The wind was more south than the hoped-for east, and flying activity was extinguished when rain set in by mid-afternoon. But the fact that the team had made a real effort to get everything DI'd and set up early - including changing ends - meant that we were all able to make the most of a disappointingly short day.
With wall-to-wall cloud cover and heavy showers everywhere but Brentor for once, the appearance of some lower level cumulus (1,600 base at best) inspired some valiant attempts at soaring, with a couple of us managing to claw flights approaching half an hour from the less-than-perfect conditions.
Training-wise, Steve Raine continued to nibble away at his post-solo flying exercises and the hard-working Dave Bourchier proved that re-soloing is well within his capability - when he decides to take the plunge.
Andrew Beaumont indulged in some gentle soaring practice with Ged, who also conducted some introductory flights with Cliff Allen (a sailing chum of Martin Broadway). Martin, Robin Wilson and John Howe all did some solo flying, but Phil Hardwick was thwarted by the rain.
Work-wise, Phil and Ged started the day by making vital adjustments to the mower, before Phil set out to mark out the areas needing mowing. Colin Boyd fulfilled his commitment to get some welding done on the lower rudder hinge of the Zugvogel which was then refitted by Alan Carter ready for inspection by John Bolt. Finally, Colin and Dave B. worked hard returning the temporarily-dormant ML winch to a fully serviceable condition.
Bob Pirie
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