Monday, 26 June 2017

Slope Soaring in Sussex - Alive and Kicking

Whatever the outcome of the vote on the decision whether or not to keep the club going, people voted with their feet (or wings!) yesterday. And what a turn out! At its height I counted at least 10 people and almost twice as many models – not all members admittedly, but it proved that slope soaring in Sussex is very much alive and kicking!

It was a fantastic day and a chance to rekindle that local, home-grown group spirit of comradery among fellow enthusiasts. As well several members (including Paul H, Rob S, Ian A, Tony C and myself) and a few locals, we were joined by ex-members Roger H and Marc B, plus Andrew L who has come back after a 6 months break - the newest member of the mouldy boys! It was like you hadn't been away a day Andrew - superb flying mate. 

Itford didn't disappoint. It's one of my favourite, if not my favourite, summertime slope in Sussex. A gentle meadow-covered hillside overlooking meandering rivers and rolling South Downs countryside, Itford offers superb lift from a combination of a decent breeze and some mega thermals hoovering up the warm summer air in the valley. It's a slope where mouldies really come into their own!

Would love to know what others rate as their favourite flying spots so we can make sure we build then into our regular circuit. Leave a comment below or in the shout box with your top spots!  

Speaking of flying locations, I'd love to try out Bo Peep sometime, as well as go back to Firle Beacon sometime - could land a jumbo jet up there so should take me less than the 16 attempts (including at least one touch and go) I needed yesterday to land the Ascot! There's also some murmurings of a possible trip to the Isle of White or Wales sometime, so would great to gauge interest in some flying further afield. 

Club or no club, formal or informal, it's up to us to decide how we want to keep engaging as a group. Yesterday, however defined, was awesome and, in my mind, there was an unmistakable club spirit on the slope. This is testament to its founders, those who do so much hard work behind the scenes, and everyone who comes along to foster this club spirit and make these meet-ups so enjoyable. I for one am looking forward to more days like yesterday - whatever we call them.

A big thanks to everyone who came along yesterday to show their support!! 

Quick update: Rob had an approach from a guy called Dave who had just started flying and lives in Lewes, so maybe we'll get another new member.

5 comments:

  1. Great write-up Will, thanks. I would say that the club is very much alive and kicking by the turn out yesterday and the poll result so far (Monday)16 votes and all favourable !

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  2. As an outsider looking in, and one who is trying to resurrect the South Wales Soaring Association, I feel it would be a great shame if the club were to fold.
    But whatever happens, please keep the Blog up and running as there are so many more people, outside of Sussex, who enjoy the blog and seeing what you guys get up to.
    My own blog, A470soaring.blogspot.co.uk is nowhere near as successful as this one, but I still receive a lot of hits, even though no one interacts with it. I receive the occasional email but when I had a shout box, no one used it. It is a little disheartening with the lack of interaction, but just seeing the view stats each day is enough to keep me interested enough to continue with it.
    So I would like to see your club membership get behind the club, support the committee who are doing a sterling job, and just get together as a group, on the slope for a few hours at least on weekends.
    Good luck guys.

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    1. Hi Steve, thanks for your input. I feel a lot more positive about the future of the club given the turn out yesterday and the many positive comments we have received. I wish you all the success with your newly revitalised club in South Wales. Cheers Steve for your continued support.

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  3. Great write up Will, it sounds like I missed a great morning at Itford Yesterday. Unfortunately after walking 28 miles over the weekend I fell short of Itford and only managed to make it to Kingston!!!

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  4. Thanks for the post Will. It was really good to be back and catch up with you and all the guys. Whether there will be field in the future doesn't matter to me as I love the slopes. As for the flying I'm happy I brought everything back in one piece - partly thanks to Paul for his help in landing and Rob helping me setup the planes! I intend to be a regular back out on the slopes again.

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