John Pursey was duty instructor (am) and once a few members made noises about wanting to fly if at all possible a decision was made to fly but with aerotow-only available to preserve the integrity of the airfield. The launch point was set up right at the East end of the field, by the main entrance road as no coms point to winch was necessary and the wind was a nice strong Westerly.
Simon Leeson was tug pilot and he took a flight to confirm if conditions were suitable to aerotow. Once confirmed, flying commenced just after 11:00 with JP and Ashley Thomas up first, closely followed by Pete Startup who had rigged 230.
230 out in the valley in weak wave (Rowan Smith) |
JP returned and flew with Dan Hender. The rest of the flights were Tom Sides / Pete Smith, Rob Hender / James Flory, Pete Harmer /Charlie Stuckey, Rowan in CLM, Mark Courtney training two guys from Dartmoor Gliding Club (Rick Wiles and Martin Cropper) and the last launch went to Stuart Proctor / Emma Kendall.
Extended periods of flying were enjoyed by all pilots, thanks to the conditions on the ridge (and their skill, of course!) No points for guessing who was up longest (230), but he was followed by Rowan!
Mark proving that he knows how to wash the gliders (Rob Hender) |
Very big thank you to Simon for aerotowing in testing conditions. - Rob Hender
After flying a good number of members gathered for the Annual General Meeting. There were the usual Management Committee Reports, thanks to practically everyone and Committee updates. Welcome to the new Committee for the first time - Tim Petty and Dave Perriam.
Some of the 2019 Trophy Winners (Robert Lee) |
Congratulations to all the members who achieved or surpassed their personal objectives this year, and special congratulations to all the Trophy winners.
Some of the fantastic bring and share buffet (Sally Hender) |
The AGM was followed by a Christmas Party with a fantastic Bring and Share buffet supper, thanks to Team Hender for organising the party. - J&P