Well, to be honest there is not too much to report. Task Week, in terms of the weather and task flying, was a little disappointing. However we did fly, in fact, on most days. The cloud base was generally too low or the wind too strong for task setting but nevertheless some good flights were had and those who attended enjoyed themselves. There was a good turnout and quite a few tents erected for the week.
One of the highlights of the week was Dave Poole going solo, seen in the picture (right) being congratulated by Gerry Cox, the instructor who sent him solo. Well done Dave, let's hope it's the start af many happy and safe flights.
The other highlight, and one certainly not to be missed, was the end of week party once again hosted by "The Medicine Show" aka Mark Enfield with special guests ( some more special than others! ) . Nathan, manning the BBQ, did a sterling job keeping everyone fed.
There were some great performances, on and off the stage ,and some memorable highlights, so many in fact that I have made two videos. Best viewed using Internet Explorer, headphones recommended. Click the play button and be patient whilst the videos load, they are quite large!
It's early July and finally a few not quite so good weekends but nonetheless some flying was had. We have had a recent intake of new members so welcome to them, the instructors will be kept busy.
Our forum blew up so we have created a new one which is worth visiting, you will need to register. We apologise if you had posted in the old one, it is likely that the data is lost but, if it ever returns we'll endevour to copy the data to the new one.
Task Week will soon be upon us and hopefully we'll be able to unveil the new Launch Control wagon - pictures to follow.
Mid June. More excellent flying conditions, Sunday 14th especially. Many pilots' aloft for many hours with Peter Robinson flying from Bovington - Bridgwater - Lasham and home again. Congratulations to Barry Stuckey who completed his silver badge by achieving the required height gain. A special mention for Carol who worked tirelessly throughout.
To June. The good flying conditions continued as the club members' enjoyed the weekends and late May bank holiday. Many hours of soaring was enjoyed by all with Ian Bateman aloft for nigh on 6 hours in his discus.
Tony Law passed his Basic Instructor exam and is now flying some of the many trial lessons, congratulations go to him.
Task Week is upon us, so the weather is almost certainly going to be rubbish for the week.
Saturday 26th.
The cumulus formed, although not that high, and the conditions thermic but, the sea breeze kept it all sufficiently inland to scupper any chance of cross-country flying from the Dorset Club, however , Sunday would be much better.
Sunday 27th.
Then task was Yeovil Reseviour, Henstridge, Frome and back the Eyres Field. Congratulation go to Carol for completing. Dave and Ian completed Yeovil, Henstridge and return.
Wolfie took a run to Frome and return.
Barrie, after a long wait, successfully completed his 50km leg towards his Silver badge with a flight from Eyres Field to Longleat, landing out at The Park and taking an aerotow for the return home. Well done Barry.
Peter Falla completed a 1/2 hour from the winch towards his Bronze and both Shaun and Bob completed their required 50 solos towards their Bronze award.
All glider pilots' wish for greater lift and higher cloud base but it's like waiting for pigs to fly which, if they did, the CAA would legislate them and make them wear transponders. All in all a good day for all and an enjoyable start to task week.
During the week.
Well, not that many tasks set, in fact a nice round number. The flyable days seemed to consipre against task setting as the general southerly wind pushed any cumulus inland as the sea breeze set in and westerly winds brought rain. So, the week amounted to local soaring. However, the southerly did allow for a nice trip to the coast, the new video is on the frontpage.
On Tuesday we had a visit from a Dorset Echo reporter and cameraman. The reporter enjoyed a trial lesson. We look forward to the article to be published in the next two weeks or so.
Saturday 2nd August.
Shaun was able to complete his Bronze.
By far the highlight of the week was the barbeque and live music. Well done to Nathan for arranging the barbeque but the star of the show, and of the week, has to be the live music event led by "The Medicine Man show" aka Mark Enfield supported by Mr Anthony Law and Gary ( I'm not so ) Shaw it was a good idea.
