Dartmoor Gliding Society Club News: Dartmoor Gliding News

The weather today was somewhat problematic. A cold front was lying overhead with lots of showers and variable cloudbases, Wind was southerly, moving towards the SW. There was some whispering of possible convergences - not sure where this information was from.

Fleet waiting with rain in the sky to the north

After the normal preparations and briefing we delayed going to the east end to officially open the New west end launch point (bus). The official "Zack's Shack" sticker was presented. This is a great achievement and represents considerable work by a team of club members.

Zack was pleased with the name for the new Launchpoint

We think is should go just here

Zack's Shack in position at the West End

Once at the east end the first flight was somewhat delayed by the passing showers and the need to dry the gliders off. This task was to feature several times during the early part of the day.

We had several visitors today with Stephen Coote, Michelle Brant, Paul Simcox and John Fellows all having Air Experience flights.

Stephen and family

John Fellows

Michelle Brant

Paul Simcox

We also welcomed 96 year old Joey Warren who was attending to fly in a glider for the first time to raise money for the Milton Combe Church Heating Repair Fund. She arrived with lots of supporters and enjoyed two flights in the Puchacz with Gavin.

Joey watching a glider launch just before her first flight

Joey and Puchacz returning after her first flight

Joey's supporters

There was very little soaring to be found. I had a short soaring flight in some low thermal bubbles around 3pm and Gavin took flight of the day with 16 minutes flying solo in K13 CCY in what looked like a convergence. The day finished around 5.40pm as the cloudbase descended very quickly, eventually cutting off our view of the moors and church.