Thursday 22nd December

A clear blue sky and light westerly wind after a cold damp night meant a lot of dripping gliders initially, but the sun had  a bit of warmth in it (even though it's as far away as it can get!) and we were up and running by 10:30am.

There were quite a few names on the flying lists keen to make the most of the calm before the next storm (Barbara). With Pete Harmer working his way through the check flights and Martin Woolner  completing Instructor checks with James Flory. Pete Bennett flew Stuart from Queens College Taunton and some family and friends flights. 
The first signs of cloud (Mark Courtney)
At lunchtime the first signs of the cirrus started invading the sky, and the lovely warm morning had turned into an increasingly chilly afternoon. The cloud quickly filled in but with continuing high launches,  most flights were extended by some "wavy" lift, with Paul Little in his Open Cirrus managing the longest of 20 mins.
Martin checking out Hans (Mark Courtney)
The second Trial lesson flight was for Peter (on Christmas holiday from Harare) and should have been a Mile High, but had to be split into two flights due to a horseshoe shaped cloud of light rain which suddenly almost enveloped the aerotow - the second flight fared a lot better.
Bit of a squall line (Paul Little)
Thanks to everyone for making it a pleasant winters day of flying (39 flights) after yesterday's gathering at Washfield Church. - J&P