Sunday 7th January

A bright dry but bitterly cold morning with a brisk easterly wind greeted members new and old.  There was quickly a healthy flying list. It was good to see so many venturing forth on not the best of days. Unfortunately due to the weather conditions the Trial lesson visitor had to be put off for a better day.
 
A warm drink and extra layers added we readied the K21 and 505 for the trek to the west end and the launch point vehicle was despatched to the south west corner. With the wind becoming even more blustery a precautionary visit and assessment at the west ridge was prudent. Whilst the direction was ideal, the gusts were severe, such that handling gliders on the ground and risk to canopies, whilst marginal, was considered to be unacceptable. So the gliders were made safe, pending, we hoped, less turbulent conditions.
 
Cloud cover arriving from the east brought with it steadier wind but some low clouds scudding overhead. So James F made good use of the time with safety briefings for the new members. In fact the Briefing Room was in use most of the day with Instructors and members undergoing various ground school topics.
First week of January has been a bit windy! (North Hill weather station)
   With the wind strength increasing at lunchtime to 30kts, gusting 33kts, regrettably we ran up the white flag and put the kit away.  At least we tried! - Peter Smith