A Positive Response

Over the weekend myself and Rob have received nothing but positive feedback with regard to the clubs future and the future of this blog. Currently we have a pole running on the blog to try and determine the views of the members but this pole is unfortunately open to everyone and I can not legislate against people voting who are not members. Anyway it gives us a good idea what people want.
As Will so eloquently wrote on the post below we had a very good turn out yesterday up at Itford Hill and this seems to confirm that a strong core of the membership want to continue as a club and continue to support the direction the club is currently undertaking.
We do still need to have a EOGM to discuss further various issues the membership needs to agree on and what direction the club needs to take but for now I'm sure that the club will continue as well as the blog.
Cheers guys............

PS. Will did mention we were chatting about a club visit to either the Isle of Wight or to go and see Steve and his buddies in South Wales. We had six people say they would be interested in going somewhere different to fly one weekend either for a day trip to the I of W or a weekend trip to Wales. Anyone else interested who didn't show there Interest yesterday (Scott, we have already decided that you will be going and are giving Will a lift - hope that's OK?).
 

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.