Present: Martin Dance, Ron Perkins, Paul Joslyn, Neil Viney, Dave Belcher, Mick Mace, Tony Roberts, Andrew Stretton, Jack Bishop. Apologies for absence received from Kevin Mercer.
Matters arising from
minutes of meeting of 21st April
Investigation of interference. John Soper has looked into this. BMFA say that the equipment has to be left in place for a considerable period and as our site is an open space it cannot be done. Their advice was to use a frequency checker. Their own results from testing of transmitters has shown that transmitters do fail and this may be a problem. The committee discussed the possibility that people are flying at Bulmershe which is within interference range of our site. There was also discussion about possible interference from the gas main pipe in the corner of the field. Use of the club scanner had not revealed any problems, but this will only pick up transmissions on the frequencies used and may not show outside interference. It was agreed to offer frequency checking of transmitters at a club evening.
Newsletter. This had identified the local model shops that were known.
Peg board. A new set of numbers is now in place.
Club Rules and Flying
Field Rules
There was further discussion on the wording of the flying field rules. In particular there was discussion about the current BMFA recommendation that people should not fly on their own. The discussion included the major concern over public safety at the site. The risks to individuals are principally related to IC powered models. These same models can mask the approach of the public who increasingly walk across the Sonning end of the strip. I was felt that the BMFA recommendation was not strong enough for our particular site and that the club should not permit members to fly IC powered models on their own. It was agreed to change the rules accordingly. The revised rules would be sent out with the Newsletter.
Reporting of
incidents
It was agreed a reminder should be put on the web site that incidents should be reported to the secretary. A copy of the incident report form would be put on the web site and would also be sent out with the next newsletter. It was emphasised that the purpose of the reporting was to be able to demonstrate that the club acts responsibly and also to be able to identify any trends, such as problems in a particular area of the site. It was also to encourage members to investigate in detail the cause of any incident. This can help identify possible problems with types of equipment etc.
Events
These are published on the club website and in the club newsletter. Club competition dates are also published on the web site and in the newsletter.
The web site is now up to date. There had been delays due to problems with some new computer equipment and software.
Flying site safety
The secretary reported that he had discussed with the management of the park the issue of a path out to the strip and the conflicting issue of members of the public crossing the strip. The management are concerned that a mown path could be seen as an indication that there is a permitted path from the ramp out across the end of the strip (or wherever a path is cut). It was agreed that mowing a path was likely to exacerbate the existing problems. There is now a fairly well worn path from the pits to the Sonning end of the strip which provides good access to the strip. It was agreed that we would not mow path to the strip, but could, if necessary do some works to the existing track to make it reasonably event provided it did not involve major works.
Generally the management were content with our activities at the site. The provision of signs was again discussed with no firm conclusions on a way forward. It was felt that it would be unlikely that if only one or two persons were at the field that they would put out signs. It was agreed that the committee should give further thought to how to deal with this issue.
75th
Anniversary of the Club
To be discussed at the next committee meeting.
Church Hall
It was reported that there had been a possible break in at the Church Hall on a Tuesday night. It was pointed out to the caretaker that the club had not used the hall for some time as Tuesday meetings were being held at the flying field through the summer. Discussions had also taken place about the use of the hall through the summer. The conclusion was that in order to ensure the continued use of the hall at the times we wish during the winter months we would need to continue to pay through the summer. The committee agreed to leave the arrangements as they stand.
Mowing the strip
The strip was now being cut following purchase of a new mower. However, the heli pad was not being cut as expected. (Secretary’s note: this was due to an unforeseen event and weather problems. Matter resolved).
Newsletter
Production is going well, but contributions for inclusion would be welcomed by Tony. Reviews, stories etc very welcome.
Next committee
meeting
Thursday 20th October commencing 20:00 at the Woodley Centre