Reading and District Model Aircraft Club

Minutes of Committee Meeting 24th May 2006

Apologies for absence

Neil Viney

Minutes of meeting of 4th May

It was agreed the minutes were a true record of the meeting

Matters arising not elsewhere on the agenda

None.  It was agreed that all the items relating to the 75th Anniversary event were on the agenda.  The meeting was primarily to deal with the event.

Site

The secretary reported that he had discussions with the school representatives about the facilities that would be available.  The leisure centre would be available on the day, as might the main school hall.

The secretary confirmed that he had spoken to the BMFA about certification requirements for indoor flying.  They had confirmed that for RC flying a B certificate would be required.  There was then debate about whether to include indoor flying as this would involve pilots who also fly outdoors.  It could also make Tx control slightly more difficult, though as only one Tx control would be used this was not seen as a significant issue.  The main issue being the number of pilots available.  It was agreed that indoor flying would be offered only on the basis that if the weather proved unsuitable for outdoor flying then  indoor flying would take place.

Jack reported that the school was buying a tractor and gang mowers so the mowing should not prove to be a problem.

Ken Galloway at the school had offered to paint any lines that might be needed and it was agreed this should be considered at a site meeting.

The secretary reported that he had arranged a site meeting for 14:00 on 9th June (Note: subsequently corrected to 2nd June by email due to error by secretary), and all would be welcome to attend.  Ron said he would definitely attend and others according to availability.

Action: secretary and others

Bob intended to try out the gas turbine in due course to assess feasibility.

Static display

Everyone is to be invited to bring models for static display irrespective of whether they will be able to fly them.  All types of model can be included.  Those bringing models are to be asked to bring cards or some means of identification for the models so that viewers can see what they are.  The static display will be mainly outside, weather permitting, though there is scope to use the indoor facilities for lighter models etc.  The display will be fenced off from the crowd line to avoid damage to models.

Action: Martin to include in information to other clubs

Exhibition

This will be indoors and may include some artefacts as well as pictures.  In addition it is hoped that the original gas turbine model can be borrowed from Barry Belcher for the occasion.  Tim will bring some pictures and archive material

Action: Jack Bishop plus others

Flying display

The format of the flying display was discussed.  It was agreed that the final format can really only be decided on the day when the types of model etc are known.  However, it was agreed that an indication of the timetable should be given so that pilots had some idea of the likely flying times. 

Pilots briefing would be at 10:30 followed by ‘off the peg’ flying until 12:00 when there would be programme with slots for scale, helis, electric, special aircraft etc depending on the models at the event..  There would specific slots for individual models such as the gas turbine and others where it was deemed appropriate and necessary.  There would also be slots for control line.  The slots would be rotated as appropriate.

Action: Paul Joslyn leading

Publicity

The secretary confirmed that he would be putting out a press release shortly to the list provided by Dave Belcher.

Action: secretary

There was discussion about whether it would be appropriate to put out some flyers.  It was pointed out that if the club started posting these up it would have to ensure that they were removed.  There was also the risk of prosecution for fly posting.  It was agreed that the club should put them up in the local model shops and see if it can be included in the school’s teacher’ newsletter, but there would be no other posters put up.

Action: Paul Joslyn, Jack Bishop

Attendees

It was hoped to gain some further information on who might be coming, although no advance registration was required and anyone turning up on the day would be welcome to fly provided they had the right certification and insurance.  Martin Dance would circulate further information to clubs.

Action: Martin Dance

First Aid

The secretary reported that he now had written confirmation from the St John Ambulance that they would provide the necessary cover.  He had signed the contract and returned it to them,  The club would be invoiced for the fee after the event.

Fencing

Dave Belcher reported that he enquired about hiring crowd barrier type fencing but the cost was prohibitive.  It would be cheaper to buy plastic mesh (Netlon) type fencing and stakes.  It was agreed that for the principal area that netting would be required, but further away from the central area two rows of barrier tape suitably supported on stakes would be adequate.

It was agreed to purchase 100 metres of netting plus stakes and barrier tape.  The approximate cost would be £160.

It was agreed to use the signs that club already owns at the football club pavilion end to remind people that may come in from that end that model flying was taking place.

Action: Dave Belcher to order and Kevin Mercer to collect from Dave.

Stewards

The response so far to the request for assistance had been slow.  It was agreed to keep pestering the membership to come and help.  Apart from the committee, Dave grey has confirmed that he will come and assist and one or two others have indicated they probably will.

Ron volunteered to assist with the flightline and scrutineering of models.  It was agreed to remind everyone that they would not be expected to be ‘on duty’ for the whole event and the more that volunteer the easier it will be.

It was agreed that set up would be from 08:00 onwards and volunteers would be needed.  It was hoped to avoid the need to set anything up on the Saturday.

Action: All

Catering

There was discussion about how best to provide catering.  The problems of food hygiene legislation and the requirements to find sufficient people to staff a barbecue were such that it was agreed that for the public a ‘burger van’ and ice cream van should be invited to attend. For the former it was agreed to ask Mark Bonny whether he would be interested. Ron Perkins said he would enquire.  Martin Dance said he would try to arrange and ice cream vendor

Action: Ron Perkins, Martin Dance

For visiting pilots and stewards etc it was agreed that a packed meal and some drinks be made available.  Jack agreed to ask Linda whether she would be prepared to make these up, possibly with assistance from other wives. 

Action: Jack Bishop

Programme

The programme was discussed as above.  Paul Joslyn had contacted some printers at Pangbourne about its production.  It was agreed that the cover be the better quality one.  Sale of the programme should cover its costs.

The content is in progress.

Action: Paul Joslyn leading

AOB

None

Next meeting

Tuesday 6th June 20:00 at St Barnabus Church Hall.

 

Meeting closed at 21:30