The local forecast was for the heat to build to an unacceptable level for safety and enjoyment after lunchtime on Sunday. So the decision was made by myself and Simon Leeson with consultation with the CFI and Chairman, that we should start as early as possible and finish at around midday. Simon and I never need alarm clocks when we stay in our caravans, we are always rudely awakened by the resident pigeons at day break or near after, today was no exception! Early start it is then!
Coffee drunk by 6:15, time to wander down to the hangar and make a slow start, Gordon Hutchinson and Dave Perriam are also early risers and immediately set about getting the ground equipment out, along with “up with the sparrows” Stirling Melhuish.
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| Early start (Simon Leeson) |
By 07:15 three gliders were out of the hangar, DI’d and ready to go, we regularly glanced towards the entrance lane expecting a rush of members keen to “beat the heat”, it appears that our members don’t have pigeon alarm clocks.
We knew Chris Wooly would not be early as he rarely goes to bed before 6 am, those re-runs of 1950’s horror movies are captivating….
Luckily Cheryl and Graham were in the kitchen early ( they have a pigeon clock) and fed the few troops that were slowly mustering outside the clubhouse.
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| Stu's new transport (Simon Leeson) |
The CFI arrived just in time for breakfast, he was absolutely puffed out having bravely ridden his wife’s electric mountain bike the 300 meters from his house.
Time ticked by……….
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| Mark seen polishing the logo (Simon Leeson) |
By 9:30 having eaten, drunk numerous coffee’s, listened to the usual stories of “when I was in the war” etc we all felt we perhaps should walk the gliders down the other end and “have a go”
With no trainees Stuart, who had barely recovered from his epic bike ride, and Simon Leeson decided to take a launch, they managed to soar in the valley to the south, a mixture of weak thermals and wave/rotor for nearly an hour before being called down because the glider was needed by Robert (duty IFP) to fly out first Trial lesson visitor.
Stu Procter and Simon Leeson (Mark Courtney)
Simon Jordy was our tug driver today, barely recognisable, no Green overalls today, his Hawaiian shirt was louder than the pigeons, his shorts fit for a 90’s rapper, he explained to us that the last mirror in his house was broken so could not check his attire before leaving this morning.
We were blessed with a nice breeze, which was a blessing, the Junior was flown from the get go, rumour has it that James Flory was seen in it, James was obviously keen to fly because it has been over 12 hours since he flew last.
A friend of our local farmer who was visiting from New Zealand grabbed a flight with Stuart, she loved the views of England this time of year, although she did ask where all the sheep had gone.
The wind started to have a mind of its own so we decided to walk the gliders back down to the east end, Simon very kindly volunteered to drive the Gator once more so that Stuart and I could walk the length of the field, again, bless him….
Dan flew the K6 for longest flight of the day 64 mins (yes I know you came down for the trial lesson Leeson.)
Things were getting lively with the wind from the south and also gusting, the heat was building, steadily, time was now just after midday.
We stopped for lunch at 1:30, by now it was getting ridiculous inside the gliders, however Harry Rigby and dad Mike (he’s the one with the silly hat) had returned to NH after a long break and were keen to fly after lunch.
One glance at the windsock told us that we might not be able to winch, Harry opted for an aerotow, it was very rough for the first 100 feet so it was decided that the remaining trial lesson should come back another day. We all decided that enough was enough and we packed up about 2:30.
We had a small team of people today who worked hard in difficult conditions, Simon and I would like to thank them all (you know who you are).
It was disappointing to see so few members at the club early but those who came had a good time, there was harmless banter from the start and it turned out to be very enjoyable! - Mark Courtney veteran blogger
