A very short flying window due to a delayed start with persistent low cloud and light rain, a delay that we could have done without as we had a new cohort of our MEF gliding scholarship students with us for their first flights.  As it was, some had to leave at lunchtime to get away on break but not before we get them going on the sim under the guidance of Toby.  Always good to know what happens when you hit a tree on landing at Cosford as Mike O can tell you all about!

So, while some could only stare at the falling rain……

……with another planned station event in Hangar 4 requiring we move to Hangar 1 next weekend, we took advantage of the conditions to take all the trailers over today rather than wait until next week.  John Luke decided it was also a good opportunity to wash the bowser – it was that sort of morning.

By 1245 cloud base had lifted just enough to get the two motor gliders out and, dodging the light showers, get in some training for some of our MEF students.

However, it wasn’t until 14:30 that conditions were good enough to commence flying with two aims.  The first was to get our remaining MEF gliding scholarships students into the air.  Jake, sporting a rather brave haircut, took a couple of trips with Ian whilst Ben probably enjoyed the best soaring trip of the day with instructor Geoff M.

The second aim was to support Laura as she displayed her BGA Aerobatic Sports Badge routine, a scored sequence containing 12 figures that includes, amongst others the loop, a humpty dumpty, chandelle, quarter clover and others.   Laura took a couple of practice trips with Ian, then more ground practice rehearsing her moves…….

……before launching to display her routine in a 1km square box overhead, to BGA Aerobatic Flight Instructor Coach Ian G and the rest of us looking on from the ground.  Super stuff Lorna…...

……and many congrats on being awarded, subject to ratification of the paperwork by the BGA, your BGA Aerobatic Sports Badge.  Top job Laura😍

A blast from the past!  Geoff M and his 397 crew mate from 50 years ago, Dave Shadrack, took a trip together for old time’s sake.  They had different hair styles in those days!

Once airborne, if you could find and stick in a thermal, they were booming.

At one stage all this excitement got a bit overwhelming for some of the old lads, and like a scene out of “The Last of the Summer Wine with Gliders” one had to sit down for a rest, whilst two others tried to get into the single seat Astir.  What a day!

Last flight of the day went to #vulcanbomber and The Vicar trying to find some divine inspiration.  Apparently #vulcanbomber had been awe struck watching Laura’s aeros and was heard to say ““Who are these who fly like a cloud?” to which The Vicar replied, “Isaiah 60:8, let’s go see what we can do!”.  Clearly Isiah wasn’t in today and they dropped out after a very short trip - Sundays usually work better for The Vicar BTW!

Other club news:

• The Ex-Dear Leader had scammed his way over from the US to attend some wotevs, wereva and joined us for the day. He hasn’t changed!

• Terry has some new hearing aids:

 “I’ve got new hearing aids” said Terry.

“Are they on the NHS?” asked Colin.

“Pardon?”

• Eagle eyed readers of the blog may have noticed earth works and heavy plant in some of the images.  This is the start of an RAF Shawbury runway resurfacing project which should not impact on flying.