Chairman

Wartime teenager, built from Aeromodeller plans, solid scale and free flight rubber driven models. Limited materials, hardwoods, no balsa. Lone flier on local downs, Surrey. Not much success, until built and flew 'Air Cadet' 37.5" span, 12" prop, 1oz rubber (when you could get it).

Called up, Royal Signals, wireless op, 3 years, demob. Married, lived in North Yorkshire, still a 'loner' re model aircraft. Typical models, KK 'Skylon' pylon FF with ED Bee, Ted Evans 'Jaguar' Wakefield, flying wing glider 'Strijkplank', various other models scattered themselves over the Yorkshire moors, RIP.

Moved to Windsor, 1957, Design engineer with Hawker's at Langley. Scaled up a 1/72 Luton Minor drawing in Aeromodeller to 1/6 FS, semi-scale, assisted by DA Russell's 'Design & Construction' book and Ron Warring's data books. ED penny-head 2cc's power gave very good FF performance, thank you Langley airfield. During this period tried CL flying. Finally learnt how not to fall over.

Early ‘60s joined English Electric, Leicester and later on Market Harborough MFC. The membership interests cover all areas of aeromodelling. Flew the Luton through many repairs and rebuilds and a few trees. I still have the bits. Sadly, my model activity declined, until retirement in '92 provided the opportunity to indulge again. Rejoined the 'old' club and another, the LARKS, and began RC activities, glo power and electric. Not a lot of flying skill present by me but lots of enjoyment in good company.

As club delegate to the BMFA I find further interests in helping at model events and encouraging others and the young into our activity.
Other interests: Canals cruising, playing the violin and cello, switching the TV off!

George Maynard

Email

Treasurer and Secretary

Born near Lichfield, Staffordshire in 1938 to the incessant drone of Havards, Ansons and Oxfords as RAF crews were trained during WW2. Recalls well the massive airborne flight of gliders and tugs for Amhem. Initially educated in Chadsmoor Central Secondary Modern School but gained a 2 year scholarship at Cannock Commercial College which resulted in being selected for a 5 year commercial apprenticeship, finishing up as English Electric cheif buyer for Insulating Materials after a two year stint on National Service with the RAF in Cyprus. Married and moved as Insulating Sales Office Manager with a company in Long Eaton, Nottingham. Moved then to Chesterfield to start own business manufacturing hi tech flexible heating products and also the design and manufacture of the internal kitting out and livery of Boeing 737's, DC 9's and HS 125's.

The business closed in 1989 so moved on to be a simpkle employee in a sheet metal company in Alfreton where I was instrumental in implementing stores control and in view my my past industrial experience took charge of apprentice training and safety.

On retiring with partner Margaret I succeeded in a lifelong ambition to learn to play a Cathedral pipe Organ as I have always been devoted to church music of all types. I now teach these skills to several students in Lincolnshire and in addition was voted village church warden to our local 9th century church where we are in the process of restoration of various Victorianparts of the structure.

I have over the years held several posts within the BMFA and organise yearly the Midland Area Festival of Flight held at Barkston in June ably assisted by my other committee members who make this possible. Living just up the road from East Kirkbyh airfield I'm spoilt for flying....... when I get the time!

Achievement Scheme Co-ordinator

Started working life as an apprentice GPO Telephone Enginer.Did two years in the Royal air Force as a Telegraph Mechanic and then resumed employment back with the GPO Telephones as an Equipment Fitter.Climbled through the ranks into management until I retired in 1993 as an Area Manger.

First started Aero Modelling in the late 1940,s and had some of the early ED single channel RC equipment but not to sucssefull.Moved onto Model Yacht Racing and was National Marblehead Champion for 3 years.

Took up Armature Radio and hold a HAM licence to date but have been very inactive for some years know/In 1980 my son took up Kart racing and I became very involved with him in this until  he hung up his leathers in 1993/This is when I came back into Aero Modelling. Joined The Sutton Coldfield Radio Control Aero Club and I am still a member.

Fly both the usual Wot 4 and such like but really enjoy the larger models such as CAP 232 quarter scale etc

For my sins I became the Midland Area ASC some 8 years ago and I am still there.

Education Co-ordinator and PRO

From being a youngster I always had my head in the clouds and loved aeroplanes, at age 12 I had my first flight on an airliner and I was hooked.

Years went by and I served my time in the steelworks to become an electrician, during this time I took up the only full size aviation I could afford - gliding. As a member of Doncaster Gliding Club I went solo after 8 hours and went on to gain a Silver 'C' with well over 1000 hours logged.

Armed with a Silver 'C' I converted to a PPL flying anything from home builts to a Jet Provost again building the hours to over 1100, most of my time spent in G-BGVT a Cessna 182 Retractable.

I had always had an interest in models (aircraft that is) but never knew how to go about learning to fly one. I saw a TV program with Dick Wallinger flying a model helicopter and that set the wheels turning, a short time later I had a Kalt Cyclone and all of the gear. I taught myself to fly. A few years later I became a member of Retford Model Flying Club and then progressed onto fixed wing, became a qualified instructor, examiner and club chairman.

For my sins I'm the edco for Midland Area, I introduced the free trainers for clubs scheme in the Midland Area, this scheme now adopted by the BMFA Nationally. If any clubs or members of Midland Area need any help or advice, please feel free to contact me, if I don't know the answers I will find out what you need to know.

John Bridgett

11 Priory Way,
Lea,
Gainsborough,
Lincolnshire,
DN21-5HF

Tel: 07831-429067

Email