Chairman

Gloucester Model Flying Club

Chairman’s report 2009

Although this is the 2009 report I will start with the last event of 2008, which was the raffle and buffet held at Bentham just after the AGM. About 50 attended and many went home with some great prizes thanks to Darren for organising the raffle. The staff at Bentham laid on a good spread of food that was enjoyed by all. This years event is this coming Saturday 12^th December.

So to 2010.

Doing the usual research through the club blog and in I reading previous years reports it becomes clear that the British weather over the past three years has settled into a pattern.

A relatively dry winter and spring with good model flying conditions, a windy June, a very wet and windy July followed by a dry and very flyable autumn that ends abruptly in mid October with the onset of more wind a rain which stays with us until the end of the year.

2009 very much followed this pattern giving a year that was on the whole quite good for model flying.

A major bombshell was dropped on the club and myself during February when Mike Potter announced he would be using our existing field for the planting of maize and that the strip would be ploughed up.

An alternative location was offered in the centre of the Auto grass track. I had soon after I took over the chairman’s role looked at other possibilities for another strip within Warren Farm and had discussions with the Auto Grass club. They were not against us moving into the track, although at the time the matter was taken no further as there benefits there were also downsides and any move would be unpopular.

By mid February after discussions with the BMFA regarding the proximity to the M5 motor way a new strip was cut and rolled. There were members who quite correctly complained about the move both in the way it was carried out and the lack consultation of the members.

I did promise to call an EGM during the spring when we could review our options but as no alternatives have been found this has proved unnecessary. For the record to date the move has not cost the club any significant money, except a few litres of petrol.

There were from the outset questions about the new strip regarding water logging and access; however with the relatively dry year no problems occurred. Even the downpours during July had little effect as the ground was dry and the water drained quickly or evaporated away.

Not until the end of last month (November) has following seven weeks of rain has water logging and access become a problem, however the pit area and strip remains dry and very well drained. For the record we have had over (190 mm) 7 ½ “ of rain in the last seven weeks with only two dry days in the last eighteen.

During the summer three barbeques were held including a mid summer pig roast. Many thanks to Tracy, Paul for there help at all three events, Mike for roasting some superb pork and to Ken for his construction of the powered multi spit’s that enabled Mike to cook the legs of pork.

The midsummer BBQ didn’t see summer like weather with a dull overcast day with a little rain however the turnout was very good with about 60 members visiting through the day.

Safety wise there have been no major issues during 2009, the occasional infringement being dealt with at the time. Still a few people flying models well beyond there capabilities, the availability of ARTF’s with quick box to airtime allows newcomers to move onto more advanced models without really getting to grips with more basic models.

I would like to thank all those who have acted as instructors and mentors to the many newcomers in the last year your services are the backbone of the club in getting new members flying safely.

There have been no incidents of models straying close to the motorway, and now flying generally with your backs to the sun has proved very popular.

The equal mix of fixed wing and rotary wing continues without too many problems, and as about 70% of club members fly both types this will continue.

The Indoor flying has continued to grow in popularity during 2009. The numbers peaked toward the end of January (29) and then dropped off so we end the 08/09 season with a slight deficit £25.00 (£1.00 per night).

For the 09/10 season we are currently running a 2 ½ hr session this has allowed the inclusion of slots for micro/mini models to fly unmolested from the larger EPP types, these slots have proved very popular with up to 15 models flying together, although there has been the occasional midair with models of similar mass and speed damage has been light.

Numbers have risen slowly, averaging 26.3 per night although peaked at 36 on the 28^th November. Quite a large numbers of new faces have taken to flying in the evening but it is sad to report also that quite a few regulars from the last few years have been noticeably absent.

Last may I take the opportunity to thank you all for your help personally and on behalf of the club during 2009. May I wish you all a happy Christmas and new year, and look forward to seeing you flying indoors or out during 2010.