Early in 2018 the club’s new Vice-Chairman (Paul Noddle) proposed the idea of a promotional event or two holding them at local supermarkets etc. in the hope of attracting new members; the club (like many others I expect) is suffering from a slowly dwindling number of members. By holding such an event it was, and is, hoped that younger persons having drones or similar may be encouraged to fly in a safe and controlled manner, joining the club (and the BMFA!) in the process.
Paul approached the local Morrison’s in Bridlington and after speaking to the management, a date was agreed – 12th May. One of our newest members (Andy Ward) advised that he may be able to get a banner through a contact and this of course was readily accepted!
A week or so prior to the event, and with communication with members (we have a ‘WhatsApp’ group that a few members partake in) with a few volunteering their assistance and models to display. I contacted BMFA and explained our plans and requested if any leaflets and other promotional material could be made available for which we received a good sized box of various bits and bobs! Thanks go to the girls for sending this through, and shall keep us going for a fair while!
On the day of the event we had two paste tables and a white sheet that covered things nicely, with the club banner (which turned out better than any of us expected!) conveniently secured to a partition behind – our slot was officially from 10.00 to 12.00, though we were set up a bit before with several models on display – Tiger Moth, Spitfire, Red Arrows Hawk, 3D ‘Banshee’, plus a few small models including two small helicopters. Several people came to chat and some thought that due to the (unplanned) amount of RAF marked aircraft that we were collecting for charity what with it being ‘RAF100’ this year!
The stand did get the name of the club out locally and that of the BMFA. Suffice to say, a local Primary School teacher requested that we attend her school for the Year 6’s (10-11 year olds) that are currently studying WW2 and some of the aircraft involved – I am taking my Spitfire along with a fellow members larger scale Me109 and the Tiger Moth for the children to have a look at rather than the small models they have so far only been able to relate to.
Also, we have been invited to put on a display stand at the Bridlington Gala held by Sewerby Cricket Club on 29th July. So the initial idea has already been worthwhile and we hope and intend to conduct other events as and when.
Thanks go to the local members; Paul who instigated the idea and with his Banchee and Polecat, Ray Bull with his Hawk, Peter Cook with his Tiger Moth and Andy Ward bringing an indoor helicopter and organising the banner; all gave up their time that morning. Thanks also Morrisons for allowing us to do this free of charge, and to the BMFA for sending through their promotional material.
Ian Howard
WHMFC Chairman & Treasurer
