Persons Present
Mike Colling FSMAE Vice Chairman / Wigan
Derek Gilbert Secretary and Treasurer / Sale MFC
Roy Allam Achievement Scheme Co-ordinator / FCMFA
David Lloyd-Jones Area Delegate & PRO / CCMAA
Keith Barker Area Web Master / Rochdale MAC
Sue Reeves Education Co-ordinator / PMAG
Chris Poyser North Staffs MAC
Gerry Ferer Timperley MF
Tom Anyon ACE / FCMFA
Steve Ogden PMAG
Mike Eccles Southport MAC
8 voting
The meeting commenced at 20. 06
Apologies for absence: Chris Bromley FSMAE, Ray Jones, Alan Cantwell and Jim Radcliffe
Correspondence
Air Scouts asked for assistance with "astronautics" badge at a camp
near Winter Hill in July. As this related in the main to rocketry MC passed
this on to space modellers.
Minutes of the previous meetings
Minutes proposed by KB, seconded by ME, voting F: 7, A: 0, Ab: 1
Matters Arising
CB had agreed to speak to John French re the Top Gun trophies and certificates.
CB to discuss this before the area makes a formal proposal to formalise the
event. In absence of CB C/fwd to next meeting.
The proposed ACE's, meetings with D Perchard and C Gardiner had been postponed
due to the weather.
Still waiting for the news on how the examiners meeting in the Southern area
went and this topic carried forward to the next meeting.
GF enquired if there was any news of the possible indoor heli meetings. It was noted that no information had been received from the heli flyers.
Officer's Reports
MC informed the meeting that he missed the Council meeting as he was manning
a stand at the NEC.
SR would be attending a "Beavers" helicopter workshop. No notification
yet of plans for Flight Challenge, Duxford is a possibility, but not confirmed.
None of the other officers had anything specific to report.
Council Agenda and Minutes
Council Meeting 5th January 2007
The delegate, who reported that the meeting had lasted over 6 ½ hours,
reviewed the minutes in detail. The principal points discussed were:
The vote of censure against the Records Officer and the Treasurer was explained
and noted that the motion was defeated.
Mid West raised a discussion regarding the management of the forum, but no action
was proposed.
Barkstone Heath has been booked for Freeflight, R/C and Control Line Nationals
but silent flight still waits a venue.
A Bristol area club has had planning consent given on the condition of a wildlife
study being done. The BMFA is assisting with this which may well be of use to
other clubs in the future.
The results of the postal ballot were discussed and although only 604 votes
were cast, it was felt to be a reasonable and more democratic result.
The delegate confirmed that there had not been any discussion yet regarding
publicity levels for next year.
South Midlands congratulated our Chairman for his work on the new members handbook,
which was endorsed by all present.
It was explained that the reason the BMFA was asked to fund the Flight Challenge
up to £10,000 was so that the organising could go ahead whilst we waited
for formal confirmation from the sponsor, who is often late in committing their
funds.
The position of a second pilot recorded on an over 20kg exemption certificate
was discussed and it appears whilst he has temporary exemption for practice,
he must go through the full approval procedure with that model to use the exemption.
It was noted that if you alter a transmitter in any way, e.g. change the aerial
with one not approved by the transmitter manufacturer, then you lose the legality
of the CE mark. This could have consequences if a serious accident occurred.
The topics of "E" voting and model by law changes were raised, but
deferred to the next meeting as input from Chris Bromley would be helpful.
Area Council agenda 3rd February 2007
The agenda was reviewed, principle discussion points were:
RA commented that the Southern area report 7 3/5, included with the ACE proposal,
was excellent and should be an example for other areas.
The meeting agreed with the proposal from Midland area regarding traders using
the BMFA web site, but as many members trade as a hobby could not see how they
could be separated from "Traders".
The report on Email area meetings generated some discussion on our own meetings.
It was noted that whilst we could move the meetings around our area, a central
meeting place was probably the better choice.
No specific voting instructions were given to the delegate.
Area Fly-in and competitions
The Rochdale indoor meeting was well attended.
PRO reported that the Eddie Riding new class was creating interest and there
were 30 possible entries.
It was likely we will have a double size marquee this year and we will need
more tables. It was agreed that we needed better signs to advertise the marquee
and DLJ offered to obtain quotes for larger vinyl signs for the next meting
to approve.
The meeting authorised the purchase of another gazebo for the judging of the
new class for £75 and approved a budget for signs of up to £250
A date for Shawbury is to be agreed.
Secretary reported that North Staffs club were happy to host the Stoke Fly-in again and had said that they wished to organise it themselves and only needed help from the area for publicity. The meeting agreed that this was fine, but as it was a "BMFA" event someone from the area committee must ensure the management of the event is satisfactory.
Proposal for ACE
Carried forward - awaiting reports
Examiners' Meeting
CB to report at the next meeting
Any Other Business
ME asked if there was any news of the Top Gun event. SO stated he did not know.
GF asked if the donation to the BMFA by A Bailey could be made public in the BMFA News. He also wished to complement Chris Bromley on the Free Flight rules.
CP raised the topic of 2.4 GHz and agreed that flyers should still put a peg on the board if only to ensure that no one loses the habit and forgets if they also use a 35MHz set as well.
The meeting closed at 21.55
These minutes are provisional until approved at the next meeting
LOCAL AREA EVENTS
25 February Northwich Swapmeet
17 March North Wales Swapmeet
18 March Area Indoor Fly-in Rochdale
15 April Area Indoor Fly-in Rochdale
5 May Delyn 3D Aerobatics Fun Fly
12/13 May Barton Bash control line
27 May Blackpool & FCMS Electric Fly-in
Details of the above and many other club events can be found on the area web
site bmfa-nw.org/ on the events page
NEXT NORTH WEST AREA MEETINGS
Area Meetings 27 February 8.00pm
1 May 8.00pm
5 June 8.00pm
11 September 8.00pm
16 October 8.00pm
Area AGM 11 December 8.00pm