Wednesday 24th August 2011

There was a healthy response to the recent plea via the club forum for a prompt start, with the day’s one-day course instructor Martin Cropper getting the hangar open and the vehicles out single-handedly, followed by a steady stream of members arriving shortly thereafter.

Prolonged heavy showers were threatened, and the first of these rolled in just as we were about to start flying. While most of us adjourned to the clubhouse, John Bolt and Martin Broadway worked in the hangar for much of the day; firstly assembling some new cable parachutes, and then putting the finishing touches to the Zugvogel which, subject to inspection, is ready to be rigged.

With breaks in the low cloud and rain appearing, a concerted effort was made to get flying underway with both two-seaters and later the K8 in action plus - as ever when it’s even remotely flyable - - Phil and Andrew’s Astir.

It was good to have Keith Wilson back training with us after a couple of months’ layoff, and we also welcomed ‘one-day coursers’, twins Dan and Chris Sanders from Wembury, along with their father, Ed. Having given them their courses as an 18th birthday present, Dad couldn’t resist having a go as well, and was rewarded with more than an hour in the air with Dave Jesty.

Today’s ‘one-day coursers’ Dan (left) and Chris Sanders with their Dad, Ed, and instructor Martin Cropper.

Gliding-wise, we had to pick our moments and cloud base remained low for most of the day. However, many of us benefited from a convergence, which created some glowering and turbulent - but very soarable - cloud streets. Several soaring flights were achieved, including climbs up the side of the clouds, with Bob Sansom topping the heap at around 2,600ft while solo in DMX.

At around 17.00hrs, with the Basic Instructors’ preparation course about to start, course instructor Mark Courtenay and I agreed to release both two-seaters for ‘one last flight’ by a couple of our solo pilots. All of us on the ground were then quite impressed as John Howe and Mike Gadd grappled competently with the last remnants of the day’s lift. John scored 38 minutes - and a Bronze leg in the process - while Mike missed out on his half hour by just one minute. A great effort, guys and - before I forget - thanks to Dave Rippon for providing a very efficient launching service.

I should like to make special mention of Andrew and Phil’s efforts to replenish our diminishing stock of launching strops. Having suffered the only blue strop loss of the day - potentially leaving us with just one - Andrew enlisted Phil’s help to redress the balance. Both then spent a prickly hour foraging in the gorse - and returned brandishing three blue strops. Next time any of us breaks a weak link, I suggest we all follow their example to ensure that our personal misfortune does not have a knock-on effect on our colleagues.

Finally, good news on the winching front, because in addition to four new cable parachutes, our winch master Alan Ballard was on hand to take delivery of two brand new drums of cable. So all set for Saturday’s open day!

Bob Pirie