Welcome to our first newsletter of 2008 and the start of another year which we all hope will be a little kinder on the weather front, especially at summer time. I'm afraid we begin with some rather gloomy news. Jan Forty sadly died last month. Jan was an honorary member of HMAC and had for a good many years run the visitor campsite at our annual Show, only last year handing over to Gerald Matthews. Our thoughts and condolences are with Jan's husband, Ken, and their family.Our Chairman, Colin, represented the Club at Jan's funeral and we made a donation of £75 to the nominated charity, the County Air Ambulance. The committee have made Ken an honorary member to recognise all the work he has done for the Show over the years.
The Field
Due to yet another example of someone's carelessness, the electric fence was not properly connected AGAIN and the sheep had a very active meeting on our strip during the recent very wet spell. Consequently the strip is in a mess and it will cost probably several hundreds of pounds to put it right. Frankly, if any member cannot put back a simple electric fence then they really ought to consider whether they should be let loose with a model aeroplane. We issued clear instructions with the last newsletter.
As a result of this latest incident the committee has decided that we need to take steps to record who uses the field, and when. This will also give a better idea of extent of usage and will help to identify likely users should there be any complaints about noise, overflying or the like.
A register will be kept in the Clubhouse and you will need to sign in and out each time you use the field. This will be a Club rule and if it is ignored it will be treated as a case of serious misconduct which could lead to membership being terminated (in accordance with page 15 of the handbook). This requirement comes into effect 1st March 2008. At the same time the codes on the combination locks on the Clubhouse door will change (as notified by mail to all current members).
Membership
Thirty three adults and four family juniors have renewed. Malcolm Bartle has left the area and Cliff Hirst has written to say he will not be renewing. Although he is not able to renew as an active member for the time being the Committee has decided to recognise Roman Dresewski's hard work over each Show weekend by granting him Honorary membership. A list of current members who are willing to have their telephone numbers published has been mailed to all current members with their copy of this newsletter.
Committee
A full list of Committee members and Club Officers has been mailed to all current members with this newsletter. (Check the "committee 2008" tab opposite). Although he is not on the Committee you will see on the list John Cross who has just become a Club Examiner. He can take "A" tests and he and I together can take "B" tests. So, if you want to have a go at a "B" let us know.
Calendar
The field willl be used for the annual Steam Rally over the weekend of 19th and 20th July. Of course the weather caused its cancellation last year.
A music festival of some sort is being planned on the field over the August Bank Holiday weekend, although we do not yet have any details.
Both these events unfortunately make the field unavailable to us for some days before and after the events.
Our own annual Show is on the weekend of 6th and 7th September.
Social Activities
Nothing much has happened on the social side of our Club for some time. In an effort to get something under way Alan Reynolds and Antony Redding have agreed to become joint Social secretaries. If you have any ideas please contact either or both of them. (check your list of committee members for telephone numbers).
For Sale
Antony Redding has the following to offer:(usual Club disclaimer applies)
- Hundreds of model mags FREE to anyone who will collect and take the lot,
- "Stiletto" v-tailed slope soarer, good condition, including all linkages and 2 Futaba extension leads - £15.
2.4 GHz
Some of you will have seen press comments about problems reported with a few examples of this new system (new for aircraft at least) especially with the Futaba FASST sets but also for different reasons with Spektrum. Apparently only a couple of our members have 2.4GHz sets but it is probable that over time this will increase. Enclosed is a reprint from the BMFA Bulletin with regard to both Futaba and Spektrum brands of 2.4 which you should read carefully if you have, or plan to have, either of them.
Found
A small propellor has been found intact on the field. If anyone wishes to claim it please call me.
That's all for now. Remember, if you have anything you want included in the next newsletter please let me know.
Bernard Morris