Following on from the Leicester Model Aero Club (LMAC) AGM
this week where I was honoured to become your new Chairman, I just wanted to
share a few words for those members who couldn’t attend and to reiterate the
points I made as we move into 2020.
Firstly, on behalf of the LMAC committee and the whole
membership (past and present); I would like to extend a huge thank you to Andy
Prime for his excellent stewardship of the club over the past 20 years as
Chairman and 33 years spent on the committee. Andy has made many significant
contributions to the club over this term – far too many to single out. Many
thanks once again Andy and I look forward to flying with you moving forward.
As I stated at the meeting, I have no aspirations to make
significant changes to the way the club is run in the short term. I really
don’t think there is a need at this time. Having visited several BMFA events
and other flying clubs over the past few years, we truly do have a premier
setup at Gumley and, for me, it’s important to maintain and protect what we
have. As a committee, we will continue
to look to improve the club and take on board new suggestions. The club continues to benefit from a healthy
financial position, but in such a low-interest-rate environment and with rising
price, we will continue to keep a close eye on spending whilst maintaining a reserve/emergency
fund. As we have done in the past,
monies will be invested where required for the betterment of the RC flying
hobby and club in line with the wishes of the late Jack Marsh.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen legislation
introduced in response to drones being used where they shouldn’t – obviously
having an impact on ‘traditional’ RC flyers across the world. It is my hope
that the introduction of the new CAA proficiency test will not put too many of
these traditional RC flyers off from continuing with the hobby. I’m happy to support any members with this as
well as the continued push for members to attain BMFA achievements. As a club,
we will be running some further achievement scheme workshops during 2020 and
continuing with the training programme using the new equipment which has been
purchased by the club to support this goal.
We will look to schedule some competitions in the event
calendar for 2020 and I’m keen that we hold our annual Gala day in 2020 – it
has not been possible the last two years due to poor weather. It has been encouraging
over the last couple of years as part of the indoor flying to see a great crop
of younger RC flyers progress. I think it is important that we look to
encourage and recruit new members into the club. This is not always easy I know
with youngsters being enticed by smartphones and games consoles, to the
detriment of other hobbies and past-times.
I encourage all LMAC members of all RC flying disciplines to
continue to enjoy the excellent facilities at Gumley and welcome any
suggestions as to how we can continue to improve, whilst also maintaining a
safe flying environment. Members are welcome to contribute to committee
meetings and raise any suggestions with me personally.
Finally, I look forward to flying with you all moving forward
and working with the whole membership in my new role as we look to improve and
protect what we have at the excellent Leicester Model Aero Club.
Matt Chamberlain
Chairman
