and Shaun Dayman. 

The gridline (Mark Layton)

 

Flights were unspectacular and relatively short in the begin conditions with only the crosswind to contend with. The misty conditions that had plagued the start of the day were present further afield with a stunningly sharp inversion line on the horizon in all directions. Towards the end of the day it wasn't the misting canopies that halted the flying but the bright setting sun. Luckily everyone had flown at least once.

Working through the two-seater list (Dave Clements)

Despite the later than normal start there was plenty of flying to be had and enjoyed by all. Everyone worked hard all day keeping things flowing without many stoppages which was much appreciated by the instructors. - Mark Layton

Sun 2nd March

 A clear day dawned, and on the second meteorological day of spring the clouds were non-existent, the sun was shining and there was plenty of interest in flying!

The clubhouse was full and there were plenty of people to get the gliders up for flying, although there was some confusion on timings, we were set up and flying, and as the day progressed the thermals and lift got better and better and we experienced the one problem of a good flying day...  Lack of gliders!

Same as Saturday above but without the clouds (James Hood)

But we persevered and while working through the flying list was slow, by the end there were plenty of pilots that had shaken off the dust from a long winter, and here is to more flights as the weather (hopefully!) continues to improve. Thanks to all - Paul Warren (first time blogger)

Sat 1st March

The first day of Meteorological Spring  - delivered!

Clear blue skies, then wispies, and tempting looking clouds  out of reach! So James Flory was  standing in as Duty Instructor, with Stu Procter Tuggie and Andy Batchelor Duty Launch Marshall (all day).

Clouds to the south (James Hood)

 

Winching was possible with the airfield drying out in the sunny weather and  fairly strong north easterly wind. And the good forecast brought out the members and private owners in force,  with the soaring starting just before lunchtime,  Simon Minson SM, Pete Startup in 230, Rich Roberts in V5, plus the SF27  and Dan Hender rigged K6 DRE. 

Hoping the wispies work (Pete Startup)

 

Pete 230 completed a 101km out and return to Eaglescott, and Dan landed out at Brentor, but most were happy to stay local. - J&P

 

 

Thurs 27th February

 Can it be assumed that normal service has been resumed?  With three good normal club flying days on the trot (ok we'll ignore the fact that Wednesday's cancelled day was moved to Tuesday) today was surely proof that the weather has changed for the better. With lots of overnight rain the decision to aerotow initially in the cold northerly wind was a wise one.

Private gliders gridding (Shaun Dayman)

All flights apart from the initial few were soarable right up to the last launch with all the club gliders (except the DG505 which is still awaiting paperwork completion after it's 3000 hr service) in use and at times they were all in the air at the same time. They were joined by 5 private gliders (V5, W7, G29, 230 and Andy Davey in his 'other' Libelle) who all took the opportunity of the great late February soaring conditions. 

Exe Estuary glinting in the Devon sunshine (Mike Sloggett)

 By late morning the idea of attempting to do some winch launching was scuppered before it started when a K21 got stuck in the soft ground at the North West end - proving we should stick to aerotows. Retrieving the glider took a small army of willing volunteers at it had to be manoeuvred out of the axle deep hole. Unfortunately on completion the ground looked like an archeology dig on the set of Time Team.  

The usual wash and brush up (Mark Layton)

 Aerotows continued with both Simon Jordy and Alan Rappapore sharing tugging duties in the (at times) boisterous conditions. By 5pm everyone had flown, some more than once, most for an hour or more. Trial flight visitor Ian Rust-Ashford hung around all day after his initial flight, managing to have a couple more for good measure. Looks like he has well and truly got the gliding bug! - Mark Layton

Tues 25 February

 A score of members agreed that the Wednesday forecast for rain and high wind justified moving club flying to Tuesday. The morning briefing confirmed that while there was potential for winch launches, it all depended upon how the field held up given the previous heavy rain. Several wanted currency or card checks, but we had three instructors, so all working gliders were pulled out. After a small delay when the Launch Control became stuck on the north side, flying started just after 11:00. 

Blue skies and thermals (Tom Sides)

 With a favourable west wind, winch launches were reaching 1400 feet, and thermals started and extended flights were on. Landing conditions were judged sufficiently challenging that a decision was made to hoist the blue card flag, but the general flying conditions just got better and better until flying was completed at 5pm. 25 flights is nothing to complain about in February. 

Puffy white clouds in February (Tom Sides)

It was a superb day. Those wanting spin checks checked that goal, but for most, the steady northwest wind, thermals and cloud streets allowed us to re-acquaint ourselves with soaring. Thank you Peter Smith, Glenn Turpin, Martin Woolner, and JB for your instructing work. It also must be noted that the soaring season was officially opened by Pete Startup with his three hour flight. 

Towing the Disco amd Launch Control (Tom Sides)

 

 After allowing the sun and wind to partially dry out the field, Peter brought the MF tractor over to tow the Silver Disco and Launch Control from where it was left earlier. Thank you as well to Vicki for coming in and feeding the troops on your day off. - Tom Sides

Sat 22nd February

 With the recent poor weather and lack of flying, the weather for Saturday looked very promising. The challenge was the condition of the field after all the recent rain. But having  put their optimistic hats on there was a small but enthusiastic turnout when I arrived at the club just after 8. The next question was is the field up to it?  Following several pitch inspections by me, Simon Leeson and Stuart Procter it was decided aerotowing would be possible from the north side. Decisions made, we got the gliders and Disco across to the launch point area and went in to brief whilst the low cloud cleared. By this time the Clubhouse was pretty full, with lots of expectant members wanting to fly. It was therefore agreed that we would use Bumblebee along with our EuroFox to help with the towing. 

Two-tug day (Rob Hender)

 

There was a long list of people wanting spinning checks for card renewals and Neil from Mendip Gliding club who had come down specially to spin as part of his IFP rating checks. Whilst we waited for the cloud to lift Simon and I therefore took the chance to do spinning briefing.

The first tow with Simon Leeson flying the Tug and Alan Turner  and I in a K21 at 11:00 revealed not just flyable conditions but some thermals. Apart from a shower around midday the rest of the day saw improving conditions with blue skies, white fluffy clouds forming streets, some nice thermals all mixed in with a little bit of ridge lift. 

 

View of Devon from the front (Simon Leeson)

The improving conditions were echoed in the flight times with Pete Startup, Dave Perriam, Simon Leeson now in a K21 with Benjie Pitts and John Borland all getting over an hours soaring. At one point we had four club gliders all enjoying the same thermal, magic. All spinning trips were completed by Stuart and I,  and the Trial flight visitor enjoyed her flight with Tom Sides. 

Lookout! how many gliders? (James Flory)

 

Whilst many of us were enjoying the flying thanks go to all those involved in finishing the DG505’s 3000 hour check, led by Carl Tharme, George Sanderson, Pete Startup and John Burrow.

Overall a brilliant day.  The field held up well, everyone flew and most had prolonged flights, even if they were spinning. As always great team work by everyone with Rob and Sally Hender at the forefront of supporting operations, all the tug pilots present got the chance to fly and keep current, thanks to Alan Rappaport for flying Bumblebee and everyone else for making it a lovely day at North Hill.

End of a brilliant day (Simon Leeson)

 

We then concluded the day with the DSGC Charitable Trust AGM, another example of the great ethos at our Club, thanks go to all the Trustees.

Finally and most importantly of all, I know you will all join me in wishing CFI Mark a very speedy recovery. Get well soon Mark we’re missing you already and we hope to see you soon. - James Flory

Thurs 6th February

Mike Sloggett’s email on Wednesday evening  forecast a second flying day in a row for Thursday and so it was, a bright Blue sky but cold with a brisk ESE wind making it feel below zero. The club fleet (minus DG505) were all out and DI’ed before the 9:30 briefing with a good crowd of Thursday regulars present. Mike  welcomed newish members,  Josh  Howlett from Nympsfield returning to gliding after a long break and Michael Webster trying gliding after many hours of power flying. 

Bright Blue Sky and a Blue flag (Mike Horwood)

The easterly wind necessitated the long walk to the west end with five gliders and the first met flight got away  at 10:30. The strong easterly delivered excellent winch heights with at least 2 reaching 2000ft. A weak wave was in evidence North-South just east of Sheldon which turned into some rather lumpy rotor around the 1200ft level. The lee of Hembury Hill was explored for wave but none was found.  An initial yellow rating flag soon turned to blue as the easterly strengthened giving the two-seater training list good experience in the prevailing conditions. 

Mike Horwood with Mike Sloggett

 

A lunch break was called at 13:00 to give everyone a chance to warm up. The wood burner was going well - 14:00 and back to the flying list.

Mike was joined by Glenn Turpin to progress the training list and by close of play everyone had flown and most had flown twice. The last hangar flight landing at 17:05, thanks to the longer days. As we drove down the field with the launch point there was a lovely sunset over Dartmoor behind us. In all 11 solos, 18 dual. 27 winch launches and 2 aerotows (thanks Mark for Tugging) . - John Borland

Wed 5th February

 "Stand-in" Wednesday duty instructor Ron John's optimistic forecast for today didn't quite work out as predicted as the blue skies never materialised, and we spent all day under increasing cloud cover. The early crew took a Junior out of the hangar but decided against proceeding any further due to the softness of the airfield, so there was a delay until a detailed field inspection was carried out. The decision was to aerotow only and try and keep to the north as best as possible on the harder ground, as the rain during the night had made winching unadvisable. 

Aerotow only (Mark Layton)

Ron, joined by Guy Adams & Martin Woolner (plus JB) along with tug pilot Peter Field started proceedings and worked through the flying list using the two K21's with various pilots wanting training, currency flights or just to fly for fun. The Junior was used by all the rest who could fly solo aerotow. We had a visiting glider pilot, who normally flies from Nympsfield drop in for a flight and stayed all day to help. 

Sandy - solo aerotow (Mark Layton)

 

Sandy Harrup got signed off solo aerotow, which is one less to do for her glider pilot licence application. With Peter Field as the only on-site tug pilot we had to stop for an extended lunchbreak as the club house was full to bursting and Vicky did well to get everyone fed before we ventured out again. During lunch a couple of chaps in a Dimona motor glider flew in from the Mendip Gliding Club for tea & cake (the word must be spreading!)

With the need to refuel the tug there was a bit of a delay when they realised the fuel storage tank was empty (turned out to be a fuel tanker delivery issue) but Chairman Nick came to the rescue as he knew of a secret stash in the tug hangar that we could use. It worked out well as there was now enough to complete all the aerotows ensuring everyone flew. The flights were uneventful in the light winds and almost zero sink but nonetheless enjoyable. Once again it was great to retreat to the lovely & warm clubhouse before everyone went home happy. - Mark Layton

Absent Friends

Andreas Kraemer  - 3 December 1958 – 30 December 2024
 

Andreas was born and grew up in Saxony, Germany. He had a younger brother Peter and also a younger sister. Peter gave a moving tribute during the service. Andreas’s early interests  included dinghy sailing and for a number of years he regularly competed in the 420 Class. He was also a keen skier and eventually qualified as an instructor. He skied extensively in Germany and the Alps. He also loved walking in the mountains and countryside  when the snow receded, and by contrast also developed a particular affinity with the hills and moors of Ireland.
 
One of his colleagues from Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton spoke similarly. Andreas was hugely respected both for his ability and commitment, never leaving until he was satisfied  that all was as in the best order it could be.
 
He settled in Taunton with his partner Beth and as we all know was then able to purse another interest, gliding, he started flying in January 2012, going solo in September. He was measured and cautious and very safety conscious. He was also  one of most modest, polite, caring people one could ever wish to meet and loved every minute airborne, but equally happy to drive the retrieve until someone told him he had to stop.
 
He passed away aged 66 on 30th December after a short illness.  We were fortunate to enjoy his company, we will miss him.  - Peter Smith 

 

Rick Andrews  - 8 October 1949 – 1 December 2024

 

There was a large congregation for Rick’s funeral, and the many tributes to him spoke much of a lifetime of dedicated service, most particularly as a military helicopter pilot, and latterly his unstinting work for the local community, which he ably represented as, inter alia,  the town’s mayor. 

Rick started gliding in March 2013, solo in a glider in July, achieving Bronze and Cross Country endorsement in 2014.

A poignant element of the traditional service was the gathering of Rick’s former colleagues who touchingly delivered a rendition of the Army Air Corp Song.
A reception later took place in the Bradninch Guildhall. - Barbara Fairclough