Cadet 'Air Rides'
Although living near Kenley was a boon for the gliding it was devoid of RAF power flying by 59 as was Biggin Hill, hence having to 'go north' before one could start 'Air Hitching'. and even Northolt was not 'around the corner' so to speak.
However what was evident was how helpful all the various units were to get you airborne even if you arrived at the Guard room 'unannounced' so to speak.
In my case the Gliding took over from power 'rides' plus led to an amazing association with the famous BoB stations of Kenley and Biggin Hill: we described our Cadet MK 3 gliders as the fretwork fighters. In fact the initial 'winch launch ' experience in a MK 3 was far more exciting than the sedate t off in a Chipmunk with 800-1000 ft gained by the airfield boundary (and Kenley was quite small).
From the Kenley circuit both Croydon and Biggin were only a short hop, and indeed it was not unknown to take the T21 to Croydon using the thermals from the built up area. The original 11 Group Fighter haven had migrated across the Thames and East but you never take its history away.