So here we are the last newsletter of 2023, where has the year gone ???
You will of noticed that there was no newsletters for October/November, simple reason for this was there was nothing to report apart from the amount of rain that fell.
Speaking of rain, the field is in a bit of a mess at the moment especially in the pits area, this is purely down to the amount of rain we have had but some calm cold flying days ( lots of foot traffic) and of course bonfire night.
There is nothing much we can do about this but if you can avoid the really wet and cut up areas that may well help slightly.
For those of you who turned up for the AGM you would of heard Mark Conlin talking about a process that will hopefully be done when the grass cutting tractor can get on the field. This should help with the drainage.
Bonfire Night
The annual bonfire took place on Saturday 4th November. Despite all the predictions of it going to be dry it was not !!!!
I think it was fair to say we experienced some damp weather, the firework lighting team were struggling to keep their powder dry as they say but did manage to put on a great display with the finale being spectacular, a firework Jake and I named the J Higgins finale.
As per the norm the choice of food was fantastic ranging from homemade soup, chilli, stew, cakes and tank Daves Russian roulette onion bhaji’s . If you were there you will have known what I mean.
Great effort by everybody to make a miserable night weather wise a great night.
AGM
The AGM took place on 29th November at Marton Institute.
I have to say the turn out from members was very poor. I know it was a cold night but this is the only formal evening of the calendar where the committee report back on the year and you have a chance to ask questions about everything to do with the club.
The overall summary from the various committee members was the year had been a good year but the weather had not been kind to us (again).
Financially Mark Conlin reported a good state of affairs from the club however the flying field lease expires at the end of next year and currently the owner has not indicated any renewal costs. This is a priority for the committee in the new year.
If anybody wants to see the balance sheet for 2023 then contact Mark and he will gladly talk you through it, the balance sheet will not be published and no paper copies were handed out at the AGM.
Due to the weather curtailing most of the organized events (Jake Reid) there was only one trophy awarded on the night and that was the ‘Kamikaze” trophy.
This year the prestige trophy went to our secretary Dave Hindley who put club before country and sustained eye watering damage to his finger hand launching one of Andy Moores flying bedsteads.
Although most of us saw the funny side of this episode it was a horrendous finger injury and a reminder to us all to be careful, its amazing how much damage a five inch plastic prop spinning at 10,000 rpm can do.
The club subs for next year remain unchanged and the details and method of payment can be found on the club website.
Please don’t leave it to late and get caught out, its your responsibility to pay them, the club does not come chasing you for payment.
A couple of photos of the trophy being presented and in pride of place in Dave’s house
The committee members for next year (2024) are as follows
- Jason Reid Chairman
- Mark Conlin Vice Chairman & Treasure
- Dave Hindley Secretary
- Andy Harrison Membership Secretary
- Jake Reid Events Secretary
- Anthony Ollerton Safety Officer
- Andy Moore Committee Member
- Duncan Melvin Committee Member
- Steve Warburton Committee Member
- Tim Fairhurst Committee Member
Please support the above members in their tasks wherever possible.
Club President
Due to the sad passing of John Higgins the club currently has no president.
This position is normally awarded to a long standing member, if you have any suggestions as to who you think should be offered this position and why then please contact any member of the committee.
Quiz Night & Food
Wednesday 13th December (normal venue) is the annual quiz night and food, yes the food is free, no hidden surcharges or exit fees its free !!!
The food is hot pot and apple pie
Please support this event as we don’t want to see wasted food
There may well be some prizes for the quiz winners !!!
Jake will be selling raffle tickets to win your membership for next year (BMFA fees not included)
So I hope you all have a healthy Christmas & New Year and Santa brings you everything you desire.
Lets hope for better weather next year and finally peace in the world.
Chris V