Easter has been and gone and it was good to see a number of members taking advantage of the good weather over recent weeks and getting in some flying.
The field
The field is now down to Hay so the sheep will be away for a while. The electric fence is stored away for now. The attendance book is proving useful in showing how the field is being used and also for recording messages. Perhaps you would also make a note of the frequency you are using as that will give us a picture of the actual range of channels in use and indicate just how many of us are migrating to 2.4 GHz.Sorry to say that we have had some joy-riders on the field recently. They have not gone over the strip (yet!) but can each of us please ensure that, if we are last away from the field, we ALWAYS close the main gates unless the farmers are working in the next fields). Also, please keep off the grass outside our mown areas.
Membership
Membership stands at 40 including four family juniors.
Three new members have joined since the last newsletter. They are Graham Taylor of Highnam, Andy Mawman of Much Marcle, & Kevin Jones who hails from Hereford.
BMFA Certificates
Congratulations to Ian Niven and Andy Mawman who have both passed their "A" tests.
Batteries
Following the piece about batteries in the last newsletter I should also point out that high capacity Rx packs, especially 6volt, constructed from AA size cells can be unreliable under certain stress conditions, so it might be better to use sub-C sizes if you are going for high capacity, especially on 2.4 GHz.
Competition
Antony Redding is arranging this event for Sunday 7th June. As you know the weather beat us last year so it had to be postponed. It will probably consist of a timed two-minute flight, wheels up to wheels down, and maybe a spot landing contest too. As before, we plan to invite members of the Newent Club. There will be a TROPHY for the winner no doubt!
If you wish to enter please let Antony know on 07828 329121 or e-mail: antony.redding1@btopenworld.com
Senior Members
Our best wishes go to Bill Reynolds (Life Member) who has been unwell on and off since Christmas. Son, Alan, tells me that Bill is keeping going fairly well for a 90-year old and on good days the old Bill still shines through.
Hugh White, recently rejoined but an original member of HMAC and our first secretary, is still in Ross Hospital after his serious stroke. Our thoughts are with him.
Steam Rally
This will be held on the field over the weekend of July 18th and 19th.
For Sale (usual disclaimers)
Cotswold Models CAP, 72" span, complete with OS60 2-stroke, JR servos, 1700 MaH Rx battery pack. Model painted white, blue, red and yellow. All complete, just requires a receiver and it is ready-to-fly. Good condition. Price £75. Contact Tony Grubb on 01981 540881.
TV Filming
I had a call some weeks ago asking if we could arrange to do some flying for Richard Hammond's new BBC TV series of "Engineering Connections". Richard lives near Ross and we have completed two sessions at his home. The first was Antony Redding flying outdoors to demonstrate the Doppler effect. The second was to have been John Cross flying helicopters indoors to demonstrate the effects of air currents. In the event John had to cancel due to having stuck his thumb where it should not have been (prop!) and suffering a substantial injury. Steve Holland kindly stepped in and did the honours. I am not yet sure when the series will be broadcast but it is all good publicity for the hobby. I am glad to report that John's digit is mending but it "hurts like hell".
Future Newsletters
Thanks to those of you who responded to my request for e-mail addresses, etc. To save postage and paper I will send future newsletters, after this issue, by e-mail to those for whom I have an e-mail address. If you do not wish to receive it electronically then please let me know and I will continue to use the post for you, and, of course, for those for whom I do not have an e-mail address.