Tonbridge Radio Flyers

 

Email Newsletter from Alastair Ramsay

No: 12/07 – 4^th November 2007   

Club Website: - Tonbridge-flyers.co.uk

 

 

Hello fellow flyers,

 

A Brief update!

 

Further to my Newsletter of last week, there are a couple of issues that need further updating.

 

The first is that we have returned to using the farm for flying but find that for a further couple of weeks the cows will be in each of the fields we normally use.  Generally they stay well out of our way but we should be careful to fly well away from them and shoo them off if necessary.   I am giving this information because I shall be on holiday for the coming week and will be unable to undertake cow herding duties.  When flying in a field containing cows please remember to shut the gate while you are in the field as well as when you leave.  The problem will be short term as the cows will go into the sheds for the winter soon.

 

The second issue concerns proposed changes to the Thermal Winter League which I outlined in the previous Newsletter.  I am grateful to all those who contributed to the debate and can confirm that a clear majority was in favour of continuing with bungee launching.  Despite this outcome many of you recognised that it would be good practice for external competitions if we became used to winch launching.  I will therefore take further soundings during the winter with a view to holding a one – off competition using winches under interclub rules.  The winter league will commence on 18^th November using the same rules as last year with the exception that 2 bungees will be used if there are 10 or more competitors for any particular round.  We will also decide, at the start of the first round, whether to adopt the suggestion of counting the best three flights (out of a planned 4) for each competitor.

 

In the past week we have been able to welcome another new member in Rod Potts.  Rod jumped straight in at the deep end by entering the first round of our Electric League held on Sunday 4^th November.  While on the subject of new members may I apologise for attributing the wrong name to one of our recent acquisitions.  He is of course Colin Paddon (and not Boorman as I had stated).  Sorry Colin!

 

The Winter Electric League got off to a good start on Sunday 4^th November with beautiful weather and a light breeze.  The outcome of the two competitions were as follows:

 

1. The Brushed motor Class was won by Simon Smith with Ken Dean 2^nd and Keith Fisher 3^rd.
2. The’Open’Class was won by myself with Simon Smith 2^nd and David Taylor 3^rd

 

Congratulations to the above on making a good start to the winter season. Full results tables will be posted on the website shortly.

 

After Sunday morning’s competitions, Peter Sainsbury took advantage of the good weather to try out his Stork2 – Pro glider.  He found some good thermals and posted a 27minute 27 second flight to make the first claim for the winter thermal High-Time record.

 

Please note that the Club AGM will take place on Monday 3^rd December 2007 in the Angel Centre, Tonbridge at 8pm.  Keith Miller will be distributing the necessary papers to each of you in the near future.

 

As previously mentioned, I am going on holiday this week but expect to return on Tuesday 13^th November.

 

Best wishes,

 

Alastair Ramsay - Secretary, Silent Flight Section - TRF

(Email: AandJRamsay@aol.com – tel: 01892 534532)