On arrival at North Hill today we were greeted by the weather station
reading -0.5 deg C and an enthusiastic looking John Si emptying the
hangar. The -0.5 deg C was just a slight hint at what conditions on the
south west corner of the airfield might be like. With a 15 knot,
average easterly, the general consensus once the first brave souls had
arrived in the God forsaken corner, seemed to be " *** freezing!". These conditions also meant onesies were
cleared for use (only if you're old enough - as per the handbook). Once
the huge rush to fill the vacant roles of winch driver, logger and
cable retrieve had happened, the unlucky/slower members began
launching/slowly freezing, under the control of Dave W.
John
Si was first to be launched into a perfectly blue sky with Matt Sm.
After a whole term of not flying, and an amazing sounding Christmas Eve
session on the ridges with Trevor Stuart (Nympsfield), he was keen to
get 'checked out', and back in the air. With James H instructing in the
second aircraft, the modest size list looked like an easily achievable
task. The strong wind gave high launches which was useful as lift of
any kind seemed absent. Matt Wi got some further 'back seat'
experience. Flying that is.
Being
Christmas, the modest list had started to expand with 'friends and
family' names. Tom S bought his future son in law along and Monica
visiting from Holland was with Paul S. All other names were a 'job lot'
by John P. Andrew, Wendy, Max and daughter Anna. For those of you
struggling to remember Anna, your memory hasn't failed you. In all her
16 years, John has never taken her gliding. Ever. Anna, fellow club
members, has been deprived by one of our own. All this despite the fact
she's good at Chemistry. Feel free to have a friendly 'chat' with John
next time you see him. Meanwhile we have decided to assign her a
mentor to assist with the situation. Someone that can help persuade
John to fly at any given opportunity. Matt Wi it is. See you soon
Anna! Feedback from family and friends was positive, no doubt aided by
the amazing views on offer on such a sunny winters day.
Pete
W turned up around lunchtime to help instruct. He decided to break
with the day's tradition and go bravely in search of wave to the north
west of Dunkeswell with Tim P. Some possible rotor-like activity was
found, but sadly no wave. John Si carried on instructing, among others, Gerry who is learning the differences between microlights and gliders.
James H continued instructing in between supervising(?) the waxing and
polishing of KEK. JB and Matt Wr have been on this job for at least two
solid days now. Matt Wi did a stint as apprentice, with a beginners
attempt of three hours. Andrew L was also busy carrying out the other
preparation for its inspection. There are no doubt others involved in
this and many other tasks which can easily go unnoticed by everyone, so
the club thanks you gentlemen.
 |
| Dunkeswell from the North Hill circuit (James H) |
The
wind had slowly dropped off in strength throughout the day (not before 3
black links had been broken) and the temperature slowly risen to what
must have been a balmy 3 or 4 degrees C. This put everyone in a much
more jovial mood. The word 'thermal' was heard at one point, although
sometimes it seems tales of gliding can be similar to tales of fishing.
The flag had been downgraded to a yellow, and John Si was on the hunt
for the final name on that list. Dave W. After not flying for quite
some time, a flight with James saw him cleared for the last but one
flight of the day in the Junior, and a hanger landing. The last flight
of the day of course was Hen. . . oh . . no it wasn't. It was John Si
with Matt Sm along for the ride - some aerobatics followed by a hanger
landing. "Hanger landings . . the only good thing about flying from the
south west corner" was a phrase uttered this morning.
Many
thanks to all those that hung around in the somewhat inclement
conditions today to ensure everything ran smoothly including (but not
limited to), Tom S, Paul S, Dave W and Gordon H on the winch, Barry who
travelled all the way from Plymouth to drive the retrieve for most of
the afternoon without flying, Pete W for standing in as instructor, and
all the members that carried out retrieving and launching duties. Not
forgetting of course, the man/machine John Si who instructed all day!
Another worthwhile winter flying day. - Tim P
