Newsletters
February 2023 Newsletter
Curry Night
This Wednesday 22nd February at 7:30 is BMFC Curry Night at the Shimla Peppers, Bromsgrove.
Shimla Peppers is in Bromsgrove centre. Parking is on Waitrose car park and is free after 7:00pm.
You then walk through the ally way at the back left of the car park, and follow the buildings to the left and left at the end of the block.
We have 22 or 23 of us going at the moment.
The food is very good, order what you like and we split the bill. Cost is (was) about £16 per head with a tip left. You will not leave hungry!
Bring your own favourite tipple as they only serve soft drinks.
All Day Fly Dates
We have pencilled in this years All Day Fly dates…
Saturday 20th May 2023
Saturday 22nd July 2023
Saturday 23rd September 2023-02-19
As always these will be weather permitting, and if the date above has rubbish weather we will look at the following week. If that day is also rubbish , we will just look forward to the next all day fly.
The Patch…
The patch is looking great and not muddy at all. We are still parking on the grass, so if we get a nice weekend. Get up there and get flying.
Meetings at The Bowling Green.
We are looking at re-starting some of the activities / demos / talks for the monthly meetings. If we are to invite someone to talk to us we need to know we are going to have a decent turn out.
To help us with this, can you let us know if you would like us to arrange a talk for Morris Mini Motors. He is extremely knowledgeable and can give you plenty of hints and tips about your IC engines. If you can feed back to myself via e-mail or even just let one of the committee know if you would like this talk or even something similar.
Sir Bob is being lined up to show us his glass clothing skills in the coming months.. stay tuned for more details…..
Hope to see you soon “Up the patch” at the Curry Night or at The Bowling Green Pub on this Wednesday the 1st March …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
January 2023 Newsletter
New Year Meal
We booked The Swan at Upton Warren for this years New Year Meal.
Despite a few questions when booking it turned out to be a very good venue indeed.
The food was very good, (Not a surprise as the owners also run the Nailors Arms), and we had the entire top floor to ourselves. We now know that the seating will accommodate upto 60 people so plenty of room.
We did of course have the award of the trophies, and the winners were as follows….
The Ray Harris Memorial Trophy for Building Excellence was voted on and this years winner was … Bill Cartwright. Well deserved and Bill has built some innovative aircraft and has been experimenting with silencers and of course his fold up model stand.
The Most Improved Flyer was awarded this year to Mark Biddle, who passed his ‘A' test not too long ago and is quickly progressing with his aerobatics.
The Chairmans Trophy was awarded this year to Mark Ford (AKA Rudy) who has been a leading character in the club, and has certainly had his share of leg pulling.
The Clubman Trophy has been re-named the Kevin Walker Clubman Trophy as he was indeed the ultimate club member. We thought it would be wholly appropriate if the trophy was awarded to Kevin Walker himself for this year.
We invited Kevin’s son Simon along to the meal, and once the engraving has been done we will give the trophy to Simon.
Very well done to all our trophy winners !!
Winter Flying Times Reminder
Now the clocks have gone back..
IC Flying times:- Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm
Sat and Sun 10am to 2pm
Bank Hols 10am to 2pm
Electric Times:- 10am to Dusk
The Patch…
I did visit the patch last Sunday and although frozen when I got there, the track and the patch itself are surprisingly dry.
As long as we don’t get lots of torrential rain, flying and parking will be fine.
Back to the Bowling Green for Wednesday
Don’t forget this Wednesday is the 1st, so pop up the pub for a chat and why not show of what Santa brought you or get some info or help on any projects you have on the go…
I know there are a few new models and even a 3d printed one out there.. How are they coming along?
Keith Westwood selling up:--
Some of you may remember our member Keith who moved to Ross on Wye. He did remain a Bromsgrove member for a year or so, but has decided that he is no longer so interested in flying, so is selling up. The list below is for sale (at the right price!)
FROM KEITH:- If anyone is interested I can be contacted at this email address or on07720295740. My home address is 22 Chatsworth Close, Ross-on-Wye, HR97XH.
If need be I could bring a car load to the Bromsgrove Flying site but space in the car is limited.
AIRFRAMES
Durafly Tundra – complete ready to fly. All radio gear fitted. Good condition/No damage. Batteries available.
Wot 4 ARTF with OS AX46 – complete ready to fly. All radio gear fitted. Some reps to under carriage. Flies well. Great engine.
Hangar 9 Pulse XT 60 with OS 91 four stroke engine. All radio gear fitted/ready to fly. Great flier, excellent condition. Quality/quiet engine.
Chris Foss kit built Xtra Wot (Similar to Ripmax Wot4 XL ARTF) but much better construction. Fitted with almost new OS AX 120. Fantastic aeroplane/flies extremely well. All radio gear fitted. Good condition/no damage. Kit/airframe price new well over £400.
Ripmax Acro Wot with OS AX 55. Ready to fly with all radio gear. A great winter hack. Very strong/quiet engine.
Hangar 9 Pulse XT40 with Saito 65 4 – stoke engine. Crash repaired but great flier. Very quiet engine. All radio gear fitted/ready to fly.
Hangar 9 Pulse XT 40. Fitted with Overlander electric motor. Never used but ready to fly/all radio gear fitted. Batteries available.
Multiplex Easyglider Pro. Little used/ready to fly. Good condition. Batteries available.
ENGINES
Saito FA-72. Brand new still in box.
Saito FA-82A. Hardly used/still in box.
OS 46 AX. Brand new/still in box.
OS 55 AX. Brand new/still in box.
ASSESSORIES
Lots and lots of extras too numerous to list but Includes:
Spektrum DX7 transmitter. Mode1. This was my spare and very little used/still in box.
New and used Spektrum receivers. New and used Futaba servos.
Flight/tool box with fitted Power Panel/charger, battery, starter, glow starter.
Approx 8x1 gals of Model Technics fuel (sport 10).
Lots and lots of assorted props, under carriages and bits and pieces.
Oodles of Balsa, etc etc.
Thats it for this month.......Hope to see you soon “Up the patch” or at The Bowling Green Pub on this Wednesday the 1st …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
December 2022 Newsletter
Winter Flying Times
Now the clocks have gone back..
IC Flying times:- Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm
Sat and Sun 10am to 2pm
Bank Hols 10am to 2pm (Xmas day, Boxing Day and New Years Day)
Electric Times:- 10am to Dusk
New Year Meal
We have booked The Swan at Upton Warren (Very near Webbs Garden Centre)
Date for the diary… (2nd Wednesday of the new year), January 11th 2023 at 7.00pm.
I have been told that we will be upstairs, so should have that floor to ourselves.
The address is The Swan, Upton Warren, Bromsgrove, B61 7ET. (tel 01527b861539)
Hope to see you there at 7.00pm onward…
The meal is subsidised for members at £5 and £10 for non-members. (Sweet will be extra)
Richard is gathering names of those that want to attend (Thank you again Richard) and payments are preferred direct to the bank (Please state your name when paying)
Account Name: Bromsgrove Model Flying ClubBank: NAT WEST BANK PLCSort Code: *******Account Number: **********Payment reference: Please include your name
2023 Fees…
The BMFA have announced their 2023 fees as follows....Senior Membership = £42Junior Membership = £20Family Partner = £29Family Junior = £15The CAA fees remain at £10Bromsgrove Model Flying Club Fees.. (Remain the same as last year)
New Members £70 + one off £25 joining fee (Total £95)
Existing Members (BEFORE 31.12.2022) £70 (After 31st Dec - £80 )
Example for most of us... Existing Snr member rejoining BMFC and BMFA before 31.12.2022 = £112.00
As last year can you please pay fees by bank transfer, if at all possible. Payable BEFORE Dec 31st.Account Name: Bromsgrove Model Flying ClubBank: NAT WEST BANK PLCSort Code: *********Account Number: ***********Payment reference: Please include your nameIf you could also e-mail Hugh to let him know you have paid, at hugh.revill@hotmail.co.uk
Don’t forget to add £5 for your meal if you want to attend in January at The Swan.
Safety:
Just a reminder that when starting your engines do not reach over the prop when removing the glow starter or adjusting the needle. Yes we all do it , but we had a very close shave recently, and we can all get a bit complacent.
In the cold weather fingers don’t feel as well as they do in the summer and engines may be reluctant to start, but rest assured when they do spring into life they bite!
Take special care if you find yourself flying alone at the patch. Make sure you have your phone with you .. just in case.
If your not alone, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
When taking off or landing, stand at the front of the pilots box so that others will know that a plane is arriving or leaving the strip, and not to walk out on to the patch.
When landing, also announce loudly “Landing” and walk to the front of the pilots box.
When flying please stand at the back of the pilots box. You will have that extra bit of separation from planes landing of taking off.
Stay safe and hope to see you soon “Up the patch” or at The Swan on Jan 11th …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
November 2022 Newsletter
Sorry folks, A couple of corrections to the newsletter. AGM is on the 7th Dec, and if you are parking for the curry night its Waitrose car park not Morrisons. Changes are noted in red below.
Winter Flying Times
Now the clocks have gone back..
IC Flying times:- Mon to Fri 10am to 4pm
Sat and Sun 10am to 2pm
Bank Hols 10am to 2pm
Electric Times:- 10am to Dusk
AGM – 7th December
We will be holding the AGM at The Bowling Green on 7th December. There will be a ham or cheese roll and chips on the night for those who can make it...
(The Bowling Green, Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4BH)
Please let Richard know by text or whatsapp if you will be there and whether you would like a cheese or a ham cob
Richards number is 07917 232673 , please send him a text of..
YOUR NAME and if you would like a CHEESE or HAM cob.
There will be the reports and election of new committee members etc.
If you have any points you would like to discuss at the meeting. Please let Ricardo or any member of the committee know and we will add them to the agenda.
As always if you would like to stand for any of the positions on the committee, please let a member of the current committee know.
Hope to see as many of you there as can make it..…
2023 Fees…
As far as the club fees are concerned there will be no increase this year, and they will remain at £70.
We will know what the BMFA fees will be around the middle of the month and will let you know as soon as we know. (Last year was £40 but may go up this year)
Hugh has asked if we can all pay by bank transfer if at all possible. (No cheques please as there is no Nat West in Bromsgrove)
Details of full fees and payment details to follow later this month…
New Year Meal...
We usually look at holding a New Year meal at the Nailers Arms, but it looks like they are selling the pub, so a couple of dedicated committee members will be having a look at the Swan at Upton Warren)
Details will be in the next newsletter but the date will be Wednesday 11th January. (2nd Wednesday in January)
Could the winners of the trophies please remember to bring them back at the new year meal if they are going, or please return them to a committee member before the night if they are not going.
Curry Night...
We are meeting at the Shimla Peppers on 16th November 2023 for on of our ever popular Curry Nights. We have around 18 people signed up so far.
Shimla Peppers is in Bromsgrove centre. Parking is on Waitrose car park and is free after 7:00pm.
You then walk through the ally way at the back left of the car park, and follow the buildings to the left and left at the end of the block.
The food is very good, order what you like and we split the bill. Cost is (was) about £16 per head with a tip left. You will not leave hungry!
Bring your own favourite tipple as they only serve soft drinks.
See you soon “Up the patch” or at The Bowling Green on Dec 7th …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
October 2022 Newsletter
No Newsletter
September 2022 Newsletter
All Day Fly Number 3
We were very lucky with the weather again and had a fantastic and well attended 3rd All Day Fly. Our guest for the day Richard Harris gave a wonderful flying display with his auto giros and even maidened one now belonging to Dave Povey that the late John Dean built. It was great to see it fly and John would have been chuffed to bits.
Our thanks to all the people that make the day so fantastic. A special thank you to our chef Ricardo for cooking the burgers, Mrs Worrall for all those calorie free cakes, and those that brought gazeebo’s, tables, cooking ingredients / utensils and the food of course.
This well oiled machine makes sure everything runs smoothly and ensures everyone has a great day. Well done all.
Keep an eye on the web site for pictures from the All Day Fly over the next few days. (The link is at the top of this page)
Noise Testing
We have been a little lacking in testing and documenting the noise our planes put out. These activities show that we are proactive should we ever be questioned. We are not looking to spoil anyone’s fun, but we cannot get blasé and allow noise levels to creep up.
You may be asked to noise test your plane so please do so knowing that IF it is on the noisy side we can and will offer advice to make your plane quieter.
Just for information 3db difference is a DOUBLING in noise levels.
Food and a Quiz at the October meeting at The Bowling Green...
We will be holding a quiz WITH PRIZES at the 5th October club meeting at The Bowling Green pub. (Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4BH)
The club will also provide Cob and Chips each, but we need to know if you are coming and which you want.
Please let Richard know by text or whatsapp if you will be there and whether you would like a cheese or a ham cob…
Richards number is 07917 232673 , please send him a text of..
YOUR NAME and if you would like a CHEESE or HAM cob.
Hope to see as many of you there as can make it..
Winter is coming that only means one thing…
Curry nights! We plan to organise an ever popular curry night for sometime in November. We will keep you informed..
See you soon “Up the patch” or at The Bowling Green on Oct 5th …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
August 2022 Newsletter
New Member
A big Bromsgrove Welcome to our newest members, Ron Braithwaite and welcome back to Rob Knox. Ron is very keen and is up the patch on Wednesdays too. Rob has been bitten by the bug again and you may see him at the patch with his FOX glider. (It’s a monster!)
Should you see Ron and Rob up at the patch, be sure to give them the usual BMFC welcome.
A Test
Since joining last month Mark Biddle has been on holiday and still found time to practice on the simulator and up the patch and this weekend passed his ‘A’ test. Very well done Mark... now the fun starts! (But we are always here to help !)
Tinder… No not that one...
Although we have had a little rain, the grass at the patch is still tinder dry. Please be very careful that we do not set anything alight. (It would not go down well !!)
The obvious things are cigarette ends. Please mark sure they are well and truly out and don’t flick the ash on the floor.
Less obvious things are your bottles of water or shiny crisp packets acting as lenses. Please don’t leave rubbish and be careful where you put your bottles. If you see a bright spot of concentrated sunlight from something, please move the offending item, even if its not yours.
Car parking… Having raced all the way to the patch in your car, please don’t park in the long grass with your hot exhaust. It may be more than the farmers field that goes up.
Park on the shorter grass and not ‘in the hedge’ where the long grass may touch the hot engine.
Remember: THERE IS A FIRE BLANKET IN THE AMMO BOX IF YOU NEED IT
All Day Fly Number 3
Not long until All Day Fly number 3.. The date is set for Saturday 17th September 2022. Fingers crossed for the weather. There will be the usual Go or No Go on the Friday.
See you soon “Up the patch” …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
July 2022 Newsletter
New Member
A big Bromsgrove Welcome to our newest member, Mark Biddle. He was introduced by Tyler and has been flying quads for some while.
Should you see Mark up at the patch, be sure to give him the usual BMFC welcome.
New bank details
As our old bank decided to start charging us for looking after our money, Hugh has been looking at getting us a new bank account to save the club paying fees.
I am pleased to report he has succeeded, and will be saving us £5 per month…
Good work Hugh. Thank you
So please be warned that if you have the old details saved, these will be changing.
The new details are…
Bank Name = NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK PLC
Name of Account = Bromsgrove Model Flying Club
Sort Code = 60-04-05
Account Number = 85294624
Mobile Phones
There was an interesting item in the BMFA magazine about possible phone interference on transmitters. If you use your phone as a timer in the pilots box could you please put it in airplane mode. If you don’t use your phone in that way, it is probably better to leave it in your flight box.
We can only try it and see if we get fewer ‘incidents’.
All Day Fly Number 2
The date for the 2nd All Day Fly is set for Saturday July 23rd weather permitting..
Dust off those models and check your battery charge and lets have a great day.
See you soon “Up the patch” …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
June 2022 Newsletter
New Member
A big Bromsgrove Welcome to our newest member, Dave Stansbie. (This means the popularity of Dave / David is now equal to that of Steve / Stephen with 6 each!) Should you see Dave (Stansbie) up at the patch, be sure to give him the usual BMFC welcome.
“A” and “B" Test passes
Many congratulations to Tim Norton who breezed through his “A” test with his Riot. Tim was spotted doing (intentional) inverted circuits on his very next visit to the patch. It must be something in the genes.
Talking of inverted flying.. we also had our youngest “B” test pass ever when Will Picken (AKA the Knife Edge Kid) was put through his paces by Richard and Sir Bob and showed us some fantastic flying skills with his Hype.
Acrobatics
Its good to keep pushing your flying skills, and remember our instructors are on hand if you want any help or advice with new manoeuvres.
However… Please don’t try any outrageous aerobatics directly over the patch please. (remember .. Safety First!)
If there are more planes in the air than you would like for flying aerobatics, its probably better to wait for someone to land before attempting something new.
Three Counties Show
Unfortunately the show we had been asked to attend has been cancelled due to clashes with the Jubilee celebrations.
Hopefully we will get another invite next year.
Patch Safety: Set your failsafe
For those that may not be aware… (Please ask if you are unsure about anything)
Setting your failsafe dictates what will happen if your plane looses the signal from your transmitter. EG goes ‘out of range, or if the TX batteries go flat.
It is available on all 2.4Mhz transmitters and on some 35Mhz transmitters and MUST be set if available on your setup.
Ideally you want to at least slow an IC engine to tick over or stop an electric motor.
That way your plane should not become a high speed unguided missile, but turn into a slower glider and give you a chance to try and regain control.
Generally the failsafe setting is where your Transmitter sticks are when you bind your model.
So if you bound to your model and then had to reverse the throttle, you may be in for a surprise when your test your failsafe!
The way to test this is to properly restrain your model and get its prop running at full speed.
Then turn OFF your transmitter … Your IC Engine should return to tickover and your electric motor should stop.
If you have any difficulty setting your failsafe then please ask for help.
All Day Fly Number 1
All Day Fly Number 1 was a great day. The weather was practically perfect for flying, and there were burgers and cake a plenty.
Many thanks to all those that that made the day such a fantastic success.
All Day Fly Number 2
The date for the 2nd All Day Fly is set for July 23rd weather permitting..
See you soon “Up the patch” and get ready for ADF #2 …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
May 2022 Newsletter
All Day Fly #1
Charge up those batteries and check over those planes that have not been given an outing in a while.. The first All Day Fly of the year will be on 21st May.. We will make the GO / NO GO call on Friday 20th May.
Mental Health Awareness Week
Just a reminder that it is mental health awareness week.
Life can sometimes get you down, but remember you are part of a fantastic flying club. Even if you don’t really feel up to it, come along for the flying, the banter, a pint and a chat.
If you could just do with getting things off your chest, need a natter or can’t see a way out of a problem, come and have a chat with the guys.
If you need a more confidential chat, then the committee members (and I'm sure others), will lend an ear and try and help in whatever way they can.
A problem shared is a problem halved and nothing is insurmountable.
You are a member of a fantastic club , and you are not alone.
Just a reminder of IC Flying Times (electric remains unchanged)
Mon to Thur 10am to 4pm
Fri 2pm to 7pm (Summer) and 10am to 4pm (Winter)
Saturday 10am to 2pm
Sunday 10am to 2pm ( All Bank Holidays are Sunday Hours)
Please note that we have changed Saturday Afternoons to Saturday Mornings for IC flying.
The All Day Fly times will remain unchanged.
Three Counties Show
Unfortunately the show we had been asked to attend has been cancelled due to clashes with the Jubilee celebrations.
Hopefully we will get another invite next year.
Patch Safety: Set your failsafe
For those that may not be aware…
Setting your failsafe dictates what will happen if your plane looses the signal from your transmitter. EG goes ‘out of range, or if the TX batteries go flat.
It is available on all 2.4Mhz transmitters and on some 35Mhz transmitters.
Ideally you want to at least slow an IC engine to tick over or stop an electric motor.
That way your plane should not become a high speed unguided missile, but turn into a slower glider and give you a chance to try and regain control.
Generally the failsafe setting is where your Transmitter sticks are when you bind your model.
So if you bound to your model and then had to reverse the throttle, you may be in for a surprise when your test your failsafe!
The way to test this is to properly restrain your model and get its prop running at full speed.
Then turn OFF your transmitter … Your IC Engine should return to tickover and your electric motor should stop.
If you have any difficulty setting your failsafe then please ask for help.
See you soon “Up the patch” and get ready for ADF #1 …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
April 2022 Newsletter
New Committee Member
A big thank you to David Harvey for stepping up and joining the committee. Welcome aboard and we hope you don’t find it too taxing!
Lower Bentley Parish Council – Re- IC Flying Times
We have had a reply from Lower Bentley Parish Council and they are very appreciative of our efforts, so thank you all for that.
They have asked if we would implement the suggested changes ASAP so please see below...
There are no changes to electric flying times but we have agreed that IC flying times will change as below. We will keep Friday afternoon flying for IC for those who work and pop past on an evening for a quick ‘fix’.
IC Flying Times (electric remains unchanged)
Mon to Thur 10am to 4pm
Fri 2pm to 7pm (Summer) and 10am to 4pm (Winter)
Saturday 10am to 2pm
Sunday 10am to 2pm
Please note that we have changed Saturday Afternoons to Saturday Mornings for IC flying.
The All Day Fly times will remain unchanged
Three Counties Show
The club have been asked if we would like to take part in the Three Counties Show in Malvern on 4th June 2022 as part of the Queens Jubilee Celebration. They already have a full size Spitfire and Hurricane replica and a fly past by a Lancaster booked, so we are in good company.
We hope to be able to put on a static display of some nice warbirds etc, maybe the BMFA Simulator Trailer and IF room allows, put on a flying display too.
It will be a great opportunity to promote the club and model flying in general.
If you can help on the day or have any good looking warbirds that you would be willing to display, please let a member of the committee know. It looks as if it will be a good day out, and as well as chatting to the public, you can also have a look at all the other events going on…
Patch Safety: a reminder
Retrieving: make sure everyone has heard you.
When on the patch to retrieve a model, please make sure that everyone is aware that you are stepping onto the runway. Its easy to ‘tune out’ the background conversations when concentrating on flying, so be sure to make it loud.
If anyone is flying and someone shouts ‘landing’ and you know there is someone on the runway, please let the flyer know to abort the landing if possible.
If a ‘deadstick’ has been called, the flyer has priority, so let the person on the runway know, so that they can get clear.
Please wait until the runway is clear before doing acrobatics over the runway or ‘beating up the patch’.
OK to Take Off? … wait for the nods
If you are flying and someone asks if it is ok to take off, please try and nod (or shake your head , for ‘no’), as a visual cue as its not always possible to hear a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when facing away and over the noise of a running engine.
Shout ‘Clear’ when you have cleared the runway, so others may land.
If in doubt when on your approach, then keep your eyes on your model and ask others if the runway is clear.
Landing: Call and step forward
Call ‘Landing’, ‘Touch and Go’ and step to the front of the pilots box. It’s a good visual cue for everyone NOT to go onto the runway.
Stay Safe and Have Fun…..
BMFC Clothing
Some of you have been asking about having polo shirts, caps, fleeces etc
with the BMFC logo. This was done many years ago which some longer standing
members might remember, but we have many new members now so we are looking
at doing it again. We have recently modified the Club Logo (see club
website or at the top of this newsletter) to say ‘Bromsgrove Model Flying
Club’ whereas the old one didn’t have the work ‘Model’.
We’ve had some quotes back from a company called ‘Embroidery
Express/Stitches’. Embroidery Express <https://embroideryexpress.co.uk/>
If you browse their site there are numerous products so if you are
interested rather than restrict what you can order it’s up to you!
Please send any requests to Richard Wood 9richwood@gmail.com by Monday 2nd May
Please state:
-Your Name
-Full description of Name
-Product Code
-Colour
-Size
-Price add £5 for the Club Logo (eg Polo Shirt at £6.89 + £5.00 for the Logo = £11.89 total)
ie Richard Wood, Classic Poloshirt EE-UC101 Navy, Medium, £11.89
We will then submit so they can embroider the club logo on the left breast
of any clothing or on the centre of a Cap etc
Remember the May All Day Fly is approaching… we will set an exact date nearer the time.
See you soon “Up the patch” …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
March 2022 Newsletter
New Member
A big welcome to Tim Norton. (Yes its Sir Bobs son!) His Riot is trimmed out and ready to go. We just need the wind to drop a little. Be sure to say Hi when you see him.
Kevin Walker
As you have probably heard, Kevin passed away on 17th February. We are still reeling from this at the moment, but his family have been in touch and asked if we could post any photos, songs or memories of Kevin on https://kevin-walker.muchloved.com
It would be great for the family if we could post pictures / memories of Kevin showing what he meant to the club.
You can share anything privately with the family at kwskodaman_memories@outlook.com
There is a fundraising page also and any donations are being split between Hearing Dogs for The Deaf and the Samaritans.
Kevins funeral / celebration will be on 23rd March 2022 at 11:30 am Wordsley Holy Trinity Church
Holy Trinity Church
High Street
Wordsley
West Midlands
DY8 5RU
Many of us have voiced how Kevin has been instrumental in getting into the hobby.
When I joined the club back in 2002, Kevin was the only person doing any training to speak of. Back then we used the “snatch method”. Just like it sounds, Kevin would get the plane flying straight and level, and then hand me the transmitter. When it all started to go wrong I would “calmly” hand the transmitter back to Kevin, (plane in a dive and 10ft off the deck), for Kevin to get flying again. The man had ice water in his veins. I will forever be grateful for his patience, instruction and friendship in the past 20 years. He has literally taught me everything I know about model flying. A man who just loved to impart his knowledge and love of the hobby. A true inspiration. Thank you for it all Kevin.
Curry Night.
Don’t forget that Wednesday night is Curry Night at the Shimla Peppers,
If you don't like Curries then they do serve English food so don't let it
stop you.
Don't forget to bring your own drinks!!
You can park in 'St John Street' car park (used to be called 'Hanover St'
car park) where Waitrose is for FREE from 19:00. This is at the end of the
Kidderminster road and is about 50 yards away from the restaurant.
1 George St, Bromsgrove B61 7EE.
Just park on Waitrose car park and walk through the passage at the back of the car park and turn left. Follow the buildings riund to the left and you will get to the Shimla Peppers.
Please let Richard Wood know by Whatsapp, text or email 9richwood@gmail.com
if you want to come along, if you haven’t done so already, so that he can let them know how many to expect.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Shimla+Peppers/@52.3330374,-2.0641875,17
z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2dae18d58b054644!8m2!3d52.3333914!4d-2.0628249
Working Party
If you can make it up to the patch on Saturday 9th March, we are just re-arranging any stray slabs by the car park and laying some slabs down for the mower to live on when the weather improves.
We will meet at about 10.00am. Should only be a couple of hours, and you can always have a fly afterwards.
April Club Night
We are having a Simulator Night for Aprils club night. If you have or haven’t had a go with a simulator, it can be fun. Come along and try the other mode or some manoeuvres you would like to try at the patch. All this and beer too!
Fancy flying off/over a reservoir?
We've been approached by Barnt Green Fishing Club, who control the fisheries
at Bittell Reservoir near Barnt Green (Three Reservoirs), to see if we could
help them in frightening away Cormorant birds which are becoming an
increasing problem for them. They have tried various tactics with varying
degrees of success but would like us to try flying model aircraft off the
reservoir or use Multi-rotor copters to try and deter them. We are not sure
if this will be a one off exercise or a regular thing but if you are
interested then let Richard Wood know by Whatsapp, text or email
9richwood@gmail.com
We will try and arrange the initial visit on a weekend to maximise
attendance for those that may be working. So if you have a set of floats
for your model or a Mutli-rotor Copter with FPV, then give me a shout. Two
of the reservoirs are definitely big enough to fly from with a plane.
See you soon “Up the patch” or maybe “down the reservoir”…..
Alan Brown & The Committee
February 2022 Newsletter
New Members
We have 2 new members this month. Andy Freestone and Terry Davies. Many Happy Returns to you Terry, and welcome to you both.
Please be sure to give them the usual BMFC welcome when you see them at the patch.
“A" Test passes
We have had 2 “A" test passes this month. A very well done to Rob Pinches and Alex Brown. Now the real learning starts, but don’t forget we are still here to help out where and when we can.
New Year Meal at the Nailers Arms.
Our traditional cavery meal at the Nailors Arms went down very well with the members who went. Its always a good night, and nice to have a meal and a good chat with others, and even the seldom seen ‘other halves' had a great night.
Sun Visors
The idea may have started off as a bit of a joke, but when people are waiting to fly when one of our sun-visors is free, you know it’s a good idea. Richard has made up two such sun screens, and these can be stuck in the ground just in front of where you fly. I have used them myself and it’s a very simple and effective way of blocking the sun when its low in the winter. They are kept by the tree with the ammo box on if you are looking for them. Just stick then in the ground near the tree when you are done for the day.
Wind Sock Pole
Richard has been busy, and also made a new pole for the wind sock out of steel. This is also free standing and does not need the hole in the ground.
Fancy flying off/over a reservoir?
We've been approached by Barnt Green Fishing Club, who control the fisheries
at Bittell Reservoir near Barnt Green (Three Reservoirs), to see if we could
help them in frightening away Cormorant birds which are becoming an
increasing problem for them. They have tried various tactics with varying
degrees of success but would like us to try flying model aircraft off the
reservoir or use Multi-rotor copters to try and deter them. We are not sure
if this will be a one off exercise or a regular thing but if you are
interested then let Richard Wood know by Whatsapp, text or email
9richwood@gmail.com
We will try and arrange the initial visit on a weekend to maximise
attendance for those that may be working. So if you have a set of floats
for your model or a Mutli-rotor Copter with FPV, then give me a shout. Two
of the reservoirs are definitely big enough to fly from with a plane.
Curry Night Wednesday 9th March
It's time we had another Curry night. So the next one will be at the usual
place, Shimla Peppers, 1 George Street, Bromsgrove, B61 7EE, on Wednesday
9th March at 19:30. This is next to Waitrose in the centre of Bromsgrove.
If you don't like Curries then they do serve English food so don't let it
stop you.
You can park in 'St John Street' car park (used to be called 'Hanover St'
car park) where Waitrose is for FREE from 19:00. This is at the end of the
Kidderminster road and is about 50 yards away from the restaurant.
Don't forget to bring your own drinks.
Please let Richard Wood know by Whatsapp, text or email 9richwood@gmail.com
if you want to come along.
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/place/Shimla+Peppers/@52.3330374,-2.0641875,17
z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2dae18d58b054644!8m2!3d52.3333914!4d-2.0628249
Working Party
We will be getting a working party together to help lay slabs for parking and for the mower to live on , now that the better weather is coming.
Weather permitting we are going for Saturday 19th February at about 10.00am. Should only be a couple of hours, and you can always have a fly afterwards.
CAA registration becoming due
Most members will have seen an e-mail from the CAA or BMFA asking to renew your CAA registration. (Newer members may not have, as the registration lasts for 12 months from your first joining, so is dependant on when you first registered)
Its still £9 and your operator ID should be the same as last year.
To renew, just follow the link in the e-mail you were sent, and follow the instructions. (You only need the operator ID)
Do remember that you operator ID should be displayed on all your aircraft.
See you soon “Up the patch” or maybe “down the reservoir”…..
Alan Brown & The Committee
January 2022 Newsletter
Membership Numbers:
Good news:- We start 2022 with 56 Members
New Year Meal at the Nailers Arms.
On meet at 7:00pm to eat at 7:30pm , Wednesday 12th January 2022, we will be having our traditional cavery meal at the Nailers Arms , 62 Doctors Hill, Bromsgrove B61 9JE.
Its always a very good evening, and we will be voting to see who receives the trophies this year… (Can last years recipients please return their trophies to a member of the committee please)
At last count we had 24 members attending. If anyone else is interested in attending, please let me know ASAP, as we need to let the Nailors Arms know what numbers to seat.
(You will have to pay on the evening)
Alan:- Phone 07875 866535 email earthtoalan@hotmail.co.uk
CAA Fees
Due to CAA fees running for 12 months from whenever you first registered, you will need to renew your membership individually. You will get an e-mail from them reminding you when the time comes. (We as a club do not get any reminders for you, so it would be a nightmare)
Winter Parking
Crossing onto the grass parking on the right of the track is a NO GO now due to the rain.
The grass itself is now too wet.. We do have the slabs to the left and the whole path to play with, (As the cows have gone until spring), so still plenty of parking.
NB the slabs to the left have the green sticks in the centre to mark the actual parking spots.
So the green stick should be centre of your car bonnet as you pull on. It helps to ensure your wheels are on the slabs when parking.
Any Rubble?
If anyone has any Bricks or general hardcore, or knows where we might be able to source some locally, please let us know. (but not tiles as they break and have sharp edges that puncture tyres)
Stuart Worrall noticed some work going on at a local bungalow, and we were able to get quite a haul of half bricks etc to help fill pot holes etc.
Curry Evening
We will be looking to organise another oriental outing in February. Keep an eye on whatsapp and email nearer the time.
All Day Flys
We have pencilled in dates for the All Day Flys. (We do tend to wait for the silage to be cut however, so there may be some slight variation)…
21st May 2022
23rd July 2022
17th September 2022
Hope to see you at 7.00pm for 7:30 on 12th January meal at the Nailers Arms, Doctors Hill, B61 9JE
See you soon “Up the patch” …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
December 2021 Newsletter
Next Years Fees:
Bromsgrove Model Flying Club Fees.. (BMFA is Extra and mentioned below)
New Members £70 + one off £25 joining fee (Total £95)
Existing Members (BEFORE 31.12.2021) £70
N.B.The price goes up to £80 for late payers after 31.12.2021 - please pay promptly
NB Please remember to add £5 if you would like to attend the subsidised January meal at the Nailers Arms on 12th December 2021.. Its always a good evening. (Subsidised £5 for members and £10 for non-members)
2022 Membership fees (renewals will be available from 1st December 2021)
Senior £40.00
Junior £18.00
Family Partner £27.00
Family Junior £14.00
Please note that due to a price increase from the supplier, the optional plastic membership and rewards card will be £4.50 for 2022.
Example... Existing Snr member rejoining BMFC and BMFA before 31.12.2020 = £110.00 (or £115.00 if you are coming to the January meal)
As last year can you please pay fees by bank transfer, if at all possible. (Its Contact free!)
Account Name: Bromsgrove Flying Club
Bank: HSBC, Bromsgrove
Sort Code: 40-15-07
Account Number: 91059327
Payment reference: Please include your name
If you could also e-mail Hugh to let him know you have paid, at hugh.revill@hotmail.co.uk
Or (if you must) hand delivered or through the post, sent to:
Hugh Revill ,
14 Green Bower Drive,
Bromsgrove,
B61 0UN
I am pleased to say that they were all prepared to stand again this year, so my thanks for this year in advance.
New Year Meal at the Nailers Arms.
On Wednesday 12th January 2022, we will be having our traditional cavery meal at the Nailors Arms , 62 Doctors Hill, Bromsgrove B61 9JE.
Its always a very good evening, and we will be voting to see who receives the trophies this year… (Can last years recipients please return their trophies to a member of the committee please)
For members the cost for a carvery meal will be £5 and for non-members (Wives , Girlfriends or both..) £10.
You can have a sweet but this will be down to individual members to purchase the sweet of your choice.
If you are going to attend the January meal, please let Alan Brown know via e-mail or text.
We will need to give the Nailors an idea of the numbers attending.
Please let me know you are going…
Alan:- Phone 07875 866535 email earthtoalan@hotmail.co.uk
As usual you can add the cost of the meal to the fees paid in December.
CAA Fees
Due to CAA fees running for 12 months from whenever you first registered, you will need to renew your membership individually. You will get an e-mail from them reminding you when the time comes. (We as a club do not get any reminders for you, so it would be a nightmare)
New Committee
My thanks to all of last years committee for the hard work and planning that kept us all flying, cut the grass, looked for and at equipment, and gave us 3 fantastic BBQ’s. These things do not just happen, and this is a big part of what makes our club so very good.
Winter Parking
Crossing onto the grass parking on the right of the track is getting quite boggy now.
A few slabs have been dropped down to help, but if there has been a lot of rain, please use the slabs on the left. We do not want to chew the grass up.
We can of course park by the gate if parking is short. Just leave room for people to get by.
Electric Fence
The cows have now gone from the field until April / May next year, so the electric fence has been removed for the winter.
Working Party
We will be looking to get a working party together to move some slabs about for parking cars and the mower, and add some rubble around the track. (We have already had one visit with a trailer full of half bricks)
We will put a date out on WhatsApp.
If you have any rubble or slabs to get rid of, then please bring them upto the patch. (No broken tiles please as they are sharp and can puncture tyres)
Hope to see you on 12th January meal at the Nailers Arms, Doctors Hill, B61 9JE
See you soon “Up the patch” …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
November 2021 Newsletter
Next Years Fees:
A couple of months ago, we voted as a club to purchase ride on mower, and keep any BMFC fee increases to a minimum. As discussed at the proposal, the BMFC club fees for next year will be £70 for the year.
The BMFA fees will probably be the same (£38/pa) or a couple of pounds more for this year, but we are waiting to see what is voted through at their AGM on 20th November.
Don’t forget to go on-line to renew your CAA membership. (Was £9 last year) You should get a reminder e-mail from them or the BMFA.
We will let you know what the total fees due as soon as we know, along with the usual payment details.
AGM
We will be holding the AGM at The Bowling Green on 1st December. We are looking to supply a ham or cheese roll and chips on the night for those who can make it.
If you are going to attend can you could please text Richard with your Name and your preference of Cheese or Ham please. (Richard 07917 232673)
There will be the reports and election of new committee members etc.
If you have any points you would like to discuss at the meeting. Please let Ricardo or any member of the committee know and we will add them to the agenda.
New Year Meal.
On Wednesday 12th January 2022, we will be having our traditional cavery meal at the Nailors Arms , Doctors Hill.
For members the cost for a carvery meal will be £5 and for non-members £10. (Carvery only)
You can have a sweet but this will be down to individual members to purchase the sweet of your choice.
If you are going to attend the winter meal, please let Alan Brown know via e-mail or text.
We will need to give the Nailors an idea of the numbers attending.
Alan Phone 07875 866535 email earthtoalan@hotmail.co.uk
As usual you can add the cost of the meal to the fees paid in December.
Curry Night at the Shimla Peppers , Bromsgrove
Just a reminder… Wednesday 17th November at 7:00pm.
Have you booked with Richard? It’s a good evening with great food.
For those who have not been before…
Shimla Peppers is in Bromsgrove centre. Parking is on Morrisons car park and is free after 7:00pm.
You then walk through the ally way at the back left of the car park, and follow the buildings to the left and left at the end of the block.
The food is very good, order what you like and we split the bill. Cost is (was) about £16 per head with a tip left. You will not leave hungry!
Bring your own favourite tipple as they only serve soft drinks.
Club night (AGM + cheese/ham cob + chips) will be on Wednesday 1st December:
See you soon “Up the patch” …..
Alan Brown & The Committee
October 2021 Newsletter
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September 2021 Newsletter
No Newsletter
August 2021 Newsletter
New Members:
We have no less than 5 new members to Welcome this month..
Graham Campbell , Rob Pinches , Phil Williams , Richard Giles and Tim Walsh.
Be sure to say Hi when you see them up at the patch, and give them the usual Bromsgrove welcome.
An Extra General Meeting is to be held via ZOOM at 8:00pm on Wednesday 15th September to discuss mowing options:
It is to discuss with you all a couple of options for the long term mowing the strip…
We will need your input to discuss and decide which of the options the membership want to employ.
We hope you can join us on the night. It should not be too long a meeting.
An email with the Zoom meeting link will be sent out with a reminder nearer the time…
All Day Fly Number 2.
What a fantastic days flying. We were very lucky and dodged all the rain. Although we did see quite a few heavy showers passing through to the south of us…
A BIG THANKYOU to all those that make the day run so well and keep us so well fed.
A special mention to Stewart Worrall’s and Keith Ward’s other halves who made cakes for us.
I’m not sure about anyone else but I had a fab days flying and didn’t want very much in the way of tea when I got home!
Don’t forget to go and look at the photographs of the day on the web site… click the link below and head to the gallery..
www.bromsgrovemodelflyingclub.org.uk
No move Track and Trace after 16th August:-
With the end of restrictions on August 16th we will no longer be required to fill in the track and trace details on the WhatsApp group.
Club night as usual on Wednesday 1st September:
We had a decent number of members turn up at The Bowling Green pub for the August meeting. (Shaw Lane, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4BH) The beer is great and the food is just as tasty, Annnnd we are indoors now. Come on down and have a pint and a chin wag ..
Happy and Safe Flying.. See you soon “Up the patch”…..
Alan Brown & The Committee
July 2021 Newsletter
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June 2021 Newsletter
No Newsletter
May 2021 Newsletter
All Day Fly Number #1:
As COVID rules are relaxing, we can at last put on a BBQ and all day fly. To ensure that the silage has been taken, and that we miss bank holidays, ..the date is set for 5th June.
We will postpone by 1 week if the weather does not play ball. The usual GO / NO GO decision will be made on the Friday before and an email / text will be sent out.
Field Parking:-
The parking is working very well and we have had some very good turn outs with 20+ cars parked with plenty of room to spare.
Electric Fence:-
As you are probably aware the cows are now out in the parking field and the electric fence is in place.
There are insulated handles for removing / reconnecting the wires.
As soon as the wires are separated the handles and wire are no longer live.
When re-connecting the hooks MUST be attached to the wires , NOT the plastic insulators.
It is a public footpath of course, and as such the public will also have to pass through the fence.
This is perfectly legal, as long as signs are displayed. We should however try and ensure that the fence is put back and working properly if we are around, and when we leave.
Mowing:-
The mowing team have got the field into great flying condition. (Well done lads)
We have taken the decision to try and continue doing our own mowing for now, and anyone who fancies a bit of healthy exercise and would like to help, can join the mowing What Sapp group. We do have a couple of mowers, but any additional ones would help speed up the process.
CAA and Operator-ID’s
I would like to remind everyone that to fly “Legally" all members must have and display a CAA Operator ID on all of their flying models. Below is a quote from Andy Symons of the BMFA.
“From an insurance perspective, cover can only be fully assured for ‘lawful activities’ and if a member does not comply (if required by law) then they will be operating unlawfully, and their insurance cover could be in question in the event of a claim. Your code of flying states ‘It is a club requirement that you are registered with the CAA for DMARES (Drone, Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme).’ In my view any member knowingly operating unlawfully is in breach of your club requirements, setting himself outside the insurance and is committing at the very least misconduct and potentially gross misconduct and something that the club should use its disciplinary procedures to deal with. “
Below is Clause 11 from the Bromsgrove Flying Club Constitution..
All members are expected to co-operate in the smooth running of the Club and to fully comply with the Club Code of Flying. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action by the Club which may lead to dismissal.
PLEASE ensure that you have renewed with the CAA and that you display your CAA Number on your flying aircraft.. Stay legal... We will be checking.
Noise and Flying:
Please ensure that your planes are in good condition, and if they sound noisy, please don’t fly them.
We do not want to hear about noisy planes from our neighbours.
Do not stray too far away. No more than the 3rd hedge, in front of the flight line.
No more Bubbles or Pods!
From May 17th we just need a Who, date and times for the track and trace group. We don’t need your bubble or pod.
The Task Force
The task force is busy following up some hot leads, and we hope to have some news soon..
See you at the ADF.. We are long overdue a burger and fly..
Alan Brown & The Committee
April 2021 Newsletter
No Newsletter
March 2021 Newsletter
No Newsletter
February 2021 Newsletter
No Newsletter
January 2021 Newsletter
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