Dartmoor Gliding News - Sunday 18 May 2025 - Aston Down Expedition Day 0

Blue skies abound as the brethren gathered at Brentor for the annual pilgrimage to Aston Down.

Invariably, when one goes away for a gliding expedition, the weather at home base will be brilliant.  And so it was today.  It was stonking on Skysight and with the Sunday Duty Instructor going to Aston Down with the CFI, and almost all the Basic Instructors and our IFP.  Consequently, there was no flying at Brentor.

What a great forecast for Dartmoor.  Up to 600 km potential flight distance!

Six glider trailers were readied for departure: Steve Fletcher, Adam, Mike Bennett, Rick, Peter, and I.  John Allan was already at Aston Down. Sean had been at Nympsfield last week and would come to Aston Down.  Andy and Phil had their trailers at home and would make their way separately.

"Breaker, Breaker, we have got ourselves a convoy."

All hooked up, the convoy departed at 1000.  Scratch and Val, with Scratch's caravan, proceeded to Aston Down independently.  The obligatory stop at Sedgemoor Services was sufficient for most, but one of our number had to make an early pit stop at Taunton Deane Services!

We arrived at around 1400 and got the trailers parked and the gliders rigged for tomorrow.  Then it was time to check in with Susi, the Office Manager, and to claim the rooms or tent or caravan pitches.

The queue to get into the airfield at Aston Down

Colin was spotted flying as P1 in the clubhouse

John Allan had flown for over four hours in the local area, and Phil and Andy two hours a piece.  No sign of Sean.  In fact, he was flying his Libelle for a three-hour flight.

We retired to the clubhouse for well-earned cups of tea and coffee.  Dinner was Meatball and mozzarella pasta, as cooked by my son, Joel, followed by a banana and chocolate chip cake baked by my wife, Rachel.  Thanks guys.

Gavin Short