Have you visited our forum page ?

 Have you visited our Forum page ? 

Hints tips and build blogs, jokes videos and club discussions Wanted and For Sale adds . well worth a visit  at ; http://forum.medwaymfc.org.uk/

To post on the forum  you will have to register with Alistair .This is to avoid spammers getting onto the site 

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas

 Hi everyone . I hope you all had a happy Christmas as best you could 

The NewYears Day fly-in wont be happening due to the Covid restriction.

I hope you all have a happy , Heal;thy and safe new year.

and we can soon all meet up for a fly and a chat.


Phil

Tier 4 Lock-down Field Closed

Tier 4 Lockdown 

As per title we are now into a tier 4 lockdown . This will prohibit any flying at our field as it only permits meeting one other person in a public space . The rules also say "Behave as if you have Covid and stay indoors " with a few exceptions. flying our models are not included in the exceptions .

So until advised to the contrary the field will be closed .

Stay well and keep safe .


Bottom gate left unlocked AGIAN.

 Bottom gate found unlocked AGAIN .

Yesterday Sat 12th December

Please make sure you lock BOTH gates if you are the last one out .

Its very  simple  for whoever is having difficulty understanding whats needed follow the picture guide as follows ;

This is an unlocked gate . This what you do when you arrive so that you can get into the field  .You will notice that padlock is un-done  with the key provided and the gates can be opened . 


Here  below you will see that the Padlock is locked and that the gates are closed and locked .This is what you are required to do  when you are the last one to leave the field .


All of the above is silly and un-necessary ? yes I agree so whoever it is leaving the gates unlocked 
start locking them . 

The field is too muddy for cars ....Even yours

 Hi all . As per tittle the field is no to muddy for cars to drive on . 

Please park on the track near the gate .

If you get your car stuck there is no help, your on your own and then you will have to repair the damaged grass .


Thanks 

your Committee


Field re-opening Thursday 3rd December inline with Government guidelines

 Hello All MMFC members .

Our flying field will be re-opening on the 3rd of December in line with government guide lines .

You should all have received an email from our club Sec re the the Covid Secure rules .
In case you have not received the e-mail then the main points are.

1, If you feel at all unwell DONT come to the field . STAY AT HOME.

2,Track and Trace . Everyone must email or text Martin when the arrive and when they leave the site .Please do this individually to avoid overlaps .

3, No more than 6 people in the pits .keep your distance from other flyers and one one person per table .

4, Toilet will be closed unless a Committee member is present to make sure its disinfected EVERY time its used including the door lock .

5,Please use common sense and keep your distance if waiting to fly and dont be a Peg Hog and fly for long periods if ther are others waiting to fly.

6, Make sure that BOTH gates are Locked when you leave (last person leaving)

The government keep using the phrase "Rule of six" This means from the same household or support bubble and NOT the same club 😀

Keep well Keep safe and keep your distance .

Phil

And now for something completely different !

 Not really . Its that time of year again to start thinking about subs.


Subs , BMFA and your CAA are all due for renewal at the end of December /beginning of January.

although some of you may have already renewed your CAA .

Club subs and BMFA fees remain unchanged for 2021 
Clubs Subs Senior £61 Junior £10 .
BMFA Senior £38 Junior £17 
CAA registration fee £9

Can I ask that if at all possible that you pay your subs etc via bank transfer . cash as a last resort.
it not funny standing in a queue outside a bank with a lot of cash and nobs who wont wear a mask brushing past so transfer if possible please.
Contact either Martin or myself for transfer details  you will also need your Club number on the paying in details . Its on the Club card you were given when you joined  or you can contact me for it.

Please pay as soon as possible as we still have to pay the clubs bills etc and if left too long a re-joining fee of £35 WILL be levied this year. If you really cant afford to pay then contact me in confidence .

And Now For Something Completely Different !


Stay well and safe 

Phil


Using field in lock-down was it you ?


 It appears that someone has used the field since Lock-down started or left gates open on Wednesday afternoon/evening before lock-down . 

Last notification for track and trace was mid day Wednesday and confirmed gate was locked .

If anyone has used the field since  then  1. they haven't used track and trace and 2. have broken the no flying in lock-down rule . 

I'm sure that most of us take take the pandemic seriously and are obeying the rules but obviously not all of us .  Many of our members have health issues and need to take care with the Covid issue hence the track and trace set up . Text or e-mail  Martin when you attend the field  at; martinwatson@btinteret.com  or text on ; 07770055709

It serious so if you cant go for a month without flying your model then you really need to find somewhere else to fly as MMFC has no space for you . Locking the  gate is also serious as we don't want to go to the field after lock-down and find a white mobile town there. Again if you cant be bothered to lock the gate or its too much trouble --- go fly somewhere else . 

We value our friends and members and our field so please look after them .


Field closed again due to Lock-down


 Hi all . MMFC flying site is now closed until further notice due to Covid Lock-Down.

Hopefully it will open again on Dec 2nd but will have to wait and see . Please be patient and keep safe and well.


Regards

Phil

Obituary: Reg Bell

 I have the sad news that Reg Bell who many of the club new past away on the 15th of October

Reg was very quiet helpful member of the club who in the past enjoyed representing the club at glider competitions. Reg still enjoyed his gliders and also enjoyed a scale model.

Reg was a member of MMFC for many years apart from a short break a few years ago and always attended any club function or work parties when he possibly could .

I often met Reg during the week when cutting the patch and would always give a hand by taking away the cutting .

Reg will be missed in the club . Our thoughts are with his family and his wife Yvonne.





Reg Bell 

Gone Flying Forever

I will post any other information if I receive any 

Obituary ; Steve Grimes

I have just had the sad news , 25th September , that another of our long time members Steve Grimes passed away this morning in Pembury hospital . He had been admitted after a fall at home
Our Thought are with his partner Judith .
I will add more details as soon as I get them .
Phil
Steve Grimes 
____    -  -   :  25-09-2020
 Gone Flying Forever 

NEW REGS RE COVID AND FLYING AT MMFC

 NEW REGS RE COVID AND FLYING at MMFC

Firstly and most importantly If you feel unwell in any way DONT come to the flying field and risk spreading anything to your club mates . Stay away until you are sure that its not Covid or until you have isolated for the required time .

Members of MMFC please read and digest the e-mail that Ade will be sending around to you shortly. No details in this message for obvious reasons.
To operate within the new regulations we have prepared a risk assessment and are currently organising a method of track and trace for your visits to the field . This will involve texting or emailing one of our committee members , simply stating your Name and time you arrived and left the field . this will be kept for 21 day in accordance with the regs .
You will get all the details ,phone number and e-mail address in an e-mail shortly . Anyone NOT receiving them within the next couple of days then please contact me or one of the committee for further details . Please co-operate with this and help ensure that flying can continue at MMFC relatively easily without having to book a slot which we are trying to avoid if possible
As from today 14th Sept the toilet will be closed for weekdays and only available on weekends when a committee member will be available to make sure that the appropriate disinfecting has been done . Please bear with us on this as its difficult to get all members singing the same words .
By following the rules Ade will set out then we will be able to keep flying throughout the restrictions unless they are tightened even more then we will review and advise accordingly .
Thanks in advance for your co-operation in these difficult times.
Phil

Lock on the main gates AGAIN

 Hello everyone . Gate at the field was found not locked properly Yesterday morning .

Its really not difficult . Make sure the big silver  twin padlock adapter that allows Two Padlocks to be used for different keys is through the gate hasp and in Locked position THEN insert our padlock and lock it . Make sure that the adapter is still locked . Simple .

If anyone really cant work it out we can arrange tuition at one of our  Padlock Locking Classes  for them .


Why am I the only one using this forum ? does anyone read anything on here ?   

HELLO <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<  silence 💭

Swap-meet Sunday 27th September NOW CANCELLED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTION

Swap-Meet Cancelled due to Covid Restriction
Sorry for any disappointment and hope to reorganise next spring 
see you all then 
MMFC




Reminder about locking gates

Reminder about locking gates 





Just a reminder about locking the gate at flying field . 

If the double lock adapter  is too difficult for you to work out  then please ask and you will be given tuition ! If you are the last one out then its your responsibility to make sure that the gates are locked . Sorry about moaning AGAIN but gates found open on Tuesday morning. It may have been the solar farm maintenance people and they may have still been on site ; its difficult to see them apart from when they arrive or leave .

Just in case it was one of our members 
MAKE SURE THE SITE IS LOCKED UP IF YOU ARE THE LAST TO LEAVE

Committee

Double lock back on main gate

 Hi all. As per title the double lock is back on the main  gate . Please make sure that when you lock the gate it done using  the two lock adapter.and not just with our padlock . This is important as UK Power need access to the site . UK Power have replaced the twin-lock adapter that went missing during the Covid  lock-down .
I have fitted a chain to the adapter so that , hopefully it wont go missing again .
Phil

Port-a-Loo back in action

The Port-A-Loo is back in action


The port-a-loo has been serviced and is back in action after the covid  close down . 
There is a spray bottle of disinfectant to spray the flush handle with or any splashes ( gents get a bit closer --it not as long as you think 😉) No prizes for getting a bullseye when aiming .

There is also hand sanitiser supplied . 

Please only use the tissue supplied as the service man get a bit annoyed if tissues etc block his machine when servicing the toilet.

If you cant remember the lock combination then contact me or one of the committee .

Thanks 

Phil

Cox engine paraphernalia.

Has anyone found  a box of Cox engine starting paraphernalia ?

Possibly left at our field . Box is an  old plastic ice cream box .

Any help pleas call me 

Phil

Anyone know who this belongs too !

Hello Everyone . Sorry but another moan 


The wreckage of a model,pictured below ,was recently found in our field dumped in the hedge near our shed , If anyone knows who the owner might be please have a chat with me the next time we meet. I have checked for any identification marks but cant find any . As you all know leaving any rubbish at the field is against club policy and the culprit if found will be dealt with by the committee. 


Thanks 

Phil

Make sure gates are locked if your the last to leave the field

Make sure you lock both gates if you are the last to leave the field .

Last Saturday afternoon the gates were found left unlocked and Sunday afternoon the padlock was found locked onto the second gate and NOT the bolt hasp making it easier to break open .

 IF YOU ARE THE LAST PERSON TO LEAVE THE FIELD

its you responsibility to make sure that the gates are locked properly .



Re-opening the flying field and Covid field rules

As per the previous update , the field will be open from this weekend provided the gov do not add any restriction that affect us .

 IMPORTANT Covid 19 field rules PLEASE READ
If you feel at all unwell please don't come to the field or  go home straight away
No toilet/portaloo is available during the  present restrictions.


Members are responsible for supplying their own hand sanitiser /hand wipes etc. Please take used wipes etc home with you together with ANY other refuse.  Wearing of masks. gloves etc  is optional.
Please be thoughtful if pilots are waiting to fly. ie; don’t fit 2 gallon fuel tanks !! and fly for hours . Remember the peg hog of yesteryear ?
1.. Members must sanitise hands after opening or closing gates to the field . Usual opening and closing of gates apply ie; Top gate closed at all times. Last one out makes sure ALL gates are locked.
2…Only two pilots to fly on flight-line at any time.  Pilots must keep 3 meters apart . One pilot per pilot box or two if they come from the same household.
3… Members waiting to fly must wait in or by their cars in parking area along fence. No cars in pit area after unloading gear. 
4… Only models that can be flown / started/operated by one person to be used at the field . If a helper is required then model cannot be flown. This includes the  flying of FPV models with a competent observer unless observer is from the same household.
5… No flying whatsoever while any grass cutting or field maintenance is being performed.
6… Training or use of buddy leads. A tricky one. Buddy Leads must be long enough to allow two meter separation for pilots or radio link buddy system used. This could be counted as one pilot box but pilots MUST still keep their appropriate distance.
7… Test flying other members models. This should be only be done if really needed and field conditions allow ie; no pilots queuing up and waiting to fly. Gloves should be worn and hand over of Tx should be done using social distancing. Gloves should be sanitised after handing back Tx etc.
8… No visitors on the field unless from same household then one visitor allowed 
9…Children on the field.  Only children old enough to be able to understand social distancing will be allowed.
10… Control line circle. This can be used in addition to the two pilots on the flight line for the hovering of quads or small helicopters. Anything more than hovering at low altitude then pilots will wait their turn and go to the main flight-line.
11… Any member who deliberately does not comply with these rules may risk losing their club membership
12… The committee reserve the right to close the field without notice if the Covid emergency rules require it.

PS. Please be sensible and if field is crowded which is unlikely please do not hang around but go home and cone back later

PPS sorry its a bit like reading "War and Peace " but all content is needed .
MMFC Committee

Hello everyone . Just to let you know Our committee are discussing options for opening the field after the next Government review providing they don't close things down again. 

If we can go ahead and open up there will be some strict field  rules to adhere to re social distancing sanitising etc . It wont be like the club was before Covid 19 hit us for some time but lets make it work . I will put some notices on the gate and the shed with new rules and Ade will send them out vie e-mail 

Until then please be patient .
 We want to go flying as well 

Don' take any notice of other forum sites of whether we are open or not . Read it hear , contact me or a committee member or wait until you get an e-mail .

MMFC field to remain closed until further notice

The Medway Model Flying Club's flying field is to remain closed.Until next Government  review.

PLEASE READ ON 


Due to the complexity of the restrictions on gatherings of more than two people , your committee like many other club committees have made the hard decision to keep the field closed for another three weeks until the government reviews the situation on social distancing etc.



Please help us by sharing this with any club member you know.

Paul would not let a mere pandemic stop him flying ! Does this give a new meaning to round the pile flying?

Heading picture :-)

Heading Picture (memories)

 Just looking at the heading pics and it brings home just how much our lives have been changed in the past few months ! I hope everyone is keeping well, keeping busy and applauding the vital workers on Thursday evenings ? 


Keep well, Keep safe and Keep your distance .

Phil

Our Flying field is still closed

Hi everyone . I visited the field yesterday for a security check as its near enough to come under exercise !  I was disappointed  to see car track in the grass leading to the pit area . The tracks looked recent . So to whom it may concern the field is closed until further notice in line with government lock-down regs . Please don't bring our club into disrepute by ignoring the rules set out to help our already over stretched NHS. 

other items to report : 
The double lock on the main gate has gone missing probably due to the solar-farm personnel as they have been using the gates far more than us since lock-down .
The small pedestrian gate has been badly bent by some moron .
Finally the grass hasn't grown too much so we should be able to get it back in shape reasonably quickly when restrictions are lifted .

That's all folks 

Hope to see you all in the not too distant future .
Phil

Local model shops are still trading

No need to go crazy with boredom , you can still buy a kit or a supply of balsa or bits to keep amused while the lock down is in place .

 I have just spoken to Justin at Rapid Rc , June at Weston Uk and Mark at Model world 



They are still open for business although NOT for personal shoppers/callers . 
(no entry into premises) 
Items can still be bought   Online , via Phone ,orders can be taken and paid for over the phone and posted or self collection if you passing  while on an essential journey( Gov rule re essential journeys ) . Model World are  doing local deliveries while they can . Collection and delivery is likely to change or be stopped under the emergency laws being rolled out..

Keep well, keep safe and keep you distance :-)

Phil

Covid-19 NEW RESTRICTIONS ON MOVEMENT

COVID -19 NEW RESTRICTION ON MOVEMENT 


As you are probably aware by now the government has increased its response to the Covid-19 threat to a near lock-down as of yesterday evening 23/3 .


We at MMFC  now have  close the field for model flying until further notice . Saying its you daily exercise or essential business etc wont really wash with an angry masked up police officer so please stay at home and stay safe and help the NHS to cope .

The BMFA latest update IMO just confuses the issue as  a simple "Stay at home unless its essential in line with Gov directive" would suffice.

I hope you all stay safe and well , that includes not breathing in too much balsa dust and cyano fumes , cough cough ,its different type of cough honest !;from your latest creation . Try and keep occupied as best you can and free  plans can be found at ;  www.outerzone.co.uk  and probably more sites .
If you are in contact with any other members please inform them of the field  closure .


Finally Anyone who has not paid their subs yet for 2020 can you please do so. A rejoining fee of £35 will be payable from the end of March If you have not contacted me . Despite the lock-down we still have to pay the lease on the field etc so please speak to me /e-mail me  

If you  want to deliver you subs to me at my home please make sure all of your details are included and are in a sealed envelope .

I will for the duration of this lock-down accept PayPal for payment but do make sure you gift it to avoid paying PayPal fees . ring me for details
.

If you DO NOT  intend to rejoin MMFC then please be good enough let me know and return your key.


I will be isolating for the near future due to underlying health issues. Please feel free to call or e-mail  re any queries about building/covering/engines etc and help keep me sane :-)

Until we meet again keep safe and well .Please  do keep in touch on  here or via  the clubs Forum at;

Regards

Phil
Chairman MMFC

CLUB DINNER POSTPONED

It is with regret that the Club Dinner to be held at the Tudor Rose on Friday 27th March is being postponed to a date in the future, to be arranged.

The effect of the Covid19 pandemic is growing and the government advice will soon be to cancel gatherings and the real fears of those amongst us who will be vulnerable to the effects of the disease means that we really have no alternative.

Let us hope that we, after having seeing this through, can look at a get-together later in the summer.

Stay well, everyone.

Gary Stammers


At Last The Spring Club Dinner

Friday March 27th 2020 . 7.30 for 8.00 pm

Being held at the Tudor Rose Pub and Restaurant 

Chestnut Street, Sittingbourne , Kent ME9 8BT

Please let me know how many places you want to book as soon as possible 

Menu to follow by e-mail and club website

Gary Stammers-- gstammers52@gmail.com

07910958008 or 01634 305277


Hi all. Just to confirm that the field is still waterlogged . No cars please in the field.
Also be aware that any foot traffic in the pit area will churn up[ the field as its extremely soft and muddy . Your help will be greatly appreciated  until the field dries out a bit .

MMFC Committee


Norman Jackson

Its My sad duty to inform you that Norman Jackson  (Ginge to his mates ) passed away on Sunday 2nd Feb 
Norman was a long time member of MMFC joining the club back in its early days . He was a regular flyer at the "Retired Flyers Afternoons " held every Wednesday at our Stickfast lane site . And attended most weekends with his Vintage style models . In latter years he had to give up flying due to poor eye-sight but always kept contact with the club. He regularly attended the monthly club meetings , hardly ever missing one and enjoyed a pint and a chat with his mates . He was a quiet and polite man and will be missed  .


Norman pictured here at one of our Christmas club meetings at the Scout hut at Rainham that some of you may remember.

Norman Jackson 

Gone flying forever
2nd February 2020

 FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

We now have finalised the arrangements for dad's funeral.  It will be on Tuesday 3rd March at 2pm at Garden of England Crematorium,  Bobbing, Sheppey Way, Sittingbourne,  Kent  ME9 8GZ and afterwards at The Smallholders Club, 2 Springvale, Wigmore, Gillingham,  Kent ME8 0JG
If you wish, floral tributes would be welcomed or a cheque donation to The British Heart Foundation would be welcomed, c/o John Weir, 130-132 high street, Rainham, Kent ME88AR 

Please can you pass this message on to anyone who may be interested in attending. Please can you let me know numbers.

Kinda regards,

Linda Elsey
(Norman's daughter)



As the pic says Due to reasons beyond our control the indoor meeting for March has had to be put back one week to Sunday the 15th of March
Hope to see all of our regulars and any newcomers 
on the 15th

February remains un-changed  on Sunday  9th.

To all MMFC Members .

If you have paid your Membership and BMFA  please ignore this message. If you have not renewed yet then READ ON.

Following a visit to our site last Sunday I noticed some members who had been flying and as yet have not paid their subs or BMFA fee . They left before I could speak to them . Looking through our list I see that their are a few members who have not paid subs or BMFA yet. While I understand that its an expensive time of year , no member can fly un-insured at our club or our indoor meetings .

Please do NOT fly any model at MMFC site , Indoor meeting or any other site until you have renewed your BMFA membership.

If you are having problems paying then please contact me to arrange payment of subs  but do not fly any model until you have paid the BMFA membership as you will not have any insurance .

MMFC Committee

Hi Everyone don't forget Indoor flying tomorrow at Medway Park leisure center Gillingham 
ME7 1HF.

Starts at 10am finishes at 3pm . £7-50 to fly £1 to spectate 

All profits go to the kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance .

Free bring and buy table . Just make a small donation to the AA if you sell an item .



For more information call Ade on 01622204641 or Phil 01795-476535