Wednesday 31st August

The last day of official summer started with low cloud and a southwesterly wind - so a delay to start, John Sillett gave a talk on spinning whilst John Street with a couple of helpers unpacked the hangar.

We were just about to start flying with a met flight but had to stop because of a light drizzle and a lowering cloud base made us postpone  the first flight so an early lunch was called.

Low cloud and drizzle stops us flying (John Street)

 The afternoon started badly with frequent showers and orographic cloud forming, better weather was forecast to arrive later in the day, so enough people stayed on, more in hope than expectation and some passed the time trying how not to fly the flight simulator with mixed success.

John Street made several visits to the West end of the field to see if the promised good weather was likely to arrive before people started drifting away.

On what was going to be the last visit before packing up, the weather started to clear, at the same time the wind veered to the northwest, so as the remaining orographic was clearing we changed sides.

Better weather after the clearance (John Street)

It turned out to be be a very pleasant afternoon, rewarding those who stayed on.

Tim Petty managed another three solo flights, and Reuben Buss made up for missing out on flying on Monday. Roly looked after the visitors, everyone had a very pleasant afternoon and there was a bit of ridge lift and nice gentle thermals we finished flying at about 6:15pm.  - John Street

Bank Holiday Monday 29th August

The preceding week’s flurry of enthusiasm online for Monday flying fired up by prospective good Met. resulted in a large number of members showing up early for bank holiday flying. By 9:00am, not only was there a long flying list but all the equipment was already out with the hanger emptying and many privateers starting to rig. The expected clear and sunny day also turned out as promised but with, as yet, few signs of the copious lift that some had foreseen.

Fog in the Honiton valley is not normally a good sign

However, the first launches went ahead well before 10:00am, and by then more than 20 aircraft were either on queuing for winch or tug launch or appearing from their trailers and rigging.

Low cloud forming on the south ridge

From later in the morning, a constant stream of tug launches sent many private gliders off to destinations around Devon,  Somerset and Dorset, with many not returning until flying tailed off around 5:00pm. Meanwhile, both K21s & and Juniors plus the DG505, K6s and R37 spent most of the afternoon busy with card checks, solo checks and general flying. Attempts to soar had mixed results: some found nothing and returned after 5 minutes circuits having only briefly found the usual downwind lift over the Forest Glade campsite while others were fortunate enough to find 4kts or more up nearby and were quickly up to cloudbase around 3000 feet. 

Congratulations to George Vojtisek, who successfully completed his navigation exercise with Mark Courtney gaining his cross-country endorsement.

Unfortunately a few people on the list, including some early-birds, didn’t get to fly because the necessary mix of instructors wasn’t available on this ad-hoc flying day. However, a generally-successful and busy day with the sky filled with gliders for hours. - Tim Petty

Cross-country flying (from BGA ladder)
The task was set as 310Kms NHL- Blandford - Culmstock - Iwerne Minster - NHL and Pete Startup 230, Matt Wright M5 and Phil Morrison all completed the task with Matt breezing round at 85 kph. Ron & Dan in ASH25 711 did a slight variation for more kms by turning Crediton and Dorchester - and then going on to Bampton - 360kms total.

JB started a bit later and couldn't complete the task due to the sea air but still did 280kms turning Crewkerne and Crediton. 
Pete & Jill in OL launched even later and decided to ignore the task and follow the energy, which took them to Eggesford, Crewkerne and Tiverton with a good sea breeze leg for 193Kms.- J&P

26th August - Yea Story of yea Tournament of Pocklington AD2016

And so it came to pass that the noblemen of the lands of Yorkshire did summon their heralds to proclaim the annual two seat tournament of Pocklington. Word reached the southern estates of Lord Jones of Hemyock and he did call upon his Faithfull knights to give service in the quest for glory in forth coming contest.

It was with good heart that the Lord and his band of Sir JB of Taunton, Sir Phillip of Exmouth, Sir Pursey of the S Hams and the enchanted man known as Magic Malcolm trekked north in a cavalcade of wagons taking with them many and various vittles with which to endure in the forth coming battles. Precious caskets from the lands of Jura did sit prominently in Lord Jones’ wagon as he navigated the pilgrims’ route known as the M18. His fortress established with dining hall, kitchens and knights’ quarters, a flag was raised and feasting commenced. Much merriment was had and foods from exotic lands prepared in the kitchens and consumed along with much ale and wines. The precious caskets from Jura were broached…

Best Wood for yea Team Eagle

Suitably prepared and emboldened, the knights started the first round of the tournament.

Strong winds from the NW brought much turmoil and excitement to the air, with clouds showing varied forms and heights. Sir Phillip took with him the wizard as he prepared the mighty Albatross, his faithful steed. Sir JB and Sir Pursey brought forth the noble Eagle and sat in trepidation as the men of the north readied their craft. The day proved a challenge too far for the more venerable craft with all but the Eagle retreating to the land of Pocklington as the demons in the sky showered rotors and eddies to tear the craft from the sky. Sir JB with much skill fought to keep the Eagle aloft but skimming a magical forest and with wild hogs adjacent, a field recently cleared by local peasantry was a welcome refuge.

 

Yea giant fields of gold

Meanwhile with enchantments from the wizard, the Albatross prevailed and rode to lands beyond the Banks of Sutton and back down the glorious Vale of York. Sir Phillip came unstuck when a wicked weather goblin filled the sky with clouds and cast the mighty Albatross down into a field near the parish of Wetherby. Lord Jones sent knights and local serfs with the loyal Disco 4 to retrieve for the Albatross had endured a weakness in it's main gear on settling. Sir Phillip tended his steed and all was well. Lord Jones decreed that feasting should commence and all manner of fine foods procured from a guy operated by a maiden from the East. Ale was consumed and the caskets from Jura broached.

The next day brought rain but the heralds summoned the combatants and proclaimed Sir JB the day winner for venerable craft. Lord Jones announced that a banquet should be held and sent word to the visiting knights with craft of Wood. Fires were lit and Paella was served, much ale and wine consumed and all was good. 

Sir Pusey's Paella Pan

The weather demons retreated the next day and in doing so left few markers of atmospheric excitement. Hot winds from southern regions made the knights sweat as the craft were readied. Sir Pursey took the Lord Jones on a mission of folly and exhausted all his energies low over the Planes of Elvington. A cruel trickster of a buzzard led the Eagle to where grains had been recently harvested and day was over. Sir Phillip and Sir JB made light work of the demons work and despite the chastening of the previous graze, took brave passage to Knaresborough and beyond returning triumphant. Lord Jones decreed that a feast be held and the band took to a tavern, joined by the fair maiden, Linden of Knaresborough. Many tales were told and all was good. 

 

Yea mighty Albatross of Sir Philip

The following day the heralds revealed that through knavish trickery the venerable craft were also to compete with the white beasts from the land of Puchacz! Sir JB sought the skills of the wizard and Sir Phillip took Sir Pursey on a quest across and up the Vale. Lord Jones’ knights prevailed and returned safely so he decreed that feasting should commence and the caskets of Jura opened. 

The rains arrived and so the Lord ordered an inspection of the northern lands. The Lady Gill of Exmouth prepared a feast for the Lord’s return and much merriment had. On the advice of the maiden Linden, a magic potion known as Gaviscon was used to supplement the waters of Jura. 

Friday brought the news that the wise elder of met had had visions of great joy in the sky and so urged the knights to be ready to visit the whole realm. Sir Phillip took on Alan of Essex, a loyal footman of Sir Pursey and the Lord of Hemyock challenged Sir Pursey to leave the Vale. And so came the mighty deciding battle. Fresh winds made the melee at first castle North of York a challenge and brought much urging of the venerable Eagle to prevail. From almost tree roosting height, below the tops of the Wolds, the Eagle endured and brought it level with the venerable craft of dastardly Baron Fox, the king’s own ambassador for flying tuition. From here varied routes were taken under the clouds but both craft crossed the Humber together heading south to the Vale of Trent where legend has tale of dragons breathing fire from monstrous nostrils that line the Trent. 

Nostrils of the Trent?

Sight was lost of the by now lower Baron and Lord Jones declared it a sign that his forces would triumph! The untouchable Albatross romped down the Vale to Grantham and then out west before sailing home. However much flying was being exerted to take the Eagle to the parish of Newark and then to head north. Word was received that those knavish folk of Puchacz were in a mighty quest and indeed one was sighted as the Eagle sought refuge round the dragons nostrils. Sadly the dragons did not breathe on that day and Sir Pursey had to resort to enchantments and holy recitals to survive. One mighty climb over the hamlet of Scunthorpe to the pair to 5000’ but the sky demons had added high cloud and removed all traces of usable lift. Sir Pursey took Lord Jones to another area cleared by locals and only 15k from the Land of Pock. By careful manoeuvring the Eagle took down with its talons a goblin disguised as a hare. The lord summoned his Disco 4 and in act of pity the dead goblin placed in a magic Tesco “bag for life” but alas the poor creature had already gone to enchanted lands. With 230k recorded the Lord declared it time for feasting and rejoicing. Fires were lit and the young squire Williamson sent for vittles. Late into the evening went the tomfoolery and japes before fatigue hit all. 

Yea goblin hare struck down by giant eagle

The next day the herald’s cry brought news that Lord Jones’ and Sir Pursey’s efforts had brought the most slender of leads. With poor weather forecast Lord Jones declared it a holiday, promptly drank a flagon of wine and went to sleep. That evening much merriment was had. 

Much merriment!

 With rain to follow the nobles of the North declared the tournament over and proclaimed the Eagle as the best wooden craft. Sir Phillips efforts were valiant but by knavish twist the size of his steed was made to count against him and more nimble craft prevailed.

Lord Jones then issued orders to return to the southern land and the flag was lowered. So ended the 2016 Tournament of Pocklington. - Sir JP

Saturday 27th August

The now usual North Hill low cloud struck again today, but not before a few training and check flights were completed. 
At lunch time there were some really good cloudscapes of  Undulatus Asperatus, which we all tried to capture on camera. - Shame it never looks quite as good as real life!

Undulatus Asperatus (James Hood)

Roly was put through his paces for his BI revalidation checks by Simon Leeson. 

Oscar on no2 - K21 trailer (Simon Leeson)

Well done to Oscar Leeson for single handedly cleaning 4 club glider trailers. - J&P

Friday 26th August

There was a very small turnout for the ad-hoc flying day today, but good soarable conditions saw OL with Pete Harmer and Pete Startup fly 184Kms round Sturminster Newton and Mudford Gate, and VG flying for a few hours in the afternoon. Thanks to Simon Leeson for tugging. - J&P

In the evening, the last group of Air Cadets from (Torquay and Taunton) .....

200 Torquay squadron (Terry Butcher)

..... for this summer enjoyed a pleasant evenings flying.

Just completed in time for sunset (Mike Sloggett)

There was a slightly delayed start requested by the Red Arrows transit, but the evening display at Sidmouth was viewed from the air. - Mike Sloggett

Thursday 25th August

The forecast was never going to generate a high level of interest but we could reasonably expect  a day for training and check flights and a reasonable number of regulars and some new faces gathered early. Low cloud dampened the enthusiasm, but with a glimmer of sunshine, kit and gliders were out and made ready, and then the cloud returned even lower.

 

The rainfall radar showed a band of showers, so briefings and tea prevailed. By late morning little had changed so an early lunch was the order. The sky lifted and brightened (or at least we convinced ourselves it did) so a met flight was decreed - which prompted a shower and retreat to the launch point. Shower done, we launched - but 800ft was as high as it went. 2 two-seaters was the call for simulated launch failures. This produced some interesting variations and some amusement with Chris Wool, Paul Carpenter and Peter Smith in the back seats.. 

Chris Wool and Rick Andrews in the gloomy skies (Dave Clements)

More showers developed and a wall of cloud across the west end of the field brought proceedings to a premature close. Those who stayed for yet more tea enjoyed a tantalising glimpse of the sun but it never became flyable and the call "abandoning evening flying" was inevitable.   

The trailer parking area south of the tug hangar has had an amazing facelift, many thanks to Stirling Melhuish and Nick Jones  for their work on that. It opens up a large area for gainful use and is a much improved approach to the club. - Peter Smith

Wednesday 24th August

A disappointing day all round there was a large crowd of hopefuls waiting to fly, Peter Field was standing in for John Sillett (who was running a course at Yeovilton), the field was set up for a northwesterly wind in the light Northerly.

Then things started to go pear shaped, after the winch was started, it stopped, then refused to start again, luckily William who understands the Skylaunch strange ways worked his magic and got it going.

William works some magic whilst Geoff and Tim try to pick up tips (John Street)

Meanwhile at the sharp end the wind had picked up to a brisk northeasterly so all the toys were walked up to the southwest corner.

John Street and Mike Fitz had the first flight followed by Peter Field, it was decided that due to the poor visibility and the low cloud we would stop for an early lunch.

The low cloud had gone by the time lunch was over, Peter Field had to stop flying due to a bad back.

Roly took care of the visitors who all had a good day though the conditions were unsuitable for aerotows, we soldiered on for the rest of the day until the wind backed to the northwest so we flew all the gliders to the East end of the field by this time there was a problem with the winch again, that was the end of club flying for Wednesday.

Due to the conditions and the various problems not all members flew, thankfully we handed the field to Lisa and her Trial lesson evening, ( it was noted that by this time the wind had returned to a brisk North-easterly!) -John Street

Capital Air Ambulance evening (Lisa Humphries)

Capital Air Ambulance staff all enjoyed a lovely evening at North Hill. The wind was still a pain, firstly a bit of northwest but then quite easterly, after a few launches we decided to get the Tug out (James Hood grinning from ear to ear!) and launch from the southwest corner. Everyone had a great night, and the club BBQ was put to good use (and cleaned afterwards!).

Thanks to all our helpers, once again a great team, and thanks to James and Stuart for flying. - Lisa Humphries

Sunday 21st August

A small but hardy group of members turned up more in optimistic hope than real expectation having seen the forecast - with much ensuing looking up at grey skies, followed by orders for breakfast and mugs of tea and with evident wishing for the sun and blue skies to appear. Conversation and cuppa over, the decision was taken to make the most of the day before a forecast weather front arrived.

The launch point and winch run were set up in the South East and North West corners of the field respectively, meanwhile the K21s, the DG505 and a Junior were brought out of the hangar and readied for the day, as was the Pawnee.

Simon M (SM), Mark C (ENW) and Pete S (230) rigged their gliders in the confidence that the sky would improve as the day unfolded.

As launching got under way mid-morning then the sky did improve and with some thermic activity evident, as well as the ridge working reasonably well in places, at one stage there were 6 gliders and the Pawnee all in the air at the same time.

Paul Summers completed an aerotow trial lesson and family and friends in KEK during the morning. Paul Kane had some 'fun' flying the DG505 in preparation for flying the Pegase.

However the approaching weather front had steadily been creeping closer and closer to the field and by around lunchtime the private glider pilots had all decided that it would be good to land and put their gliders away dry.

As the light rain appeared the decision was made to stop for lunch with the gliders all parked carefully 'just in case' the weather deteriorated further.

Lunch taken, and with the weather radar suggesting there might be a clearance later in the afternoon, most of those present decided to test their skills on the simulator.

And then there was a knock on the door saying  that the light rain was getting heavier so with coats and hats on (it is October after all!) the gliders and kit were all put away for the day.

Putting gliders away, mid-afternoon in August, wearing coats - what!! - (Mike Sloggett)

Thank you to those members who helped get others in to the air but due to the weather did not get the same opportunity. Let us hope that the forecast of more sunny weather for the rest of August is correct... - Mike Sloggett

Thursday 18th August

The forecast slow start was entirely accurate, and there was a lot of briefings, gardening and fettling going on. By lunchtime, it was still quite grey but the murk did look as though it was starting to break up. 

When a Red Arrow passed overhead giving us a cloudbase check, we were encouraged to get the rest of the kit out, and first launch was at 15:19.

'Bloggs' being awkward as usual (Mark Layton)

Wooly was being checked out by Mark Courtney on his 3 year Instructor checks. 

Will Stainer first solo with Peter Smith (Jill Harmer)

Highlight of the day was Will Stainer having some simulated launch failures before flying  K21 solo - Congratulations Will. - J&P

Wednesday 17th August

A southeasterly wind saw the gliders walked to the northwest corner, the forecast was not promising with a hot start and a weather front arriving in the afternoon.

A hot start and blue sky (John Street)

There was no soaring to be had except for a hint of wave on the early flights and a few thermals but nothing to soar in. Tim Petty continued his solo flying before the conditions became a bit tricky.

Mike Fitz brought some family members up for a return flight on their 3 month membership, Roly flew the three Trial lesson flights that included a mile high flight.

The high cloud was evident from lunchtime (John Street)

Pete Warren was the tuggie for the day and managed a bit of instructing as well to help out the two Johns with the instructing.

The evening group flying was cancelled due to the forecast, just as well,  as the rain started as we were putting the toys away! - John Street

Sunday 14th August

Blue sky and sunshine greeted us at the club although a distant bank of cloud to the north west was a slight concern for those intending to depart for places far afield given an encouraging forecast.

The launch point was set up in the south west corner and flying started from there with Fran Knowles being put through her paces by Ron Johns before flying the K21 solo and thoughtfully bringing it back after a short soaring flight so that others could fly. Meanwhile David Herbert completed Card Checks and had a long soaring flight in the Junior.

CFI Martin was keeping John Sillett alert in the K13 on 5 year checks.  The DG505 went off on a cross country, so club flying had to work around the K21s so the list didn't progress as rapidly as we would have liked to see on a good soaring day.  JB pitched in enthusiastically for the afternoon session and amongst others Will Stainer was introduced to the art of spin recovery.

3 trial lessons were flown including a mile high and all enjoyed soaring flights with strong thermals but also inevitably there were areas of serious sink. - Peter Smith

With the first day of a ridge of high pressure and light northeasterly winds forecast, RASP was also going for reasonable conditions with a south coast convergence forecast, the North Hill soaring section set off on cross-countries led by Pete Startup in 230 on the Club 200.

Other early launchers were John Pursey and Nick Jones in the Eagle, Matthew Williamson in 611, Tom Sides in DG1,  James Hood and Paul Summers in JZK, Pete Bennett in HEB. Cloud base was still quite low at Chard and most headed back for the better conditions at North Hill. Pete Startup caught the better weather up, but the Eagle didn't have the pace to get out of the spreadout  near the Cerne Abbas giant and landed near Dorchester.

Meanwhile James Flory in 877 had set off with a 50km attempt in mind to Sherborne. Visitor Andrew Cluskey in his Shark Turbo turned Bovingdon and then headed west but had to turn the jet on to avoid the small fields at Ivybridge. Two hours later Pete & Jill in OL set off to the east turning The Park and Cullompton. 

Cloudbase never got very high and the strong sink was always a little challenging, for some reason the south coast convergence never materialised except in the minds of the Lashamites who arrived en-masse in Devon and Cornwall.

James after completing his Silver distance (Jill Harmer)

Congratulations to James Flory for completing his Silver distance. - J&P

 

 

Saturday 13th August

Kit was unpacked at 8:30am, however typical North Hill weather prevented us from flying due to low cloud. Club members entertained themselves in some simulator flying and several theory briefings on circuit planning and ridge lift by Martin Woolner.

Another grey start (Lukasz Kieruczenko)

At around 12:30 a met flight was flown by myself and Steve Westlake. Unfortunately cloud base was only around 1300ft so some simulated launch failures were carried out.

Just over an hour later the weather opened up along with plenty of  thermal lift giving members 30 -40 minute flights. Lukasz managed to soar to around 3,000ft and stayed up for 86 mins, the longest flight of the day, well done Lukasz.

Soarable later (Will Stainer)

As the afternoon progressed Paul Summers flew Lukasz’s friend Pawel for his first flight. He managed 22 mins, with Pawel definitely considering taking up gliding. Club member Andreas Kraemer turned up just to help on the ground, to his surprise he managed to get in a 40 min flight.

James Hood eagerly waiting all day for someone to take an aerotow finally got to tow Stuart Procter in the DG505, Paul Summers in a K21 and Graham Hawker also in the DG505.

Aerotows for James (Lukasz Kieruczenko)

With open blue skies lift died off towards 6:30pm with myself catching the last bit of thermal activity over the ridge before coming back down 5 mins later. Kit was packed up at around 6:45pm. - Will Stainer

Friday 12th August

Nine Air Cadets and their two members of staff enjoyed a fantastic evening’s gliding at North Hill today. 

Air Cadets from Plymouth and Cornwall (James Hood)

The cadets from Plymouth and Cornwall Wing had travelled up from Okehampton and Devonport for the evening’s gliding. 

Stu Procter flying an Air Cadet in DG505 (James Hood)

Each cadet got to fly twice in one of the club’s gliders and experience the excitement of a winch launch. The club’s instructors then gave them the chance to have a go at flying the glider and to enjoy the magic of flying without an engine.  

Great evening views (James Hood)

Fortunately the summer weather behaved and everyone had a great evening with glorious views across the mid-Devon countryside. - James Flory

Thursday 11th August

The forecast from Wednesday was for "quite a pleasant day", but looking at RASP this morning, there were some good indications of wave activity at two different levels and plenty of evidence of lenticulars to the west.

Lenticulars in evidence (Eric Alston)

The first launch found some "strange ridge lift" that worked above 1000ft but not below. Then the challenge was taken up by Pete Startup 230, Matt Wright M5 and Eric Alston G29 who worked their way up to find first the 3000ft wave system, and then climbed up to the north by Wellington monument to reach the higher system at FL100 conveniently outside the airway. However the airway restricted exploration upwind.

M5 and 230 playing in the wave (Pete Startup)

Most flights got easily into the lower system including our visitor Andrew Cluskey from Saltby with his jet Shark.

Spot the gliders showing the two wave systems (Jill Harmer)

With the planned transit of the Red Arrows up the M5 past Wellington in the afternoon, Pete Harmer made a quick call to Exeter ATC to advise them of our unusual operations in the wave, and then Red 1 made a call on 130.1 as they were passing.

While all this excitement was going on there was Congratulations to Tim Petty who achieved his third first solo - Power, Balloon and now Gliding.

Congrats to Tim Petty (Will Stainer)

And congratulations to Malcolm Vest for converting to the Eagle, and George Sanderson for flying the Junior.

Malcolm Vest with JB and the Eagle (Lizzie Westcott)

And another first, James Hood having converted to the Pawnee yesterday, made his first Aerotow from the front of the rope - there will be no stopping him now!

James Hood making his first aerotow (Paul Kane)

It was certainly a pleasant day with 58 flights in total, (17 flights of more than an hour), and 5 gliders flying for more than 3 hours in the quite unusual conditions for North Hill. - J&P

Wednesday 10th August

A totally overcast start to the day yet on the second flight 30 minutes soaring was achieved, but there was no more soaring in the morning. In the afternoon the weather gradually cleared giving some late soaring.

Lizzie Westcott had her white card check with John Sillett and went on to have a half hour flight.

JB giving the Eagle an airing (John Street)

 JB and Nick Jones had some soaring and also a good cloud climb in the Eagle, Nigel Everett in the DG 300 was the only other private glider to fly today.

Latest addition to the Tug pilot team (John Street)

Well done to James Hood who is our latest tuggie and the youngest, he got cleared by Ian Mitchell. - John Street.

Monday 8th August

A nice group from the Environment Agency tonight, everyone had a great flight and some possible new members. The ridge was very weak but beautiful views, after a day in the office it just makes you realise how lucky we are to enjoy such a hobby. 

Great visibility (Lisa Humphries)

 Both K21's and the K13 were busy all evening thanks to our helpers Stirling, Allan, Sam, Richard and Tim for making it all run so smoothly. 

Sunset  (Lisa Humphries)

I also saw the brief for T/L evenings prepared by James Flory, top job and makes everything much easier for the general public to understand! - Lisa Humphries

Sunday 7th August

Low cloud and mist greeted members this morning. After much tea drinking this eventually burnt off and flying commenced at 1100. Several flights were made in both K21’s by instructors Peter Field and Pete Warren before an actual cable break forced us to operate with one cable whilst the other was being changed.  None the less this did not slow the launch rate with a number of private gliders taking a winch launch as well.

Justin Wills and Rowan Smith set off in the DG505 for a cross-country flight, landing out near Silverton paper mill several hours later,  after some soaring over Exeter (with thanks to Exeter ATC) ......

Soaring over Exeter (Rowan Smith)

......and ridge running at Ottery St Mary. 

Justin and Rowan land near Silverton in a big field (Rowan Smith)

It was great to see Justin and Gillian again this year, and a big thanks to Justin for his time in DG505 coaching some of our members.

As the day progressed a strong amount of lift was found on the northwest ridge giving some members some good flights.

JB stepped in to instruct in the afternoon, which was much appreciated by club members.  Along with Pete Warren they managed to work their way through the flying list. With the wind gusting to 25kts towards the end of the day a yellow card was raised. Several yellow card check flights were carried out with gliders being packed away at around 19:00.

Many thanks to all that helped replace the broken cable mid-morning and all that helped to pack the gliders away. - Will Stainer

Saturday 6th August

It was another very busy North Hill day, with soaring conditions fairly tricky to start with. The club fleet was busy all day and there were 14 private owners hoping for slightly higher cloudbases than the 2000ft.

Busy day at North Hill (Will Stainer)

Congratulations to Ben Summers for flying his first solo  - just got to catch up younger sister Jess now.

John Sillett congratulates Ben Summers for first solo (John Sillett)

Pete Startup set some tasks and 230 and SM set off  for Bishops Caundle, Westbury and Sturminster Newton followed by Justin Wills with Mark Wallis in DG505 who headed off for Lasham.

In the event they all got caught out just a little short with Simon Minson landing at  Yeovil Westland, Pete Startup landing at Yeovil Showground and Justin and Mark in DG505 at Henstridge, but a good effort all round. - J&P

Friday 5th August - Course Week

The final day of the August Course week, and we were expecting the best weather of the week according to the forecast, but there was a white tablecloth hanging over North Hill in the morning, and it seemed quite reluctant to shift, until the wind picked up a bit. During the morning, the cloudbase was frustratingly low at ~1100ft. Around lunchtime there was even a drop of rain, but the sky improved eventually and visibility became sparkling.

Pete Startup flew 230, Jess Summers got the K6 out and Justin Wills and Nick Jones flew the Eagle.  Mark Courtney, Simon Leeson and JB spent the day doing Instructor coaching for some wannabe Instructors from Dartmoor and Culdrose.

Pete Harmer congratulates Charlie Stuckey (Jill Harmer)

The Course members all had good soaring flights and progressed by leaps and bounds. Highlight of the week was 14yr old Charlie Stuckey going solo. - Congratulations Charlie.

August Course (Jill Harmer)

Thanks to the Instructors Pete Harmer and Chris Wool and the Helpers Aston Key, Richard Harris and Jill Harmer.  - J&P

Thursday 4th August

The sun quickly burnt off the low cloud this morning, but the northwesterly wind picked up at the same time. It was soarable from the first launch, with the course members making up for lost time earlier in the week.  It became clear that the conditions were going to be good, but still tricky in the gusty wind. 

K13 launching into a great looking sky (Mark Layton)

For Justin Wills cross-country coaching in the DG505, Tom Sides was the lucky recipient today with a large area of Devon explored.

The Juniors and a large number of private owners explored the local area apart from a rather soggy time just before lunchtime that caused a few relights. 

Old friends (Mark Layton)

Mark Layton brought the Vitesse up to North Hill to meet the Cirrus. In the evening, a second group from 2nd Amersham Common  Scouts who are on Summer camp in Devon enjoyed a great evening of trial flights. -J&P

David |Burgoyne from 2nd Amersham Common scouts (Jon Burgoyne)