Saturday's Gliding Club News- 24th June 2023 DGS 40 Years Celebration

Today started with the usual briefings which suggested a blue sky day with a south easterly breeze. There was a possible soarable from mid day on. So very much business as usual. 

As today was our 40 year day the visitor flying programme was on hold to allow members access to "Friends and Family " flying although as it turned out only one family member flew. Oscar Lesson ( son of Steve ) flew for 25 minutes with Scratch.

The club training programme continued as usual throughout the day with CFI Rick Wiles.

Rick briefing Guy Balmer

A K13 launches into the blue sky.

By 1pm the forecast thermals kicked off with led to a scramble from our private owners to get into the air. Phill Hardwick was first and recorded a 55 minute flight in his DG300. He was followed by Steve Fletcher ( Open Cirrus ) with a flight of 1hr 13min. Not to be left out Andy Davey launched in his Libelle and clocked up the longest flight by far with just 5 minutes short of 4 hours.

Andy studying the instruments in his Libelle

Mark Elliot unusual photo of Brentor church

The flying programme was curtailed a little early to allow everyone to be free for the evenings events.

Our very own nocturnal member

Taking the gliders to the hangar

The fleet at rest in the hangar

By 6.30pm the club was busy with members and guests all taking advantage of the BBQ in Celebration of Dartmoor Gliding's 40th anniversary. This was followed by live music from Colin Boyd and his band. The party went on well into the evening. Great fun.

It was a lovely balmy evening outside the clubhouse

Not quite standing room only

The band set up in front of the motor hangar

We all owe Mike Bennett our thanks for his efforts in organising today's activities and cooking the BBQ.

Mike and BBQ

Steve