Depends where in "The Midlands".
Start with
British Gliding Association - UK Map. When you select an area you can click on the individual clubs and it will pop-up more details - including web site.
If you haven't been around gliding clubs before then it may come as a bit of a suprise - it's not a "show up for your slot and leave" environment. It works on a flying list basis - you add your name to the end of the list and, once you've had your go (usually 2-3 flights if you are pre-solo and it's a winch site) add your name to the bottom of the list again. Generally those who pitch up early (well 9ish) and help setup the airfield (get the winch out etc.) get more flying.
At the end of the day people those left pack everything away and retire to the bar.
Before committing to joining a club you want to make sure it's one for you. Differences include:
- Some clubs only operate at weekends (or 1 weekday and 1 weekend)
- Some are winch or aerotow only.
- Some are "more friendly"
- Some run "full time" courses during the week. (As a ppl holder you should be able to get solo on a 5 day course).
One "trick" is that many clubs will give you 3 months free membership with a trial lesson - find out details on their web-site.
I learnt to glide at
Shenington which was a great friendly place with both winch and aerotow, a bar, 7 day a week operation, bunk house, friendly folks, ... - though check the web-site as I haven't been there for a couple of years (so some of that could have changed).
I took a slightly different approach from some and spent a small amount extra for 1-on-1 tuition from Bruno Brown. His web-site has some good general info. on learning to glide:
glidetrain.com.
OC619