1930s gliding in Sussex

For those who found a modicum of interest in this thread, you may wish to take a look at http://sussexhistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=2586.0 where this theme is developed in greater detail.

Whilst searching the net on a completely unrelated subject, I came across this website:

http://www.glider-pilot.co.uk/from%20the%20early%20days/Early%20days%20of%20gliding.htm

which contains reference to gliding at Small Dole and at other sites in Sussex, Surrey and elsewhere prior to the last war. It contains some information relevant to my initial query but also makes fascinating reading in itself.

I take it that the location of the gliding club field has no connection with Robin Windus’ Truleigh strip at the foot of the South Downs, where he still keeps his Citabria and 1929 vintage Curtiss Robin, although the latter has not had its Permit renewed for over 10 years?

This strip has been in use for many years and I recall he had BA Swallow 2 G-AFHS there in the late 1950s/early 1960s.

Wicked Willip :diablo:

Don’t know, Phil, but I suspect that Robin is best placed to answer that question.

I take it that the location of the gliding club field has no connection with Robin Windus’ Truleigh strip at the foot of the South Downs, where he still keeps his Citabria and 1929 vintage Curtiss Robin, although the latter has not had its Permit renewed for over 10 years?

This strip has been in use for many years and I recall he had BA Swallow 2 G-AFHS there in the late 1950s/early 1960s.

Wicked Willip :diablo:

From what I recall it was Truleigh Hill. It was about a guy who pionered a lot of things and had some historic gliders there. It had quite a bit of info on the area and some of the things that went on around there. Sorry I can’t remember any more.

I visited the Science Museum a few weeks ago and saw references to the area in the aviation section. A few pictures of people who were leading the field in those days.
I have to be honest and say I was interested as I live just five miles from Small Dole rather than I was interested in gliding and so can’t remember the details. Might be worth I look at their records.
Maybe I ought to find out more about gliding with Southdowns just around the corner (and overhead):)

Did the photos relate to gliding at Small Dole or might they have related instead to the seminal gliding meeting on Itford Hill, near Lewes, in 1922?

I visited the Science Museum a few weeks ago and saw references to the area in the aviation section. A few pictures of people who were leading the field in those days.
I have to be honest and say I was interested as I live just five miles from Small Dole rather than I was interested in gliding and so can’t remember the details. Might be worth I look at their records.
Maybe I ought to find out more about gliding with Southdowns just around the corner (and overhead):)

Avion, If you look on the link they have other copies for years 1930 thru 1933. I just picked out the relevant bits to help your research. My pleasure and enjoy.

The Sussex Sailplane Club with the TMAC (The Model Aircraft Club )Wiesso was correct. They flew every Sunday from Horton Farm,Smalldole near Steyning.

http://scalesoaring.co.uk/VINTAGE/Documentation/SailplaneMagazines/volume_1/vol_1_no_34_may_1_1931.pdf page 276.

Full size glider type would have been RFD Dagling type glider.

Thank you, T-21, for the information and the hyperlink. It was worth it just to read the 1931 edition of Sailplane & Glider. Oh to be able to buy an Abbott-Baynes Scud for £95 nowadays! Anyhow, the letter entitled ‘A Neutral Site’ refers to the grounds at Smalldole of the Sailplane Club and Mr Dagnall (presumably of Dagling fame), which suggests that the site was used for full scale rather than, or in addition to, model aeroplane flying. Evidently,T-21, you have an additional source of information to be able to identify the location of the site and the flying day. Can you elaborate on the information that you have posted?

The Sussex Sailplane Club with the TMAC (The Model Aircraft Club )Wiesso was correct. They flew every Sunday from Horton Farm,Smalldole near Steyning.

http://scalesoaring.co.uk/VINTAGE/Documentation/SailplaneMagazines/volume_1/vol_1_no_34_may_1_1931.pdf page 276.

Full size glider type would have been RFD Dagling type glider.

Maybe a solution too simple
The Model Aircraft Club (T.M.A.C.)
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1931/1931%20-%200724.html?search=TMAC

Martin

Thanks, Martin, that seems to solve the TMAC question (although the possibility of the HAC having its own gliding site, in the 1930s, didn’t seem to be unrealistic, having regard to its membership, background and history!). But it does seem a little unusual for a gliding club and a model aircraft club to be flying from the same site in the UK – although saying that here, in France, powered aircraft, gliders and model aircraft operating from the same site – and at the same time – is pretty commonplace. But why fly from the foot of Truleigh Hill, rather than above the ridge, if I am correct in my assumption concerning launching? I’ll see if anyone at the Southdown Gliding Club can shed light on that.

Can’t help with TMAC but you might find this video fooage of interest!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=cEOZsA0sI34

Maybe a solution too simple
The Model Aircraft Club (T.M.A.C.)
http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1931/1931%20-%200724.html?search=TMAC

Martin

There was a chap at the Southdown Gliding Club by the name of Ron King who used to tell of gliding in the ATC from the bottom of Truleigh Hill, unfortunately we lost him to a heart attack some 3 years ago. Best you could do is to contact Southdown Gliding Club direct and ask for a request to be put to Joan Cloak, the club historian. Failing that, PM me.

FB

A quick browse of the Flight Global archive reveals a number of articles relating to Small Dole and indeed T.M.A.C. but no definition of what it stands for. 🙁

http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1930/untitled0%20-%201164.html