The sun shone on a cracking day a Shawbury and with the forecast promising great conditions it was the trigger for a number of members both old and new to set personal goals for the day. Thanks goes to all who turned up for their enthusiasm and support in making it all happen.

The day kicked off with six BI flights all for the family and friends of Shawbury based Purcell Charlery. Once we’d got over teenager hesitation of who was flying first, our enthusiastic young guests all went on the enjoy a great flight.

So the personal goals for the day were:

1. The Vicar (Toby) would complete his Silver badge with a 5 hour duration flight.

2. John Luke would complete his Silver badge with a 50k distance flight.

3. Terry W would undertake a 300km.

4. Geoff C would standby to retrieve Terry W when he landed out!

5. Sophie to convert to R66

By 1100 viz was fantastic – we could see the radio telescope at Jodrell Bank - and thermals were booming. With the CFI overseeing operations the intrepid trio of RSGC aviators were then launched and everyone ground based tuned into www.glideandseek.com to follow progress.

First away was Terry W on his 300km round trip to Chippenham West and return, However, running into blue sky south of Worcester, we saw Terry turn back and gradually lose height. A phone call and a ///what3words image was all that was needed for Geoff C and Jack to spring into action and head south of Much Wenlock to pick up Terry in a rather large field. So whilst aim 3 above was sadly missed (better luck Terry next time), aim 4 was successfully met.

Conditions for Toby flying in R43 were superb. The 5 hour duration really is a mind over fatigue and bodily function challenge, particularly on such a hot day. Launching at 11:40 and landing at 16:50, it’s a big well done to Toby on completing his Silver Badge.

John Luke launched at 12:12 in R66 for his 50K Distance flight making a trip via St George’s England football training centre Burton on Trent, Tatenhill airfield, Blithfield Reservoir and turning over Uttoxeter to return. Back at 15:12, well done John on completion of your Silver Badge.

Back on the airfield instructors had their hands full with MEF and Soaring Eagles students, return to flying checks, and continuation training for others. Congratulation go to Sophie on her conversion to our single seat Astir R66.

The last launches of the day saw an opportunity for Alan on his DG400, Will in R66 and Geoff C in R35 to share a thermal to 3,000 ft right over the airfield.