Hello Everyone!
It’s been quite some time since I wrote my last report and much has happened in the interim. We were deeply saddened by the untimely death of Chris Klemick, a valued member of our club. George’s tribute to Chris sums up the talents and values that he possessed. Both George and Kerry were devastated to learn of his passing as they are in the USA spending time with their families and wouldn’t be able to say their farewells at the funeral.
If one wanted advice or help, Chris was a willing giver. He epitomized all that of a true aero modeller. Many of us have had lengthy conversations with Chris which originated from just small questions but Chris wanted to make sure we had all the tiny details. How we will miss them!!!!
On Tuesday there was a great representation of club members and partners at his funeral service in St Patrick’s College Church. This large church was near capacity, such was the love and respect the congregation had for Chris. In front of the Altar was Chris’s Fly Baby bi-plane along with a lovely family portrait and of course his motor bike helmet and gloves. I found the service truly beautiful and comforting for not only his immediate family but for many of us as well.
Chris was a talented modeller and radio control pilot. Along with his creative skills and attention to detail Chis had been heavily into sport involving his wife, Deanna and two sons, Anthony and Brendon. Some of these were scuba diving, and jet skiing along with a passion for motor bike riding.
After the service some of my sadness was replaced with the comfort of knowing that I was fortunate indeed to have known Chris Klemick. Geoff, our secretary, forwarded a lovely card and message to Deanna and family on behalf of our club. R.I.P. Chris.
Now for other club matters. We organized a small working-bee to have the club house ready for the crane to move on the weekend of 8th or 9th December. The verandah was removed and all the furniture and club memorabilia was taken to the just erected machinery shed. We had a great gang that worked hard and harmoniously throughout the day.
As the weekend approached it became obvious that the crane wouldn’t be available then and maybe not even for the next weekend as this was a very busy time of the year for the crane business. Because of this Merv and I discussed pulling the club house down ourselves and transporting the pieces to the new site. Discussion with fellow committee members confirmed that we should do it and thus our gang met again at the field on Monday, 10th December and proceeded to take the building apart.
By 2.30 the club house was at its new site, ready for erection. This will probably be done in the first week of February when, hopefully, the weather will not be too hot.I can’t speak highly enough of the great effort by our team who were: Merv, Terry, Mike, Geoff, Richard, Bill and Owen. Richard came twice from the mountains with his trusty ute to help. Terry even came back several more times to complete the clean-up. Well done everyone! I hope I haven’t missed anyone. If so, please let me know and accept my apology.
The new strip is longer than our present one and needed to be regularly mowed in an effort to encourage the grass to spread out. I slashed it twice with my trusty Kubota tractor but the grass needed to be cut lower.
Merv gathered prices from many businesses for a new mower and these were then placed before the committee (Yes, even to George in the good old USA) which then decided that the best price and deal was to be had from Australian Chainsaw Products. Thus we are now the proud owners of a Craftsman, 26 h.p, 54” cut, hydrostatic drive mower.
Already the new mower has halved mowing time on a strip larger than the old one. I think this has been a very wise choice and decision by the committee. The old mower is still working on the original strip.
Unfortunately the weather hasn’t been too kind for flying but a few have managed several flights by getting to the field very early in the morning before the wind comes up. I can’t give any reports on this as its been more than six weeks since I’ve had a fly…talk about frustrating!!!
Well that’s it for this time. I hope you all had a very happy start to the new year and it’s not too long before we can all meet again at the field.
“til next time,
Safe Flying!
FRED WILLIS
President LMAC
Telephone: 03 6257 8258
Email: [email protected]