Where: Centennial Hotel, Launceston
When: November 20, 2009
It was that time of year again, Christmas is getting closer which meant it was time for our annual dinner. We decided to retain the Centennial Hotel again this year. Not only is the location central for most to get to but parking is easy, especially with the Coles supermarket opposite. The aviation theme in the dining area coupled with the privacy afforded by virtue of the numbers attending makes it an attractive venue for our club.
It was nice to see such a good turnout for the event with 27 people attending. It is great to see the partners of those members who don’t regularly attend the field. We welcomed Tanya Pearson, Leanne Hay, Pat Ferguson, Julie Jones, Pat Jacobs, Marg (friend of Geoff), Janet Wiggins and Elaine Grey.
President Gerry de Groot emceed the evening and talked about the events of the past year and in particular what has been the catalyst for the resurgence in the Tomboy class. After thanking Tony Grey for generating the interest initially, Gerry went on to add that the main ingredient for the widespread interest in the Tomboy class of model was fun. Fun was also the reason we have seen the Old Timer and Thermal glider events garner so much support. For many years the question has been asked as to why the decline in many of the traditional competitions. Many commented that they lacked the desire to compete because they didn’t enjoy the strict rules associated with some events and the anxiety that results. This is especially true of the aeromodeller who sees the hobby as relaxation rather than a sport. Gerry went on to say this may be where LMAC’s niche lies, not in serious and expensive scale or hi tech gliders but in providing an outlet for aeromodellers who want to build and fly simple and inexpensive models and fly them in a relaxed environment. Throw in a few scale, LEG glider and pattern events and we hopefully have a format that caters for our membership base. We still have a smattering of big scale, pattern and hi tech gliders that can hold their own anywhere but we like to have a broad appeal.
Tony Grey then presented a talk on a few of the older engines he has in his collection. This was very interesting and Tony ensured that his passion for these older engines was felt by all. Well almost all as he almost made Alice R fall out her chair as the photos show. Thanks for bringing them along Tony.
I can only speak for myself and Kerry but the food was very good and reasonably priced with a good selection on the menu. As usual the club provided a free drink to all the attendees and it is a gesture much appreciated by the membership. For those who did not make it, I’d urge you to come along for the next night out when it comes along as there was much banter and it is always nice to have a talk to the partners who put up with the “boys and their toys” You also missed out on a bagful of lucky door prizes –
$50 voucher for Tiger Models – donated by ZZ Autos and won by Faye Hellinga
Two haircut vouchers – donated by Just Cuts and won by Kerry Carnie & another anonymous winner.
Seven bottles of wine – donated by Sunny Hill Country Club Hotel and won by a few happy drinkers!
The Comper Swift kit – donated by Gerry de Groot and won by a very happy George Carnie
Aeromodel magazines – donated by Tony Grey and won by Kevin Hay
Many thanks to our generous sponsors! I was half way to the dinner when I realized I had left my camera behind , however Dave Jacobs came to the rescue and loaned me hi pocket camera to take some shots. Thanks Dave & Pat. Photos from the night are shown below.
