Wednesday 23rd August 2012

Today's weather was full of promise (i.e. a westerly wind straight down the runway... sunny periods... and some well-defined cloud streets), but soaring-wise it turned out to be a non-event.

When I arrived, the stalwarts of the Wednesday morning early shift were already well stuck in to essential tasks like getting the kit out and the fence down and cramming scrapped launching cable into oil drums. But the first priority was to load the Pirat wings loaded onto the trailer, ready for Mike Jardine to take with him to Severn Valley Sailplanes en route to a business meeting in Gloucestershire later in the day

Meanwhile out on the airfield a diesel engineer was just packing away his magic wand after breathing new life into the ML winch to finish the repairs started by David Bourchier and Alan Holland who made as special trip to the airfield on Sunday to make sure the winch was ready for use. So after 'test-flying' each drum with the help of BVB, I got stuck into instructional flying with pre- and post-solo pilots as well as with Charlie, a Bronze C pilot from Southdown Gliding Club, whose recent experience has involved fibreglass gliders and aero towing.

Lasped glider pilot Philip who enjoyed a trial lesson with us with Mike Gadd in the Open Cirrus

Mike Gadd used today to acquaint himself with flying the Open Cirrus at Brentor. Mike has recently bought a share in this aircraft and today was the first time that he has flown it at our home airfield after a bit of time flying it at Aston Down doing a type conversion.

Instructor Steve getting ready to fly our visitors

Today the healthy turnout of hard-core of members present was almost matched by the number of visitors booked in for trial lessons, along with their relatives. It is a credit to the whole team - and especially to Steve Lewis who flew with our guests with tireless good humour - that all of them took to the air (in most cases more than once). 

Although initially nervous Sam really enjoyed her air ex flights - a special birthday present from her Dad.

When preparing these blogs, I always try to acknowledge the splendid efforts which our members put into keeping the grass roots of our activities thriving, but today it is difficult to single anyone out, because everyone played a 'blinder'.So thank you and well done to everyone.

However, I am sure no one will object if I do mention Mike Jardine for the way he stepped up to the plate to get the Pirat wings delivered, and to Sandra Buttery (assisted by “old grumpy), for the outstanding amount of imagination and effort they are putting into preparations for the Open Day.To quote two examples: take a look at the small exhibition of our activities and equipment. the clubhouse is also VERY clean and tidy.

New Launch hut colour scheme is well underway.

If you haven't been to the launch point control caravan recently, be prepared to be dazzled . Heather Horswell, Don Puttock and Roger Applebloom have completely painted the inside, and the outside paint job is well underway. Rumour is the Heather would not go home on Sunday until the inside was completely finished. Many thanks one and all.

The freshly painted and tidied launch hut interior - thanks Heather

The foundations are set. Now it is up to all of us to turn up and give our full support to the Open Day an important - and fun - event.

Bob Pirie