Well, what an odd year 2021 was!
However, in true Dartmoor gliding style, everyone made the most of the shorter than normal flying year (due to Covid and not being able to fly all of January through to the end of March)
Below is the anchorman of the Sunday flying at Dartmoor, Martin Cropper. He has been flying with the club every Sunday for a countless number of years. The time Martin has given to the club over decades has been immense, and we thank him sincerely. That said it doesn’t stop us…. (with a cheeky smile and a wink)…. asking Gavin Short to award Martin the club “Wooden Spoon” award.
This year it was awarded for the longest cross country in a club K13. It just so happened to be the shortest, as well as the only K13 cross country. So short in fact, it ended in the next field over from our runway boundary…..
But they all count!
Below is “the voice of Dartmoor Gliding” Dave Downton. Dave received the club special award during Covid hence no one presenting it. This is given on non-flying related achievement/acknowledgement.
For many, many years Dave has guided our air experience flying visitors through the booking process, in some cases rebooking several times due to weather and skilfully ensuring the instructors are given all the appropriate information at the right time. It is an extremely time-consuming job, conducted at random times of the day/week. From all at Dartmoor Gliding, a sincere vote of thanks for all the work you do. It shows how good Dave has become, as is seems like it all happens by magic. Thanks Dave.
Below is Phil Hardwick receiving the “North Hill and return Trophy” from Instructor Peter Howarth. Phil Managed this very early in the year, on 26thMay 2021, he made good progress and completed it in a respectable time, on a day that had plenty of blue holes that caused a detour or two for other pilots that day. Well done Phil.
This is just one of the flights that contributed to 2021 being the best cross country total ever by DGS. As a combined total it was over 2000km in a single season!
Below is John Allan receiving the Spitfire Trophy from Instructor Pete Howarth for great progress. This year the trophy is a shared award.
John joined us at the very end of 2019, he has soloed, progressed to flying the K-8, and then onto the SF27A, he is looking towards his Bronze qualification and has joined a glider syndicate. All achieved despite Covid!
Below is Dave Archer also receiving the Spitfire Trophy from Instructor Rick Wiles for pilot improvement in 2021.
Dave has shown great commitment through a difficult time balancing work commitments, followed by the training interruptions caused by covid. Throughout he remained upbeat and smiling. His approach control has improved so much from his early attempts. So much that I miss the opportunity to look out for the ‘S’ line approach, while he was trying to line up on finals. Improvement is rewarding for Dave’s progress, but much less entertaining for those watching from the ground!
Below is Mr Mike Jardine who on 23rd June joined a very elite club. “The Caterpillar club” where members go to a great deal of trouble to go to just to save £20 on repacking a parachute.
However, it does prove what a calm, methodical pilot he is. We all now want him as our wingman when needed. Looking forward to the debrief over the winter.
Our thanks to all the people awarding and receiving the awards.
Wishing everyone at DGS best of luck for 2022. Onward and upwards for new season.
Richard Roberts
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