Wednesday 7th November 2012

At last, an autumn Wednesday with no rain, a light wind straight down the runway, a cloudbase way above launch height and a relatively balmy temperature on the ground. No matter that the wind wasn't a wave-inducing easterly, and that there was little prospect of thermals; the most important thing was that it showed all the signs of being a decent flying day, whether for training, for keeping current, or simply the for joy of getting up in a glider.

From the moment one turned down the lane from the main road things started to look encouraging - and then got better and better. Firstly, there was blue smoke rising above the trees, indicating that the woodburner was doing its job. In and around the clubhouse and hangar a group of enthusiasts were preparing the gliders and equipment, and once inside the clubhouse, Heather and her assistant Dave Bourchier were doing a great job sprucing up the place with brooms and dusters.

Our new neighbours seem to deter Ged from strop hunting in the south field - can' t think why 

Flying-wise, we had just the K7/13 two-seater and the K8 in operation, with plenty of  'trade' for Ged and me in the former, and a constant stream of takers for the latter. But unfortunately our trial lesson instructor, Steve, appeared to have been stood-up by the lady visitor who had been booked in to fly today.

Training-wise, we were pleased to have 'fixed price to solo' member David Horne back with us - working hard and flying enthusiastically - after an eight-week 'jolly' to China and various unpronounceable parts of the the former Soviet Union. Thanks to all, by the way, for resisting making frivolous remarks about his following in the footsteps of Borat.

Also campaigning in BVB was Chris Fagg, who proved to me that he had not forgotten everything after last soloing in June. So having been put through his paces, off he went on his own again.

Chris and Bob share a moment after Chris's re-solo.

Highlights of the day included Dave Rippon in the K8 narrowly beating Andrew Beaumont and Ged to win the 'Swampmaster' title for landing on the boggiest bit of the airfield; Andrew and Ged entertaining us with some side slipping exercises, and John Bolt winning the day's 'Ace of the Base' title for a flight of nine minutes in the K8. Nine minutes may not sound like much, but the important thing was that John not only found and managed to exploit some very weak lift, but in the process inspired several of his colleagues to try to better his performance.

Bob Pirie