Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :-

October 2009

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Peter Guiver  - Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Helicopter field in regular use.

Fixed Wing field:-

The flying site owner reports that he is happy with the club so far and we are hopeful that we will be able to make more permanent arrangements in the near future. 

Due to rising costs, it is necessary to raise club fees – this will cover the general club running costs, from field rental, grass cutting, hall hire, and general sundries.

It was agreed that the following revised annual membership costs will apply for the coming 2010 season:-

Adult member - £90 including BMFA insurance

Junior member - £35 including BMFA insurance

Website.

It was announced that to further save the club money, all application forms would be available to download on the club website.  These forms should be downloaded and taken along to the AGM club night, or sent to the club Secretary at his home address. Any members who cannot make the AGM or are unable to download an application form, should contact Arthur who will on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope forward a copy - All forms should be returned to the Secretary before the end of December.

The new club passes are received from the BMFA usually mid Jan to early Feb, these will be available for collection at the February club meeting.  Any member who cannot make the club meeting and cannot arrange for a friend to pick this up should again send a stamped addressed envelope to Arthur Peacop who will forward on.

It is hoped that the cost of postage and stationary saved will better benefit the club.

Events/Suggestions.

Several events for the next flying season were suggested, among these were:-

• Combat flying
• Pylon Racing
• Bombing competition
• Spot landing competition
• Longest aloft on a set amount of fuel.

It is hoped that several competitions could be held throughout the year to enable all members to enjoy and hopefully give more chance of good flying weather!!

Any other business.

We are pleased to announce that Peter Guiver has been awarded an Honourary membership due to having given 20 years of service to the club.  We would like to thank Peter for his contributions to the club and wish him many years of happy flying for the future!!

Club Representative

Peter Christy has announced that he will be stepping down as the area club tech representative after many years service.  He will be taking the club representative’s role to enable any unfinished business he has been involved with to be taken to conclusion, and also to assist the new club tech representative whilst settling in.  The club would like to thank Peter for his hard work throughout the years!!

AGM

Members are reminded that all trophies should be returned for the AGM.

Again there will be a raffle, along with the usual fantastic prizes which we again thank Ron Moulton for – the list of prizes is available on the club website.

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- July 2009

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Health and Safety.

Concerns were raised on Taxying models from the patch back into the pit area.  All members are advised that this is dangerous practice – the BMFA handbook states:-

“Do not taxi in or out of pits area. Wheel or carry your model well clear of the pits before commencing taxying and stop the model well clear when taxying back after landing. Do not put other flyers at risk”.

As a club, it is everyone’s job to make sure that safety is maintained – will all members please politely remind other members not adhering to rules – DO NOT IGNORE OR LEAVE IT TO SOMEONE ELSE – THIS IS HOW ACCIDENTS HAPPEN!!

Thank you.

Flying Sites.

Heli – nothing new to report

Fixed wing – nothing new to report.

Website.

Nothing new to report.

Events/Suggestions.

The annual BBQ at the school was unfortunately cancelled due to lack of interest.  Perhaps we’ll have more luck next year.

Scale day – unfortunately, this too was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. We hope to arrange this again for next year.

Any other business.

Watford Wayfarer’s proudly announce that there are three members representing the UK in the world Helicopter championship in Muncie, Indiana, US.

These members are:

Steve Roberts

Mark Christie

Roger Mayo

Reserve Pilot – Dave Fisher

The club would like to wish you all good luck!!

NEXT CLUB MEETING – AUGUST 27TH

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- April 2009

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :- in regular use, Vandalism has been reported – damage to benches and various rubbish left round the place.  Damage has been repaired.

Fixed Wing field:- in regular use, site still for sale, the two sections adjacent our patch have been sold to the farmer who owns adjacent property – no further news at this time.

Website.

Nothing new to report.

Events/Suggestions.

BBQ dates were suggested as either 11^th or 25^th July at the school – whilst these dates are to be confirmed, it was suggested that the 25^th May be more suitable due to other events planned in the summer.  We have discussed setting up a small car race track in the playground (weather permitting) for some rc formula one fun!!

Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated – please speak to a member of the committee.

Scale day is confirmed as Sunday 28^th July – times will be 10am to 4pm, and members are invited to bring along their models for flying when time allows.  Please be aware that preference will be given to the scale models on the day, especially those of the visiting guests. Thanks go to Richard Crapp who is in the process of trying to arrange some nice models for us to see.

Any other business.

Due to no management being available at the school next month, there will be no club meeting for JUNE – members are invited to attend Bovingdon site for an informal meeting, however are asked to make arrangements with other club members to ensure others will in fact be going!!

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- March 2009

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Apologies:-

Peter Guiver  - Club Treasurer

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :- in regular use, grass cutting continues….

Fixed Wing field:- in regular use – Richard Rawle is cutting the grass regularly.

Website.

Nothing new to report.

Events/Suggestions.

BBQ dates were suggested – due to changes at the school, we are unable to confirm date at present but probably July.

Scale day is being pencilled in for 28^th July

Any other business.

It was reminded to Club members of the following:-

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- February 2009

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Apologies:-

Peter Guiver  - Club Treasurer

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

In use - no problems to report.

Fixed Wing field:-

CLUB TRAINER.

The club trainer is now ready for use and will be stored in the lock up – as stated previously, this is to be used by learner’s only and is not to be used by anyone who has “forgotten” their model or not charged anything etc etc. The management of the model is at the discretion of the designated club instructors. Anyone found flying the model without permission will be firmly dealt with – be warned!!!  Any damage caused whilst flying is the responsibility of the trainee, and must be repaired.  Any repairs must be inspected by the instructor before the model is put back into use.

Website.

Nothing new to report.

Events/Suggestions.

It was suggested at the previous month’s meeting that a scale day be held one Saturday – Richard Crapp suggested that he ask some of his fellow large model enthusiast’s who may be able to bring their large scale models.  Due to fixtures, the suggested date for the scale weekend will be the 27^th June. This day will be for scale models – members are invited to bring along scale subjects only, these can be military, or civilian.

BBQ – it was suggested that the BBQ be held at the school again, John Markham will confirm when he is available, however the first couple of weeks in July were suggested.

Any other business.

It was reminded to Club members of the following:-

MARCH mtg – BRING AND BUY – bring along anything that you wish to sell, and some cash for anything you wish to buy!!

APRIL mtg – anything goes – bring along any radio controlled gadget or electrical toy you wish – scalextric, robots, tanks, cars, anything!!.

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- April 2008

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Peter Guiver  - Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Arthur Peacop

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Helicopter field in regular use though bad weather – no problems to report.

Fixed Wing field:-

Due to adverse weather, there has been limited use of the fixed wing patch.

Members were made aware that the sale of the land had appeared to have fallen through, however we still need to be looking for alternatives.  The land is still up for sale and it will inevitably be only be a matter of time before another offer is made.  Members are urged to keep looking and to advise the committee members if they see anything at all that could be of use to us.  Committee member’s contact numbers are on the website.

Website.

Website continues to be used, and has generated more new member contacts.

Events/Suggestions.

Due to the predicament with the sale of the fixed wing patch, it had been suggested that the school where we hold our monthly meetings be used as this year’s BBQ venue.  John Markham has kindly asked his relevant authority for permission which has been granted (thanks John).  Members were polled on the night and it was unanimously agreed that this years BBQ would be held at the school rather than chancing availability of the patch (and of course good weather)

We have use of the halls and field, along with picnic tables and WC’s (no more nettle rash!) which should make the day much more agreeable for all.

Small electric models (helicopters and fixed wing) are welcome, however no IC engines please, as the field has close neighbours.  Should the weather be bad, small electric flying in the halls will be permitted as on club night.

Members are invited to provide suggestions for events on the day, these should be made at the May meeting please.

A date of the 21^st June (wings and wheels is 28^th June) was put to the members as this was the availability of John Markham who will of course be required to open up shop. This date was agreed by all present

We would like to take the opportunity to point out that whilst it is very kind of John to have arranged the Venue, it is our responsibility as a club to run the event including setting up and clearing away afterwards, therefore everyone’s help with this would be much appreciated to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing day is had by all.

Tickets/prices will be announced at May meeting.

Any other business.

The club would like to wish Arthur Peacop a speedy recovery after his operation and we all look forward to seeing him at the patch for some fine weather flying.  Best wishes from all at the club Arthur.

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- January 2008

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – club secretary

Apologies:-

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Site being used when weather permits – no other news.

Fixed Wing field:-

Site being used when weather permits –

A local model flyer visited the flying field whilst members were flying advised that he flew on the other side of the airfield on frequency 88 – unfortunately he disappeared before we could get any contact details!! - members were advised to check frequencies before flying and advise any problems encountered.  It is possible that additional flyers are flying in the same area as this person – should any other aircraft be noted, members are asked to try and make contact to clarify frequencies being flown etc.  Please advise the committee in any such instance – please try to obtain a contact telephone number or email address of any non-club flyers as we will need to ensure no frequency clashes.

Website.

Website now operating correctly, no problems reported – please send all photos to Steve hill – e-mail details on website.

Events/Suggestions.

Events for next year were advised as follows:-

January meeting – Helicopter meeting – thank you to all heli members who brought along their models, it is always good to see different models especially to fixed wing members who may not normally be able to inspect these machines at close hand and speak to the operators for advice!!

February meeting- fixed wing meeting – Peter Christy will kindly be bringing his radio transmitter testing gear. This will enable members to have their transmitters checked for correct operation. Please bring your transmitters along if you would like them checked.

March – club bring-and-buy meeting

June – 1^st weekend pencilled as fun day

Any other business

Peter Christy advised that there have been problems reported on Futaba 2.4GHZ transmitters.  It appears that some units have left the factory with a default factory frequency, rather than a unique code.  This in short means that these units can transmit between each other, which will cause the obvious malfunctions and possible dangerous control of airborne models.  Anyone who has recently purchased one of these units is advised to have the factory set  frequency checked at their local model shop who will have been sent a test kit by the manufacturer.

Anyone flying with a 2.4GHZ transmitter must place a black peg on the pegboard to advise other flyers that 2.4GHZ frequency is being used as per BMFA rules.

Peter Christy suggested that as demonstrated at other clubs, that the pegboard on both flying sites should have the post-code of the flying field painted on to assist reporting the location of any accident easier and ensure swifter response of the emergency services.

Watford Wayfarers are proud to announce that we have two members selected to represent Great Britain in the display circuit this year– well done lads!!!

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- November 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Arthur Peacop – club secretary

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Site being used when weather permits – no other news.

Fixed Wing field:-

Site being used when weather permits – no other news.

Website.

Website now operating correctly, no problems reported – please send all photos to Steve hill – e-mail details on website.

Events/Suggestions.

Preliminary events for next year were advised as follows:-

January meeting – Helicopter meeting

February meeting- fixed wing meeting

March – club bring and buy meeting

June – 1^st weekend pencilled as fun day

Any other business

Comittee members were thanked for their contributions throughout the year.

Thanks were given to Ron Moulton, who arranged/obtained prizes for the prize draw – there were numerous winners, and prizes were agreed to be much more agreeable to both fixed wing and heli members this year

Well done to all who won prizes this year – should you wish to be remembered in the hall of fame please remember toget your names engraved before handing the trophy back next year!!

Trophy winners were:-

Most improved Heli flyer –

Best Heli crash –

Best Heli model –

Most improved flyer – Arthur Peacop

Best fixed wing crash – Arthur Peacop

Best built and flown model – Paul Robinson, P51 Mustang

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- October 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Apologies:-

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

It was highlighted to members that should they report an accident to the BMFA, they may be asked whether they are responsible for the accident. Whilst members should not admit liability at the field to any third party (if indeed they are liable), they should not be afraid to disclose an account of true events to the BMFA.  The BMFA are not looking to apportion blame to the individual and avoid paying out on any claim, they are merely trying to establish who is to blame so that the claim can be settled.  Should the member not admit liability (if liable) then the case may drag on for some time, costing additional money until liability can be proved and the claim settled.  The members BMFA insurance will settle any claims made against them, not the member personally!!

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

The rubbish problem raised at the last meeting seems not to have recurred. Memebrs are again politely reminded to take all rubbish home with them.

Fixed Wing field:-

The club was made aware that the farmer’s family have sold the farm.  Whilst we are trying to make contact with relevant people, it is possible that we will be asked to leave once contracts are exchanged.

We have made inroads with the farms neighbour and may have a possible patch, although this needs to be discussed further once the situation is definate.  We will advise more information when able, however as always, members are asked to keep eyes peeled for any suitable new flying sites.

The committee has been investigating alternative sites, and would like to thank, Arthur Peacop, Peter Guiver and Ron Moulton for their time on this

Website.

Steve Hill advised that the website should now be operating correctly after the servers were changed by the web company.

Events/Suggestions.

It was suggested that a spot landing competition be held at the AGM using a Picco Z helicopter - £1 in each entrant and the winner takes all!!  Details will be finalised on the night.

Any other business

Will all members who currently have trophies please return these at the AGM for reissue to new nominees.

Members are reminded that there are great prizes on offer – tickets are on sale from Arthur Peacop on the night, £5 strips.  Details of prizes have been emailed and are on the website.  We would like to thank Ron for obtaining these for us – Thanks Ron!!!!

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- September 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

One member has reported that rubbish had been found at the patch – this consisted of broken rotor blades and cable ties which are normally used to tie training aids to helicopter models whilst learning.  There was also soft drink cans left.  This is a blatant disregard for other people, and will not be tolerated.

The club politely reminds all members to take any rubbish home with them as this not only spoils the surroundings for others but can be dangerous to animals and livestock. This will give us a bad press which we can ill afford!!

Fixed Wing field:-

The club was made aware of the ongoing situation with the flying field.  The farmers family have put the farm up for closed bids – until we know of the outcome we are unable to plan for our future, however all members are asked to keep any eye open for any possible flying sites.

Website.

Steve Hill advised that due to a changeover with the servers by the web company, the website is experiencing glitches – this should be resolved in the next few days once all information has been transferred to the new server.

Events/Suggestions.

Heli events – there are ongoing heli competition dates which have been posted on the AHA website.

Fixed wing events are listed in the RCME website.

Any other business

Peter Christy, the clubs BMFA representative is up for nomination for his post of RC powertech committee member.  Would the club members please nominate him using the form included within the BMFA news magazine.

Club members are reminded that the AGM is in two meetings time, and that any one interested in the officers or committee role be made known  by then to enable votes to be cast.

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- July 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Arthur Peacop

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Paul Roberts advised that the issue with the grass cutter had been resolved and that the Heli patch was now being attended to fortnightly.

Fixed Wing field:-

It was reported that some members are still not wearing their identification badges. Can all members ensure that they have their badges on when flying – this is to ensure that we all know that you are members!

It is also essential that any non member wishing to fly gain prior authorisation from the committee - we cannot stress the importance of this enough.  Should there be an accident, and the flier has no insurance or authorisation the consequences do not bear thinking about!! – NO UNAUTHORISED FLYERS AT BOVINGDON.

Website.

Steve Hill has set up a Heli website, which is linked from the fixed wing site.  However he requires some guidance on what is to go on the website and has requested that any photos, etc be sent to him via his e-mail address which is shown on the fixed wing web site. Could all Heli members please send pictures or anything else they wish to see on their website to Steve on his contact e-mail address.

Events/Suggestions.

Mick Wiltshere informed us of his recent trip to Old Warden to assist with introducing young children to radio controlled flight.  He advised that some 170 children each had approximately 5 minutes of flying (which is more than his faithful Radio Queen achieved he informs us!)

The day also saw action from full sized aircraft which performed limbo flying and flour bombing. Hopefully the day will have planted the seed of enthusiasm into many youngsters due to the efforts of the volunteers – well done Mick.

Any other business.

Pete Christie’s term as an elected member on the BMFA Powertechnical comittee is soon to come to an end. Peter is happy to continue, however needs to be nominated by the club for this to happen – unless any members object, the club will be nominating Peter to continue via the correct BMFA channels.

Mick Wilshire also advises that his term as the club southern area BMFA representative is also up for renewal and again Mick advises that he will be happy to continue if this is the club’s wish.  Unless any members object the club object we will be putting Mick forward for this role.

The Club would like to take the opportunity to thank both Peter and Mick for their time and devotion to these roles.  As I’m sure the club’s members will appreciate, without volunteers for these roles there would ultimately be no governing body pursuing our best interest’s as modellers and in all likely-hood, no clubs!!

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- MAY 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Apologies:-

Peter Guiver

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Paul Roberts advised that a “No Parking” sign was now fixed to the gate to the helicopter site.

Paul Roberts also advised that they were having problems with the person currently employed to cut the grass at the site, who was proving difficult to get hold of.  Paul will further attempt to chase and arrange the grass cutting but will also look for an alternative grass cutter should this ultimately be required.

Fixed Wing field:-

Gary advised that pegs keep disappearing from the peg board.  Can members ensure that all pegs are returned at the end of the days flying.

It was agreed that all members must have a disc with their name on, which must be left on the pegboard whilst flying.  This will enable other members to determine who has what peg should the need arise.

If any members have 2.4GHZ transmitters, black ribbons should be placed on the arial.

It has been noticed recently that some members tend to hang around on the patch after take off.  Once your model is up, you must immediately move back and into the flight box – not stand along the edge of the patch as this is dangerous and obstructs vision for other pilots!

It has also been noticed that some members take off with improperly adjusted engines etc which necessitates repeated landing and “fiddling” on the patch.  Inevitably this means that there is someone on the patch and in the way of any airborne models which could be dangerous – if there is doubt that your engine is not running properly, this must be addressed before take off and in the pits, not on the patch!!

Geoff has approved our request to cut a new strip across the patch to assist with crosswind flying – final positioning will be agreed by members on site.

Website.

Eddy Oliver still to forward details to Steve Hill to link the both the Helicopter website from the fixed wing site. Paul Roberts will chase.

Events/Suggestions.

Fun Day

Details of the fun day line up and schedules were discussed at the meeting, hard copies of the proposed schedule were distributed and pasted onto the web for members information.

We look forward to seeing members there – Good luck!!

Having spoken to the Heli members present at this meeting, it appears that many members have withdrawn from the fun day and it is unlikely that any heli members will be attending, despite the arrangements and date having been made to accommodate them.

Bearing in mind the original concept of the fun day, which was to bring both sides of the club together, this is extremely disappointing.

Any other business.

None.

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- APRIL 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Peter Guiver – Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Paul Roberts advised that a “No Parking” sign was in the process of being made for the flying site gate.

Fixed Wing field:-

It would appear that news of our long ridiculed and pathetic windsock has reached far and wide across our beautiful planet.  To this end, Ron Moulton’s brother Peter who had just arrived all the way from Canada presented the club with a brand new windsock (in Canadian colours of course).  This was greatly appreciated, as now the members will be able to see the windsock as they hit it, and we will be able to see it as it is towed skywards. Thanks Peter!

It was reported to the committee that a some visitors appeared whilst members were flying one Sunday – whilst the visitor’s seemed to have a genuine interest in the models, they had parked their cars on the concrete adjacent the patch and despite being advised to move in case of an accident, did not do so. We are unsure who these visitors were and will ask the farmer as they appeared to be locals. 

Could all members please be aware of any members of the public who may turn up to watch – whilst we do not discourage people from taking an interest, we must be aware of our responsibilities regarding safety.  Visitors should be advised of the dangers, be restricted to the pits areas and be supervised.  They should also be asked to park any transport within the safe areas.  Should there be any safety doubts, model flying must not take place until the visitors have left.

It will be appreciated that policing of visitors to the farm is extremely difficult, and we will politely speak to the farmer to discuss the possibility of placing some safety signs on the approaches to our patch.

Website.

Eddy Oliver still to forward details to Steve Hill to link the both the Helicopter website from the fixed wing site. Paul Roberts will chase.

Events/Suggestions.

Fun Day

The fun day draws closer!! – having discussed the fun day, it was agreed that the day would be informal, with a start time of 10AM.  We expect that some normal flying/practice bombing will take place until lunchtime, when the BBQ will be lit and hopefully everyone that wants to come will by then be there!!

The fixed wing competition will be target bombing, with voucher prizes for the winners – this will be carried out in heats, the details to be finalised at the next meeting.

Helicopter competition to be finalised at the next meeting.

Any other business.

Club Raffle –

This was received with enthusiasm; tickets and prizes will be announced at forthcoming meetings.

Richard Rawle kindly supplied several items for a raffle on club night, tickets were eagerly snapped up with proceeds going towards the club.  Thanks Richard.

Club Trainer –

Ron Moulton presented the club with his club trainer – an older model which had been extremely well built, but which required covering.  This model invited much interest from the members who eagerly discussed how it should be fitted out and what colours it should be dressed in.  The intention was to fit the model out at club nights, however due to the added generosity of Richard Rawle who provided a “Zippo” kit, it was decided that this would be built and demonstrated to the members and that Ron’s trainer would be completed and introduced as a club trainer with (almost) immediate effect!.

Mick Wiltshere kindly offered an engine for the trainer, and also to cover the wing of the with some suitable fabric covering, the initial thoughts being that the top pf the wing would be red and the bottom white to suit visibility.  Richard Rawle also kindly offered to paint the fuselage which had been sealed by the original builder.

Several offers of radio gear were offered, so it won’t be long before she’s airborne.

Club “Bring and Buy” Sale.

Reminder – the “Bring and Buy” sale is at the next (MAY) meeting.  Bring along your old models and equipment to trade to other members, and go home with as much as you came with!

Please bear in mind that you are selling to your fellow members, so price your gear accordingly.

Any items bought along will be at the owners risk, any damages/losses cannot be covered by the Club.

Note – this sale is held by and for club members only .

Look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting !!

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- March 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Arthur Peacop – Club Secretary

Apologies:-

Peter Guiver -  Club Treasurer

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Paul Roberts informed us that the fly tipping that had been dumped by the field had been removed by the council, so no action required at present.

Still trying to get hold of a sign for the gate, John Markham has given details to Paul Roberts for a sign manufacturer who may be able to supply a metal one at reasonable cost.

Fixed Wing field:-

Members were asked to ensure that the mowers oil is checked each time it is used to prevent damage to the engine.  It was also advised that the charge switch on the dash must be “on” to ensure that the battery charges whilst in use.

Gary Field advised that training would re-commence after Easter when the better weather arrives (hopefully!!)

Several members are at the “A” certificate stage, and requested test dates.  It was suggested and agreed that each member arrange a mutually suitable date with the club examiner Richard Rawle.

Website.

Eddy Oliver still to forward details to Steve Hill to link the both the Helicopter website from the fixed wing site. Eddy informed us that he was waiting for information from another Heli member in order to do this.

The Webmaster, Steve Hill had requested information on the clubs history for posting on the website – Ron Moulton has duly obliged and given some information which will be appearing on the site shortly.

Club members were asked to supply pictures of their models for posting on the website.

Steve advised that the website had unfortunately not been successful with the nomination for best recreational website in Hertfordshire on this occasion, however the club extended it’s thanks to Steve for the good work done so far.  Hopefully next time Steve!!

Events/Suggestions.

Fun Day

A date for the fun day has been set for the first Saturday in June, this being Saturday 2^nd June. Events will be confirmed nearer the time however the fixed wing event will most likely be INERT!! bombing onto a predetermined target marked out on the patch. A static/flying scale show was suggested along with free flight/any model slots for all members to have a fly.

Prizes of amounts to be agreed will be awarded during the day.

Members are invited to bring along their own refreshments and food for cooking on the barbeque as and when they prefer. 

Any other business.

Club Raffle –

It was suggested that a club raffle could be held with Vouchers as the prize.  A percentage of the money raised could be given as the prize, with the remainder going towards the club/activities.  Details will be advised at upcoming meetings.

Club Trainer –

Due to the hobby being currently dominated by ARTF models and the decline in building, it was suggested that a kit in the form of a trainer be purchased and built in stages during club nights to demonstrate the processes involved to members who are interested.  This would involve basic construction techniques, covering, radio installation and setting up of flying services etc.  Once completed, the trainer would be used as the club trainer, with any damage repairs again being demonstrated during club nights.  It is hoped that this will demonstrate to the non building members who may be put off by the unknown that building and safely setting up a flying model isn’t a black art!

Suggested Trainer would be a Yamamoto Sky 40. Ron Moulton kindly suggested that the club have one of his old trainers which would need recovering, but which could also be used as a club trainer.

Club “Bring and Buy” Sale.

A Bring and Buy sale was suggested – this was well received and the MAY club night meeting, chosen as the sale date.  Members with any old models, or accessories that they want to sell (for sensible prices) should bring them to this meeting.  Please do not bring items that you do not want to take home in the event of non sale as there are no facilities for disposing of these at the School.

Any items bought along will be at the owners risk, any damages/losses cannot be covered by the Club.

Note – this sale is held by and for club members only .

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- February 2007

Those present:-

Paul Robinson – Club Chairman

Peter Guiver –    Club Treasurer

Apologies:-

Arthur Peacop-  Club Secretary

Health and Safety.

No accidents to report.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Paul Roberts advised that Channel 90 has been allocated to a neighbour of their flying field, a Dr David Pearl.  This was mutually agreed to prevent accidents caused by channel clashes. The channel has been removed from the peg board to prevent members from using this channel at the Helicopter site.

Paul Roberts is in the process of purchasing a “No Parking” sign to prevent public parking across the gates to the parking area. 

Fixed Wing field:-

Generally, it was agreed that cars could be parked on the grass dependent on conditions of the ground on the day.  Please be advised that whilst the ground may take cars, heavy vehicles such as vans may get stuck and should continue to be parked on the hard standing until the ground has firmed up. 

Members are also asked to respect the fact that the land is not ours, and that they should not try to park on the grass if the surface is soft and likely to be churned up.

Website.

Eddy Oliver is to forward details to Steve Hill to link the both the Helicopter website from the fixed wing site.

Members were informed that the fixed wing website has been nominated for a local award. Well done Steve!! – if members would like to vote for our site, they can access the relevant information from the link posted on our website.

Events/Suggestions.

There were ideas put forward in addition to those raised last month, these being:-

• Brooklands
• Middle Wallop
• Mosquito Museum, Radlett

Outings suggested last month:-

• Yeovilton Fleet air arm museum
• Shuttleworth Collection

The above trips were discussed at the meeting, and Ron Moulton kindly agreed  to obtain some information on these.  Will members interested in any of the above please advise the committee.

As some members have shown interest in a trip to RNAS Yeovilton, it was agreed that costs for this including a mini bus to take us there and back would be looked into.  We will advise costs to members with a suggested date in due course.

Fun Day

Paul Roberts is to advise of Heli fixtures to enable a fun day date to be set.  It was suggested that two dates be arranged, one in early spring/summer and one in late summer/autumn.

Any other business.

We would like to thank the Helicopter members for making the effort to bring along their models last month – looking at the size of some of them, they can’t have been easy to get in the car!.  I think I speak for all when I say it was a very enjoyable evening and it was good to see all members getting involved with both disciplines - this is exactly what we had hoped for.

We would also like to thank those who bought fixed wing models to this month’s meeting, in particular Richard Rawle and Peter Guiver who bought along their DeHavilland Mosquito and Hawker Sea Fury respectively – again, the logistics of getting these to the meeting must cause some stress!!

Watford Wayfarer’s Club Meeting :- January 2007

Health and Safety.

It was agreed by all members that all vehicles should carry a first aid kit whilst at both flying sites.

Flying Sites.

Helicopter Field :-

Paul Roberts advises that the gate to the car park had been obstructed several times in the recent past, which prevented access/egress from the site.  It was agreed that a sign would be obtained to fix to the gate to advise 24 Hr access required.

Fixed Wing field:-

Gary Field expressed concern with vehicle parking when the grass was too boggy to park upon.  It was agreed that all vehicles would park at the far end and around the corner on the access road so as to be out of the approach to the patch.

Website.

It was suggested that a suggestion section be placed on the website to allow members to submit their suggestions for future events and ideas. 

Events/Suggestions.

It was suggested that a fun day be held later in the year.  The fun day would incorporate events for all disciplines and ages, the following suggestions were tabled:-

• Static/flying scale model competition.
• Bombing competition
• Helicopter pick up/drop down competition
• Free flight competition
• Gliding ?

It was suggested that events would be alternated throughout the day to allow both Heli and fixed wing disciplines equal flying slots.  It was suggested that a prize (voucher for the model shop?) could be offered for the winners.

Please advise your suggestions to the section on the website, the committee, or at the next club night (February) Please could all members get involved with this as we need to make sure that we arrange something that’s going to be fun for everyone!!

Trips and Outings:-

• Fleet air arm museum.

This would be a trip to the Royal Naval air station at RNAS Yeovilton.  We suggested getting a coach (Journey time approx 2 hrs) and spending the day at the base.  The museum has aircraft and helicopters charting the history of Naval air power, and the base itself is still operational and various types of sircraft can be seen taking off and landing from a special viewing area.

• Shuttleworth Collection

This is a collection of historic aircraft based at Old Warden approximately 1 hr away on the A1.  Air shows are held at Old Warden, along with evening flying during the summer which could be nice…..

If members are interested in the above or have any other suggestions, please advise us via the website, telephone, or at the next club night.  Thanks!

Any other business.