Sloping Off - September 2005
Chairman's Chatter
by Terry Antell
Many changes have taken place since we all met in May at the AGM. Hopefully, you all approve?
Firstly, I have been looking at the club ‘Competency’ certificate. This in turn made me look at the requirements of pilots and the appropriate flying tasks and safety questions / procedures. All that I’ve done has been based on the BMFA schemes and schedules. Because we use areas that are open to the general public I’ve concentrated on the safety aspect.
Friday evenings are not good for club monthly meetings, I’ve been aware of this for many, many years. Stanpit village hall/room has served the club well over the years but parking is a problem. Visiting companies have found parking (the lack of it) and the narrow roadway to be a one off experience. Wheelchair members cannot even access the rear meeting room!
Starting in September all our meetings will be the FIRST WEDNESDAY of EVERY MONTH.
From the membership survey, compiled by Terry Sullivan, it was obvious that Wednesday evenings were the best. Next, was change location. This is always difficult as preferably we needed to stay as close to Christchurch as possible. I reviewed our membership list and realised that relatively few of you live within the district of Christchurch. Around 50% are B’mouth side while others are New Milton or Ringwood, etc.
First, find a vacant place with good parking, good access, including wheelchairs and at a price the members can afford (from the membership fee).
I visited four hotels, clubs, village halls and pubs (stagger, stagger). The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Old Barton Green, Christchurch Road, Old Milton (currently not used as a hotel) came out tops.
I must emphasise that the committee will not condone drinking alcohol and driving. Nor do you have to! All we need to do is purchase a drink each. This can be coffee; soft drinks (most are stocked) even water! Yes, stronger liquid is available too. Providing we use the bar facilities we, the club, can use the Function Room FOC.
We need more members to attend the club monthly meetings. At Stanpit we regularly only had 9 to 12 attending, this from a membership of 80 or so.
During the spring / summer period Terry Sullivan and I were given a tubular surgical rubber bungee. This has been passed on to Clive Spencer for club member use. Also, Derek Longman has relinquished the job of Club Instructor. Thanks for all your efforts in the past, Derek. The Protech Alpha 180 electric glider has been handed to Terry Sullivan and the Lazy Bee model now lives with me. Both are club models and are for training purposes. The models came with a Transmitter, Rx and flight batteries, too. I’ve given my club Tx to Terry Sullivan as I’ll use my own JR transmitters and buddy lead.
The club is to continuing its indoor flying at Oakmead Tech College, Kinson on the last Friday of every month, starting in September at the much better time of 1900 - 2100.
We shall be holding a model auction at our November club meeting. It’ll be at the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Please bring anything that you wish to include in the auction at around 7.30pm. This’ll give us a little time to list the items, etc. Consider a reserve price and tell us on the night, if not, it’ll be sold whatever the price. Don’t expect too high a price. Anything is better than leaving it to de-value, isn’t it? There won’t be any fee. The contract will be between the seller and buyer. This is to be a low key and friendly affair. Everyone will be welcome, including non members (we may get them to sign up!)
Channel 4 models now have their website up and running. Many items can be found, along with prices. Remember, C&DMFC members receive a 10% discount. The website is www.channel4models.com
Bye for now and happy landings AND repairs.
