For your amusement I repeat the conversation I had talking to Upper Heyford long ago....
"Upper Heyford, this is glider 987"
"Glider 987, squawk 8654 (or whatever)"
"Unable. Negative transponder."
"Glider 987, what is your present height and position?"
"Approximately 3,000 feet over Aylesbury"
"and Glider 987, what is your present heading?"
what else could I say? "I'm going around in circles!"
long pause while those listening in are enjoying the moment
"Glider 987, what are your intentions?"
"I plan to cross over your airspace enroute to near Banbury"
"Glider 987, maintain 4,000 feet when over Upper Heyford..."
"I'll try!"