HMAC Newsletter No 2006/2
March 2006

Bernard Morris (17h February, 2006)

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You would not normally expect another newsletter so soon after the last but, in that one, we mentioned a forthcoming Music Weekend on the field which is planned for the weekend of 11th to 13th August this year. It is planned to be a 1950s/1960s Musical Nostalgia weekend with a number of bands, with profits for charity. The organising committee includes a number of people from Much Marcle, some of whom are also involved with the Steam Rally. Your committee was concerned at the potential effect on our normal flying activities and the possible risk to our Show, only three weeks later.

We addressed our concerns to James Powell, as representing the owners of the field, and to Mr. Martyn Hathaway, landlord of the Walwyn Arms, who is leading the group planning the music weekend. Our main worries concerned:

• the risk of damage to the Strip and/or Clubhouse;
• the possibility of damage to the field and entrance, especially if the weather is bad;
• loss of the field for another week;
• the risk of having a field on 13th August which would not be suitable for our Show with too little time to make good any damage, having to cancel at short notice and facing serious financial impact.

We have exchanged letters and held meetings with the organisers and with James Powell on a couple of occasions and I have attended one of their Committee meetings.
As a result we have received assurances from James Powell, entirely confirmed by the Music Weekend committee, which are set out below and which James has said are conditions of use.
These are:

• The Music weekend will use only the southern half of the field, nearest the village, and "our" half will be roped off and marked as no entry;
• The strip will be fenced off;
• Any damage to strip or clubhouse will be made good at the expense of the Music weekend;
• There will be a security presence all weekend;
• Any damage to the site and entrance will be made good by James in good time for our show.

I have also consulted our "Lawn Doctor" and he feels that, even if there is some damage, we should be able to get the strip into order in good time for the show (unless we get a really disastrous set of weather conditions ).
In view of all this your committee feels that we have taken all reasonable steps to minimise any risks and have gone as far as possible to safeguard your interests. We will now carry on with business as usual. If you have any questions please let me know or contact any committee member.

Membership

We are pleased to welcome back:

• Graham Hammond of Ross-on-Wye
• Phil Baker of Monmouth
• Richard Plumb of Ross-on-Wye, a junior member.
• Chris Gordon of Holme Lacy

All these have re-joined from last year, since the last newsletter.

The Flying Field

The Field is currently rather soggy so please be very careful. If in doubt do not drive on.

Social Events

Please let us know if you have any ideas.

That is about all for now. Best regards, Bernard Morris.

Newsletter Editor: Bernard Morris (contributions welcome!)