The weather forecast suggested that in and amongst the rain showers and with an “interesting” wind strength, flying might be possible today.....
The Club was a little quieter this morning either due to the weather forecast or members leaving their arrival until nearer the start of the AGM planned for later in the day. The morning saw a series of rain showers build to the West and steadily move across the airfield which delayed the potential start of any flying. James Flory as Duty Instructor took the opportunity to do some ground school briefings on navigation.
By mid-morning the showers had mostly moved through so a decision was made to get a Junior and a K21 out of the hangar with the winch set up in the North West corner of the airfield. But with the odd rain squall still moving across the airfield a decision was taken to have an early lunch.
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| Gliders Parked (Mike Sloggett) |
Early afternoon Alan Turner took the first launch in the Junior and managed to work the West ridge extending his flight time, before returning to land. James and Emma Flory took the second launch managing to beat Alan’s time (just!). A discussion about the conditions and particularly looking towards the West end where showers continued to build, suggested that a pause in flying would be sensible - so the gliders were parked. Mid-afternoon with the weather showing more signs of deterioration it was an easy decision to return the gliders to the safety of the hangar - with members present soon involved fully in setting out the Ground Vehicle hangar for the AGM. - Mike Sloggett
With no AGM in 2020, there was a great turnout (54) for our socially-distanced AGM in the cold Ground Vehicle hangar, but with everyone suitably dressed and a couple of spaceheaters taking the edge off the cold, it was ok. The report for 2021 included details of Personal Achievements over the last two years, updates on the various ongoing projects and lots of thanks for all our member volunteers. There was an election for Committee Officers with John Borland, George Sanderson stepping down and Lisa Humphries, Mark Courtney and James Flory being elected. There was a Special Honorary Membership awarded to John Street who has supported the Club for nearly 40 years with over 10,000 instructional launches - we all wish you well John.
DSGC Club Trophies (Allan Mounce)
Following the AGM, CFI Stuart Procter awarded the trophies (some for 2 years), more details will be on the website.
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| Cold Socially distanced AGM (Peter Smith) |
John Pursey assisted by Phil Morrison and Alan Rappaport were keeping busy during the AGM cooking the wonderful Moroccan Chicken which was followed by ice creams.
Then the AGM raffle 2021 took place with Sally Hender in charge, the raffle was being held to raise funds to cover the running costs of Ian King's donated K6 DRE - for our Junior members to fly at no cost. The raffle was supported brilliantly (I don't think many had escaped 'the eye' from Sally to buy tickets over the last few weeks.) There were some fantastic prizes donated by members and the Club. The raffle raised £1250, - thank you to everyone.
The upgraded DSGC Simulator also got its first airing with members queuing up to try it out. The immersive wraparound display is a great improvement, and the excellent User interface that Stewart Henshall has built, including many training scenarios with integrated random cablebreaks proved a great success.
All in all a great evening - thank you everyone. - J&P
