Persons Present
Mike Colling FSMAE Vice Chairman / Wigan MAC
Derek Gilbert Secretary and Treasurer / Sale MFC
Roy Allam Achievement Scheme Cordinator / FCMFA
David Lloyd-Jones Area PRO / CCMAA
Richard Budd Bury Metro
Keith Barker Area Web Master / Rochdale MAC
S Headland Rochdale MAC
Gerry Ferer Timperley MF
David Prescott Bury Metro
Ian Wallace Bury Metro
7 voting
The meeting commenced at 20. 01
Apologies for absence: Chris Bromley, Steve Ogden, Sue Reeves, Tom Anyon and
Allan Cantwell.
Correspondence
None.
Minutes of the previous meetings
Minutes proposed by DLJ, seconded by GF, carried by a unanimous vote.
Matters Arising
The meeting agreed to fund food for the "Roadshow" as many people
would be travelling some way. There appeared to be considerable interest in
the seminar and RB confirmed that the room would only hold 200. The meeting
asked that the secretary contact the N W clubs to estimate the likely numbers.
MC noted that Sue had asked that the next area meeting date be changed. This
was discussed and the meeting agreed that this had already been discussed at
the last meeting and the date should stand.
Officer's Reports
MC noted that he had attended a seminar of the Barton Strut of the PFA discussing
education and indoor flying.
The use of the "education fund" monies to purchase helicopter kits
to be given to children at shows was discussed and agreed. The treasurer stated
that as this had been done at the request of the education coordinator and with
approval of MC who had made the donations to the fund and he was just reporting
the purchase. Any further purchases would have to be from the area general funds
and would need approval in meeting or at least agreement by a majority of the
elected officers. The meeting agreed to purchase 100 Whirlygigs to also be given
to children.
DLJ noted that he had discussed the Eddie Riding tent, but due to various needs
of the organisers it will have to be the same as last year and in the same position.
RA raised the topic of an examiners meeting and training sessions were discussed.
R Budd noted at the last heli meeting, which was considered a worthwhile meeting,
only 10 people attended. He also felt that there should be separate fixed wing
and heli meetings. No decision was taken and this item agreed to be discussed
further at the next meeting.
Council Agenda
Council Meeting agenda 6 May.
The agenda was reviewed
8. The meeting discussed the proposal regarding awards committees, some concern
raised regarding communicating reasons for failure.
9. Voting methods were discussed, but it appeared that this was a debating item
.
14. Timperley concerned that rockets and free flight do not mix well
20. The meeting agreed with the S E Area proposal regarding communication with
the Press.
21.The meting was concerned that PRO and Fundraiser may be very different jobs.
Important that a "professional" should be involved with model flying.
No specific voting directions were given to the delegate.
Area Fly-in and competitions
DLJ noted that Shawbury was on track for 23 July and 4 entries already received.
KB reported that despite lower numbers on Easter Sunday the indoor event went
well. Bury raised the point that restrictions on heli sizes sent by E mail 2
days before the event was out of order. This also implied that R Budd's flying
at the previous event may have been dangerous. DLJ explained that RB's flying
was fine, just the type of model and its kinetic energy that was of concern
if anything went wrong. KB agreed to send a further E mail explaining this in
more detail. There followed a discussion as to how helis could be better accommodated
in the indoor event. DLJ suggested that if there was sufficient interest it
may be better to hold a separate event for Helis only. This was very acceptable
to the Bury representatives who asked if a budget could be set.
RB proposed that the area fund 4 meetings of 3hrs each for predominantly helis,
seconded by DLJ voted for 7 Ags 0 Abs 0
Any Other Business
KB raised the point that the travel expenses paid by the area had remained at
15p for many years. As the price of petrol had recently soared should this not
be reviewed. DG noted that an average petrol car uses approx 13p of petrol to
the mile and diesels were better and it was agreed to leave it for the time
being.
KB referred to paying BMFA subscriptions on line rather than through clubs. This was briefly discussed and agreed to agenda this for the next meeting.
JF asked about the future of RAF Sealand and in particular an aircraft museum. The meeting had no knowledge of this.
Meeting closed at 22.32
These minutes are provisional until approved at the next meeting