Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 16th December 2013

I'm seldom the first one through the gate, but when I drew up in the lane at around 10.15 this morning, the weather was true to forecast (i.e. a gale blowing and rain lashing down). The gate was securely padlocked and not surprisingly there was not a single member - let alone a sheep or a cow - in sight.

So the first task was to wrestle with various half-remembered padlock codes, with rain pouring down my neck and fast-moving run-off from the airfield sloshing over my boots.

Having gained access, I fired up the log burner and before long John Bolt, Steve Lewis and John Howe trickled in, followed a little later by Colin Boyd, brandishing a smart new instrument panel which he'd fabricated for the refurbished K7M. Such delicate craftsmanship contrasts with the brute force and skill with a chainsaw which he has exerted in recent weeks, while 'derigging' the fallen beech tree.

The woodburner was put to good use. (Stoker Bob Pirie)

The final arrival was Jorg Beasley, responding to recent urging to 'get to the club early - and get your name on the flying list'. But with 'real' flying out of the question today, the best we could deliver were some simulator sessions for John H. and Jorg.

Jorg practicing soaring in the simulator guided by BI Steve

As we fortified ourselves with hot tea and mince pies, John B. and Colin set about inserting instruments into the appropriate orifices in the new panel, and John and Steve formulated a plan for completing the weighing of the Pirat. Once that's been done, it will be time for those eagerly-awaited test flights.

John Bolt with the new rear instrument panel for the "new" K7M

I must say the inside of the clubhouse was looking great following last Sunday's housekeeping efforts by Cap'n Cropper and his crew.  And now it is even more shipshape, with the 'lost property' clothing having been removed and, along with some donated items of warm clothing, delivered by John Howe to a charity for homeless people in Plymouth.

Looking ahead, the weather for this coming weekend looks decidedly 'dodgy' - but we remain ever-hopeful. Also, I am pleased tor report more expressions of interest in New Year's Day flying - but the presence of a second instructor would be useful.

All that remains is to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy, safe and soarable 2014.

Bob Pirie