West Calder Aeromodellers Latest News

Open Day 2008

2008-05-04T20:47:00.003Z

This year's open day will be on Sunday 22nd June from 10:00 until 4:00 PM. Help and advice will be available plus demonstrations.

The club will also be supporting the Peel Primary School Gala Day on Saturday 31st May.

2006 AGM

2006-10-31T21:26:00.000Z

The AGM went smoothly with Jim, Jim & myself being returned as the Committee. I'll send out a full report soon.

The 2006 AGM will be held in the Strathbrock Community Centre, Boxburn,
on Wednesday 22nd November at 7:30 PM (prompt).
(see below for directions)

Prospective members and visitors welcome.

SAA Events Calendar

2006-08-22T20:44:00.000Z

SAA events calendar added to downloads page.

Wind Farm

2006-07-17T09:00:00.000Z

The wind farm has had the go-ahead. Test flights so far indicate it will not be a problem however we need to do more.

Visitors

2006-07-17T08:57:00.000Z

On the 5th August we will be entertaining 3 visitors who want to experience aeromodelling.

Club Meetings - Directions

2006-02-11T10:29:00.000Z

The location is The Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn, West Lothian.

From the North, South and East:
Make your way to Newbridge roundabout
Head West along the A89
At the next roundabout veer right into Broxburn (A899)
At the 5th set of traffic lights / pelican crossings you should be at the Fire Station
Turn left at the next set of lights
Take the first on you right and the centre and entrance is directly in front of you.

From the West:
Either carry on to Newbridge roundabout and follow directions as above

Come off at the Livingston exit
Take the 4th exit heading North
Carry on to the 1st roundabout and take the 3rd exit (A89 to Edinburgh)
At the 3rd set of traffic lights turn Left
(This will take you through a housing estate)
Turn left at the next set of lights (Fire Station is on your right)
Turn left at the first set of lights
Take the first on you right and the centre and entrance is directly in front of you.

If you are temporarily unsure of your location please call me on 07761-645644

Picture here:
http://www.modelclub.org/training_evening.htm

Synthetic Materials for Model Aircraft Construction

2006-01-27T09:15:00.000Z

Article on the use of synthetic materials for model aircraft construction available here:
http://www.tomlaird.com/articles/airfield/airfield_construction.htm

Diary Dates

2006-01-19T20:00:00.000Z

February:
16th Training & Safety Evening, Broxburn
(See below for details)
17th Bring & Buy, East Kilbride club, Centre1

March:
15th or 16th Keep this frequency clear :)
24th. Dumbarton Bring & Buy sale. Dumbuck Hotel, Dumbarton

May:
21st Activity Club's Model Experience Day

June:
3 / 4 Scottish Model Airshow. Castle Kennedy.
17 / 18 Heli Nats, Aberdeen,
17 / 18 Fly-in (Big), Balbedie
17 / 18 Weston Park model Airshow
24 / 25 Wings and Wheels

July:
1/2 Woodsprings

August:
5/6 Woodvale Model Airshow
12/13 Scottish Power Nats Castle Kennedy

September:
3rd SAA Scale Day, West Calder
8 - 15 Viking Race (Slope Soaring), Fife 8 - 15
TBA Leuchars Airshow

December:
3rd - SAA AGM, Whitburn.

2007
The 2007 Jet World masters will take place from Thursday 5th July 2007 - Saturday 14th July 2007 inclusively, in Northern Ireland (NEW)

Evening Meeting (Updated)

2006-01-13T18:08:00.000Z

Training & Safety Evening
Thursday 16th Feb 2006
Strathbrock Partnership Centre
189a West Main Street
Broxburn West Lothian
EH52 5LH

7:30 sharp to 10:00

Multi-map link

This evening is targeted at all SAA members from all clubs. The objective of the evening is to give SAA members the chance to discuss the various safety & training topics with some of the main people involved. As such it should be of interest to pilots of all skills, from those contemplating the hobby, through novices, bronze holders to those training for bronze plus, silver & gold.

There has always been discussions regarding the most efficient and effective way of delivering training to novices. With over 50 clubs in Scotland and probably in the region of 250 Instructors there is probably between 50 and 250 different ways of delivering training. It would be nice to get together and discuss approaches and successes etc.

It is definately NOT to say "This is the correct way" etc, but an evening to hear how other people have implemented training. It may be that if enough people show an interest we can hold an Instructor's Seminar where we can start ot look at common approach, Instructor certification etc. But that's for another night.

The Consistent Delivery of Training by Jim Borland will be a presentation of our training strategy / ground school, and is a very integral part of our training program so we are hoping all members can make it along.

Speakers

Jim Borland
Training Co-coordinator, WCAD
Ken McCormick,
Chairman, SAA
Peter McKenna,
Safety Officer, SAA
Don Imrie FSAA,
Club Liaison Officer, SAA

Agenda

Implementation of SAA Training & Safety Manual
Consistent Delivery of Training
Who trains the trainers?

Short break / training DVD / hands-on with Aerofly Professional Deluxe simulator

Bronze & Bronze Plus - The Advantages
Centres of Excellence

Open Discussion

This event is aimed at prospective flyers, novices, Bronze holders, Silver holders, Gold holders and Instructors.

All Welcome

ADMISSION FREE

For more details see www.modelclub.org or call Tom on 01506-857455 or Jim on 01506-854133

East Kilbride Concours Event and Silent Auction

2006-01-09T17:57:00.000Z

http://www.ekmfc.co.uk/

What's On

Thorntonhall Tennis Club. 7.30PM until 10.00 PM ( There's a link "how to get there" on the location page).
January
6nd	Wood & Adhesive Selection	Bob Todd
13th	Electric Aerobatic Models	Malcolm Harris
20th	Building the Fairey Gannet	Steven Semple
27rd	Mylar Covering Demo	Gordon Price
February
3rd	Aero Engine Balancing	Douglas Collier
10th	Waterplane Design and Flying	Alasdair Sutherland
17th	Concours Event and Silent Auction	Centre One
24th	Dynamic Soaring & Electric R/C Indoor Foamies	Kevin Grant
March
3rd	Indoor Flying	John Ogilvie High, Hamilton
10th	Electric Ducted Fan & Electric Control Line	Douglas Dickie
17th	Basics of Power Radio Control Models	Lindsay Dickie
24th	Dumbarton Bring and Buy	Dumbuck Hotel
April
7th	Model Preparation for Summer	Club

Stolen Equipment

2006-01-03T23:26:00.000Z

Hi,
I've added a new page to the web site:-
http://www.modelclub.org/stolen.htm

cheers

Tom

Farmer's Rent

2005-12-29T10:10:00.000Z

Hi,
Jim & Jim have been up and paid the rent so we are cleared for take-off for another year. The farmer wishes the club well for the forthcoming year.

Once New Year is over we will be in touch regarding a training meeting. Jim (B) is currently arranging a venue.

cheers
Tom

Wind Farm

2005-12-12T22:47:00.000Z

Just to let you know that a test rig has been errected in the forrest, possibly to start measuring wind strength.
Regards
Tom

2005-12-02T14:24:00.000Z

AGM 2005 Report

NOTE THAT THIS REPORT CONTAINS CHANGES TO THE SAFETY CODE. This report constitutes the Minutes from the 2005 AGM. The Committee believe these to be a true record of the evening's proceedings. If you feel otherwise please let me know within the next 14 days, otherwise we will take that as your acceptance. All decisions were effective from the end of the meeting.

Could I take this opportunity to ask for the return of all club equipment to me so I can have an asset register check done.

Prior to the meeting a proposal was received for the termination of the club forum.

Jim McGlynn opened the meeting by thanking everyone who turned up.
Jim advised the members that the AGM had been called by the Secretary as required by the Constitution and was therefore a legally held meeting. A count was taken and 17 members present was enough for a quorum.

Jim outlined the Committees remit and operating guidelines including reporting mechanism and committee meeting strategy:

Operational Framework

Objective:

To allow Committee members to provide the level of service expected by the majority of club members without being subject to continual accusations, abuse and time-wasting.

Remit of the committee:
" To co-ordinate and help implement the objectives set by the members
" To ensure continued tenure of the flying site
" To deal with new membership applications
" To promote the SAA's Safety & Achievement scheme
" To liaise with outside bodies

Obligations
The Committee's legal, moral and social obligations will be as directed by the Scottish Aeromodellers Association

Communication
All communication on club business should be to the club Secretary by Royal Mail for discussion at the next committee meeting. If it falls within the committee's remit then it will be actioned. If not then no further action will be taken. The Committee will not necessarily take action as a result of verbal or e-mail communications including postings on the web site forum.

Committee meetings will be at a frequency commensurate with workload.
Minutes will be posted on the club web site when approved by the Committee.

General running-of-the-club questions can be by (mobile) phone.

Periodic progress reports (expected to be monthly) will be issued by e-mail.

Club Constitution

There are many different explanations depending on which dictionary you use but basically:
noun: law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

Whilst essentially a legal document which governs the running of the club, it must be remembered that it is written and maintained by non-legally trained members and as such cannot be expected to cover all eventualities. Any lawyer could blow holes through it. It is basically a common-sense set of guidelines and should be used as such. Its function is to outline the operating guidelines for the club, give the members protection where required, and give the Committee the authority to act on Member's behalf together with the ability to react to unforeseen circumstances.

Time was tight so it was pretty quickly into the proceedings. Proposals were made and discussion ensued where appropriate in particular the sale of the tractor, grasscutting, farmer's rent and the wind farm.

Since the club was operating without a Treasurer, there was no Treasure’s Report but members had the opportunity to review the financial statements which were on display.

The minutes from the previous AGM were not considered. Although the AGM Agenda had been available for the requisite period, no-one requested them to be added.

Confirmation was given that following a "For" vote on item 1, that anyone not joining during the meeting would need to apply as per the Constitution and would be considered a Probationary member if Proposal 2 was also given a "For" vote.

The following results were recorded:

Constitutional Amendment Proposals
0 Based on a comment made on the forum by Jim Hardie the proposal is that the club is dissolved and operates on an informal basis with 1 person nominated to collect money from the users and pay the farmer Unanimous against
1 That Par 30 & 31 are changed to align with Par 5 For
2 That all new members joining the club forthwith are subject to a 12 months probationary period. Final confirmation of membership will be at the following AGM by majority vote. For
3 No member can be a full voting committee member until he/she has had 2 years (continuous) full membership. For
4 That a joining fee of £40 is payable by all new members. Against
5 That the positions of Member's Rep and Junior Member's Rep are abolished. For
6 The Webmaster will report to the current Committee For
7 That new members are only to be accepted if suitable training arrangements (if applicable) are in place for them. For

Other Proposals:
8 That a sub-committee is put in place to review the Constitution For
9 That a sub-committee is put in place to review the Safety Rules and Regulations For
10 That Tom Laird is put forward for the SAA Examiner course For
11 That authorisation is given to sell electric glider & supporting equipment For
12 That authorisation is given to sell the Yamamoto trainer & supporting equipment For
13 That authorisation is given to sell Mascot & supporting equipment For
14 That 4 members are authorised to sell confectionary and any other suitable goods to raise funds for the club. For
15 That authorisation is given to sell the tractor For
16 That funding is approved for the continued hosting of the web site For
17 That funding is approved for sub-contracted grass cutting (see social night notes). Against - 2 members have volunteered
18 That funding is approved for sub-contracted strimming See 17
19 That funding is approved for sub-contracted weedkilling See 17
20 That funding is approved to pay for the container to be painted inside and outside and to have the floor sealed. For (Max value set at £100)
21 That funding is approved to install a model assembly / work table in each pit bay (£150 for trial installation). 2 tables authorised For (Max value set at £50)
22 That the target for the farmer's rent should be set as £1000 in 3 years time. For
23 That we revert to a strict "Peg Off, Card On" system. For
24 That a Safety Officer is appointed Against
25 That the safety fence be re-instated from the starter box to the pilot's stance. Fence to be screened by bushes on runway side. For
26 That no engines to be started in the pits and the starter tables to be moved closer to the pits area to facilitate. For
27 The pits areas are modified to ensure engine point out the way. N/A - see 26
28 That a lottery grant application is made to install a toilet (sub-committee required). Proposal modified to "That a sub-committee is appointed to carry out a fesibility study including sources of funding. This was with a view to preparing a suitable case for a lottery
grant " For
29 That Paragraph 3 of the Constitution is modified to remove the Secretary, Treasurer/Membership Secretary and Members' Representative/s for 6 months N/A

A proposal was made and carried that a sub-committee is to prepare a Lottery Grant application for the purchase of a ride-on tractor and trailer.

A discussion was held regarding the (tarmac or grass) cross runway. The likelihood of a wind farm was generally accepted as a reason for not investing too much ore money in the site until we know what is happening.

The members were advised that a formal objection to the wind farm had been lodged.

The farmer's rent was authorised at £750

Committee positions are as follows:
Chairman:- Jim McGlynn
VC / Secretary :- Tom Laird
Treasurer:- Jim Borland
Training Co-ordinator:- Jim Borland

John Cunningham was authorised to sell confectionary on behalf of the club.

Jim Borland outlined his plans for a training program and the intention to hold an Instructors / Trainees meeting ASAP to match requirements with provision.

A vote was taken regarding the future of the web site forum. It was a "For" vote to remove it.

Andy Edwards and Dougie Skinner were authorised to review the accounts
Approved by The Committee
2/12/2005
End

Membership Applications / Renewals

2005-12-01T09:08:00.000Z

Hi,
Could you please post any applications / renewals to :
Tom Laird
66 Badger Park
Broxburn
West Lothian
EH52 5GZ

together with a cheque for £60 (or £45 concession / £15 junior).

Please note that for the avoidance of doubt and following last night's AGM, any renewals from this point on are treated as new applications and as such you will be a probationary member for your first year.

br

Tom

AGM Report

2005-12-01T07:23:00.000Z

Hi,
Many thanks for all who came along to the meeting last night. We aim to have a full report completed by Monday morning.

A quick summary is:
Chairman:- Jim McGlynn
VC / Secretary :- Tom Laird
Treasurer:- Jim Borland
Training Co-ordinator:- Jim Borland

In the meantime if you have any club equipment - software, transmitters, models etc, could you please contact me on 07761-645644 or e-mail to tom.laird@wolfsonmicro.com as we would like to do an asset register check.

Could I take this opportunity to draw your attention to the "Gallery" on the main web site.

BR

Tom

Wind Farm

2005-11-29T20:15:00.000Z

Letter of objection sent today to planning office. Letter outlined replacement cost of flying site and difficulty in finding a site.

Training Co-ordinator

2005-11-25T16:34:00.000Z

I am very pleased to say that Jim Borland has volunteered to take on the role of Training Co-ordinator. As soon as we can get an Instructor's Meeting arranged, we will issue details of the Winter Training Program.

The Wind Farm

2005-11-25T16:32:00.000Z

On the wind farm front the farmer thinks it will be about 5 years away as the airport's radar cannot see through the rotating blades. We did not persue the topic as a result of the fire.

Pre AGM Report

2005-11-25T16:30:00.000Z

The pre-AGM strategy and review meeting with the farmer tonight went like a house on fire. Well, more like a tractor on fire. Discussions were nearing a close when Mathew announced he thought he could see a fire in the yard. We traped oput to find his £35000 tractor ablaze. Jim cemented his relations with the farmer by getting the fire out before the Fire Brigade arrived.

Actually, Mattew was pretty lucky just to lose the tractor. It was right up against the barn and if the wind had been blowing the other way, it would have been bye-bye-barn, along with the cattle and silage.