Tuesday, 6 August 2024

Another Good Club Turn Out at Beeding Bowl - 3rd August 2024

Despite a rather iffy weather forecast the morning turned out much better than expected until finally the rain arrived around midday. Once again, I was in attendance to meet up with 2 potential club members, Ivan S and Mick J who were both welcomed by existing club members. Ivan was so keen he joined the Club that very evening.

Members Having Fun On The Slope

Many of the usual suspects were flying today with a variety of models. It was great to see Robin Ad on the slope after quite some time away from flying. 

Robin Ad's - Nice little Glider

One of our newest members Nick W was flying his Alula which is painted to represent a seagull, apologies if it is some other type of bird. Nick V arrived with a clutch of models but unfortunately suffered a battery malfunction and had to borrow a battery pack from Martin J. Something funny was occurring as when Nick got home all was well with the batteries. 

The seagull - I think

Martin J brought along his Blob and Coyote with Paul H who had his Middle Phase and the Damitt. Scott T arrived but decided not to fly but came along for a social. All in all it was a very good morning with the possibility of being able to sit on the grass and have a very sociable conversation with other like minded individuals. I for one am very impressed how the Club is growing in numbers. 

SAS Wildthing and a Weasel

It's almost every week I receive an e-mail requesting details of the Club, long may it continue. So today we had 7 club members with 2 potential members, not too bad for a Saturday morning.

Sunday, 7 July 2024

Itford Hill - Saturday 6th July 2024

It's been a while since the Club arranged a visit to this slope and we were not disappointed. In my opinion I consider it to be one of the very best slopes we have in Sussex, especially for basic flying training and of course the magnificent views of the South Downs. I may be biased as I conducted most of my initial training on this slope under the guidance of our club instructors.

Another reason for the outing was to meet up with two potential members, Nick and Sam both were thoroughly nice chaps and I do hope they decide to join our club. Over the past two years we have had a number of individuals enquire about club membership. Usually these are chaps who have past experience but have not flown recently and at the other end of the spectrum is our newest member Gary who is an enthusiast and will require some instruction, he came along this morning to watch. I am pleased to say that in today's environment our small club is going from strength to strength. We now have 48 members.

The weather provided us with excellent lift from the 35 MPH plus wind speed and almost clear sky's. However, I think the windspeed was at the top limit of my SAS Wildthing and sometimes the landing was problematic. 

Another club member was present, Paul H was flying his Dammit glider and considering how lightweight it is coped very well with the prevailing conditions.

We spent about two hours on the slope which allowed me to brief our potential members on the workings of Slope Soaring Sussex and also gave me the chance to fly my Wildthing. 

Paul and I decided to call it quits and make our way back down to the cars. Just as we got to the lay by the heavens opened. 

In summary, a very good morning's flying and hopefully two new club members in the future. Already looking forward to our next outing.