British Model Flying Association North West Area
Minutes of the Meeting of the B.M.F.A. North West Area held on 1st February 2005 at the Millstone, Golbourne.
Persons Present
Chris Bromley FSMAE Area Chairman
Mike Colling FSMAE Vice Charman / Wigan MFC
Derek Gilbert Secretary and Treasurer / Sale MFC
Roy Allam Achievement Scheme Cordinator / FCMFA
Steve Ogden Area Delegate / PMAG
David Lloyd-Jones Area PRO / CCMAA
Sue Reeves Area Education Co-ordinator / PMAG
Richard Budd Bury Metro
Alan Cantwell Oldham DMAC
Keith Barker Area Web Master / Rochdale MAC
S Headland Rochdale MAC
Gerry Ferer Timperley MF
Jim Radcliffe Timperley DMFC
Tom Anyon ACE
John O'Donnell Timperley MF
Dave Parry Haydock MFC
Shaun Davies Haydock MFC
Steven Moore Bury Metro
The meeting commenced at 20.05
Apologies for absence: Chris Poyser & Mike Eccles
Correspondence
A memo from M Williams regarding saleable goods was discussed. The secretary
was requested to write to the office and ask that all the area stock be repurchased
so we could take up the offer of all our stock being funded "sale or return".
Minutes of the previous meeting
One change was agreed. Minutes proposed by central Cheshire, seconded by Rochdale,
carried by a unanimous vote.
Matters Arising
It was again noted that clubs should now be looking to put a child protection
policy in place if they have not already done so.
There was a discussion on club and committee insurance cover. Rochdale asked
how would a group, not affiliated as all the members already had BMFA membership
through other clubs, stand. CB to take this up with the office.
Officer's Reports
CB and DLJ both reported visits to clubs in the area
RA reported that he had received an examiners application form -this was not
properly completed and had not been done with the approval of the AASC. RA to
return the form to the office for comment.
RA noted that there was a need for an ACE both FW and H in the Telford area.
Council Agenda
As SO was unwell, DLJ attended the 8 Jan Council Meeting as area delegate. Points
of interest reported were:
BMFA is now registered with E Bay and can approach E Bay with complaints.
Top Gun to be at Barkstone Heath this year.
BMFA is helping to draft new model flying bye laws for councils to use. The
intention is to only control models in excess of 500gms to enable more freedom
for "park flyers"
Noted that BMFA well thought of by CAA who are not looking to impose any further
regulation. However they still have concerns over jet powered models.
There was a discussion as to how members can know when rule changes can be obtained
from the office. CB to enquire if this can be noted in BMFA News.
The agenda for the next Areas Meeting was considered.
Appointment of P Heccles as FW & H ACE for western area prompted some concern
regarding the possible connection to a commercial operation. The delegate was
asked to request a rider "no B certs"
The delegate was asked by the meeting to oppose the future funding of the Queen
Victoria Country Park event.
Area Fly-in and competitions
E Riding: It was noted that J Pomfrett does not want to do it this year.
Indoor: PRO noted the advert in BMFA News
Power & Scale: to be discussed at the next meeting
BMFA Archives
DLJ felt that Kath Watson should be given more support from Council. It was
agreed that a formal proposal be made to council to consider the position of
archivist. Proposed Central Cheshire, Seconded Timperley, vote unanimous.
Any Other Business
Suggested that nicads are to be phased out. CB commented that this was likely,
but not for some time yet.
Noted that the space modelling world champs winner was not mentioned in the
BMFA News !
Proposed that the RC Forum to form a "Cyber Club" for country members
- rcmodelflyer.co.uk - could be the biggest club in the uk with potentially
more than 800 members!
Noted that work continues on sets of tests for the C Certificate. Intention
that it is to be a personal proficiency award, more difficult than "B"
and with separate tests for classes of model. Not the intention to be a "show"
licence.
Meeting closed at 22.55
These minutes are provisional until approved at the next meeting