Committee 2024

ChairmanColin BernardRecently retired I have been aeromodelling for over 60 years having been introduced via the KK Flying Scale series, through control line in my teens, then on to R/C via Single Channel, (initially through building MacGregor kits), then Galloping Ghost before reaching the pinnacle of proportional in the 80’s.
My interests are varied from slope and thermal soaring, general sports flying through to scale. Although I have a couple of I/C models, I mainly focus on electric and EDF these days.
Currently I am secreary of Blue Sky Aeromodellers and hopefully can bring some of that committee experience to area.
Career wise, although initially I was a graduate biochemist working in hospital path labs, my career migrated through sales to IT and the final 40 years I worked for both software houses and end users moving from analyst programmer through to project management then more senior levels, mostly for multi-nationals.
I live in North Derbyshire
Vice ChairmanAlf TunnicliffeBorn near Lichfield, Staffordshire in 1938 to the incessant drone of Havards, Ansons and Oxfords as RAF crews were trained during WW2. Alf 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 Alf moved on to be a simple employee in a sheet metal company in Alfreton where he was instrumental in implementing stores control and in view of his past industrial experience took charge of apprentice training and safety.

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

Alf has over the years organised the Midland 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 Kirkby airfield Alf is spoilt for flying....... when he gets the time!
TreasurerTony Black
SecretaryJohn CollisterAfter retiring from a lifetime of teaching Maths I took up the hobby late in life and have become addicted, as I was warned I would.
I now have far more planes than I need, although there is always room for more!
Having already got so much out of the hobby in the short time I have been involved I thought I'd like to put something back so I'm now secretary of the Midland Area for my sins and also hope to become a club examiner in the future.
Education OfficerJohn Sidstaff
Control lineTony Black
Education co-ordinatorJohn Sidsaff
PROChris AndersonSecretary Retford Model Flying Club
Ach Scheme co-ordinatorSteve Mason
WebmasterChris Anderson
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