Barton’s Point Model Flying Club – Minutes of October 2014 Meeting
October’s club meeting took place on Monday, 6th of October 2014 at the Harps Inn attended by 20 members.
The meeting was chaired by Dave Cook.
Apologies for Absence
Mark Alpin, Vaughan Richardson.
Minutes from last meeting - Minutes from the August 2014 meeting were provided for member’s last minute reading and were accepted as correct.
New Membership Applications
No new membership applications were reviewed.
Matters Arising
Fun Day
Dave Cook commented on the Fun day that Terry Young had organised in August, It was clear that those who attended very much enjoyed it. Dave commented on extra things that we could do at future Fun Days such as bigger balloons as it proved difficult for flyers to burst them. It was agreed that we should hold another one in 2015.
Sheppey Beavers
We had 17 Beavers attend the field on the 10th of September for the Try & Fly lessons. It was clear they all had a great time and their leader, Sandy, was very happy with the session so generously hosted by our club. She also thanked us in a very nice email. Pictures are up in our Blog for September. The event was also covered by the local paper with commentary and picture. Dave thanked, Dave Redwood, Jan Bruce, Adrian Knowles, Roy Hill and Steve Hummel for their help in making this a great event for the kids.
Field Conditions
Dave Cook provided details of progress so far on the field work. The work was agreed in the August meeting. Following extensive machine ploughing, soil break-up and tilling, the field is out-of-bounds until the spring of next year. This is obviously subject to weather conditions and rolling progress during the coming winter months. Dave Cook and Adrian Knowles worked and supervised the operation from 06:00 a.m. on Friday to 02:00 a.m. Saturday morning in order to get the soil level and drilled before the heavy rain which was imminent.
Following loose soil clearance by the volunteer work party, there is now a small area at the north end of the field for use by small foam/light construction type planes under tight control.
Those members who attended the Sunday tidy-up and edge smoothing, not an easy task, were thanked. There is still more work to do and volunteers would be appreciated to form work parties over the weekend.
Phil Fearn from Medway Club has offered members the use of their flying site while our field is out of use. Anyone wishing to go to Medway Club to fly must first contact Dave Cook who will phone Phil to ensure someone opens the gate which should ideally be at weekends.
Jan Bruce proposed and members agreed that as a gesture of thanks to Dave and Adrian, the Club should waive their 2015 membership fee.
Club Roller
Dave Cook advised members that he and Trevor Smith had located a reasonable priced roller from a Kent company at a cost of £1440 including free delivery. They have inspected the roller and confirm it is suitable to meet our needs. It can be split into two, 6ft long 1 tonne individual rollers which allows them to be pulled separately or in tandem with a 4x4.
The purchase of these rollers was approved by members present.
Noise Testing
Dave Cook discussed the importance of proper validated model noise testing prior to flying new and modified models at the field. Members are reminded that NO I.C. powered plane should be flown at the field unless it has undergone a field meter test by one of the committee members or Peter Scanlan, who each have a meter for that purpose. This includes any model that has previously been tested but since has undergone changes in its power plant installation. As this is a conditional commitment by the Club to the Council and the BMFA, any member not adhering to this requirement will be subject to formal committee disciplinary action. As a reminder the maximum threshold is 80db. It is perfectly achievable when a plane’s engine is properly installed and silenced with the recommended pipe or from a reputable custom producer.
Club Christmas Dinner
Members were asked by Jan Bruce and Dave Cook if they would like an arranged club Christmas Dinner for this year. Suggestions were requested regarding location and cost per head maximum. As ever with these things a lot depends on the timing, location and cost when it comes to interest so it was agreed that Jan Bruce would send out an email to members with some basic plans to gauge reaction.
December AGM
Members were reminded of the upcoming AGM and that if any member would like to be considered for a place on the committee that they need to inform the club Secretary by post no later than 1st November.
Meeting closed at 21:00
Next meeting,
Our AGM, will be held on Monday 1st of December 2014 at 8:00 p.m. the Harps Inn, Minster.
