Blustery Itford Sunday 31 July 2022

 I met Martin L and Kevin M in the lay-by at the bottom of Itford Hill at around 8.45.  I was a little late as looking at the forecast first thing the wind was going to be a bit stronger than anticipated, I changed the models I was going to take. We took the dog leg walk up to the top of the hill and were flying by 9.15 after a leisurely walk and chat.

Then a nice chap called Colin from Surrey arrived with two moulded gliders.  

We were then joined by Mark, J Robin A and Rob P shortly followed by Nick V who took the hard man route up the side of the hill!

The wind strengthened and became more blustery throughout the morning which made the flying more tricky however there was lots of lift. I am not aware of any damaged models and everyone had plenty of stick time.

Well done to Martin L who flew my Wildthing using the buddy box and did very well given the conditions and having done very little slope flying before. 

The Wildthings were definitely the model of the day as there were four on the hill and as Martin L , Kevin M and I left, another flier was coming up the hill with a very colourful Wildthing.

Talking to people Itford seems to be a bit like Marmite but it is a forgiving slope when conditions are not their best and when things don’t quiet go to plan, even if it is a bit of a trek. 

It was great to see everyone and a nice morning with plenty of flying.

Scotty

A few of the models out this morning…

10 Go Soaring at Beeding Bowl – Sunday 24 July 2022

What an outstanding turn out from the Club membership this morning, it must be a record. As usual the views and the scenery were outstanding.

Rising early and expecting to be the first to arrive at the slope I was astonished to find the Club Chair (Rob S) already there supervising one of our newer members to the Club, Mike G. Rob S was armed with the Club trainer (SAS Wildthing) with the buddy boxes just in case a member needed some instruction.

Mike G was flying his modified SAS Wildthing, normal wings but with a replacement fuselage. He also used today as an opportunity to enjoy the field out to our right when he and Rob went to retrieve his errant glider. Martin J was away with his SAS Wildthing and then Kevin M arrived bearing his West Wings Aurora, a modified Lidl glider and a SAS Wildthing his Let 13 was not available for flying today as it was designated into the “Pending” box after it’s last outing.

So, expecting to be the first to arrive I was well down the list. Today I brought along my trusty SAS Wildthing and a Dreamflight Ahi.

Nick V our newly appointed club instructor arrived with his Middle Phase along with Robin S with his Aztec glider.

At one point flying was a bit hit and miss, yes there was a good wind registering 12mph but this had the tendency to drop causing a number of landings away from the launch point. One of our most recent joiners, Bob C produced a FMS Easy Trainer but quickly realized the weather conditions were incompatible and then he displayed his SAS Wildthing which looked like a Wildthing but was different. This particular glider was one of the first to be produced and had the battery hatch located on the top of the fuselage unlike the modern versions. Rob flew it for Bob and trimmed it the best he could but it was a little difficult to fly. Bob also tried his hand with it but agreed with Rob that there was a problem with too much weight in the nose. Bob will take it home and re-build it. Rob then gave Bob a number of flights on the club Wildthing which Bob found very much easier to fly.

Scotty T, our Club Treasurer was next to appear on the slope with his Dreamflight Ahi and Weasel produced from the same hangar and his SAS Wildthing. Paul H arrived with a very unusual glider called a SOAS and his Middle Phase.

As I mentioned earlier flying was challenging and several times today the gliders just fell to earth, resulting in a small walk to retrieve them. I had a good time with the SAS Widthing including clipping a bush when coming across the top of the slope prior to landing. Nick V took me to one side to give me some instruction on right hand circuits and landings using the club equipment, I am very grateful to him for giving his time to me this morning. Thank you very much Nick. 

Scott had some very good flights with his Wildthing and then tried the Ahi which flew very well considering the rather choppy conditions. 

At some points there were 4 or 5 Wildthings in the air at one time along with Robin's Aztec.

It was also pleasing to see some flyers' partners on the slope this morning (both Paul and Bob brought their wives along) to either watch the flying or take a short stroll across the top of the bowl . 

It was awesome to have every Club Committee member out flying today. A massive thank you to all who made such a great and enjoyable morning with loads of socializing taking place. 

See you all again soon.