Joe Dray.
Club constitution A copy of a constitution from another club (not aeromodelling) had been received. This was useful and had shown that our proposals were broadly in line. It was clear however that the issue of membership renewal needed some revision. It had been pointed out that people could still claim to be member even if they had not paid by the end of January. It was necessary to actually write to them and tell them that they were no longer members. It was agreed that a standard letter should be drawn up and sent out to those who had not renewed by the end of January. The Treasurer volunteered to prepare a draft and circulate for comment.
Action: Treasurer
At the AGM it the question of disposal of assets had been raised and the preferred option was the second one relating to the BMFA holding the assets. However some questions had been raised about how the money would be held and what conditions could be attached. It was agreed that the best way forward was to raise with the BMFA and those attending the meeting on 30th January at Middle Wallop would make initial enquiries.
Action: Chairman plus others attending SABMFA on 30 January
The Treasurer reported that he had been able to negotiate the same price for this year as for last year which was commendable. He explained also that in discussion with the ground staff they had said they were not in favour of the mown paths out to the strip. These had never in fact been officially requested by the club, and we were not in a position to request their continued presence even if we considered they were desirable. In fact they encouraged members of the public to walk across to the strip and then on over it which was not particularly satisfactory. It was agreed that we take no further action on this matter.
There were further attempts to collect emails for club members as this was the most effective way of communicating at short notice. The Treasurer and web master had between them around two thirds of members emails. The intention is to compile a list of as many as possible.
The Treasurer reported that everyone who has joined has their membership card but we were awaiting the BMFA membership which had been sent off before Christmas and the cheque had been cashed (Editors note: Treasurer confirmed buy text shortly after meeting BMFA membership and affiliation had arrived).
It was agreed that Neil Viney would provide Paul Joslyn some assistance with running the club website. Paul is extremely busy at present and likely to remain so with the arrival of a baby imminent.
At present George Worley was booked for 20th January meeting to talk about electric models.
The Chairman had been talking to Dave Theunission at an indoor flying session about 2.4GHz. Dave has done some research into the subject and it was agreed that the Chairman would invite him to give a talk on the subject.
A provisional programme was drawn up:
3 February Indoor model flying
17 February Auction
3 March Dave Theunisson
17 March Alternative hobbies
7 April New
models (check out)
This programme could be altered if additional guest speakers are available. Subjects included ‘first person model flying’ and covering (Steve Carr?).
There was discussion about the lack of floatplane events last year and the possibility of more this year. The Secretary explained that these were run by Bob Roper who is not now a club member and he had failed to organise the second one due in the autumn. The Secretary agreed to speak to Bob and if he was not organising the events the Secretary would do so. It was confirmed that the club may be able to borrow a rescue boat should Bob not be involved.
Action: Secretary
Cosford had been a success last year and a coach has been booked for this year’s event which is on 18th July. The cost for the coach will be £15 per head (cost of entry fee to Cosford not included) and the Treasurer will be collecting deposits as soon as possible.
All to note and publicise
Indoor flying at the Madejski stadium has been going well and there would be no problem if we wish to continue through the summer. It was agreed to sound out views during the remaining booked sessions. At present the sessions about break even and there was discussion about the extent to which the club would subsidise the sessions should it be necessary. No decision was taken on this and it was agreed to review at the February session. If trend remains as it is and around break even it was agreed that some more sessions be booked beyond the existing bookings and review again at the next committee meeting. It was agreed that this be an agenda item for the next committee meeting.
Action: Chairman for review of success. Secretary to include on agenda.
The Chairman suggested that the club may wish to hold a Vic Smeed models day. This would be vintage type models and could be run as a fly in which would overcome the difficulties encountered with certification requirements for public displays. It is known that Dave Boddington has a number of such models and would be invited to come along.
The venue was discussed and it was agreed that Ryeish Green School would again be the most suitable venue. The club site would be more difficult in terms of control and possibly is restrictive. The School is apparently quite open to the use of its grounds so an approach will be made. Provisionally the date chosen is 21st June. The Chairman agreed to work up some proposals for the day and to circulate to members.
Action: Chairman
It was reported that the Christmas Party and Raffle had gone well.
2nd April 2009 at 20:00 at the David Lloyd Centre