Also in the UK we were allowed to fly sailplanes into cloud so long as wearing a parachute (small chance of a midair or turbulence or icing) and radio. No AH, just T&S and vario and compass. Gave good experience in circling up under a Cu and getting a steady rate turn going and keep going in the cloud and then straightening up and coming out the side. Was the easiest way to get Height gain certificates. You did have to broadcast on the radio before entering cloud but only on the glider channel. Of course some nutters also went up in Cb's but not always with success. One sailplane got struck by positive lightening and all the carbon (mainly spar) exploded in flight. Hence the parachute! I also flew sailplanes in Oz but again no IMC flying allowed (or needed).