Wednesday 17th August 2011

Persistent rain interspersed with occasional clear spells seem to characterise our English summer and we had both today - especially the former - plus more than our fair share of launch failures. However, despite these annoyances and some decidedly 'moist' flying conditions during the early part of the day, enthusiasm and good humour won through. Everyone who wanted to fly flew, and I think most of us went home with smiles on our faces.

Today's 'VIP guest' was one-day course student Kenny Hunter from Langley, Bucks., who with his girlfriend and two daughters was waiting for the gates to open when I arrived, closely followed by CFI Don. Kenny's faith in the club's ability to deliver his birthday present was rewarded by Don and Martin Cropper, and he ended the day with probably the biggest smile of all of us. Meanwhile his 'cheerleaders' were introduced to the joys of the simulator and the control tower.

Smilin' in the rain. Kenny Hunter enjoys his one-day course

A new temporary member who came along and flew with us today, after sizing us up last week was Martin Johns , a paragliding enthusiast. Welcome aboard, Martin

Mention of paragliding reminds me to report that Roger Green, who learned to glide at DGS having arrived as an experienced hang glider pilot, completed his Silver C badge recently at Aston Down, where he and his father Barry now fly.

Looking ahead, there are undoubtedly some urgent technical issues which need to be addressed regarding winches and cables, but Chairman Steve Lewis is on the case and has probably already agreed a way forward with Winchmaster Alan Ballard as I write this.

No, it's not 'tripple A' (anti-aircraft artillery), but the Chairman checking out the Zetor tractor's new silencer

And looking even further ahead to next Wednesday, can we please all aim for a particularly prompt start. We'll have two one-day courses to deliver, plus all the club flying, although no trial lessons. Don will be away at Shennington, so Dave Jesty, Martin Cropper and I will be there to provide instruction.

All's right with the world' as Andrew Beaumont carries out the traditional 'end of day' ceremony

Bob Pirie