Oldham and District Model Aero Club

"Old Club News" for reference purposes.

Latest News from ODMAC - updated on the 2nd. January 2003.

As you may all know, the Planning Committee of Oldham Council gave the Oldham and District Model Aero Club full permission for a 12 month trial on Crompton Moor beginning on the 18th. December 2002 until the 18th. December 2003. Thus we can look forward to a good year's flying - as soon as this monsoon season finishes. There are some practical points to still iron out, but these are being acted upon by the Committee at this very moment. Please take the time to thank the Councillors if you get the chance, they have given the Club an excellent focal point from which to operate this year. If all goes well, then we will be asking for a review later this year for an extended period on Crompton Moor. IT IS UP TO US TO MAKE SURE ALL DOES GO WELL.

See the page Flying Fields for its location and directions.

This permission is very welcome by the Club and we are very grateful to the Councillors who have put their trust in us. We will give them no reason to doubt us. In preparation are some SAFETY notes which will be circulated to you as soon as we can print them, but they are mainly as per those used successfully at Bishop's Park BUT note the flying exclusion zones. These must be adhered to at all times - we will be being watched very carefully.

I would also like to thank Mr. Roger Bellingham, the BMFA Site Advisor, for his great efforts in helping the Club to get to this position. I know I had been a pest over the last few months, but his guidance and patience were truly helpful in these discussions. I think we should all be very grateful and tell him so if we ever see him at any meeting.

The main priority on this site is currently one of SECURITY and we are working with the farmer who uses this land for his cattle and sheep. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE TWO GATES ARE LOCKED IMMEDIATELY AFTER PASSING THROUGH THEM ON ENTERING AND LEAVING THE SITE. NEVER leave them open if a colleague is following on soon afterwards. Either wait for him or lock the gate and he will have to open and close the gate as you did. The Club have made commitments to the farmer and the Councillors and the Club Committee do not want to break their word on this - again, we will be being watched and judged on our actions over the next year.

Similarly, only THREE I/C powered models are allowed in the air at any one time. Other electric models can also be flown at the same time if deemed quiet enough. This is to keep the sound down to a reasonable level.

Times of flying are 9.00am. to 9.00pm. Monday to Saturday and 12.pm. to 9.00pm. on Sunday. I hope that this gives you the stick time you need to get you up to 'A' or 'B' Certificate standard. You never know, I may even get my 'A' this year !!

Frequencies will be as per the BMFA recommendations and as practised at Bishop's Park last year ie. ODDS for Power I/C and EVENS for Gliders/Silent Flight. NOTE that some frequencies have been reserved for GLIDERS ONLY and this will still be the case. These are 80, 81, 82, 83, 84 and 85. Thus there will be NO Power I/C models flown on the ODD frequencies mentioned ie. 81, 83 and 85. All other ODD frequencies between 55 and 90 will be allowed for Power I/C except those previously mentioned.

If you have any comments to make on these items, then please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Committee listed above on the Contacts page.

Beal Valley is still under water and cannot be worked on at the moment until a dry spell comes along (whatever that is !). This option also depends upon whether Casey's want to still work with us. I think they do, but this is not one of their priorities at the moment.

Latest News as from the 9th. December 2002.

The AGM was held on the 9th. December at the Greenacres Community Centre and was attended by 30 people - about half the fully paid-up members of 2002. Pretty good I thought. Many subjects were discussed and the new Committee was elected for 2003. This was as expected - retaining the current officials as listed on the Contacts page of this web site - but also electing a Club Safety Officer who would be responsible for the safety of all fields and disciplines, but also in putting together the Rules and Regulation booklet for the new era ie. Crompton Moor in 2003.

Crompton Moor is still a sticking point, but this should be hopefully resolved on the 18th. December at the next Planning Committee meeting. Here the conditions the Planning officers want us to adhere to will be discussed and either accepted or rejected and modified to be acceptable to all concerned. They are mainly what the breeding season constitutes and what hours we will be allowed to fly to. The officers want us to finish at 7.00pm. but that rules out any evening sessions for the average working person. Just not acceptable. We have put in for 9.00pm. or dusk whichever is the earliest.

Beal Valley is still under water and cannot be worked on at the moment until a dry spell comes along (whatever that is !).

Lots of discussions were around the safety aspects of flying and also the points listed below were discussed :-

1) Alan Cantwell mentioned that he was to organize a gliding session over the Christmas and New Year, a date of the 29th. of December being stated. This will be for anyone who wants to get out and away from the Xmas TV and there will be gliding for the 'purists' as well as the gladiators in the 'combat' zone. Further details will be sent out later. There will also be some invited guests.

Look out for "Kantwell's Krazy Kombat Kapers".

NOTE - ALL FREQUENCIES USED WILL BE EVENS FOR ALL GLIDERS.

2) Jimmy Shaw brought it to the notice of the members that there are some frequencies which have been reserved for GLIDERS ONLY and nothing else. These were the frequencies 80 to 85 inclusive. The Chairman said that this would still be operational and the Safety Officer should note this in the new handbook he will put together.

3) Wes Braithwaite is still willing to put together the Newsletter AS LONG AS HE GETS SOME INFORMATION from YOU to put in it. It is pointless having a Newsletter if there is no news to put in. Please make a contribution, not necessarily wholly to do with planes, but maybe an amusing story which we can all enjoy.

Wes also asked if anyone can come up with a new name for the Newsletter ? Get your thinking caps on and give Wes a ring with your offerings. Maybe something in it for you if successful.

***PLEASE NOTE that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2002 will be held on Friday the 6th December starting at 7.30pm. at Greenacres Community Centre, Oberlin St., Greenacres, Oldham.***

LATEST ON FLYING ANYWHERE - 2/11/02

Crompton Moor.

It is now the 2nd. of November and still we are without a flying field to call our own. The BIG Planning meeting is on the 6th. November and it would be appreciated if as many members as possible could attend and show strength of numbers. As you may or may not know, the appliation was passed unanimously at both the Shaw and Crompton Parish and Area Planning Committees but failed at both the Saddleworth Parish and Area Planning Committees. The Saddleworth Area Planning decision was very close and we lost by 6 votes to 5 - a moral victory. The first vote was 4 all, but the Chairman said that he had mis-counted and on the second vote, two of the Councillors who had not voted before decided to vote against. We seem to have a lot of support, but it is the decision on the night which counts, so anything can happen.

It was good to see some members turn up at the meetings and especially the Saddleworth Area Planning one where 14 year old member Nicholas Whyman stood up and had his say to the Committee and audience. Excellent and it really went down well. You should all be very proud of him to speak out on your behalf. Well done Nicholas !!

Bishop's Park.

Still nothing here except that we keep being asked if we would like to go back there. The Head Countryside Ranger has said he has fewer worries here than at Crompton Moor. The whole crux of the matter of a flying field in the countryside is the breeding bird season - breeding I said !!

Beal Valley - Peacotes.

Last week, Casey's levelled a piece of ground for us, but the bad rain over the last three weeks has stopped play on that for the while. Hopefully the weather will turn better next week and they can finish the job. It is roughly where we used to fly, but about 20 foot higher. It is a stretch about 100 yards long and maybe 40 wide. It is rough at the moment but they will level it for us and maybe grass it so it will be ready in early March next year. Once it is levelled to our liking, I will ask them for some seed etc. and get it seeded - even if we have to do it ourselves.

Anyway, if the weather bucks up, we may have somewhere to fly in winter, even if it is not perfect. We can still get some stick-time in and keep Wes in business with props. and under-carriages.

The main problem about going back to Beal Valley is that it would only be at week-ends and evenings - except winter that is, where it would only be week-ends. It is still better to go for Crompton Moor as this would give the older and retired members somewhere to fly on week days for a couple of hours should the weather be suitable.

LATEST ON FLYING ANYWHERE - 30/9/02

As you are all well aware, it is now the end of September and we still have nowhere to fly from. After having flown often at Bishop's Park, it is very frustrating for us all as we became used to the afternoon sessions with Charles. Pity he had to go back to work!!

Going back to September the 6th., I had a meeting with the Economic Development department and I was promised a return telephone conversation on the following Monday - the 9th. It is now the 30th. and I am still waiting. I have called back 4 times in that period, but still no reply. Meetings are the excuse. I would have thought it only polite to return at least one of my calls. However, I am hopeful of a reply this week sometime - but do not hold your breath.

The Planning Application for Crompton Moor is in and the ball is rolling. I have sent letters to all the Councillors on the Planning Committee and today I have sent letters to all of the Councillors not on the Planning Committee, hoping that they will support us and lean on their colleagues on the Committee. I still think this will be a political decision rather than a common sense decision, but again we will have to wait and see.

Economic Development were to come back to me on the 9th. with a story as to whether Casey's were going to do the work they promised back in August ie. set up a temporary field until such time as we have a permanent site, but as stated before, no reply from them. Maybe I have upset them, but at least they could come back and tell me if I have.

Otherwise there is little to report on this at the moment. SORRY !! It is such a shame as the weather since September the 8th. has been glorious and just right for flying. Maybe if we get a site within the next few weeks, the weather will turn for the worse - sod's law eh ?

Last Saturday (28th.) I spoke to Mr. Phil Woolas again, and he is still fully behing the Club and its intentions and aspirations. I know of several of Councillors who are for us - but when it comes to the crunch - ? Let us hope.

FUN FLY GLIDER COMPETITION.

On a more positive and pleasureable note, on the 15th. of September, the FUN FLY Glider Competition took part at Bishop's Park and the turn out was very respectable indeed. Actually in the competition were 6 entrants, but another 5 or 6 glider men turned up to fly 'real' gliders, not those 'foamy' things. However, some of the true glider men had a go at the Zagis, and they actually enjoyed them - especially the combat. ANIMALS THE LOT OF THEM !! John Thorpe, Geoff Slater to name a couple. What pent up violence they have.

Even though we have no field at the moment, please keep in touch and attend the Club nights. They are still going strong and are now providing the focal point of the Club for the moment.

KEEP YOUR PECKER UP AND HARRASS THOSE COUNCILLORS - IN A FRIENDLY WAY THAT IS.

LATEST ON FLYING AT BISHOP'S PARK - 29th. August 2002.

On Sunday, September the 8th., the 6 month trial the Club has enjoyed at Bishop's Park will come to an end, and at the moment it does not look as though they will re-new the scheme. John Mitchell, who set this up, is currently on holiday and will be contacted on his return on Monday the 2nd. of September. The purpose of this meeting will be to see what strides he has made with Casey's as far as them allowing us to fly on the Beal Valley site for the winter months and far into next season - maybe for the next 5 to 6 years. Again this depends upon the Council and what they are going to do with the land long term - will it be a golf course or not, a linear park or not ? Only time and a crystal ball will tell.

As the trial comes to an end on the 8th. of September, it would be good if all those possible could turn up for the week-end and make it a fine exit fly-in. That also depends upon the weather, but we are always optimistic on this front. Even if the weather is not too good, then the members who do turn up can always take the Chairman and Secretary for a few pints. I am sure they will be most amenable to the idea. A fine way to end what has been a good summer season for the Oldham Club. Not only has the membership risen, taking on many younger members as well as more 'mature' members, but it has given the Club a 'focal' point at which to meet and the camaraderie and team spirit has been good to see. I would like to make mention here of two members who have given many hours of their spare time unselfishly to training the new members - Mr. Charles Vandries and Mr. Geoff Slater. Not only have they been active at week-ends, but nearly every day during the week as well. This has led to the great improvements in the flying technique of Frank and Tony Anglicas, who are now ready for their 'A' certificate exam.

Bishop's Park has also seen some inter-disciplinary meetings, where glider men have flown power and vice versa. This sort of Club mixing has not been seen for many a year and I hope that we can get a field where this can carry on for a very long time. At one meeting, it was nearly impossible to get the transmitter for the Club Fixed Wing Trainer out of Wes Braithwaite's hands !! Once he had flown it, that was it for the next hour or two. Nearly a convert, but not 100% as yet. Still some more missionary work to be done as yet.

The culmination of all this hard work has been the success of the younger members at the NATS, where last week-end Phil Vandries came SECOND and Lee Cantwell came THIRD in the FUN FLY Competition. Well done those men. Michael Altham came 17th. out of 28 entrants at his first attempt, a promising start.

Finally I would like to thank everyone who joined the Club and who used Bishop's Park and made summer 2002 a memorable flying season. The responsibility shown in locking the gate on entering and leaving the site was superb. This should hold the Club in good stead when applying for a flying field which needs security of gates etc. I cannot think of one incident where the gate was left in an unsecure state. The responsibility shown in keeping the field tidy and free of rubbish, again holding us in good stead for the future.

So, from myself and the Committee of the Oldham and District Model Aero Club, THANK YOU for your efforts, your company, your responsibility and reliability shown at the Bishop's Park field and I hope that we can mirror the progress made over the last 6 months next year and over the coming winter. Just because it is a bit cold does not mean you cannot fly. Just keep in touch with e-mails, the web site and telephones and find out where the next meeting will be. Of course, the bi-monthly meetings at Greenacres Community Centre will still be held, so make an effort to get there and keep that enthusiasm going. You worked hard this year to build it up, now keep it going.

The Oldham and District Model Aero Club have now just finished the 16th. week of the 26 week trial at Bishop's Park, and as of yet we have had very limited comment from the people who visit the site. IMPORTANT - we have had FEW complaints from the locals who live near the field so the noise cannot be too bad. No-one from the local houses has come to the field to complain directly. They may have been to the Council, but I have not heard anything as yet (9th. July).

The attendance at the field is increasing every week BUT the weather has not been too kind again this year to date, what with rain and that incessant wind. Let us hope the second half of the year improves and really go for it again as we did at Peacotes. Over the last 3 weeks we have enlisted about 6 more members from 12 to 65 years old. We now have 3 extra juniors around the 12 year old mark, so the interest is there given the opportunity.

Beause of the presence at the Park, there have been many enquiries about joining the Club, and we are now having to train many more people. This then means that we need a few more pilots with "A" and "B" certificates to come to the field to help in the training of these people. At the moment there is one person doing this, and it has all fallen on Charles's shoulders. He needs help and some respite. So please, if you can help, then please come along and help - it will make for a more solid Club for the time when we can get back to a permanent field with more air-space and less people around acting as mobile hazards.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND KEEP FLYING SAFELY - it will all help in the long run.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL FLIERS !!!

FREQUENCIES - STARTING FROM TODAY - Monday 25th. March 2002.

Having had many discussions with various persons within the Oldham Club from the Power Fixed Wing section and the Glider section, it has become MANDATORY for all members to become familiar with the BMFA guideline below :-

Where there is proximity of glider and power flying (as there is at Bishop's Park currently), then the following rule shall apply - and this will be adhered to by all -

that all glider fliers will use EVEN frequencies and

that all power/fixed wing/helicopter fliers will use ODD frequencies.

The Committee were under the impression that glider fliers only used the slope when facing a North or North-East wind, but it transpires that other users use the slope for THERMAL gliding as well when the wind can be in other directions and they fly lower down the hill than where we flew when just slope soaring. Thus they may be hidden from view if just looking at the slope mostly used for sloping.

I appreciate that this can cause some further expense in purchasing new crystals, but I am one of those who is affected. I have always used 66 and now have to change. However the SAFETY implications are obvious and we cannot afford to have any accidents where a little forward planning can avoid them. As we are on a 6 month TRIAL period, and are looking at getting back to Peacoats and/or Crompton Moor, we must be seen to be doing the right actions and keeping in well with the Council. One wrong move and we are back to where we were 2 years ago. We have worked hard for this temporary field and we do not want to lose it after only a few weeks.

I hope that you will all adhere to these guidelines and we look forward to the next 6 months of accident free flying. I am informing other local clubs as well, but I am sure that other fliers not belonging to a club will fly from there and will not know the guideline and enforcement of this as from now. If you do meet anyone flying on the field or gliding on any slope, please mention this guideline to them and make sure that they operate to these frequency allocations. I know it will be hard for people who have no club or insurance, but mention it anyway, and any problems - inform the Committee members.

ANY FLIER SHOULD HAVE INSURANCE TO FLY IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE.

If there is any glider towing taking place, then the glider being towed from the power field will also be using ODD frequencies as well - same as the other power models using the field.

NOISE.

It also became clear last week-end, that the noise generated by having FOUR models in the air at the same time was not acceptable. Thus it has become necessary to make it a rule that only THREE models will be allowed up at the same time - dependent upon the noise of the individual engines. Some of the models started last week-end were far too noisy and some efforts will have to be made to quieten them down a little in some cases to meet the 82dB level laid down by the BMFA.

The Club Committee are setting out a scheme whereby all models flown at the field will be noise checked using our "decibell-ometer", these values logged in a book and models tested on a reasonably frequent time base - again to be seen doing the right thing by the Council and showing them that we are a responsible set of characters, having a care for our fellow man in this "quiet" piece of countryside.

PARKING AT THE FIELD.

For those members who want to park within the boundaries of the park, please try not to impede entry to any of the footpaths. It was over-heard that some pillock was going to complain that we were blocking one of the footpaths. We were not, but it only needs one berk like this to start the ball rolling at the Council chambers.

I look forward to your co-operation in these matters, where compliance will make our life, and flying at Bishop's Park, more tolerable and last the full 6 month trial period.

Please get back to me should you have any comments to make on this e-mail.

Woodvale Rally, 4 - 5 August.

The week-end was an excellent one, the weather treating us very kindly. There were a few hardy campers who took advantage of this weather and the flying was very good indeed. The main flying events were taken up by very large models, Lancasters, Dakota etc., and very little room left for the "normal" size models we are used to. Wes Braithwaite attended his first event on a trade stand of his own and reported that it was "interesting" but a bit quiet. He hopes better for the Nationals in a couple of days time.

New Flying Field at Crompton Moor.

Things are moving quite fast at the moment, the plans having been recommended by the Shaw and Crompton Area Planning Committee and also the Shaw and Crompton Parish Committee. The next Area Planning Committee is the Saddleworth one on the 23rd. of August. All being well we will then be included in the full Oldham Planning Committee on September the 6th.

Before then we have to perform the "noise" tests for the Environmental people, and this should be completed before the 23rd. of August. I will let you know the outcome as soon as we have the results.

Other Business.

The normal Club meeting to be held on the 24th. of August will be sparsely attended as most of the regulars will be at the National Championships at RAF Barkston Heath shouting and cheering the two competitors from the Oldham Club - Philip Vandries and Lee Cantwell who are featuring in the Fun-Fly section. Philip is defending his title but will be pushed hard by Lee this year. Their models have been "slightly" modified and should put up a formidable challenge to the others. (I might even run a book on this - any bets ?)

Please contact Peter Altham to have your comments posted.

Again this will be updated regularly once the system is in full operation.

The Oldham and District Model Aero Club have now just finished the sixth week of the 6 month trial at Bishop's Park, and as of yet we have had very limited comment from the people who visit the site. IMPORTANT - we have had NO complaints from the locals who live near the field so the noise cannot be that bad. The comments have been about us parking across the paths which zig-zag across the fields, but they are minor complaints which are really a bit silly to make. It is always possible to walk around the car, but maybe that is too much trouble for them. One lady said her dog was petrified, but she is only using the fieldas a toilet, so her behaviour is a little more anti-social than ours.

Beause of the presence at the Park, there have been many enquiries about joining the Club, and we are now having to train many more people. This then means that we need a few more pilots with "A" and "B" certificates to come to the field to help in the training of these people. At the moment there is one person doing this, and it has all fallen on Charles's shoulders. He needs help and some respite. So please, if you can help, then please come along and help - it will make for a more solid Club for the time when we can get back to a permanent field with more air-space and less people around acting as mobile hazards.

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND KEEP FLYING SAFELY - it will all help in the long run.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL FLIERS !!!

FREQUENCIES - STARTING FROM TODAY - Monday 25th. March 2002.

Having had many discussions with various persons within the Oldham Club from the Power Fixed Wing section and the Glider section, it has become MANDATORY for all members to become familiar with the BMFA guideline below :-

Where there is proximity of glider and power flying (as there is at Bishop's Park currently), then the following rule shall apply - and this will be adhered to by all -

that all glider fliers will use EVEN frequencies and

that all power/fixed wing/helicopter fliers will use ODD frequencies.

The Committee were under the impression that glider fliers only used the slope when facing a North or North-East wind, but it transpires that other users use the slope for THERMAL gliding as well when the wind can be in other directions and they fly lower down the hill than where we flew when just slope soaring. Thus they may be hidden from view if just looking at the slope mostly used for sloping.

I appreciate that this can cause some further expense in purchasing new crystals, but I am one of those who is affected. I have always used 66 and now have to change. However the SAFETY implications are obvious and we cannot afford to have any accidents where a little forward planning can avoid them. As we are on a 6 month TRIAL period, and are looking at getting back to Peacoats and/or Crompton Moor, we must be seen to be doing the right actions and keeping in well with the Council. One wrong move and we are back to where we were 2 years ago. We have worked hard for this temporary field and we do not want to lose it after only a few weeks.

I hope that you will all adhere to these guidelines and we look forward to the next 6 months of accident free flying. I am informing other local clubs as well, but I am sure that other fliers not belonging to a club will fly from there and will not know the guideline and enforcement of this as from now. If you do meet anyone flying on the field or gliding on any slope, please mention this guideline to them and make sure that they operate to these frequency allocations. I know it will be hard for people who have no club or insurance, but mention it anyway, and any problems - inform the Committee members.

ANY FLIER SHOULD HAVE INSURANCE TO FLY IN ANY PUBLIC PLACE.

If there is any glider towing taking place, then the glider being towed from the power field will also be using ODD frequencies as well - same as the other power models using the field.

NOISE.

It also became clear last week-end, that the noise generated by having FOUR models in the air at the same time was not acceptable. Thus it has become necessary to make it a rule that only THREE models will be allowed up at the same time - dependent upon the noise of the individual engines. Some of the models started last week-end were far too noisy and some efforts will have to be made to quieten them down a little in some cases to meet the 82dB level laid down by the BMFA.

The Club Committee are setting out a scheme whereby all models flown at the field will be noise checked using our "decibell-ometer", these values logged in a book and models tested on a reasonably frequent time base - again to be seen doing the right thing by the Council and showing them that we are a responsible set of characters, having a care for our fellow man in this "quiet" piece of countryside.

PARKING AT THE FIELD.

For those members who want to park within the boundaries of the park, please try not to impede entry to any of the footpaths. It was over-heard that some pillock was going to complain that we were blocking one of the footpaths. We were not, but it only needs one berk like this to start the ball rolling at the Council chambers.

I look forward to your co-operation in these matters, where compliance will make our life, and flying at Bishop's Park, more tolerable and last the full 6 month trial period.

Please get back to me should you have any comments to make on this e-mail.

Peter Altham - Secretary, Oldham and District Model Aero Club.

Club Night of the 1st. February 2002.

At the Club night on the 1st. of February, the members were treated to an excellent evenings entertainment by Mr. Peter Robinson of the Bury Model Flying Club. As you may or may not know, Peter is heavily into models with JET TURBINE ENGINES. Peter brought along some of his models to look at and also an engine, about which he explained how they work, the principles and the problems with setting them up, getting them going etc. We were also shown some home video (taken by the master of screen and stage - Mr. Graham Booth) were it showed the engines actually being fired up on a test bed at the Wren workshop and in Peter's garden. A good educational and entertaining evening was had by all, and the Club Committee and its members would like to thank Peter for taking the time and effort to bring his models to Oldham for the evening. A reet good do was had by all !!

Latest on the Club Flying Field.

There has been little progress made over the last few weeks BUT IT IS NOT FOR THE LACK OF TRYING !!

Over the last few weeks we have performed the following tasks to try and get progress, but to no avail as yet :-

• Economic Development - we have been in constant contact with this department as they are trying to do two things for us
• get a 'license' for us to fly at Bishop's Park for a period of 6 months as a trial. This should have been with us this week,but as yet it has not arrived. Peter Altham will chase this on Monday the 11th. February.
• John Mitchell is still discussing with Casey's about the compensation and there has not been a 'suitable' time for the flying field problem to have been raised. Why should Casey's be bothered now they have had their project taken away.
• Mr. Charles Vandries, the Chairman, has written to Mr. John Mitchell to ask for a progress report and to get Casey's to help us to get a temporary field at Peacotes laid down ready for the Spring and Summer events - as and when it arrives. This was done last week and a reply is awaited when John has the time to reply.
• When the planning application was refused, the Oldham Rangers said in their letter that there "must be somewhere close where they can fly". I have contacted them 4 times to arrange a time to wander the Moors so that they can show me where they think it would be suitable, but as of yet there has been no progress. We should have gone up last Thursday but the weather was too wet and windy and low cloud. So all being well, Peter Altham will try to contact Bill Mudway again on Monday the 11th. February and set up another date.
• Peter Altham has sent a FAX to Michael Meacher MP about the new Government Planning Guidelines which seem to omit model flying from their considerations under the Sport and Recreation section - PPG17. As of yet he has not replied, but from past experience, he will do so soon. Hopefully someone else may have written to him as well to make the point !!
• Peter Altham, on behalf of the Club, has written to Mr. Roger Bellingham of the BMFA to say that we have taken their advice and are to make a second application for Crompton Moor as a permanent flying field and then appeal if that fails. Unfortunately I had not given the BMFA enough time to get a good appeal case together, so the second application is the way to go at the moment to give us more time.
• Peter Altham went to see Councillor Dugdale (Planning Chairperson) at her ward surgery, but she was away. In her place I spent 45 minutes with Councillors Kay Knox and Jim McArdle. After I had updated them on the situation as it stood at the moment, they then proceeded to lambast the Planning Department for being a useless, blocking set of people - all the same comments we have for them. They are as fed up with them as we are. I think that we should contact the Councillors more often at their surgeries - as of yet I have not come across anyone against us, but we should aim for the ones in Saddleworth and on the Planning Committee. They are approachable as long as we do not go steaming in and shouting the odds, and I will keep you informed of the times and dates of these. The dates and venues are listed on the Oldham web site under Ward Surgeries and they are updated about every Wednesday or Thursday for that weeks events. (http://www.oldham.gov.uk/local_govt/councillors/councillors.htm)

PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS. WE ARE TRYING EVERYTHING WE CAN, BUT OTHER INPUT IS ALWAYS APPRECIATED ie. know anyone with a field we can approach, know anyone with a load of money who wants his own flying field, know a friendly farmer etc. All comments are welcome to give any new angles of attack.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2001.

The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGwas held at the Greenacres Community Centre on the 7th. of December 2001, and a successful meeting was had by everyone. Mr. Jed Milhench stood down as Chairman, due to other commitments, and he was thanked for doing an excellent job under very awkward circumstances. Mr. Charles Vandries was elected as the new Chairman, his duties to begin immediately.

The rest of the committee was as last year (see the Homepage) and Mr. Philip Vandries was elected as Power Representative in place of Mr. Richard Budd, who again had to resign due to other work commitments. Mr. Wes Braithwaite volunteered to perform the duties of the Glider Representative until someone else comes along to take charge - any takers ?

The main topic of discussion was the proposed new field, but there was a very good understanding of the situation by the members attending. Every avenue is being explored, but we ask again, if anyone knows a friendly farmer with a possible field, let us know ASAP. The main stumbling block is the Planning Department and their negative attitude to our existence. Basically they do not care. It is the other Council members who want to see us stay alive and prosper. A campaign to visit Councillors clinics "en masse" will try to be arranged. Peter Altham will co-ordinate this and any action by a member in this direction should be reported to Peter Altham so we can keep tabs on who we have seen and harrassed.

Proposed "New" Flying Field at Crompton Moor.

News as at 8/12/01

A meeting was held at the Civic Centre on the 27/11/01 to further 'discuss' the situation with the Planning Department officers - the Assistant Director was there to boot - not literally of course, but it was tempting. The situation was not resolved because out of the three points to be discussed, only ONE was at a stage where it could be progressed further, and even that was a dubious place on Bishop's Park football fields. It is too close to the golf course, too many pedestrians and cars and too near to Strinesdale. They are doing everything they can to get us back to Peacotes sometime in the future when they know something themselves. Any other suggestion which is intelligent and well-reasoned is poo-pooed. I have heard that an officer of the Planning Department is even telling other interested parties not to let us use their facilities as we are noisey and too many cars around. This will be investigated by the Committee.

At the moment we cannot be re-housed at Peacotes as the negotiations about the compensation to Casey's is at a critical stage (or so I am told) and we should know something about Xmas time if all goes well.

The option to appeal about the refusal will be discussed by the new Committee and if agreed to go ahead, a case will be put together over the next few weeks as it has to be in by the beginning of March 2002 at the latest. The current time-scale for a decision from the appeal committee was stated as about 5 months, so even then we would lose nearly all of the 2002 season going this route. This is a recommended route to take by the Economic Development people, who are as fed up as we are of the Planning Department's negative attitude.

A case has also been submitted to the Unitary Development Plan (UDP) which is being formed at the moment to help plan the future of Oldham for the next 10 years or so. The Committee Objected to the Omission of a facility to cater for the hobby of model aero flying and even model cars. The point was made that we need 'air-space' not ground space as other hobbies - football, swimming etc. - and thus we need open space to do it ie. use the fields around the fringe of Oldham to its best. This will be on-going for the next few months and you will be kept posted. We may even be allowed to make a verbal submission to the panel of Planning people as well as written. The SAFETY aspect of the hobby has been emphasized and thus why we need open space for the hobby.

Mr. Michael Meacher MP. has also been contacted again to point out the negative attitude of the Planning Committee and anything he can do to help would be gratefully accepted. The SAFETY aspect of the hobby has been emphasized and thus why we need open space for the hobby.

News as at 21/11/01

As you all may or may not know, the Planning Application to build a new home for the Club was refused at the Planning meeting held on the 12th. of September. The whole proceedings were a farce, but in the end the 'politicians' had the last say and put the mockers on the whole idea. Councillor Rod Blythe (Lib. Dem.) actually asked why we could not fly at Clayton Playing Fields or on Oldham Edge !! It shows how much he knew about the criteria needed for a SAFE flying field. He also had the audacity to ask why we could not fly at other club sites like Rochdale or Bury !! Not an ounce of pride in Oldham having its own club and identity. It is a good job that some of our more excitable members were not there to hear this garbage. It must be stated that the Labour Councillors on the Committee were all for the plan. They were out-numbered by the Lib. Dems. Remember this next May at the Council elections.

However, we are considering appealing directly to the Department of the Environment and do what Oldham Council should have done ie. see the site and, more importantly, read the file. The Club was accused of being "unrealistic" to even think that the members of the Planning Committee should read the contents of the file prior to making an unbiased judgement. All they read were the Planning Departments summary and decision and went off that alone. They never even considered our side of the argument. None of them had even seen the site so any comments about it were totally out of the blue.

It also transpires that the Council are so deep in debt, that they are even thinking of closing our Leisure Centres and Swimming Pools within the next few months. If they are closing these 'leisure' sites which could make money for them, the flying Club have no chance of having money spent on them. In fact the Chair Person of the Planning Committee actually said to me that the main reason for the refusal was 'the amount of work involved', which probably equates to cost, but the connection to cost has been denied by the Chair of the Planning Committee. Nothing to do with the smoke-screen of hiding behind the "green-belt" guidelines.

We are also having to look for other options within the Oldham boundary, so if any one has any contacts or ideas, then please contact a member of the Committee and we will pursue it with relish and enthusiasm. There are possibilities that we could go back to Peacotes, but this is all in the air at the moment. The Committee are waiting for the Council to come back to us with dates for a meeting to "talk" about it again. We want some action having "talked" for the last seven years.

The Lib. Dem. Councillors who made the final decision have been invited to attend our AGM and tell us what they are going to do for us !! It will be interesting to see how many want to attend and if not, their excuses.

I will keep you posted

Other Club activities.

During the last 2 or 3 months, the Power side (fixed wing) of the Club have taken the opportunities thrown their way from other clubs willing to help us fly in these dire times. Thus they have been to fly at Preston Club, Sale Club and some of the Power fliers even went to North Wales to fly their gliders at the request of that club. It seems that they were flying their ZAGI's off the cliff top and ended up in a 'combat' situation with about 10 or more bashing the living day-lights out of each other. Good stuff this EPP foam. This type of activity seemed to suit the more aggressive fliers amongst us, but it also seemed to include everyone. Are we all that violent ? Buy a ZAGI and find out if you are !! See you on Nonts !!

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