Despite a commendable effort by our dedicated 'regulars' to get the show on the road early, the debilitating effects of the heatwave resulted in the presence of relatively few members to run flying operations or work on vital tasks in and around the hangar (the latter including Dave Bourchier who, despite his fruitless quest for a 'three legged puller' (?) seemed to have achieved what he had set out to do and was smiling by the end of the day.)
Meanwhile the temporary absence of a second two-seater also presented us with a real challenge.What we did have in abundance were (a) visitors and new members (wonderful!) and (b) horseflies (ouch!).
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| Field Treasurer David Rippon was accompanied today by his wife Pam. |
As the day went on, we became quite adept at dispensing with the latter via energetic (and rather bloody) slapping and cursing. However, the privilege of introducing newcomers to our sport is always a pleasure, but it takes time and in today's sweltering conditions - and with limited availability of aircraft and seasoned members present - we were hard-pressed to meet everyone's expectations. But we did it!
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| Air experience visitor Wendy Tapsfield flew in the K13 |
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| David Munilly flew with Ged in the Twin Astir |
Thanks to Steve Lewis's and Ged Nevisky's instructional efforts, not only did we make inroads into two one day courses Colin Austin and David Denton and trial lessons David Munilly and Wendy Tapsfield, but new temporary member John Rogers from Bere Alston helped out energetically on the field and was rewarded with three flights. An enthusiastic gig rower, John was accompanied for much of the day by fellow-oarsman Mike Vosper, from Colytown, who also got stuck in to provide much-needed ground handling assistance.
But the day was not only about visitors, and several club members were also able to get airborne, either working on regaining currency in via K-13 or soaring in the Zugvogel.
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| One Day Course candidate Colin Austin |
Twin Astir syndicate members Ged, Phil Hardwick and Robin Wilson very kindly allowed a few other members to sample the joys of their 'big bird'. The only other private owner to take the air, albeit briefly, was Trevor Taylor in the Jantar. Throughout the day several pilots managed to exploit 'blue' thermals, but nothing spectacular.
And now a word about airfield layout. With a light crosswind from the north, few competent members present, the certainty of an uncomfortably hot day developing and the top field at the west end available to us, Phil and Robin set up the winch in the middle of the latter. They then pulled out the cables and that's where we set up the launch point. Being well up the airfield from the eastern boundary, this enabled most (and I stress 'most') gliders to finish their landing runs before or parallel with the launch point - saving time, and saving sweat!
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| New member John Rogers said he had been wearing several hats today. ( i think he'll fit right in ) |
Today everyone worked hard to ensure that everyone flew, but special thanks to our winch drivers Barry Green, Phil Hardwick, Robin Wilson and Alan Holland plus, as ever, our cable retrieve driver Heather Horswill. Heather's hard work and good humour even in adversity keep our spirits in the air - but our feet firmly on the ground. Also, I know how much new members and visitors appreciate the time taken by vice-chairman Colin Boyd to welcome them and 'show them the ropes'.
Bob Pirie
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