30 September, 2013
Rain, rain and more rain on our field and yet my territory on the east coast could do with a good drenching. There’s no doubt that the wet has severely disrupted our flying during the past two months. We could be excused for having severe withdrawal symptoms that relegate us to the model hangar to contemplate what we could be doing if only the rain (and now the wind) would abate.
It was indeed fortunate that the backup club date enabled many to fly I’ve been told so that released some of the pent-up frustration of late. I was visiting the mainland at this time but was still able to hear the good news. My annual pilgrimage to the Mammoth Scale Event in Shepparton was extremely satisfying with beautiful sunny weather, many new models flying and the opportunity to catch up with old friends. David Munday, who some of our older members may remember, sends his best wishes to everyone. David is now nicely settled near the high country close to the snow but still manages to occasionally fly with his Bendigo Club.
I have spoken of Alby Higgins before but for those who don’t remember, Alby is 86 years old and, although he can’t fly because of ailing eyesight, he still remains a prolific model builder. After swapping goods and a little bargaining I managed to bring home two old timer models. One is a Cloud King and the other very large one is a Power House; both in orange and white livery. At last count he still had more than a dozen models on his hangar table and hanging from the roof.
This report is very late, being written tonight (30th September) and coming to you in October so (with tongue in cheek) I have dated it Septober to cover these months. George has published much of what is going on in the club with his regular Hangar Report and I thank him for his informative and colourful descriptions which I eagerly read. It is also pleasing to have member photos of their models included. Thanks George.
What a great result from the auction of the Auster which was so generously donated by Mike Green! It was unfortunate that the model is straying down south but $505 is a great contribution to our club finances.
Merv Cameron is home again now after a second stint in hospital. I spoke with Merv this morning and he is making slow progress which is encouraging. I shall be visiting him tomorrow to share some time and have our usual model talk.
Now the Club Dinner is on this Friday and I hope as many members and their wives will attend. One way of having extra social enjoyment at this dinner is to circulate so this will be up to everyone to try.
Most of us heard about the RC helicopter tragedy in USA a few weeks ago and this resulted in the rounds of many email messages in some clubs. This also prompted MAAA to send out a helicopter safety brochure. A timely reminder of the dangers associated with any RC model but also for us to set up some very strict guidelines when we do allow such flying. One thing for certain is that planes and helicopters would not be allowed to fly at the same time and that all spectators would have to be in a designated safe place when helicopters flew in their allocated time/s. More homework will have to be done before they fly at Symmons.
“til next time,
Safe Flying,
FRED WILLIS
President LMAC
Email: [email protected]