NEWSLETTER February 2002

 

Happy New Year to everyone and apologies for the delay between the last newsletter and this one.

 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The annual general meeting was held at the Chaos Club, Devon Cliffs on the evening of Sunday 23rd September 2001 and was attended by some 50 members.  The elected members of the committee are: Chair: Max Bradley, Secretary: John Bicknell, Membership secretary/Treasurer: Maurice Partington, Vice Chair: Arthur Askwew and PRO: Caroline Scoles.

Following the recommendation of the committee the meeting agreed that the roles of treasurer and membership secretary be combined with effect from the AGM, and Maurice has indicated that he is willing to undertake the combined role.  It was also unanimously agreed at the AGM that with effect from 9th April 2002 all subscriptions would increase by £2.00. This is the first increase sine the formation of the MAA.

 

INSURANCE

As you are now all aware the Association was unfortunate to be affected by the collapse of Independent Insurers.  However we are now covered by Zurich Insurance Company who has taken over the policy.  As our policy is tailored to our needs there was a delay in the issue of the issue of the insurance certificates.  Zurich are not able to offer discounts in respect of age no the policy so all premiums will be the same amount for everyone.  The reduced rate for membership element portion of the subscription will however still apply.  The only difference now is the renewal date will alter to June.  Therefore at renewal this year the subscriptions will run from April 2002 until June 2003.

 

PRIMROSE VALLEY 2002

The week will run from Saturday 27th April until Saturday 4th May.  We have had successful negotiations with Bourne Leisure regarding the continuation of the event. Following these negotiations a couple of important points need to be mentioned.  Firstly all bookings must be conducted through the MAA on the special booking forms, secondly, it is now the policy of Bourne Leisure to only offer one type of discount per booking so in this case the group booking discount only will apply.  The prices we have negotiated with Bournes have already had an element of extra discount built into them to reflect that we regulars and thirdly changes made to the legislation regarding holiday parks have a severe impact on persons booking privately or staying off camp (e.g. at Reighton).  Legally unless they pay a surcharge to the camp they cannot have access to its facilities e.g. meeting, bar etc.  Full details are available in the information sheet we have produced for the holiday.  Booking forms and information sheets can be obtained from Caroline on receipt of an SAE from the address at the end of the newsletter.  Please also note that due to the withdrawal of funding from Havens there will be a charge to use Willy Howe power site of £5.00 per pilot per week.  The power sit will be available from 10am on the Saturday morning.

In addition to our own exclusive week the MAA are also running the "main" modelling week from Saturday 4th May until Saturday 11th May. Those of you who are regulars to the holiday may recall that last year it was announced by the organiser that it was to be the last.  For reasons that are too complex to go into this appeared to be the case. Until a request was received by us from Havens to go and meet the with a view to running the event on a reduced scale.  This duly happened and we intend to carry on the main modelling week with planes and can initially. Our instructors will be used and our secretary John Bicknell will continue to run the car side as he has always done. Carline and Max will be the organisation of the second week.  Again we have produced an information sheet for this event, which can be obtained via an SAE.

Booking forms for 2003 for both weeks will be available during the holiday and managed to secure the same prices for 2003 as for 2002.  All completed forms will be entered into a draw to win your holiday and we thank Havens for their generosity.

 

MAA GOES ON THE INTERNET

Yes at long last it has happened.  The MAA is now on the Internet so check out our Website.  You can find us at

www.modelaviatorsassociation.fsnet.co.uk

E-Mail

MailMAA@modelaviatorsassociation.fsnet.co.uk

Many thank have to go to Michael Terry who has built the Website and is maintaining it.  Have a look and see what is on so far.  The newsletter is also available on it and anyone who wants to utilise this instead of a paper copy please let Caroline know to reduce the envelope writing.  It's your site as much as ours so tell us what you think and what you would like to see on it.  Contributions are always most welcome.

 

EAST COAST EXHIBITION

Over the Easter weekend the MAA have been asked to co-ordinate an exhibition of modelling at the Pier, Cleethorpes.  This is a one-off but we hope if successful will become an annual thing and was the suggestion of the manager of the pier.  We are trying to cover the whole spectrum, Planes, indoor flying, boats, kites static exhibits.  Simon and the lads have to bring the big Lancaster's over which will hopefully be suspended outside from the roof of the pier and we are flying indoor models, racing indoor electric cars and i/c cars outdoors.  One of the local clubs has agreed to assist as have the local ATC squadron.  If anyone would like to assist or come along and have a look we would be very we would be very glad to see you.  Contact Caroline Scoles or Max Bradley for details on 01472 242391 or 01472 322874.  The event is from 11:00-16:00 hrs on Sunday 31st March and Monday 1st April.

 

DEVON CLIFFS 2002

This year the first week will start on Saturday 21st and the second week on Saturday 28th September.  The AGM will be held during the evening of Sunday 29th September.  Again information sheets and booking forms are available from Caroline but please note that booking forms will not be available until mid March as Havens are currently designing and printing them for us.

The same legislation regarding private booking etc at Primrose Valley also applies to Devon.  It is likely that power and helicopter will be sharing a site therefore strict frequency controls will be operate. Helicopter training will be mainly during the first week.  IT is also possible that dependant on restrictions that all three disciplines will be in very close proximity.  If this is the case then the 2 CFI's Dave Scoles and Simon Askew intend to split frequencies between sites.  It would therefore be sensible for all pilots to have several different sets of crystals with them.  Frequency numbers 63, 68 and 70 will not be available for general flying, as these are the trainer frequencies.  Booking forms for 2003 will be available during the week and again completed forms will be entered into a draw to win your holiday.

 

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

Sorry folk but it is nearly that time again.  Attached to the newsletter is a renewal form and as previously mentioned there is an increase of £2.00.  However the good news is that because of the change of renewal date of the insurance we have had to change future renewal dates and our year-end.  Good news for you bad news for the accounts dept!  You will be covered for 14 months from April 2002 until June 2003.  Please send your forms and contributions back as soon as possible to avoid the expense of reminders.  Cheques made payable to the Model Aviators Association or enter your credit card details.  If you require any information or wish to send any articles for publication please contact Caroline Scoles PRO, 22 Lord Street, Grimsby, DN31 2LU. Tel 01472 322874 (Fax number is same) or 07771 751959.

 

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Cheques and postal orders payable to Model Aviators Association

Send to: Maurice Partington, 5 Main Road, New Hackleton, Northants NN7 2DH