So, it’s the 18th of December, we have had constant depressions rushing in from the Atlantic for what seems like an eternity. Is it really worth going to the gliding club? YES!
The faithful few turned up early on what was a beautiful morning if a little cold (but not bitter); the journey to the club was tricky due to ice in the lanes but for those who braved the drive it was going to be quite a special winter’s day. With mostly blue skies, flying started around 1030.
Lisa must have had a fault with her alarm clock because she appeared before 0900 (You read it here first). Closely followed by Andrew M, their faces looked like they were waiting for root canal treatment, all was to be revealed!
Whilst the worker ants got the kit out and rigged the DG 505, Simon M drove across the field as if on a mission, and he was. It was to be the day that Lisa and Andrew were to be tested for their Assistant rating completion (no wonder they looked tense). They need not have worried though as they both passed with flying colours, the masses can now look forward to them running the field on their own (after Lisa has applied her lippy of course).
Meanwhile Rowan was encouraged by Mark C (new keen tuggy) to have an air tow to practice flying from the back whilst talking to a pretend “blogs” in the front, in this case young Will Bond. Will, who has not been able to come up for a while looked as pleased as a tramp with a tenner. Will and Liam were in for another treat later in the day when JB’s beautiful KA 6CR was towed to the launch point; they both flew the little six and loved it! It is really nice to see the younger members at our club enjoying the sport that we all love.
As soon as the members started to launch it was clear that despite the wind being fairly light (7 to 9 knots) the ridge was working to about 1400 ft and weak wave could be contacted allowing a couple of extended Junior flights of around one hour each. Those who ventured into the valley could also work long lines of lift. Roly flew some new members and soon the fleet was fully utilised.
Paul Summers and Dan J continued B.I. training with Mark C. Members had to be called down to ensure that everyone got a chance to fly, quite remarkable considering the conditions of late.
Lunch time saw the club house buzzing with enthusiasm with a really good number enjoying the excellent catering.
Flying stopped around 1545 with misting canopies, the gliders needed a really good wash down before being put to bed, but with a good number of “scrubbers” to hand it did not take long. With one of the K21s being de rigged and put into the workshop there was room in the hanger for JB’s beautiful K6.
On a lighter note, for those of you who did not know, John St is testing some new hearing aids that have been developed by NASA. His only complaint was that he could hear bar orders being taken at Dunkeswell. “Quite distracting“, he commented.
What a wonderful early Xmas treat for all those who attended.
MC and Henry
