Spring Newsletter 2008

Dear Members,

A couple of weeks ago it came as rather a surprise when our worthy Chairman suggested to me during a “plane” conversation that I should take over the editorship of the club news.
I agreed to do so on a trial basis, to see how it was received by the club members, with of course the thought at the back of my mind that its contents become available to a very much larger audience via our website!
Until now it has been issued three times a year, which I think is about right. However, when we have had some of the worst flying weather week after week in recent times, including persistent strong winds (lorries been blown over on the A1!) allied to sub-zero temperatures, it has taken its toll in much reduced flying activity, even among the “retired stalwarts” who can to some extent, pick their flying days.
As I write this at the end of March, the weather is at last improving, thermals are starting to pop up and surely conditions can only improve.

Neil recently attended a worthwhile BMFA, first meeting of club Chairmen, held at the gliding centre at Husbands Bosworth, three hours drive each way, and came back saying it had had around 150 in attendance. It was interesting, especially when he heard of some of the “happenings” at some other clubs (At least we haven’t started jumping on each others models!) and that we as a club would have “ticked the boxes” virtually all the way regarding organisation and admin’ of model flying clubs.

Better news of Brian and Bill who have both been in hospital in recent weeks, both are now home pending full recovery.

I welcome your contributions to future issues as there is a an opportunity for some positive feedback on various topics such as building and flying techniques, reports on products which have, or haven’t come up to expectation, or even your experiences which are “chuckle worthy”.
I can be contacted at Club Secretary on the website and at the flying field where I am to be three mornings each week. Here’s hoping you enjoy reading this first issue!

Q…What defines whether a piece of any kind of wood is a hard wood or a soft wood?
If you answered along the lines of “ Well it depends on whether it’s hard to work with or if it’s softer and easier”, then go to the bottom of the class!

A…Among many, many species of timber grown worldwide in many climates there are soft hardwoods and hard softwoods. “O.K. Clever clogs”, I hear you say, what’s the difference?
The answer is that botanical classification dictates whether your piece of wood came from a broad leafed tree such as Ash, Oak, Teak or even Balsa which makes it a HARDWOOD, or if it came from a needle/cone bearing tree, in which case it is a SOFTWOOD.
So we have soft hardwoods such as Balsa and hard(ish) softwoods such as Pine, Larch, and Spruces etc…
If you are interested I can tell you about the structural differences which can been seen under a microscope….

NEXT TIME….. “ADHESIVES”

Gordon Whitehead
 

A FEW PERSONAL THOUGHTS ABOUT OUR CLUB

I’ve been in quite a few different clubs over the years, varying from football management and refereeing through to less energetic activities such as fishing, all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed., but I can honestly say that the DDMFC is one of the friendliest, easy going clubs I’ve ever been involved with.
I joined the club, after having a serious spinal operation in October 2006, as part of my recuperation.
I managed to contact the Chairman, Neil, through the Internet site and was invited to the field as a guest. That was just the start … after being introduced to a few key members I quickly gleaned help and advice on a glider I had built during the previous month. Within a few weeks it was up in the air.. Mr.Daykin in charge of the maiden flight of course. It even surprised me how well it went, by which time I was well and truly smitten.
Since then I’ve acquired or built approx 9 planes. My 2nd plane was a Junior 60(No.26 in Gordon’s book) some of the more advanced fliers might call it a woosy design but it’s still one of my favourites and it certainly helped me learn the ropes in the early days.
Although I’d like to think that my skills have improved, some days I’m convinced I have someone else’s head on.
At least I still have a few in tact and can look out of the window in anticipation of clear skies.
I have great admiration for all of our members… people who gladly and willingly give up their time to anyone who dares to ask for help. Sitting in the clubhouse on a miserable day, putting the world to rights with the “ELDERS” simply can’t be beaten. The laughs I’ve shared with them and the constant banter just makes me smile.
I owe a big thank you to Gordon Whitehead and his wife Morag for their help on the day I proposed to my partner, Janine, at the club’s annual BBQ last year. I got a big “YES” after Gordon flew the proposal banner behind one of his many planes.
I would like to personally thank everyone in the club for their help and for everything they do to make our club safe, enjoyable and for creating a club to be proud of.

Brin Nowell
 

CHAIRMAN'S SUMMARY

Many thanks to Gordon and Brin for their contribution to the news letter. . It is always good to hear different views from the membership. So please contact Gordon if you have a story to tell.

Once again a very warm welcome to our new members I hope you spend many happy hours down at the flying site.

Safe Flying

Neil Dixon

Chairman 08

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