At the Shoulder of Mutton, Shiney Row, Co. Durham

OFFICERS PRESENT

Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Competition Secretary, Treasurer, PRO

CLUBS REPRESENTED

Hartlepool, Hexham, Chester le Street, Guisborough, Tyne & Wear, Shildon, Tynemouth, Sunderland, NE Helicopters, Cleveland Indoor, Novocastrians, Newcastle Electric, Newcastle MFA, Weardale MGA, Teesside, Blyth, Washington

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Allan Weighell (Fellow)

CORRECTIONS TO OCTOBER MINUTES

In Chairman’s report, the date 10^th Sept should read 10^th Oct

ADOPTION OF MINUTES

PROPOSED: Ray Croucher, Washington

SECONDED: Frank Scullion, Blyth

MATTERS ARISING

None.

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

None.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Mike Bell reported that the licence to use Albermarle in 2005 had been applied for and that he would be requesting the appropriate permissions from Northumbria Police and Castle Morpeth Council during the course of November.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Tom Walker said he had received an invoice for the use of Churchill College for indoor flying.

EDUCATION CO-ORDINATORS REPORT

None.

PRO’S REPORT

None.

DELEGATE’S REPORT

John French reported on behalf of Allan Weighell on the Areas Council meeting held on 3^rd October.

John also reported that Terry Rounce had been approached for advice on the R/C pilots certification requirements for the Geordie Nats. Further discussion on this matter was held back by the Chairman for AOB.

The latest figures on BMFA memberships were 36,790 (36,637 last year) with 700 affiliated clubs (approx 25 increase on last year).

FLYING DISCIPLINE OFFICERS REPORT

FREE FLIGHT

Brian Martin reported on success for Allan Jack in the 6^th Area Centralised on 10^th October. Allan gained first place in F1C Power (Astral Trophy) and 3^rd in Open Glider.

RADIO CONTROL

None

CONTROL LINE

None.

INDOOR

Stuart Shorthouse reported that there is a new booking procedure for Churchill College and a possible hire cost increase (to be confirmed).

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

John French asked if the two control line events not flown at the Northern Gala were eventually run elsewhere. The meeting could not provide a definitive answer.

Terry Bailey gave further details on the advice received regarding the certification requirements for R/C pilots at the Geordie Nats. There are essentially two options:

· Restrict admission to BMFA members only (no family or friends) in which case no certification would be required.

· Allow B cert flyers only, in which case the event could be open to visitors.

It was felt that the first option would be likely to reduce revenue to the point where the event may not be viable. Concerns were raised on the second option by the helicopter flyers as it could have a significant impact on the number of participants in their discipline. The matter will be discussed again at a later date.

The delegates were reminded that the next meeting, December 1^st, would include the Area AGM.

THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50pm

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 1ST 2004

AT THE SHOULDER OF MUTTON, SHINEY ROW, COMMENCING 8.00PM