Devon Cliffs 2002

It was hard to believe that six months has passed since Filey, but it has and here we are again.  I did not arrive until the Saturday evening, so the traditional start to the week with the informal get together was well underway.  Lots of formulary faces and some new ones had met for a drink and a chat.  It is always so nice to see many friendly faces with the same interest.  The on site model shop was already set up, courtesy of Grimsby Model Centre, and was attracting a lot of attention.  It is always handy for those little bits and pieces, or complete kits and radio sets at a discounted price to MAA members.

Sunday got underway with the pilot's briefing.  MAA President, David Boddington, welcomed everybody to Devon Cliffs.  PRO, Caroline Scoles, explained what was in store for the week's events and each CFI gave a briefing on their discipline.  The sun was already shining and so it was not long before there was a lot of flying going on at the relevant sites.  The weather forecast had predicted a high pressure over the top of the South East of England for the rest of the week.  As it turned out, we had long sunny days with light winds.  Ideal for the power site, but it made life a bit more difficult for the gliding as nearly every day the wind would be in a different direction.  The MAA trainers were kept busy all week, with such tremendous achievements being made with the assistance of the instructors.  By the end of the week everyone seemed to have had a good time and were wondering where the week had gone.

The now well-known Alan Head from SAS Models spent the week with us.  Also, Steve Watkin and his son from Protech Models turned up for the weekend.

The evening's entertainment started on Sunday evening with a Quiz.  Monday was indoor flying and racing, as the Chaos Clubroom is not as well suited to indoor flying as the one at Filey.  The popularity of the palm racer and small racing cars were quite interesting.  The programme for Tuesday was flying off the beach, but the tide was not going to let anything like that happen.  David Boddington did manage to fly his seaplane once or twice.  Friday the Protech Team gave us an insight into their range of products.

That brought an excellent weeks flying holiday to an end, but some lucky people had another week to look forward to.  Those who had not already said their goodbyes reluctantly did so.  They wished a safe journey home and looked forward to seeing them next year.

Week two started with an informal get together on Saturday night.  To get things started, we set off with some indoor flying. Sunday dawned and Mother Nature had yet again been very kind to us, the sun was shining.  The pilot's morning's briefing took place at Chaos Clubroom at 09:30.  The MAA Chairman, Max Bradley, welcomed everybody and PRO, Caroline Scoles, explained what was in store for the week's events.  Each of the CFI gave a briefing on their discipline. There was very little hanging around as it was a good flying day.  The high pressure was still evident over the top of the South East of England.  A weather front did pass through on Tuesday, which did give us rain from just before lunchtime, and had set in for the rest of the day. That was the only rain we had, the sun was back out on Wednesday and stayed with us for the rest of the week.

Sunday evening the AGM was held followed by the Protech Team giving us an insight into their range of products.  Monday a bit of fun was had with a question of aero modelling forum.  Tuesday was flying off the beach, but again the tide was not going to allow us to fly.  Wednesday was the very popular fun Auction with our very own auctioneer John Bicknell.  There is always a lot of fun to be had at John's auctions.  After the auction John put on a demonstration on how to create a Bonsai tree, which was very well received.  I am still trying to work out the connection with aero modelling!  Thursday we had the traditional supper, followed by the raffle and Max presented the Trophies.  Friday it was a Treasure Hunt time.

Well this brought another excellent weeks flying holiday to an end.  I always find it sad to say goodbye to everyone, but there is always next year’s holiday to look forward to.  I hope to see you all again next year ready to reach those dizzy heights again!

Holiday report Devon Cliffs 2002.