I am a member of a small UK club, I use to own an IS29 D2
outright but stopped flying in early 2000, came back to soaring in
2015 and have a half share in a nice Standard Cirrus. Most club
members own or have a share in gliders of similar or better
performance ranging from Jet powered Shark, ASH 25, DG 400 M
DG 600 M Slingsby Skylark 4 Dart 17 a number of Ventus 1 and 2.
Nimbus and mini Nimbus. Club fleet is Puchacz , Grob Twin Acro 2
and Grob 102 Astir , we own a Robin DR400 for Areotows.

Launch fees are

Aerotow to 2000' £24.00
Aerotow - each additional 200' above 2000' £1.50
Aerotow to 1000' - only available for dual training £14.00
Aerotow to 1500' - only available for dual training £20.00
Winch launch Fee - all launches before 11:00 hrs £4
Winch launch Fee - after 11:00 hrs - non-soaring flights £6
Winch launch Fee - after 11:00 hrs - soaring flights £8
Self launch fee- including members' powered aircraft £3

Rental for club aircraft

Annual members - 2 seaters,
per minute for first hour £0.35 (£21 for first hour)
Annual members - 2 seaters,
per minute after first hour £0.25 (£15 per subsequent hour)
Annual members - 2 seaters,
after 3 hours. Free (approved flights)
Annual members - Astir single seater, 30p per minute first hour, 20p
per minute second hour. Free after second hour (consistent with the
needs of other members)

I think those costs mean it is financially accessible to the majority.

I was a Registered nurse with a family and in the UK we are not paid
as well as in the USA however it has always been affordable for me.

I would be interested to hear how that compares with USA


Been there, done that. And it depends on what your definition of
decent club gliders is. In a club setting my definition is ships which
are inexpensive to fly and operate.

Due to the ridiculously high cost of personal aircraft ownership in
EU,
the club scene is essential for folks of modest means to get to fly.

Thankfully here in the states, we are not forced into that situation.
Any
tom-dick-harry can, for modest means, own and operate his own
ship! Cant say that about EU. Have fun with your decent club ships
overthere, Id rather own and fly my own ship, even if its of lower
performance here, wherever and whenever I choose.