Always a challenge when the aircraft are in their temporary home in Hangar 1 but the logistics to support them are stored in Hangar 4, thus it took much longer than normal to get our day up and running.

Flying started with a check flight for Rob who when then converted to the Club Astir.  Many congratulations Rob and now to get studying for your Bronze.

It’s RIAT weekend so that’s where the bulk of our MEF students have been deployed.  Nevertheless, from Cosford we welcomed new starters Lewis and Troy together with Harry.  Making use of both glider and TMG KE Lewis and Troy managed 7 trips between them.  Well done guys and thanks for all you pulling and pushing at the launch point; it was much appreciated.

We then placed Harry in the capable hands of The Vicar in TMG KE for a 40-minute general handling trip that built and reinforced on his previous lessons.

The forecast was for overcast skies with rain later.  Cloud base started at c1,800ft and eventually rose to 2,500. 

However, any thermic activity just served to tease, and even the normally reliable quarry failed to deliver.  No one got away.

Conscious that rain was around we tried to get everyone a trip.  Only Chris was left disappointed!

Big congrats to Shawbury based MEF gliding scholarship student Charlie.  After a check flight, Norm sent him solo in R22, his first BGA solo and Charlie’s first at RAF Shawbury. 

Top job Charlie and let’s hope we can get a few more trips in before you depart on posting.

It’s always nice to welcome Veterans for a flight and today it was Stephen Jackson on holiday from Canada and staying in nearby Telford.  Stephen had flown decades before at Bicester and it was nice for him to be able to recall happy memories as he took a trip with The Vicar.  Glad you enjoyed your day and please call again when you are back in the UK.

Someone asked, “Where’s Colin”?  Apparently, he had slipped away to RIAT but, not wanting to be forgotten, had sent us a reminder of the importance of Colin’s presence at the launch point.  We love a chocolate log so much appreciated and thanks Colin.

Elsewhere on the airfield:

• Jack took a trip with Norm to fettle up his Bronze air test.  At 26 minutes they claimed hog-o-the day!

• after a long siesta in the bus, vv senior citizen #uptonwaters took v senior citizen #vulcanbomber for an outing, they said to Blackpool for the Bingo.  With 158 years between them, and with one operating the stick and the other the rudder they got as far as Battlefield before turning back.  Marvelous.

With rain on the canopies and the wind picking up ahead of the front, flying ceased at 14:40.  It’s thanks to all for your patience and understanding in getting everything ready at the start of play from the two hangars and we have another opportunity to practice the same in August!  C’est La Vie as they say in Wales!