Ladram Bay Holiday Centre Devon 2004
Model Aviators Association Holiday from 11th to 18th September 2004 at Ladram Bay Holiday Centre was a new venue for the MAA this year. In previous years we have gone to Devon Cliffs. Unfortunately, due to my work commitments I did not arrive at the site until 9:30 pm on Saturday 11th September. On arrival at the site, one telephone call confirmed my suspicions. Yes, you guessed it, most of the members had made their way to the Three Rocks pub - part of the holiday park entertainment centre. Nearly all the instructors and organisers were enjoying a drink with some of the members. After a pint and a bite to eat it was off to find my caravan. With my unpacking done, I looked forward to meeting all the members in the morning and hopefully a good days flying. With this being the first time the MAA had held the holiday at this park there was no provision for a meeting room. It is hoped that the entertainment centre will be refurbished over the winter and there may be the facility to provide the MAA with a meeting room next year.
Sunday dawned and Mother Nature had been kind to us with the sun shining. The Sunday morning pilots’ briefing took place outside the organiser’s caravan. It was good to see a number of new members, as well as the regulars. The MAA Chairman, Max Bradley, welcomed everybody to the new camp. He explained about the new site, how the MAA had come to be there and how the MAA hoped that the site could become a permanent venue. PRO, Caroline Scoles, explained why the usual evening events would not take place this year, but hoped that they would continue in the future. 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. The on-site model shop was set up in the caravan next to the organiser’s. The shop attracted a lot of attention, as usual, being very well stocked. It is always handy for those little bits and pieces, or complete kits and radio sets at a discounted price to MAA members. The model shop was provided once again courtesy of Grimsby Model Centre.
The power-flying site had not changed from previous years and, with ideal weather, attracted a good turn out of flyers. The gliding site was also well attended and, with a westerly wind, the gliding site was only three miles down the road from the campsite. Sunday afternoon saw the now "well-known" Alan Head from SAS Models. Alan spent the rest of the week with the MAA demonstrating his new models and letting members try out his new range of EPP models. The AGM was held at the Three Rocks pub on Sunday evening. After the AGM a discussion took place on the future of the MAA and how the membership could be increased. Unfortunately, Monday and Tuesday the wind increased with some scattered heavy showers. This did bring some of the traditional power flyers up on to the slope. The weather turned out nice on Wednesday, bringing the power flyers out in force. The wind had changed direction to north east, which meant a trip in land for the glider pilots. This did not put any of them off and a good day was enjoined by all.
Thursday morning started with a lot of excitement, but for all the wrong
reasons. An air ambulance landed on the playing field of the campsite,
attracting a lot of attention. To my surprise, it turned out to be one of our
members who had been taken ill, just as he was leaving for the flying site. He
was taken to hospital for a check up and, fortunately, he was released from
hospital that afternoon. The wind and rain returned for the afternoon. On
Thursday evening the traditional supper was held in the
Three Rocks pub. This was followed by the raffle and Max presented the Trophies.
The week ended a little disappointing, as on Friday we awoke to rain and low cloud. With no let up in sight, most of the modellers started to pack up and went home. One by one we said our goodbyes and by Saturday there was only one or two of us left on site.
The new campsite offers us very good accommodation and the potential for some very good on site flying for gliders. There is good accommodation, a great power site and gliding sites. Also, on top of all this, the MAA can also offer qualified instructors, equipment, help and advice. So why not come along, see for yourselves and enjoy a model flying holiday with MAA at either Devon or Filey? If you want enjoyment and friendly people give it a try next year.
Holiday
report Ladram Bay Holiday Centre Devon 2004.