Devon Cliffs 2003

It is with great sadness that I am writing the MAA’s Holiday Report knowing that this could have been the last time at Devon.  The first modelling holiday I attended was over ten years ago with the MPA at Devon Cliffs.  This was the first holiday the MPA had arranged at Devon Cliffs, so this has always been one of my favourites.

The holiday started a bit disjointed, as Haven could not provide the MAA with a meeting room until the Monday.  The traditional Saturday’s evening informal “get together” took place at the Cork and Bottle.  It was such a pleasant evening that when I arrived at the Cork and Bottle the modellers had already gathered at tables outside.  It was disappointing this year not to see any new faces, but this changed at the start of the second week with a couple of new members turning up.  The on site model shop could not be set up until the Monday, due to the lack of a meeting room.  I do not think that this caused too much inconvenience.  Again, the model shop was provided courtesy of Grimsby Model Centre.

Sunday’s morning pilots’ briefing was always going to be a challenge without a meeting room.  It was decided that the power flyers would hold their briefing at the flying site.  This would be at the same place as always and the gliding pilots did most of the arranging over mobile telephones.  The weather was ideal with the power site attracting a good turn out of flyers.  It was a little quiet on the gliding site in more ways than one!  We did not have the pleasure of Alan Head from SAS Models Company until the end of the week.  The weather forecast had predicted a high pressure over the top of the South West of England for the next couple of days.  As it turned out, we had long sunny days with light winds.  This was ideal weather for the power flyers, but it made life a bit more difficult for the glider flyers - as nearly every day the wind would be in a different direction!  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 over a week with the MAA.

David Boddington treated everyone to some power flying with his seaplane off the beach at Sandy Bay.  The weather was perfect, although David mentioned that “the waves were a bit big”.  With David’s experience and skill the waves did not stop him flying, although it did stop the engine once or twice on takeoffs.  The landings were a work of art, as each time the seaplane was brought back to David’s boots it was landed on about 5 or 10 cm of water.  The week always seems to disappear quickly and, before you know it, an excellent week’s flying holiday has come to an end.  Fortunately, some lucky people had another week to look forward to.  Those who had not already said their goodbyes, reluctantly did so at the last minute.  They were wished a safe journey home and everyone looked forward to seeing them again next year.

The second week began a little more organized with the MAA now having a meeting room/bar (the Cork and Bottle), but this was not to last.  Saturday evening started with an informal “get together”. Sunday dawned and Mother Nature had yet again been very kind to us as the sun was shining.  The Sunday’s morning pilots’ briefing took place at the Cork and Bottle 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 and everyone was eager to set off early.  Another high pressure was settling over the top of the South West of England, having had a weather front go through at the back end of the first week.

On Sunday evening the AGM was held.  After the AGM a discussion took place on the future of the Devon holiday.  

                                  The MAA Chairman has requested that I remove this paragraph!

                                                                   On Monday Haven informed us that we would have to change meeting rooms.  With a bit of help from everyone it made life easier to move the model shop into the new Clubroom.  The very popular fun Auction with our own auctioneer, John Bicknell, took place on Wednesday.  There is always a lot of fun to be had at John's auctions.  Thursday we had the traditional supper, followed by the raffle and Max presented the Trophies.

This was going to be the last night for the organisers and instructors, as they had to this time be out of their accommodation on the Friday.  Max updated us of the progress on finding another camp. 

                              The MAA Chairman has requested that I remove this paragraph!

  By the end of November the Committee will be informing us if another holiday will take place for next year.  We must make a go of this, so if you have been thinking about going to Devon please support us and give it a try next year.

Well this brought another excellent weeks flying holiday to an end.  I always find it sad to say goodbye to everyone.  I hope to see you all again.

Holiday report Devon Cliffs 2003.