Dave Belcher
The minutes were agreed as a true record of the meeting
The secretary has written to the Park management about the possibility of flying park flyer outside the normal flight times and is awaiting a response
An advert for the return of any club trophies would be placed on the web site
The chairman has so far been unsuccessful in contacting the farmer about a possible flying site but is continuing to try.
The floatplane event had been very successful
The concours d’elegance had also been successful and the fly off will take place at the 75th Anniversary event.
The site was confirmed as being Ryeish Green School. Jack Bishop had confirmed with the school and the secretary has subsequently written to the school formally on behalf of the club. The letter covered a number of other matters in relation to the event including requesting the use of indoor facilities for a static display and the possible use of the school toilet facilities. The secretary had suggested in his letter a meeting with the school Bursar and a response is awaited.
Action: Secretary
The date was confirmed as Sunday 18th June 2006.
The format of the event was discussed at length and it was agreed that there should be an exhibition charting the history of the club using material available through a former member of the club. It was agreed that Jack Bishop would invite Tim to a club meeting so that decisions on the use of the material could be made. Tim would also be invited to the event.
Action: Jack Bishop
The Museum of Berkshire Avaition was interested in assisting with the static display and in particular a display associated with Miles aircraft. It was agreed that in the invitation to clubs to attend that reference to Miles aircraft be made, both for flying and static displays. The invitations will make clear that only B certificate pilots may fly radio control, but all can display static models and control line will be for those with the necessary skills. The chairman has the list of email addresses for local clubs and will send out the invitations.
Action: Chairman
The first successful model gas turbine had been developed by Gerry Jackman in Berkshire and it was hoped to have a display of at least one at the event. The secretary reported that he had spoken to Bob Roper who had offered to bring his gas turbine model to the event and, if possible, fly it there. The offer had been gratefully accepted. The secretary will discuss further with Bob.
Action: Secretary
The model of the Rook was taking shape, but Jack Bishop who is building the replica reported that making the wing tip feathers was time consuming and difficult. There was discussion about whether the replica would be able to fly and Mick Mace offered to assist Jack with this aspect.
Action: Jack Bishop & Mick Mace
There was a discussion about the format for a flying display and what should be included. IN particular there would need to be arrangements on the day for transmitter control, a full and thorough pilots briefing and the way in which slots for different types of model would be allocated. For radio controlled flying it was agreed there would be themed slots for various types of aircraft and helicopters and there would also be free programme slots. It was agreed that there should be control line flying also and this would be given timed slots. It was agreed that the flying programme can be developed as the type and number of models becomes clearer.
The flying site assessment can now be carried out.
Action: Secretary
Ron Perkins reported that he had spoken to the new flying group at Grazeley and invited them to join our event. He had also discussed with them a request for confirmation that they would be prepared to suspend flying at their site for the day of the event as it is within two miles of the event site. They had readily agreed to this request and would give written confirmation.
Action: Ron Perkins
There was discussion about publicity. It was confirmed that there was a piece in the BMFA News although no date and venue could be included. The next issue of the BMFA News will be published after the event, but it should be possible to have the event added to the BMFA web based calendar. The Secretary also agreed to contact the Southern Area of the BMFA to see what assistance they might offer. Other publicity was discussed and the Secretary agreed to make contacts and would ask Dave Belcher for details.
Action: Secretary
There was discussion about whether traders should be invited to attend. This had not been raised with the school and could compromise any discussion about the event being non-commercial. It was agreed that on no account should there be any contact with traders about possible attendance until there had been discussion with the school. The Secretary agreed to discuss with the school.
There was also discussion about provision of toilets, but this was also dependent on discussion with the school.
Action: Secretary
It was agreed that notable modellers such as David Boddington, Dudley Pattinson, Mick Wilshere, Chris Foss be invited to attend. It was also agreed that an invitation be sent to the mayor of Reading.
Catering was discussed and before any further work was done on this, Jack agreed to speak to Ken at the school about what might be possible. It was agreed that if catering is provided on site then visiting pilots should be provided with free refreshments in a similar way to the arrangements at Cholsey.
Action: Jack Bishop
It was agreed that the St John’s Ambulance be asked to provide first aid cover. Ron Perkins offered to make enquiries.
Action: Ron Perkins
As the club’s chosen charity is the air ambulance, they should be invited to attend. After discussion it was agreed that it would not be practicable for a visit from the helicopter to take place as there were various insurance risks and severe risks to model aircraft from turbulence. The air ambulance would be invited to provide a static display.
Action: Tony Roberts
A programme would be produced which could include the material from Tim and would then need to be printed. The programme would be on sale for the event with proceeds initially going to cover the costs incurred in organising the event and any surplus to the chosen charity.
Action: Mick Mace, Jack Bishop, Paul Joslyn
Stewards would be required to assist with setting up the event, during the event and to help clear up afterwards. People could do short spells so that they also have an opportunity to participate in the event. Of particular importance will be the clearing up after the event. It was agreed that an advert for assistance be placed on the club website to encourage as many members as possible to participate.
Action: Paul Joslyn
Fencing will be required to fence off the public area from the flying area. No particular arrangements were agreed on how this was to be provided.
It was agreed that there could be no contingency arrangements made to cover the possibility of poor weather. Insurance cover would not be a financially viable proposition given the nature of the event.
It was agreed that there should be some discussion about the material to be used for the display and also for the programme at the next club meeting on 18th April and that Tim be invited to attend this meeting.
The next meeting of the committee will be Thursday 4th May at the David Lloyd centre. It was agreed that for some committee meetings the hall could be used once club meetings moved to the flying site in May.
The meeting closed at 21:45