Dartmoor Gliding News - Wednesday 12 August 2026

There is an earworm running through my head today.

I can't light no more of your darkness,
All my pictures seem to fade to black and white,
I'm growing tired and time stands still before me,
Frozen here on the ladder of my life,

Don't let the sun go down on me.

Of course many of the Wednesday Wavers would remember when the song, "Don't let the sun go down on me" was first released on Elton John's 1974 Caribou album and his subsequent fantastic live performances of that classic.

However, younger DGS pilots will remember the Elton John and George Michael's duet of the song.

Why the earworm?  Today from 1818 to 2010 the Wavers could experience a partial solar eclipse at Brentor, the best in UK since the total eclipse in 1999.

So a close look at the weather is called for, and it appears that we should be cloud free.  The wind strong from the southeast, killing any late afternoon lift, probably would mean that hangar would be packed in time for viewing from the clubhouse terrace. 

Gavin lies down on the job of applying tyre pressure labels to the club gliders.

Today we welcomed three visitors each with two flight vouchers; Barry Thurgood from Ashburton, Russell Heath from Plymstock, and junior Rhys Ferguson from Ivybridge.  All would be under the tender care of Steve Fletcher, our Secretary and, of course, Introductory Test Pilot.

Despite the number of Wednesday Wavers were less than normal the Duty Instructor had five trainees to fly.  In addition, he would have to depart at 1730 for grandfather solar eclipse duties.  Yes, it was new one on me too!  That meant that DB, Michael M-S, Ed Nicholson, Ian, and Ray would only have two flights a piece.  But with a breeze keeping most of the heat at bay no one seemed that concerned. 

DB struggles with his straps for his second flight.  "I wouldn't do it like that Dave if I were you!"

Michael M-S prepares himself for flight. 
 Yes, there is a pesky instructor in the back this time rather than letting you fly on your own.

Steve poses with Barry Thurgood, and almost-retired wellness coach. 
 I suppose a gliding club is as good an environment as any for reconnecting with nature. 

John Allan, Malcolm, and John Smith tried their hand in the Astir CS77 whilst Michael Bennett, Peter, and I flew the K-8 after the defective Flarm unit was swapped out first thing this morning.

Mike Bennett flies the K-8, FXB with its new Flarm unit.

Newly-retired Russell Heath appears not to have a care in the world.

Russell, still smiling while waiting to launch

Steve, ultra-chilled despite the heat.  Perhaps he is reminiscing
that it was exactly 11 years ago today that he came to the club
for a trial flight which led to him returning to flying after a gap of about 30 years!

Dave Archer tries to breathe life into his K-6CR.  He is a paramedic you know.

In the afternoon Neal brought his family to club.  His son, Ben flew two Friends and Family flights with Mike Jardine whilst Dave Archer flew his K-6CR, and Scratch his Standard Cirrus.

After all that exertion and a first flight it's time to rest in the shade.

Ben Oxley raring to go with the Duty Instructor

The southeasterly cross wind and the hint of wave meant the thermals struggled as did several pilots.  There were some soaring flights but none that exceeded the club 30 minute limit, although Peter and Malcolm came close.

Junior Rhys Ferguson, our third visitors, is helped by Ray and Steve.

Aviation enthusiast Rhys concentrates during Steve's briefing

For the second flight and a chance to get hands on the controls Rhys teams up with Scratch.

And today's prize for the silliest hat goes to....

Dave Archer, actually in his glider rather than fettling it, readies for a second launch.

It was hot but pleasant in the breeze that made for a rather laid-back day for those who came to fly.  The Wavers clocked up 29 flights.

 

A big thanks to those who drove the winch today and Colin for successfully reskinning the starboard side of FSD's cockpit.  This involved cutting the Ceconite fabric, sticking it using Superseam, ironing it, applying three coats of non-shrinking dope and then a coat UV paint.  Fortunately, he could do that in the airy hangar rather that the sweat box that is currently his workshop. 

What of the eclipse?  Those who normally stay behind and put the world to rights decided that viewing the eclipse at home was the best option.  I was the last out, or I thought I was.  Whilst locking the gates I was surprised to see Dave Archer return.  In the modern world you can't do much with your smartphone.  Even more so when it's in the pocket in the cockpit of your glider that is locked in its trailer.

 

The 95.5% totality caught on camera, together with a lens flare, at Harrowbarrow in East Cornwall.

Gavin Short