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