This is the first newsletter of 2005. Sorry it is a little later than I would have hoped but there was quite a lot of Club business and activity around the beginning of the year culminating in the EGM on 14th January. As you probably all know the EGM re-affirmed the AGM vote in favour of the Show but there were some real concerns which we have to address - more about that later.
Committee
The EGM also turned down a vote of no-confidence in the committee. I had tendered my resignation before the EGM but I am pleased to say that the issues which I thought were personally driven have been dealt with so I stayed put. There have, however, been changes to the committee appointed at the AGM last November. Brian Cobb resigned before Christmas over the topics we dealt with at the EGM. Since the EGM Gordon Saville and Ken Boyce have both resigned from the committee, after many years' service, for personal reasons although they have emphasised their continuing support. Ken will remain as Vice President for the rest of this year. Gordon, of course, was Treasurer for a third of a century before he stepped down in 2003 - longer than Gordon Brown!
Flying Strip
A number of you have, with good reason, complained about the condition and length of grass on the strip. We explored the option of buying a different mower for the contractor to use but we felt this did not really address the issue, so we have engaged a "Lawn Doctor" who will manage the strip over the coming year. He will scarify, mow, roll and treat the grass as necessary. He has promised to do a good job for us so let us hope we will have a strip of which we can be proud. Apologies for the time this has taken but we feel we now have a good solution. He hopes to make a start in about a month so please give us feedback when results start to show. This will be more expensive than the previous arrangement but should be money well spent.
Clubhouse
You will soon see some building work under way on the Clubhouse and its surrounds. We looked at replacement or the addition of a metal shed but this would have required planning permission so we have opted for repairs and improvement. The intention is to create secure(ish) storage and make the Clubhouse a more pleasant place, whilst also carrying out essential repairs. If you have any personal property in the sheds or in the Clubhouse please remove it for safe keeping.
Please also make sure you always re-scramble the lock combination on the door when you lock up. The door has been found unlocked recently.
Noise Tests
I am keeping the noise test equipment at home to protect it from damp. Please let me know if you require it. As usual, please contact a committee member to arrange tests. We were asked by one member to ease the requirements for air tests and on prop changes (size increases) but we opted to continue as is, the records kept being considered valuable for other people.
Frequencies
At the request of George Fulford we have re-considered our position on the use of 27Mhz equipment on the field. As this is usually fitted to small electric models (often ARTF) which can attract newcomers to the hobby we have agreed to a trial period of six months permitting 27Mhz on small electric models suitable for beginners. We will monitor its use and any experiences you have on this.
Proficiency
As you know, the Club's own basic test has been phased out. We will in future be looking for a BMFA "A" certificate as minimum proof of entitlement to fly solo. If you wish to take the BMFA "A" test please call either me or Jim Andrews.
Show
This is booked for 3rd and 4th September and we hope to gain the same, very considerable, level of support from members we enjoyed last year. I know some of you will not be feeling very positive about this at present but the Club has agreed to proceed with it so let's hope we can make it another success. Some real concerns have been voiced about safety and noise at the Show. The committee takes this seriously and will be keeping a very close watch and also looking at ways of reducing any risks to our field.
That is it for now. The 2005 Diary of Events is enclosed. Please support the activities, including the social ones, wherever you can. Best regards, Bernard Morris.