Thurs 31st October

Thursday weather rewarded a few regulars and defied the forecast. Clear blue sky and a light SE wind initially. There was a slow start while the air warmed up and the gliders were walked to the west end. Unfortunately the Duty Instructor Chris Wool called in sick (hope you feel better soon), but Pete Harmer was able to help out by supervising on the ground (Thanks Pete). With small numbers and no training flights, it was aerotow only. Simon Jordy on tug duty for the day (Thanks Simon).

The sky filled in during the day (Jill Harmer)

Some weak thermal activity developed around the middle of the day but soon decayed as the sun got lower in the west and cloud cover increased. Extended 2000ft aerotow flights were the order of the day with Jeff Taberham taking the longest flight of 35 minutes. Most flights being around 20 minutes. All good to maintain currency. In total, 12 aerotows which included three Trial lesson Visitors who were looked after by Shaun Dayman  and eight solo flights, Dave Perriam took Benjie Pitts for a flight, Benjie had stayed to help even though there was no flight training on offer, and all kit safely back to the hangar by 15:30.

A successful  and very pleasant day for Halloween. Many thanks to those who didn’t fly but helped to make the day work. - John Borland

Wed 30th October

The unfortunate situation arose today (half-term, holidays and sickness) where there was no available Instructor to take charge of the normal club flying.  The suggestion of some Ad-Hoc flying for those suitably qualified pilots  did though look promising, especially as Robert Lee was keen to get the Euro Fox out. 

A bit murky at cloudbase (Mark Layton)

Having a SPL, was like having a gliding version of Willy Wonkers 'Golden Ticket' as five willing pilots took a Junior to the west end of the airfield. The aerotows to 2000ft in benign conditions, dodging the patches of low cloud were a joy and the gentle descent was enjoyably uneventful. The longest flight being 23 minutes achieved by Nick Harrison. 

Aerotowing the Junior (Mark Layton)

With everyone flown, everything was put away with as much efficiency as it was taken out before we retreated to the club house for tea and cake thanks to Paul Medlock who had used bribery to go from the bottom of the flying list to the top, as he needed to get away early!  

No sun on North Hill today (Mark Layton)

 If ever there was an incentive to become a qualified glider pilot and obtain a SPL, it is days like this! - Mark Layton

Sun 27th October

 Briefing was early this morning, but even with the extra hour in bed, I missed it…. sorry Ron!!!!
Flying started at 10am with only six names on the two-seater flying list, it looked as though it could be a short day!!! However, as the flying began more and more members arrived and added their names to the list (they obviously had the same problem as me, without the luxury of staying on site!). Fortunately, both James Flory and JB, were on hand to help with the instructing. By the time we stopped for lunch, (due to lack of people to continue through), there was only two people who hadn’t yet flown. 

After another enjoyable lunch provided by Vicky, we were back and ready to fly again. This time with even less members on the airfield, however we were as keen as ever!! 

Dave Perriam was nearly successful in flying the whole fleet, only missing out the DG505! Flying continued until 4pm with the sun setting earlier, everyone went home happy with a successful day.

2/3 Team Hender helping to run the show today

Thanks to Rob Hender who efficiently did both winch and cable retrieve all morning, Trevor Russell who did the same in the afternoon, to James Flory for standing in to instruct all day.. again, and the few remaining members who stayed until the end to help pack away (you know who you are🥰).

Meanwhile Hender Junior took his new motorbike on a road trip to the Junior Winter Series held this weekend at The Long Mynd. There were around 100 Juniors who attended, even with limited flying time there were 73 flights on Saturday and similar on Sunday. Dan enjoyed the social element of the weekend, never planning to fly, more to catch up with friends. He even managed a visit to the Antiques Emporium!!! - Sally Hender

Sat 26th October

An optimistic forecast brought a fair number to the club today; it really was like a spring day, not even slightly autumnal. The hangar was completely emptied, but unfortunately, Simon Minson noticed a knocking from the wheel of our only serviceable K21. Step up Simon Leeson, with the help of a few others, to rectify the fault in double quick time. Well done, all!

We set up with the winch in the top NW corner near the gate and the launch point on the north boundary. We were all ready to go by the time of the 9:30 briefing held in front of a packed clubhouse—lovely to see. Andy Pincome arrived for a couple of signatures on his instructor application form; hopefully, we will see him in action very soon. Welcome to the team!

Congratulations To Ashley Thomas Bronze  with Simon Minson (Mark Courtney)

 Simon Leeson started tackling the flying list with the help of myself and Simon Minson, whose first task was to complete Ashley’s Bronze flight test. I’m pleased to say that Ashley passed with flying colours—another well done for the day!

Everyone was kept busy (Rob Hender)

 Sally Hender manned the launch point and managed the operation until Tim Petty, the duty marshal, arrived a bit later in the morning. It was nice to see a couple of new members today, Ainsley Fisher and Adam Lay; they both enjoyed themselves, judging by the look on their faces. We entertained three first-flight visitors today; they were looked after by Shaun, who seems to be embracing his new instructor rating.

Kevin Fairburn in Junior (Simon Leeson)

 

James Flory was kept busy in the Fox with a little help from Simon Leeson—7 tows in total. A little lower than I would have liked, especially as we are still enjoying the discounted aerotow charges until Jan 1st.
Pete Startup enjoyed a long soaring flight but was just pipped by John Pursey, who was test flying the SF27 after it had some work done to its wings—138 mins. On landing, Alan Rappaport jumped in for his first flight on type for a short flight.

Alan Rappaport converting to SF27 (James Hood)

 

The conditions at times were really quite good, and several people had long flights, including Josh Batchelor with Simon Leeson. Josh is here for a few more days before returning to a rather chilly Canada. It was lovely to see Cheryl Smith back in the air for the last flight of the day; hopefully, we will see her back in the saddle more often now that the shackles of catering have been released.

Cheryl Smith and Simon Leeson (James Hood)

 Thanks to Vicky for coping with the crowds, and of course, a big thanks to everyone who made this rather pleasant autumn day a success. - Mark Courtney

Wed 23rd October

 The forecasts for Wednesday were far from promising with RASP showing one of the cloud base on the deck, the Met Office being more optimistic with one of some sunshine with cloud. As it turned out it was a mixture of both!

JB and Pete Warren in Perkoz (Mark Layton)

 

After a delayed start all the gear was taken out and DI'd as things initially looked promising. Just as the first launches were carrying out their preflight checks, suspiciously looking low clouds appeared to the south of the airfield. Pete Smith along with junior member Arthur Lean took a met flight that turned out to be a simulated cable break demonstration as they entered cloud at just over 400ft. With no sign of improvement it seemed to make sense to use the opportunity to practice more cable breaks so Arthur's dad Richard joining in the fun under Glenn Turpin's guidance with his own. This continued until lunchtime which coincided with a further lowering cloud base and some drizzly rain.

Occasional light rain in the morning (Mark Layton)

 

Much to everyone's delight the sun broke through after an hour which also coincided with the end of lunch. With cloud base never getting higher than 1200ft there was fortunately plenty of blue bits for people to fly around in with both thermal and ridge lift in the increasing southerly wind keeping the aircraft aloft with varying degrees of success. Pete Startup won the day with 27 minutes, squeezing the most out of his flight with several passes up and down the south ridge. 

Plenty of blue bits in the afternoon (Mark Layton)

 

Everyone who wanted to fly did so before we packed up at 16:30. Once again it just goes to show that even on the days with very uninspiring weather forecasts there is always a chance you might fly, which we did! - Mark Layton

Sat 19th October

 A successful autumnal days' flying, albeit with a latish start.  

North Hill in the sunshine (Peter Smith)

Surprisingly strong thermals and good visibility meant everyone enjoyed their flying.  

Very soarable (Peter Smith)

Ashley Thomas made progress towards his Bronze Endorsement  with Simon Minson and now just needs a few launch failures to complete.  Gill Morrison converted to fly the Junior and solo aerotow. 

Very wet in the Culm valley after yet more rain (Peter Smith)

Soaring flights were enjoyed by just about everyone and all who wanted to fly, flew and left smiling.  

Our thanks go to Alan Rappaport who saved the day providing aerotows, when a bearing in the winch engine failed us. - Gill Morrison

Fri 18th October - Ad Hoc Day

We expected a slow start and so it was with low clouds scudding across the west end of the field.  K21 HCX, the Perkoz NH2 and Junior LRD were taken to the launch point opposite the Clubhouse, with the winch set up in the south west corner.   We watched the clouds scudding across the field until confident of a safe escape route if a full height launch wasn’t achieved and set forth achieving 1,400 ft before release and then enjoyed a meander over Broadhembury and beyond with some reduced sink and  lovely clear views. A further 12 flights followed including 5 for Simon Minson  and Andy Pincombe who cleared the final hurdle to reclaim his Instructor rating.  Well done Andy. 

Nice day before the clouds gathered (Simon Minson)

The clouds in the west were progressively building and darkening so we returned the toys to the hangar soon after 14:00 in advance of the rain which had been steadily moving west towards us. Vikki was expecting us for a late lunch which  worked well and was much appreciated.
 
Not the longest or best of days but we flew and enjoyed it. - Peter Smith

Thur 17th October

 Mike Sloggett issued a hopeful advisory on Wednesday evening, and almost 20 members made the trip to North Hill in hopes of flying. Gliders were readied for the day while Mike made a field inspection, judging that the north side of the field had drained sufficiently from Wednesday's heavy rain to allow aerotows, but we still would have to wait for low cloud to burn off before starting play. 

Low cloud is lifting into streets (Mark Layton)

 

After a bit more tea and moaning, Mike made the clever call at 11:30 for the Thursday regulars to take their lunch break then and fly afterwards.. Unsurprisingly, the opportunity to have more of Vicki's food was readily accepted.

Becoming a nice sky (Mark Layton)

 

Alan Rappaport prepared Bumblebee over and flying began at 12:30. The initial 1500 foot aerotow  flights all hovered around the 10 minute level, but after Dave Perriam's decision to spend the extra dosh for a 2000 foot tow, flight times jumped to 30 minutes and beyond. A cloud street formed near the club, and even when we received a bit of light precipitation flying under it, many had to airbrake down as a courtesy to the next pilot to fly. 

Towing back on the drier parts of the airfield (Mark Layton)

 

Thanks go to Mike and Alan, plus to the experienced Thursday regulars (almost all of whom were aerotow current and were looking for solo flights). A good launch rate insured everyone had at least one flight and the last glider landed just before 5pm. A good day with 15 flights.

Cleaning the wheelbox (Mark Layton)

My little advertising message is that the current low-priced aerotows have had the excellent result of increasing pilot skills, thus allowing more to fly during these wetter times. So whether you're a pre-solo or are more experienced, I really encourage you to get some aerotow training while the 2024 pricing scheme exists.... - Tom Sides

Sun 13th October

 The Sunday crowd was small but organised, and had the gliders out and inspected before Ron's briefing. Though we were faced  with a high overcast, there was hope for the sun to eventually bring us some thermic activity. Up went the troops and the gliders to the west end, and with the grass wet from Saturday's rain, everyone started flying with wet socks. 

Well done to Dan Hender who completed his Cloud flying endorsement with Ian Mitchell.

 

James Flory and Mike Sloggett were available to assist Ron Johns, and the first flights were launched shortly after 10:00, but apparently the sun gods didn't hear our pleas, as it was predominantly a day for circuits. Those not flying must have heeded my Launch Marshall harrangues, as we had retrieve vehicles poised to go after landing gliders just as the gliders were tuning final. And this resulted in a very good launch rate. Thank you all!!

After a break for Vicki's outstanding Sunday pork roast lunch.....

Vicki's Roast Pork - a very pleased Rob Hender (Tom Sides)

 

......we resumed flying only to be surprised by a dog running on the field in front of the launch area. 

Landing long with Paul Medlock (Rich Roberts)

 

Our stalwart dog wrangler team cleared the area in true cattle drive style and flying continued until almost 5pm. Thanks to Alan for aerotowing, the instructors, and truthfully, everyone. It wasn't an epic flying day, but with 35 flights, it brought a smile to your Treasurer's face. - Tom Sides

Sat 12th October

Saturday turned out quite nice with a good turn out of members and in the afternoon some nice soaring flights. Bumblebee was kept busy and thanks to Alan Rappaport and Stuart Procter for getting us aloft. 

Steve Westlake worked tirelessly all day in the back of the K21,  and Simon Jordy looked after todays Trial lesson visitor in the DG505  behind BX. 

Well done Joel Roulson converting to Perkoz (James Flory)

 Joel Roulson was grinning from ear to ear following his conversion to the Perkoz under the watchful eyes of James Flory - what's next on Joel's list before he is allowed to go cross-country?? VG was also out and about on various sorties with its syndicate members. 

It was nice to see Wyn, who has recently been flying in the Alps again. Thanks to all of the members who took turns completing the the various tasks , the day ran very smoothly. - Lisa Humphries

Thur 10th October

Thursday morning dawned overcast and raining steadily - not encouraging for a days gliding. The journey was slow with heavy traffic and there was light rain on arriving at North Hill. 

A great job from Peter Smith and his helpers (Peter Smith)

A small group of intrepid 'North Hillers' were huddled at the entrance to the storage tunnel watching our resident engineering wizard (Peter Smith) and his able assistants, who were installing Peter Smith’s latest creation - New doors for the Tunnel. 

So great to have such skilled volunteers (John Borland)

The days briefing was put back to 10:30 waiting the promised clearance from the west. A light NE wind dictated  launching from the west end and despite the overnight rain the field had drained sufficiently to allow winching. The first met flight took off at 11:28 followed by a 3000ft aerotow which managed to stay airborne for 28 minutes in the rather dead conditions, however as the day progressed the sun made an appearance, the sky improved and it even felt slightly warm. 

Thanks to Alan for the aerotows (John Borland)

 Flight times improved as the afternoon wore on with the  longest flight (58 minutes) going to John Borland in the Junior who therefore got the job of writing the blog.  In all a good days flying rescued from a dodgy start. It pays to turn up even if it doesn’t look promising. Big thanks to Mike Sloggett for running the day and sounding optimistic on the previous days forecast. Also a big thanks to Alan Rappaport piloting the yellow EuroFox for five aerotows. The Red EuroFox still being u/s.

A total of 23 flights, 18 winch launches, 5 aerotows, approximately 5 ½ hours defying gravity.- John Borland

 

Wed 9th September

It was a very inauspicious start with fog / low cloud which gave the opportunity for Peter Smith and crew to continue  constructing the new doors for the tunnel. Even during lunch it didn't look much better, but by 1pm the skies began to show some improvement. A K21 and Junior had already been taken out and DI'd just incase...

Which direction to launch was the next problem, as the wind was almost directly across, and an aerotow only day (using Bumblebee) was decided, mainly due to lack of people, with only 7 members to fly.

A small group of members today (Mark Layton)

The field was in good condition considering that it had collected 48mm of rain only a few hours earlier.

Aerotows with backup tug Bumblebee (Mark Layton)

By 1:30pm we were ready to go and from the clubhouse end, as the lowest cloud cleared leaving some blue sky enabling tows to 2000ft. There was little or no lift, but everyone flew, and a halt was called just after 4pm when the cloud returned. - Chris Warnes

Sat 5th October

 Despite Mark's warning about wind strength and direction it was possible that there would be members attending given that we are heading into winter.  However by 8:45 there was only one man and his dog.

Shortly after David and Arthur Hier arrived followed by a small number of other members.  We all set to work so that by the 9:30 brief the winch and launch point had been set up.  While Mark enjoyed his breakfast! a K21 and the Perkoz and DG505 were taken out of the hangar, DI'd and walked to the north west corner. 

Another fantastic October sky (Simon Leeson)

With the forecast being for a strong and gusting South Easterly it was found at the west end that the wind was firmly set as South West.  Over time this settled down to being a strong southerly crosswind, occasionally switching between South East and South West.  This led to some interesting or character building approaches, depending on your point of view. 

Quick break for lunch (Mark Courtney)

 

With the small flying list and a number of instructors flying commenced and other than a break for lunch it continued all day until everyone that wanted to fly had done so.  Despite the forecast some good flying was undertaken, ranging from a few minutes to an hour.  Team Hender competed for the longest flight with Dan and Sally (63mins) just being pipped by Dan and Rob (64mins).

Dan and Sally Hender in DG505 (Sally Hender)

Pilots either just experiencing the conditions or building on their skills in more challenging weather.  10 flights in total.  Thank you to the instructors who made the day possible.

Today proved the adage "if you don't come to the airfield you will not fly" - Ashley Thomas

Thurs 3rd October

 After what seemed an eternity it was great to have a 'normal flying day', although we did have to endure the long walk to the far west end of the airfield. Clear blue skies greeted us from the start which made such a change from the low cloud base and windy conditions of recent weeks!

Initially the flights were short in the moderate wind which was straight down the field with various gliders searching the sky for the elusive wave that never really materialised. Around lunch time the clouds and thermals appeared, extending the flight times considerably. Quite a few achieved times approaching the hour. 

A "normal flying day" library photo

 After much activity, those on the ground felt the air temperature turn cold and within minutes all the airborne gliders were on the ground with them. Someone had turned the thermals off. Short flights returned for the rest of the day. 

More days like this please

 Mike Sloggett as duty instructor was no doubt pleased to have assistance from Pete Smith, Steve Westlake, Ron Johns and Chris Wool, who all turned up to help instruct. Mike also had the pleasure of flying with Pete Harmer for over an hour after his long layoff. 

Could have been a summer sky (Mark Courtney)

A good time was had by all, shame it's not like this every week! - Mark Layton