Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 24th November 2013

Today was our third Scouts day of the year.  With six members of the 6th Plympton Scout Group due to arrive at 1000 and the forecast predicting a light north-easterly, it was good to see that a strong team, led by Mike Sloggett, had changed ends and were getting the kit ready in good time for the Scouts’ arrival. 

The Plympton Scout group with MArtin Cropper, Rick Wiles and Mike Sloggett

 The first couple of launches, certainly indicated that ‘something’ was about, but whether it was wave, or not, was difficult to tell.  And so as we continued to launch the Scouts, with Robin Wilson winching us up to well over 1300ft, all eyes were on the windsock to see if it would swing to the east.  Which it did, slightly – and off went Roger Appleboom in the K-8 to find – just enough to tickle the vario - but not enough to sustain continued aviation.  Indeed , the longest flight of the day, which was to Jerry Wellington’s credit, was by dint of a weak thermal, yes a thermal in November, which kept him at approximately 1200ft for 26 minutes.  Well done Jerry.

A Plympton Scout with Instructor Mike Sloggett  in the K7M

Another Plympton Scout in the K13 with Martin Cropper

In addition to the Scouts there was a healthy club flying list including Jeff Cragg, Darren Wills, Robin Wilson, Andrew Swann and Scoutmaster Rick Wiles, who managed to get some family and friends time in the back seat.

Martin Cropper presents a well earned Aviation Badge

So whilst the much anticipated wave failed to materialise (despite much willpower being exerted, the wind never really veered far enough from north), as the sun set after 28 launches, the day concluded with some very happy Scouts and a pleasantly satisfied team.

Martin Cropper