GMC Fun Day 2005

This year's GMC Fun Day as not looking too promising at one point, but after a bit of rallying, we put on one hell of a show.  We've got a few ideas on how to improve for next year, including a date change to accommodate more people, as August is typically summer holiday time.

Anyways, back to this year we had one flying guest from Jersey, Simon Barr, as others were away to places such as the World Championships in France one week later!  Glad you could make it Simon.

One of the highlights was Thomas flying Andy's 2.6m Extra.  I'm sure you'll be able to tell by looking at the photos, that he's certainly not scared of the plane.  I was scared taking the photos though.  At one point I was stood underneath it, while it was tailsliding toward the runway.  When it passed between Thomas and myself I took the camera from my eye, and it made me jump it was that close to me!

Superb.

Unfortunately we lost a Magnum during the duet slot, with radio failure believed to be the problem.  At least the motor was saved, but only after a trip back in a fishing boat.  It went quite a long way...well, it would do travelling at 200mph!

The other main casualty of the afternoon was Mick's arrow tiger, suffering a mid-air during the Streamer Chop. With a gaping hole in one wing, a broken prop, the battery hanging out the side and the front of the fuselage as you see it here including loose firewall, he still managed to land it on the runway, after doing a go-around as well.  Incredible!!

Here are a few of the lucky winners in the raffle:

David Forster, a guy I work with, had an interest in model flying a while ago, but never bought a plane.  Luckiest guy in the world, he had the pick of the prizes as his number was first out.  Jammy Bugger.  Not sure about that shirt though?!?!?

Rick Coumbe, choosing a Shocky kit with everything needed to get it in the air.  Then his number came out again, and he had the choice of a meal for two at  The Fregate, or 3 flights on a Buddy Box with the club trainer.  Wise man chose the meal. 

Dan de la Mare, with a Graupner Bell 47 Twister indoor helicopter thingy.  The man was so happy he nearly cried!!  Thanks to everyone who donated toward the raffle.

I also have to do a few other thanks as well.  Thanks to Carl for putting on a display of kits he has for sale, thanks to all the guys who sold raffle tickets, thanks to the commentators Colin Rouillard, Nick Brehaut and Andy Best, hanks to Nick Brehaut for acting as safety officer, thanks to the guys that flew or worked with the Buddy Box Trainers, thanks to the members who bought planes down just for the (excellent) static display, thanks to all who helped during week leading up to the show working on the site, and thanks of course to all the pilots who flew on the day.  Thanks.