club scene

Tell us all about your model flying club. E-mail me with some idea of the sort of facilities you have, size of membership, flying rules, subscription rates, training facilities, types of model flown, social activities, special events, site availability, guest arrangements, frequency of meetings, location, or anything else you can think to mention. Pictures will also be most welcome, and if you want to send me pictures by conventional post, my address now appears on the home page. If your club has a website, let me know the address and we'll pay you a virtual visit!

Meridian Model Flyers
DAVID GEDDES, President of Meridian Model Flyers, has told me about his club. Meridian Model Flyers was formed in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada, in June of 1995 with 6 members and was incorporated in November of 1995. It is a sanctioned club by MAAC (governing body of model aeronautics in Canada) and one year later had grown to 23 members. The membership today exceeds 50 members. MMF is an open club and accepts all members and all types of aircraft. They have several Junior members and some of the members are working with the Air Cadets to promote the hobby to the youth. The club tries to have at least one formal advertised and promoted event (per year, I assume) where the public are invited to observe. The club is always open to spectators and guests, who must have MAAC insurance or equivalent to fly. The club's initial field was one they leased from a local Lions club (S.P.A.D.E.S.) that had developed a runway for a major model air show. In 1997 the town of Stony Plain leased them an 80-acre site that they then proceeded to develop as you see in the pictures, during which time the club flew off the old field. The new field is now in operation and a grand opening was held in August of 1999 with many spectators and guests attending. Monthly meetings are held at the Stony Plain Legion every first Tuesday at 7.30 p.m. throughout the year except for July and August. More information about the club is available on the club website http://members.xoom.com/MMflyers or via e-mail to mmflyers@xoommail.com	These min-pics show views of the MMF field from the northern end (above) and the western side (below). These views of the field were taken with a camera mounted in a Goldberg Piper Cub by one of the club members. The field is called Kelly's Field, named after Frank Kelly, one of the founder members of the club and a popular instructor.
Now come on, MMF members, how about sending something in to ModelFlight? - perhaps a personal profile, shots of your models or an article for the 'plane talk' page - this site is yours also!

. . . and now, please forgive my bit of self-indulgence, but I'm repeating the following item from ModelFlight #7 because it is my own home club . . .

Test Valley Model Flying Club, Hampshire, UK

The Test Valley Model Flying Club is located in north Hampshire, UK and has been running in its present form for 23 years. The club is noted for its friendly and helpful attitude to newcomers whilst operating responsibly in the community from its leased flying sites which lie east and west of the town of Andover.

The club flies every Saturday and Sunday afternoon and Bank holidays at its Ludgershall sites, weather permitting. During the winter months, flying takes place from a large army polo pitch with plenty of space; during the polo season, from April and on through the summer, the club switches its activities to the playing fields of nearby Castledown School. There is also a second flying site on an occasionally-used army camp at Barton Stacey used under license from the Ministry of Defence and generally available to the club each Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank holidays.

Training is given using the buddy-box system and beginners are encouraged to arrange trial flights when they can get to know the club's instructors and discuss their requirements and ambitions before committing themselves to equipment purchase.

Chris (nearest camera) prepares for his first solo take-off under Gordon's watchful eye!

The Club currently has a membership of around 40 and is active in promoting its activities through local outlets to guide newcomers into the sport. Membership fees are £44 per year, including the mandatory membership and insurance cover provided by the British Model Flying Association to which the club is affiliated.

The Club is holding a Flog 'n Fly meeting on Saturday, September 2nd from 11.a.m. to 5 p.m. at Castledown School (on the right-hand side of the Ludgershall to Tidworth road, opposite the tank sheds). The flogging is out of the back of your car; flying is off-the-peg and visitors are most welcome!

The Club Chairman is Gordon Cook, who is also one of the instructors.

The contact for membership enquiries is Mick Munnery, the Club Secretary and Treasurer; phone 01264 398377.

Go to the picture gallery page to see some nice models photographed at a recent Saturday afternoon meeting of the club.