Excessive friction in the aiteron circuit in SZD-55

Hi

I have recently acquired SZD-55. The glider was manufactured in 1996
and has some 450 hrs. As far as I can tell the glider was maintained
very well by German workshop. Whilst I was aware that the 55 has quite
a heavy stick, I have only flown one other, this one seems to require
quite a force to move the stick whilst in flight. The friction force on
the ground is negligible. Whilst I found the glider great to fly,
responsive etc., the force required to move the stick becomes tiring
after a while. I also find that I tend to "overshoot" small
corrections, static friction requiring more force to overcome compared
to sliding friction. Has anyone had similar experience and if so how
could it be overcome.

Also I have noticed that when the stick is at dead centre, both ailerons
are deflected down by about 3mm (1/8").

Any help appreciated.

cheers

Paul