Parham

Mike 7Q and I (Z12) had a good day flying along the Southdowns.
Set off at 9:00: arrived 10:45; rigged and airborne by 11:30. Wind started N 16kts but increased to 18kts before backing a little. Was able to run easily to Harting, then back to Parham to find Mike dallying in the Chanctenbury Rings. Followed a local across the gap
to Truleigh masts where the ridge was bashing off 4kts. Past Devil's Dyke to the windmills then along Ditchling Beacon to Lewes at breakneck speed. Back to Parham was straight forward but the jump to Bignor ended quite low with sun in the trees making knowing where the ridge lay a bit scary. Ran down to Cocking then headed home for an early bath. Not pretty or fast but great fun. Flight on the ladder.
Must get some lead and follow with someone who has the local
knowledge to get the route right and grow some b**ls.
I have done the same deal with Parham as last year so when 315 is
CofA'd it can go down there for the season and club members can fly
with reciprocal membership just paying Parham for the launch (I
suspect Booker will want a soaring fee as usual).

Jim

PS AJ also ran the ridge making his own way there and back

South Downs

I had an excellent day on the South Downs on Friday 31st.

Great runs along the ridge with fantastic views of the Downs and South Coast.
Mike is hoping to take the Duo down to Parham again for ridge running when the weather is suitable: another unique flying opportunity for Booker members whatever their experience level. The best wind direction is between slightly west of North to Northeast; with speeds over 15 to 20kts.
A number of Booker members have driven to Parham to fly for the day. It is well worth the drive to experience 100km of ridge. Apart from getting there and back having an engine is no advantage as by the time you realise you need it you are too low to start it.

I unfortunately forgot to take my camera so the pictures are from last year; much the same apart from missing the beautiful Autumn colours.

Booker at Henley

On Saturday 25 October the Sales and Marketing Team braved the wind and unforecast rain in Henley to promote gliding and the club and to sell courses and trial lessons. The Market Place was less busy than on previous visits but we did more business than many of the shops, and met lots of people. We look forward to seeing our visitors at the launch point.

Strong streets

At lunchtime on Tuesday 21st October excellent conditions developed at Booker, with strong lift under the streets that formed in the stiff breeze.  One pilot reported 4-5 m/s...yes, metres/second at about 14:30.  KCZ even went out to Benson and back.  Unfortunately there were only a handful of people lucky enough to partake and the day resulted in a meagre 4 launches.

Aboyne round up

This year's expedition to Aboyne (to Deeside Gliding Club) was the best for some years in terms of flying weather, only 3 non-flying days in the three weeks we were up there. A total of 29 club members turned up at various times over the three weeks, ranging from seven for whom it was their first trip to veterans of dozens of visits. The flying was varied: thermals, wave, calm days and windy, and we came away with two diamond and two gold heights, congratulations to all, as well as some notable x-c flights.

Our next expedition is likely to be to Shobdon, Herefordshire, in the spring.

Friday Update

315 from a Lasham Discus

Mike C and Richard C,315, 9,500ft, Balmorial
John H, 607, 8,500ft, Balmorial
Barry M, JDV, 7,000ft

Before 8/8ths and rain came in to bring an end to the day.

Denis primmed and ready before he's 570km flight yesterday

Tues, Weds and Thurs Update

Tuesday was mostly overcast and lacked any form of wind but was adequate for a couple of circuits for Richard C before we all went on various walks.

Wednesday a mixed day for many:

Mike C and Charlie Jordon (DGC), 315, 14,200ft and managed 140km
Denis C, 370, 16,000ft
Dave B and Richard C, ECZ, managed to get 5000ft in thermals
John H, 607,Steve W and Barry M practised some circuits....

370 above Loch Davan
Sunset from 315 at 11,000ft over Loch Muick

Thursday:

Denis, 370, 563Km at 114kph
Dave B and Richard C, 315, managed to get to 16,000ft and went to Feshiebridge and Rinnes (140km)
Mike C, 315, 12,500ft, Braemar
Steve W, JDV, 8,000ft,
John H, 607, 15,500ft, Loch morlich - Loch Muick

Running the wave towards Braemar at around 10,000ft

Holiday snaps

The week 3 crowd are clearly having too much fun in Aboyne and have no time for blogging, so here are a few pics from the first two weeks, stills from Bob's camcorder, his new toy.

Dave showing the way

315 on tow

Sun and cloud

A relaxed chef Jeremy and his kitchen crew in Birkelunn

Dinner at the Huntly Arms in Aboyne

Monday 13th

Dave B and Richard C, ECZ, 13,000ft, Braemar
Mike C and Steve W, 315, 14,000ft
John, 607, 14,000ft
Barry M, JDV, 8,500ft
Dennis, 370, 13,000ft, Loch Tay and Feshiebridge

Ballater from 8000ft

Spot the Duo.....

Sunday back in London (for some)..

....and it looks as though I missed another good day while driving down the M6. Here are a couple of holiday pics:

A sky with every type of cloud, Thursday of week 2 when it was blowing a stiff south westerly. In the foreground is the glider formerly known as 249 (now ETY) - our old friend Derek was back again for another crack at the elusive diamond, leaving his Windrusher colleagues to try their luck at Portmoak.

Snow on the mountains - a memory from week 1. Deeside's glider rack in the foreground with Glyn's G1 in the centre.