The good news today was the relatively modest minus two degrees; the bad news a frigid northerly of about 10 knots ... the wind chill was ferocious! However, nothing would stop three committed (and perhaps they should be?) UWE students from turning up again for instruction, namely Ed, Estella and Anthony. A few of the club vehicles were hauled kicking and screaming from their winter hibernation, the winch warmed up, the frozen parachutes and strops defrosted, and the students rewarded with launches in excess of 2000 feet, great views of the wintry landscape, some quality instruction and the opportunity to pay soaring fees for the first time! The flight of the day was 15 minutes, with several 14 minute flights also ... not bad for December!?

The normal Wednesday crew must have decided to stay in their warm burrows (apart from the brave John Bellamy). Roger Bagley turned out heroically, but left shortly thereafter because of lack of senior custom. Whatever is the world coming to, queried the shivering but plucky students?

A big thanks to Mike Weston for instructing, to John Bellamy and Tony Hayes and Dave Gardner for helping out.

It really was fun. Everybody present had at least one flight. But it certainly was cold ...

Eugene