None
Agreed
It was confirmed that actions arising from the minutes of the last meeting in respect of the 75th Anniversary event had been completed
In respect of the event at Tadley in the Autumn, the
secretary reported that he had confirmed with the Basingstoke club that they
would not be running a flight line at the event. He had subsequently contacted the show organiser an ascertained
that no arrangements had been made. The
organiser asked whether the Reading Club would be able to organise at short
notice, but the secretary explained that this would not be possible as there
was insufficient time to make all the arrangements. The secretary offered that the Reading Club could run a flight
line at future shows provided it was made clear early enough that the
organisers were asking the club to do so.
This went well apart from the misunderstanding over the provision of the barbecue. Chris Bowler from RCMW appeared and took a number of photos and spoke to a number of members at the event. Dave Belcher confirmed that the cost of providing toilets would have been prohibitive. There was some doubt about the availability of the toilets at the canoe centre and further enquiries will be made for the future.
These were currently in Kevin’s garage, but a different home
was needed for them. After some
discussion Ron volunteered to store them in his garden shed. (now completed)
Action: Ron Perkins
The secretary explained that he had been working on a draft
club policy using the BMFA guidelines.
He now need to confirm that what he was putting in the policy matched
the wording on the application form.
Once this exercise was complete he would circulate for comment. It was now obligatory for insurance purposes
to be able to present a policy to the BMFA.
Paul Joslyn agreed to email a copy of the letter or application form to
the secretary (post meeting note: application
form received from Paul- thanks)
Action: Secretary
Frequency request: The Secretary confirmed that he had received a demand for allocation of three channels to D Neville for a flying site in the Sonning area. The site was described as about 1.5 miles from the Dreadnought site. The committee were unanimous in their condemnation of an individual, who is currently a member of the club, deliberately trying to set up a site within the recommended two miles of an existing flying site. Such an action has caused outrage within the club.
It was agreed that in the first instance the club should refuse this demand. The Secretary had corresponded with the BMFA who had advised the only way forward was to negotiate a workable system. He had confirmed the guidance in the Member’s Handbook that no-one owns any particular frequency and they are available for all model flyers to use.
However it was agreed that our opening stance should be one of refusing his demand, with an expectation that he should reconsider his position. The secretary confirmed that Mr Neville would be telephoning him after the meeting to find out the outcome. The secretary suggested that following the telephone conversation the club should confirm its position in writing so that there could be no doubt for the future. There was discussion about whether the club should try and contact landowner and suggest that the proposed site could be unsafe. However, this could have a negative effect on the club’s own site as it was important not to give the impression that model flying could be unsafe.
There was discussion about entering a objection to the planning application. Again there was concern that the wording of an objection should not give the impression that model flying in general was unsafe. Mr Neville’s site and club site come under the same local authority and to suggest that there was a serious risk could cause problems. The position regarding the ‘off the shelf’ ready to fly models available in some toy shops was also raised. It was suggested these pose a threat to all model flying. It was agreed there was a potential risk from these, but that the club could only deal with known risks and it was not known where these might be flown. The discussion include the current position within the Reading Borough where Kings Meadow may be used for flying. It was suggested that a letter be sent to Reading Borough on this point.
It was agreed that the secretary would tell Mr Neville that the club rejects his demand, and also ascertain exactly where the site is. Following this the secretary would circulate a draft letter confirming the club’s position to Mr Neville rejecting his demand. The secretary explained that it would be important to have in writing the dealings with Mr Neville in case of any problems in the future.
It was agreed that an objection be put in to the application for planning consent. This should take the form of stating that proposed site was less than the minimum separation distance for RC model flying sites recommended by the sport’s governing body the BMFA.
It was agreed that a letter be sent to Reading Borough Council confirming the position regarding adjacent sites and suggesting that the bylaw for Kings Meadow needed revision.
Action: Secretary
Post meeting note:
position now is as set out in various emails.
The secretary reported that he had discussed with the site managers the possibility of extended hours for ‘park flyers’. They had agreed and Oracle had also agreed. The secretary explained that they would be permitted to fly before the start of normal flying for electric models during the week and at weekends. All that was now required was for the secretary to write and confirm to the managers, and for club to define ‘park flyers’. Dave Belcher produced a definition that was accepted by the committee.
Action: Secretary
No progress to report
1) Subscriptions: the treasurer reported a healthy financial position meant that subscriptions need be raised only in line with any increase by the BMFA and that would be the proposal to the AGM.
2) It was agreed a motion be put to the AGM proposing honorary membership for Tim Westcote.
3) The post of treasurer and membership secretary is the one officer post for re election this year in accordance with the rotation. Ron indicated his willingness to stand for re election and the committee will put him forward for re election. Jack Bishop and Mick Mace indicated that they would not be seeking re election. The remaining committee members will be seeking a re election and a motion to re elect them will be put forward at the AGM. Any additional members would be subject to the usual arrangements for election at the AGm
4) Newsletter editor: Paul Joslyn confirmed that he was taking over the editorship from Tony Roberts. The committee thanks Tony for his work in producing the newsletter. Paul commented that Hobbystores had asked if they could add some material to the web site. At present it was not clear what that would be, but Paul agreed to investigate further.
This was discussed and some changes to the programme were made. Details are published on the website.
The management at the David Lloyd centre has changed again, but there are no indications that we need change the use for our committee meetings
The club has still to receive an invoice from the Park management. The secretary agreed to follow up when speaking about flying times.
Following the misunderstanding about the provision of BBQ facilities at the 75th event in September which caused some disappointment it was agreed that we need to be much clearer about arrangements to ensure that members expectations are met.
Meeting closed at 21:30
16 November 20:00 at the David Lloyd Centre