On the Thursday 10th December 2015 the club hosted another “mini” open day for the men from the Moorabool Shire’s Planned Activity Group. The group consisted of older and frail men, and their support staff, from the Aged and disability sector who live within the shire; coming from Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, to the border of Ballarat.
A glorious day was bestowed upon the group by the weather gods, giving us sunny skies, warm temperatures with a gentle cross breeze over the field. A far cry from last year’s conditions which was cold windy and wet; ideal for flying ducks!
There was a good smattering of members turning out on a work day, with 6 all up giving their time, providing the Men’s group with plenty of interest with a variety of aircraft on hand, get up close and see the guys fly.
Member, Gary Sunderland, gave a presentation on early aero modelling with his free flight rubber band powered model which performed brilliantly. Taking off out of his hands and climbing gently, spiralling onwards and upwards toward the sun, catching a thermal, and appearing as if it would continue to climb out of site never to be seen again. Thankfully it came down just beyond the fence line near the trees.
Other members, including Peter, PVA, brought out a small collection of his models, (about 500, it looked like to me) well, not quite, and demonstrated a variety of flying Esky lids, i.e. foamies, included, was a ducted fan model, which had the men’s group fascinated by the technology and variety of models and construction materials that are available now.
The group was enthralled by the display and presentation of aircraft on hand, with some of the group attending last year’s display, were just as excited to see it all again, while those who were seeing it for the first time were completely fascinated. You could see the interest by via the bombarding of Club Members with lots of questions about aeromodelling. Fantastic to see.
Group members were captivated to see and hear displays by Club Member Gary Thiele giving the group an aerobatic display with a petrol powered Yak tearing up the sky, followed by President Michael and Member Ken Mollison, performing some high G force manoeuvrers with their Scanners, while I flew my electric twin around the sky with gay abandonment.
It was a most impressive and successful morning for the group, having experienced aero modelling up front, seeing and hearing model aircraft that went way beyond their expectations.
By lunch time the group left for Stoney's with an indelible impression of a great time put on by B.M.M.A.A. This was evident at lunch as group members continued to rave about what they had seen at the field.
The morning mini display was a great opportunity for the Bacchus Marsh Club to present itself as a very proactive group in the local community, seeking to assist other groups and individuals while promoting the benefits that come from being involved in the sport of aero modelling.
Many, many thanks to all Members who were able to give their time and enthusiasm in making a great day for all who attended, a warm and welcoming occasion for a group of men, who have limited opportunity to engage in social activity and having another successful open day. Let’s try and make it again for 2016.
Thank you all.
Syd Histed