Latest News

It is with great sadness that we report to the model flying fraternity of the last take off, by one of our most vibrant club members, Jack Williams who sadly passed away in the early hours of Saturday 27th February 2010.

Jack was a lifelong aero-modeller, having flown his first model at the tender age of just 11 years. In his youth whilst living in Leatherhead, he became one of the founder members of the Epsom Radio Flying Club. Later he moved to Dorset where he and Mr Peter Ardale formed a venture making kits and foam wings.

In 1976 Jack met his soon to be bride, Sheila. Then in May 1977 the happy couple were joined together for just short of 33 years, of marital bliss. Whilst Jack and Sheila did not have any children together, Sheila’s Daughter Sandra and Grandson Sean were the apple of his eye, Jack adored them both, especially his Grandson.

In 1987 Jack and his family moved to West Pinchbeck, Spalding and joined the Bourne Model Club, and in 1994 moved again to Quadring, Spalding. We at Fenland Model Flying Club have had the pleasure of Jack’s membership for the last 14 years.

Jack’s life was model flying, with him designing and building numerous model aircraft both single and multi-engine. It was a pleasure to see some of Jack’s creations brought to the field for their test flights. Some with great success and some not quite so successful! Jack had his own way of doing things and would spend hours at the field treating us all to his life stories, what great times these were.

To Jack’s Wife Sheila, Daughter Sandra and Grandson Sean, we, the members of the Fenland Model Flying Club, offer our deepest and most sincere regret for your loss. Jack will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Martin Fairchild. Saftey Officer, FMFC.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of our good friend and fellow aeromodeller, Keith Williams who passed away in the early hours of Sunday 20th December.

Keith, a lifelong aeromodeller, had been a member of the Bromsgrove Model Club and was a club instructor and BMFA fixed wing examiner. He became quite an expert on model aircraft engines but in the mid 70’s his interest turned more to gliding. He was a founder member of the Clent Soaring Association which was formed in 1977 and served many terms on the CSA Committee.

After he retired early from the motor industry, and ably assisted by his wife Linda, he built up and small and successful aero modelling business building both one-off bespoke models and a range of ready to fly trainers. Countless beginners started with his ‘Orange Box’ and later with its derivatives the 72″ and 100″ ‘Samurai’ models which sold in hundreds throughout the West Midlands.

He was a quiet, even tempered man and these were great qualities for an instructor and examiner; he could always be relied on to help others with solid advice on building and flying based on his background as a qualified engineer.

Keith’s selfless desire to help and support others extended to his other passion, rugby. He had played at university and in the army before playing for Birmingham RFC and later for Bromsgrove RFC and devoted a large portion of his free time to training the club’s junior teams.

To Keith’s wife Linda and his two sons, Gareth and David we send them our deepest sympathy in their loss.

John Davies
Chairman, Clent Soaring Association

It is with great regret that we find ourselves mourning the passing of one of our founder members after a long battle with his health. Ivan had been a member of Wirral Radio Control Flying Society (WRCFS) since its inception in 1963. As such a long term member of the Society, he is much missed by all his friends and fellow aviators at the Society.

Ivan’s model flying interests spanned both powered flight and electric models. He was also a member of Chester Model Flying Club who specialise in flying electric models.

Ivan put a great deal back into our hobby; he represented WRCFS on the Northern Area Committee of the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) and had served our Society as a committee member for many years, including spells as Treasurer and Competition Secretary.

His interests spread beyond model aviation though; he was a flag bearer for the RAF Association (RAFA), based at Oxton and regularly played his part at functions and civic occasions. His membership of the RAFA followed his National Service in the RAF following which he went on to specialise in electronics as a lecturer at Carlett Park College.

Our sympathy and sincere condolences go to all Ivan’s friends and family but especially to his lady, Edith.

Rest In Peace Ivan.

Colin Martin
Chairman
WRCFS

It is with regret that I have to report the passing of Courtney Corner, Jack to most of the members of Portsmouth and District MAC. He was a long time modeller and held the position of Honorary President to our club for many years.
Jack had a full life, he spent time in Burma during WW2 in the Artillery, and his tales of things that went bang were very interesting. In civilian life he was a Civil Servant.
He was a true gentleman, and is greatly missed.

Mike Matthews
Secretary of Portsmouth and District MAC

It is with deep regret that we mourn the passing of one of the clubs founding members, Harry Browne. Harry passed away suddenly in hospital.
Harry was a modeller for many years, first at the Ulster Model Aircraft Club, then later became a member of Langford Model Aviation when the club was formed in 1995.
Harry was a very strong competitor in the club 20 Pylon racing class, very popular in UMAC in the late 70’s, early 80’s. He was the first person to experiment with i.c. ducted fan models in Northern Ireland, and flew these as his everyday model at a time when most modellers only flew them on special occassions. Later Harry was to be among the first modellers to fly turbine power models in Northern Ireland.
Harry was a very experienced builder and was always able to offer assistance and advice when another club mate had a problem.
Harry will be greatly missed by all of us within the club and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Peter Carson
Secretary – Langford Model Aviation