MEETING 11

 26 September 2006

 As the nights draw in and the chances to see scantily clad lady joggers wobbling past on Woodbridge Road whilst driving into the Club diminish, a sadness further compounded by the apologies received from Mike G and Bob J, such melancholy thoughts were pushed aside with the sight of 25 members in attendance at the Club and almost an equal number of models on the table.  Most impressive to see were our 3 younger visitors: Andrew Lansley brought one of his sons, Josh, along for the first time and we also welcomed Byron, who was mightily impressed with John Shirley’s motorized P-47, and Byron’s Mum, who was doubtless far less impressed with the sad blokes on parade and their Secretary’s vain attempts to stop swearing for 10 minutes in front of the youngsters.  Finally but certainly not least, we welcomed Grant, who entertained some interesting and forthright views (indeed the Secretary had to leave one conversation about ‘Muscle Cars’ due to him not having a clue about what was being said) and who stalwartly stayed with us until almost the end of the evening and would have surely got the next round in had the bar not been about to close!  Another new face to the club was Dave Kellet; although not a new face to SBX, Dave did bring us some of his fine armour along to enjoy – if you like that sort of stuff!  Welcome to you all and it is hoped that our freshest of new faces continue the art-form for many years to come.

 EAMS

 With the EAMS being almost upon us, discussion was held as to the timings of the event and job allocations.  Unfortunately, access to the building cannot be gained on Saturday evening therefore an early start on the Sunday morning will be needed.  Attending members were asked to arrive at 8:00 A.M. on the 1 Oct 06 in order to set up the Hall for the first arrivals at 8:30.  The Chairman had negotiated use of the school tables at 15p each as opposed to a £750 hire charge for collapsible items; thus, an executive decision to do some ‘humping’ was made.

 Signage.          Ian B and Kev B volunteered to place the signage into the Show from Ipswich on Friday night.

 Club Stand.     A disappointing reception was received to help with the Club Stand.  Although not essential to the EAMS, it had been decided that this event would help to ensure that the features on the stand worked and that the ‘balance’ of the stand was correct.  Kelvin E had been most helpful with the initial construction, however, it was left to the same old faces of Robert F and Ian B to step up and assist the Secretary with the final completion and transportation of the stand to the Show.  Hopefully, a satisfactory result will ensue that we can all enjoy.

 Competition.   The Competition Secretary agreed to run an open competition that involved the participating clubs in the judging.  The Secretary undertook to forward modified certificates from the EAMC to the Competition Secretary for use at this event.  Dave P also kindly agreed to sponsor a competition with a prize donation from his shop.

 Door Roster.   It was agreed that members should help run the door roster and that we should again conduct some ‘market research’ as to how people found out about the event in order to target advertising in subsequent years.

Show Profits.  The Bury Club has agreed to hold their profits from the show in abeyance in order to re-invest them in forthcoming shows.  A policy has not been established as to what IPMS Ipswich intends to do with our share of any profits.  It was decided that the respective chairmen will discuss the matter and a report to our Club can then be given and a policy decided.

 Post-show Meal.         It was decided that the Club would subsidise another visit to the Chinese Restaurant in Stowmarket after the Show closed.

 VISIT TO RAF MARHAM

 A date has yet to be decided for the visit to RAF Marham.  As soon as it has been arranged, members will be informed.

 BOXTED SHOW

The Boxted show took place on Saturday and Sunday 9^th & 10^th September.  Overall the stand was well attended and drew lots of attention, particularly on the Sunday (having mostly been attended by straw dust and lots of money spiders due to the strong crosswind on the Saturday – I mean cleaning your models when you put them back in the cabinet, what’s that all about?)  Particularly welcome was the yummy-mummy who declared, “Oooh, look at these” to her charges and then proceeded to bend over and give all the boys an eyeful of splendid cleavage.  As can be seen from the accompanying photograph, John S got thrown straight into the deep-end of the rigours of ‘Show Life’ between the excitement of our various visitors and Kev was pleased to stand corrected from a passing speccy-git private-pilot that his F-100’s underwing tanks were a bit small, always a pleasure!

 Thanks to all those of you who helped out over the weekend.  According to Bob T, who is on the organising committee, the show may not take place next year due to the land having been sold, however, it is hoped that common sense holds sway and the new land-owner continues with this excellent small airshow, some examples of the delights from which are shown here.

    

 BRAMPTON AND BOVINGDON SHOWS

 The Brampton show was held on Sun, 1 Sep 06 and the Secretary was pleased to accept the invitation for the Club to display at the show on the Friday evening before the show!  Fortunately, of the 5 people showing from the Bury Club, 4 of us were Ipswich, therefore we just put both Club signs on the table and honours were even.  Rob F played a blinder by scooping up the prize for the 1/144 scale aircraft with his converted Sea Fury.  Well done!

 LES SAYER – “SINK THE BISMARK”

 Les Sayer, the Telegraphist/Air Gunner on board the first 825 Sqn Swordfish to hit the Bismark with its torpedo, has been in touch with the Secretary to try to finalise a date for him to give a talk about his experiences to the Club.  Unfortunately, due to a pressing hospital appointment, it cannot be confirmed yet as to whether Les can attend the October meeting after having had to cancel the September date.  As soon as a date is confirmed, it will be published.  Les is a great character with a truly incredible story to tell and it is hoped that we can ‘do him proud’ when he comes along to us.  Furthermore, it is hoped that we can arrange for a donation to be made to a suitable charity with any proceeds we make from the evening.

 SMW 06

 The Secretary has confirmed the booking for the Club at the Telford International Hotel.  The rooms are confirmed at £40 pppn based on 2 sharing.  The down side of the rate is that one of the beds is a sofa-bed; however, judging by past experience, sleep is the most transient of pleasures afforded to show-goers, so anywhere that allows one to get one’s head down is a bonus!  The list of models proposed for the stand at SMW 06 is at Annex A. 

 AOB

 Six-Hour Build.  David informed us that he is planning his next 6-hour build for 22nd October 2006.  Watch this space.