Another frustrating day of TMG only operations. There had been high hopes that the grass would have been cut at Shawbury, indeed, the grass around Hangar 4 had been cut, but not the main operating areas.

So for our Cosford and Shawbury gliding bursary students it was TMG flying only and we can only thank them for their patience and perseverance whilst we try to resolve the situation.

Our other concern is that we need to achieve 30 launches a day to stay financially viable. With few TMG rated instructors and the slower launch rate of the TMGs we managed just 11 launches today.

Some good news. Colin, Jack, Andy and Norm were successful in their bid to purchase our old RAFGSA ASK18 (R43) so were are delighted that it is going to grace the skies around Shawbury for some time yet.

A 90 degree cross wind on the limit only slightly delayed the start of flying. Whilst we waited on the verdict from the sacrificial first launch our gliding bursary students got in some time with Toby on the club simulator and with Brad on cockpit familiarisation and pre-flight checks.

Cleaning the carbs and tightening the engine mounts seemed to have cured the engine vibration. All that remained was to dynamically balance the carbs this morning before WG was placed back in service.

Nigel, Geoff and Colin shared TMG instructor duties in WG.

With no gliding we could only look on with exasperation as the temperatures soared and the stream of thermals blew through the airfield. TMG currency was the order of the day for Danny in KE - props pilot is Danny, he’s Army! We say thanks for your help and bid farewell to Danny who is off on posting back to Yeovilton.

Meanwhile The Vicar flew off in WG to do some differences training with Geoff and, in working toward his cross-country endorsement, Rob undertook a NAVEX with Nigel. Brad took the opportunity to continue working toward his ½ cat, taking a trip with Geoff

Finally, there was a mass of Lagan plant working on the pan and we have to say that the operatives could not have been more helpful. Big thankyou guys.👍👍

Something else. Whilst we’ve been grafting away at Shawbury not gliding, another club member has been in warmer climes doing more tasty stuff! C’est la vie!