NEWSLETTER February 2004
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issue.
Would those of you who would prefer to receive their newsletter by e-mail rather than snail mail please let Michael Terry know at the MAA mail address. All newsletters will also appear on the web page
HOT NEWS
Filey 2004 Definitely ON
24th April to 1st May 2004..
1st to 8th
May 2004 Modellers Week
Devon 2004 Definitely ON
11th to 18th Sept 2004
The Annual General Meeting was held on the evening of Sunday September 28th 2003 in the Continental Bar, Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Exmouth commencing at 8.30pm.The formal AGM passed with approval of formal minutes, and reports from Officers. Officers reported a substantially satisfactory state of affairs, but concern was noted on a falling membership. The committee are working towards ideas to improve the situation. The committee was re-elected on mass to serve for a further term of office
INFORMAL
MEETING
As is customary and the AGM over the meeting converted to a general discussion to air ideas. The MAA is to attend Model shows to advertise our activities.
With the continued difficulties being experienced at Devon Cliffs the committee had made enquiries as to alternative venues for the 2004 Season. Additionally it was agreed that the 2004 Devon event would be a single weeks event to concentrate numbers and resources. (More of this later .ed)
INSURANCE
Our brokers are now Walker Midgely and the policy is with Royal Sun Alliance. Cover is exactly the same as before as is the premium. We have recently been discussing cover with our brokers and have been reminded that cover has a 40cc limit to Engine size. We had asked for an unlimited engine size but are told that cover is not available for Policies due to Claims Experience on these types of Policy in General. The Committee believes that we must reluctantly accept this, and hope that it will not in practice cause too much difficulty. As a Group we have not made a claim on the policy and have the Insurers assurance that this in no way reflects on our individual policy. The committee feels that in practice will not give any problems. Anyone wishing to fly larger models will have to consider their position, and is subject of course to the individual modellers responsibility to comply with legislation and usual codes of Practice. Bearing in mind the recent publicity on the unfortunate accidents and the 2 deaths in the last few years we think that the Insurance Company are being cautious but the size of our Policy probably means they are being realistic. These events do however bring back to our minds the need for all of us to be vigilant to ensure safe operation of our chosen models. With care and consideration the committee believes that this can be achieved without interfering with the pleasure of our hobby.
HOLIDAYS
PRIMROSE
VALLEY 2004
The dates for Primrose Valley 2004 are 24th April – 1st May for our week and 1st May until 8th May for the general Modelling week. Booking forms are now available from the usual address. It is now more important than ever that participants book in the required manner, i.e. through the MAA Facilities will be withdrawn by Havens if this is not done.
Options are available for one week, two weeks or the bank holiday weekend.
Tourers should also book on our forms but mark on them that they will be occupying the touring site. The Park is currently changing the Touring site and therefore are not currently advertising due to Planning considerations. By registering on our booking forms we will be able to monitor the situation and assist in securing accommodation as soon as the matter is resolved.
Please also note that specific units cannot be reserved due to changes taking place on the camp over the winter. e.g. Lake hill chalets are to be demolished and replaced with caravans and Foxglove chalets are being sold to a commercial company for their own private use. Also there are several other events going on at the same time as our own and you may be told that there is no accommodation available if you try to book direct. This will not happen if you book through us as we block reserve sufficient units
DEVON
HOLIDAY
Contrary to rumours, and as mentioned above we have now secured an alternative location for the Devon event.
We have received advice of the tariffs, which are substantially less than those experienced at Devon Cliffs and the standard of units at least as good if not better. We are looking at the possibilities of some flying “On Site” but this is far from certain at this point.
A booking form is attached and MUST be returned WITH THE DEPOSIT to Caroline Scoles, Holiday Organiser, Model Aviators Association, 22 Lord Street, Grimsby. DN31 2LU. REMEMBER S.A.E for reply. Cheques are to be payable to “Model Aviators Association” The site will not accept Direct Bookings.
NEW
DATES
(See
Next Page)
The dates for the event will be 11th to 18th September 2004 inclusive. We will have the usual shop facilities from Grimsby Model Centre, and evening accommodation. You will also note that these dates are Saturday p.m. to the following Saturday a.m. which again fits with our requested format.
NEW
BOOKING SYSTEM
The new Site passes responsibility for units to MAA as organisers and therefore ALL units are booked with MAA NOT THE SITE, and paid for to the MAA. This includes Tourers.
WE HAVE RESERVED A FIXED NUMBER OF UNITS ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS.
A and B
CERTIFICATES (Yet
another reminder)
‘Examiners
are appointed at the request of a BMFA affiliated club to act as an examiner FOR
THAT CLUB only. Any member of a BMFA affiliated club MUST take their A and B certificates with their own club examiner.
If that club for any reason does not have an examiner then the member may with
the permission of the club committee approach any examiner or Chief examiner who
has a duty to verify the facts with the BMFA. He must also verify the facts with
the club secretary and confirming that the club would accept that member being
awarded a certificate.
If a pilot is a
member of the BMFA but the club he belongs to is not affiliated then he /she is
classed as a Country Member and can ask any examiner or Chief Examiner to test
them.
If a pilot is not a
member of the BMFA then they can also approach any examiner.’
Anyone who still requires any clarification should speak to Dave Scoles who is a BMFA Chief Examiner as well as our Gliding Organiser.
CAPS AND POLO
SHIRTS
Remember that we still have the following items available for sale with the association logo:-
Polo Shirts (own Name added £2.00 Extra) £15.00
Self adhesive decals £1.00
Sew on badges £2.50
Caps
£5.00
Polo Shirts are available in S M L XL. For kids or smaller adults please state the chest size required
Contact :- Caroline at Grimsby.
FURTHER
INFORMATION
Further information, booking forms etc can be obtained from Caroline Scoles, Model Aviators Association, c/o Grimsby Model Centre, 22 Lord Street, Grimsby DN31 2LU Tel/Fax 01472 322874 or 07771 751959.
E Mail: Mail@grimsbymodelcentre.fsnet.co.uk
The MAA web site is www.modelaviatorsassociation.fsnet.co.uk