Monday 30th May 2011

Arrived reasonably early or so I thought, and the cooked breakfast had already been consumed, was I impressed! (gutted) done and dusted on a rainy day by 9am

The rain was falling till mid day and wind was NNW 10 knots There was a rumour, this would clear up lunch time, and some aviation would take place.

There are always things to be done so everyone set off to carry out chores until lunchtime.

Don set about second coat painting the workshop,

Our winch master was keen to reassemble the ML winch after essential maintenance and give it a good workout.

He was ably assisted by RIck Wiles, I'm pleased to report after 39 launches the winch performed faultlessly ably driven all day by the man himself Allan Ballard. ( winch master ) with Martin running cables.

Matthew Wiles and myself were on a mission to repair the windsock pole at the east end of the airfield we were able to get this up and running until a new pole can be found (scaffolders watch out)
The leaves were swept from the hangar and DMX DI’d. The tail wheel had locked up solid and on inspection the tyre had removed its self from the rim still inflated. This was swiftly removed rectified and replaced, to bring DMX on line

Don was on top form, for all the solo and bronze pilots he managed to deliver two clear and precise lectures on what must be one of the most difficult subjects to grasp – tephigrams. Thank you Don I am sure every one will benefit from these irrespective of age or ability.

David Jesty DI’d BVB and assisted Don, flying with Martha.

Matthew and Rick had rigged the SF 27 and after Don had given  Rick a type conversion briefing, he and Matthew shared the SF for the rest of the afternoon with some reasonable soaring flights. RIck had obtained a 30 minute soaring flight on his second flight on type. Well done to him. I am not sure but not to be out done Matthew may have beaten that on the last flight of the day.

We welcomed a visitor from Nympsfield, Tim who paid us a visit whilst in the area.
Martha and Martin Cropper spent the best part of the day working on another project, which will come to light soon.

I have the pleasure to report another solo, Mike Harris, already an established solo pilot regained his wings after a short break. Congratulations Mike and look forward to seeing you around the launch point
Matthew worked hard retrieving gliders and launching them while I manned the launch point and log keeping.

And then it was time to pack away the kit as the beers were chilling, to be greeted by a chorus of happy birthday in the club house. (yes it was my birthday.)

At 7pm Martha was still hard at work on the computer assisted by Martin Cropper.

All in all a very productive but tiring day

Sean Parramore