It was sunny from early and members started arriving full of expectation. The forecast was giving locally soarable although not fantastic, and a lighter north easterly wind than previous days.
Thanks to John Si for volunteering to run the field for the Bank Holiday, and to the other Instructors who helped out.
During the morning flights were quite short, and soarable looking cumulus could be seen in the distance around the horizon. By lunchtime, a few wisps were seen nearer the airfield which generated a little rush on the aerotow queue.
Pete St 230 was seen soaring to the north of the field and then Eric G29 decided to take a 3000ft launch. Pete and Jill in OLtook a tow to 2000ft and then immediately ran the engine for the post annual shakedown. The wispy clouds near to the airfield lasted only about 2-3 minutes each making it very difficult to get away from the winch, but some longer lasting ones developed towards Wellington. Somehow 230 managed to stay airborne but G29 and OL both had to run the turbos a second time.
The wind picked up a little in the afternoon, but once the warm sun was on the west ridge with some wind shadow, the thermals woke up somewhat - but it was quite shortlived with a rapid cutoff.
There was a large number of visitors passing through for a chat and a cup of tea in the lovely Bank Holiday weather.
3 out of 4 days this weekend - hopefully a sign of things to come, and the first two swallows were spotted over the hangar. - J&P
