Present: Martin Dance, Ron Perkins, Kevin Mercer, Neil Viney, Dave Belcher, Mick Mace, Tony Roberts, Andrew Stretton, Jack Bishop. Apologies for absence received from Paul Joslyn.
Matters arising from
minutes of meeting of 13th January
Investigation of interference. No progress on this issue so far, but to be followed up by Tony Roberts.
Children and vulnerable adults. The secretary had discussed what information the club may receive in confirmation of the outcome of the enquiries with the criminal records bureau. The position is that the individual will receive a certificate from the CRB, but the club will not be notified. The BMFA also receives confirmation but is not entitled under normal circumstances to pass this on to the club. The BMFA advise that the club should seek confirmation from the individual that they have received suitable confirmation from the CRB. Most people will have no objection to showing the certificate from the CRB. The secretary pointed out to the BMFA that this aspect was not made clear in their policy and that it would be more satisfactory if there was a mechanism for the BMFA to give a simple yes or no answer to the club. The BMFA are looking into this as the same point has been raised by other clubs. For the time being it was agreed that those who had sought clearance under the policy within the club would be asked to demonstrate that they had received satisfactory clearance.
Newsletter. This had identified the local model shops that were known.
Peg board. A new set of numbers is required and it was agreed to identify a suitable source.
Club Rules and Flying
Field Rules
The content of these was agreed subject to some minor editorial changes. It was agreed that the revised flying field rules could be published.
The revised club rules will need to be put forward for ratification at the 2005 AGM. The draft rules will be made available in advance of the meeting.
Events
These are published on the club website and in the club newsletter. Items of note are the Model Mania at Cholsey in July and the floatplane and boat show at Beale Park on 6&7 August.
Club competition dates are also published on the web site and in the newsletter. It was agreed that the Concours competition would be separated from the Pilot of the Year competition.
Flying site safety
Concern was raised about the safety of carrying models from the pits to the strip due to the lack of a mown path from the pits to the strip. One committee member suggested the current situation was dangerous. The issue of mowing a path had been raised previously with our landlords but had not found favour. It was also suggested that having a mown path could have a detrimental effect on the overall safety at the site as it could encourage members of the public to follow that path out to the strip.
There followed a general discussion about the safety of the site. In particular there is concern about the increasing amount of traffic from the bottom of the ramp out across the Sonning end of the strip. This has significantly increased since the steps were converted to a ramp. There is now a well worn path that continues out beyond our strip towards the river.
The club has permission to put up signs whilst we are flying to indicate that model flying is in progress. However, the club does not have the right to stop members of the public crossing our strip while we are flying and all pilots must be vigilant.
The secretary agreed to discuss the issue of a mown path out to the strip and the general access across the strip with the agents for the landlord.
75th
Anniversary of the Club
A possible site for an event to celebrate the club’s 75th Anniversary had been identified as Abbey RFC. Tony Roberts agreed to follow this up.
Church Hall
There was discussion about what the club should do with the Church Hall during the summer when meetings are at the flying field. From the Hall’s point of view, provided we continue to pay for the bookings they are not going to complain if we do not use the hall. However, if we said we wanted the hall only between September and April, they could find an alternative club that would use the hall throughout the year and we would lose our meeting venue. A possible solution to discuss with the hall was that we would continue with the booking, but should they be approached by someone else wishing to use it on any of the summer evenings when we meet at the field then it could be let out to them. It was agreed to discuss with the hall caretakers.
Mowing the strip
It had been noted that the strip was not being cut as expected. It was agreed to ask Brian if there was a problem. It had been heard that there was a possible problem with the new mower which may not really be up to the job. If that were the case it was agreed that we should investigate an alternative mower. The chairman agreed to speak to Brian.
Competition
suggestions
It was suggested that there should be a competition for radio assist models. Some basic rules would be needed, and for the younger members not familiar with early radio systems an explanation of the difference between radio assist and radio control. It was agreed to consider this suggestion further.
Newsletter
Production is going well, but contributions for inclusion would be welcomed by Tony. Reviews, stories etc very welcome.
Next committee
meeting
Thursday 21st July commencing 20:00 at the Woodley Centre