Cambridge University Gliding Club

We (Becca Ward, Graham Spelman and Andy Langton) left Cambridge bright and early, in good spirits despite an uncertain weather forecast, and managed the A14 and avoiding Birmingham with little trouble. Shortly after reaching the M5 we heard from the Bicester team (Philippa Roberts and John Verril), who were there ahead of us, to say that the airfield was stuck in a cloud. Assuring them we wouldn’t be long (hahaha), we made plans to walk somewhere for lunch if the weather didn’t improve.

We reached Stroud, and picked up Oliver Kay from the station, in perfect time, with no navigation issues. “I know the way from here” said Andy, so I trusted him (foolishly) as he drove us up the wrong hill, over the wrong common and down the wrong road. Frustrated map reading and a lucky signpost put us back on track, and we found the airfield just in time as the cloudbase was starting to lift.

All eager to fly, we started dragging gliders out without thinking to change from our trainers – feet were soon wet and cold (it was really cold out there), but smiles kept us going as nearly everyone got the chance for a quick flight. After flying (and having changed shoes and defrosted), we set out in two cars to hunt for a pub. Unfortunately, not having learnt today’s lesson, Andy was leading the way. We ended up in Minchinhampton (nearly to Aston Down-another local gliding club), at a pub that wasn’t doing food. He redeemed himself shortly after, finding a nice country pub doing posh, but very nice, food. This was, of course, the place he’d been looking for all along!