The main purpose of this newsletter is to launch the usual request for helpers at the Annual Show, but there are a couple of other items to cover.
The field has suffered somewhat from all the wet weather. There have been trees down very near the Clubhouse and access has been a bit like winter at its worst. At the time of writing the grass crop has not been cut and the Annual Steam Rally is due to take place on the field over the weekend of 21st and 22nd July. Please remember that if all goes to plan the field is normally not available to us from about the Wednesday, 18th July, until the field is cleared.
The committee have introduced a change to the arrangements for new members. From now on all new members will start with a probationary period of a minimum of six months during which time they are expected to get to know the Club members and satisfactorily follow the Club's rules and routines before they are considered for full membership. We have made this change because a number of people join and are then hardly ever seen by anyone else so it is impossible to say if they are appropriate for our Club. This way we hope they will be encouraged to make themselves known and to get to know other members. Of course it also means that if someone is obviously unsuitable during that period we can part company quite quickly!
Now - the Show on 1st and 2nd September.
Enclosed is a form which I ask you to please complete and return to me as soon as possible.I know forms are a nuisance but we need some way of getting your help to run the Show which gives so much pleasure to many people and helps our funds and local charities. If you prefer to send an e-mail showing your availability please do so, or let me know by 'phone. I just need to know if and when you can help.We normally start physical preparations on the Tuesday before the Show . That involves marking out the field and setting out posts ready to be knocked in by Doug West who has a special tractor for the job - no more post bashing required from us.The rest of the week is used for getting signs erected, notices put up on the surrounding roads and generally getting the site ready. Marquees etc. start coming in on Thursday and final preparations are completed on Friday when Traders, visiting campers and flyers start to arrive.It is difficult to predict how much help is needed on each day- it depends on progress (and weather!).
On the Show weekend we obviously need a good supply of helpers for the gate. John Warner will produce a rota when we know who is available. He usually arranges shifts of two hours and needs to "load" the numbers to meet peak periods.We hope to have an ATC team to work the main car park. We need help on flight line access and to assist in disabled parking on the main site as well as keeping the site clean and tidy.. The LMA looks after everything on the live side of the crowd line so it is down to us to make sure everything else is spot- on.
There will be the usual refreshment area for LMA and HMAC members. If you or any friend or family member is willing to help out with that please say so on the form. Please return the form to me as soon as you can. Don't put it behind the clock. It isn't a bill. I know work commitments can make it difficult to plan too far ahead and there is a space on the form to enable you to indicate that you will help but cannot yet be specific. The earlier we can get a clear picture of who is available the less we have to chase up people, to the annoyance of all concerned. If you cannot help I would rather know now so please let me have your reply as quickly as possible.
Finally, all of you who help over the Show weekend will have the usual passes sent out to you before the event.
Thanks for your co-operation. Let's hope all the rain will have gone by then. Don't forget, we hope for an RAF BBMF Spitfire flypast on the Saturday. ‘Bye for now.
'Bye for now. Safe flying.
Bernard Morris