Yet another cold start but with a ridge developing, RASP was promising much. There seemed to be a lot more north in the wind than forecast and rather a lot of cloud, but with first launch before 9:30, it wasn't long before the cloud started to break more and cloudbase increased dramatically, and there was soaring in the good air. The veil of top cover didn't seem to restrict the thermals too much.
Aerotows were quite exciting with the crosswind and the buoyant air crossing the ridge, and most flights were able to get away from the winch.
The task was set with Dorchester and Whiddon Down in mind, but the conditions always looked better to the east. Ron & Dan Johns in 711, Pete Startup in 230 and Wyn Davies in W7 all headed off and enjoyed some good runs (and views) along the south coast. Pete reached 6500ft in wave assisted thermals, but all abandoned the attempt to get to Whiddon Down with the veil of top cover and strong headwind.
Matthew Williamson was given the chance to experience ASW20 611 and revelled in the sheer performance.
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| South Coast from 611 (Matthew Williamson) |
Lisa Humphries and Stu Procter took a K21 aiming for both coasts. Jeff Taberham in 380 explored more of Devon & Somerset than he has seen before.
Paul Summers provided two excellent Trial lessons for our visitors, before disappearing in the Cirrus for a whizz.
Everyone who flew agreed it was a superb April day with ballistic climbs, clear air, fantastic visibility (dewpoint was -2degC). Thanks to Stu, Martin and Phil for getting through the flying list although it was rather quiet due to the Bank holiday.
The pundits on their long tasks from up country turned Plymouth, Bovey and Crediton but all found it a little tricky past Exeter. - J&P
Don's Bench
For those who have visited the Club recently, you may have noticed a new addition just outside the Clubhouse.
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| Don Connolly 1929 -2014 |
Don Connolly began
gliding in 1945 and pursued a very productive flying career, spanning
six decades and the whole spectrum of glider design. He was a long
term member of DSGC: whilst living in Kent and gliding from Challock he
made many visits to Dunkeswell and North Hill, where he kept a share in
the Pik 20b. Don and Peggy moved to Exmoor in 1991, when Don became a
full member, basing his ASW 20 and, later, Discus, here at North Hill,
from where he completed many long cross country flights.
Lasham, Gransden Lodge and Husbands Bosworth were also favourite haunts, but Don had great affection for our club and, when illhealth curtailed his soaring activities, he still loved to visit the club occasionally and exchange tales with his old chums.
This beautifully crafted bench, so generously donated by Peggy, will serve as a lasting memorial to a lovely man and, from time to time, afford a little comfort to weary glider pilots. - MIke & Barbie Fairclough
Lasham, Gransden Lodge and Husbands Bosworth were also favourite haunts, but Don had great affection for our club and, when illhealth curtailed his soaring activities, he still loved to visit the club occasionally and exchange tales with his old chums.
This beautifully crafted bench, so generously donated by Peggy, will serve as a lasting memorial to a lovely man and, from time to time, afford a little comfort to weary glider pilots. - MIke & Barbie Fairclough
