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
