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RAFMAA GLIDING COMPETITIONS ARE DEAD - Or so they seem............... This then brings me onto a little article which may offend some persons. That is not my intention however I feel that a stage has been reached from which I fear there is little chance of return. As an avid glider flyer and RAFMAA member the above statement
grieves me most sorely, never the less it would appear to be true.
With the current state of attendance levels at Slope and Thermal
events I think that we are deluding ourselves if we think these are
competitions. People are being awarded trophies for little more than
turning up on the day. Whilst I sincerely thank those that do attend
I have somewhat different feelings for those who book and fail to
show, usually without notice. I am at somewhat of a loss to know
which way to proceed. The RAFMAA members have unique opportunities
to enter a variety of events, at absolute minimal cost across the
whole modelling spectrum for which some serious and rather expensive
silverware is on offer. These events are invariably run by the
volunteer Competition Secretaries whom I believe whilst enjoying the
actual events are left with a sour taste in the mouth at the lack of
interest or even apathy on display from the general membership. Over
the last year I have raised these points both on the web page and at
various RAFMAA events and the feed back has to date been nil. From
this I can only conclude that the greater majority of members are
only interested in casual or reunion events. Whilst I admit that I
can only speak for the gliding side of the RAFMAA I am also a
frequent entrant in the majority of events run throughout the year
and note that the problem is not restricted to the gliding events. Mr Neil Tricker
RAFMAA Gliding Comp Sec gliding@rafmaa.co.uk
Neil has attempted to stir up some enthusiasm and hopefully a response by offering some personal views of what appears to happening , not just slope events but all competitions within RAFMAA, and I have to agree with him. As some of you may know, I too used to give so much time and effort to organising and running the gliding events for RAFMAA. From time to time, help was at hand with enthusiastic RAFMAA colleagues helping out at the events to keep things moving (many thanks to you all). However, then, as is now, there was always frustrations in having put in so much effort to arrange the events, only to find on some occasions just a handful of people would actually turn up. Other times, we had a really good turn out and lots of fun! Ask some of the RAFMAA Stalwarts what they remember about the slope flying wing event, many a good giggle and such fun. Now, it seems that the good times are almost gone; more often, only a few turn up to fly. So what is the point? There are not many people that offer their time to serving on the committee, let alone pulling together an event. Why not ?.. Yes it is a lot of effort, but it can also be rewarding, I'm not complaining, its just I'm very much concerned for the longevity of the organisation. But hey, I accept that organising events is not everyone's cup of tea so to speak, but for those that do want to make a difference and do volunteer to help out and pour so much energy into pulling together an event it is very disappointing when those that you have made the effort for, can't be bothered to turn up. Yes I know times have changed, with ever more demands on your time from work but if you value your hobby and sport, all we ask is that you support your organisation - RAFMAA. Its not just about competition, improving your skills against the next, but about learning, getting even more from your hobby. And not least, the friends you make. So come on, give us your feedback. Let us know what it is you want from RAFMAA. Have your say. But please, don't let RAFMAA fade away. Tell us what you want from the RAFMAA and the events. Help us Shape the future of your organisation. Get in touch, and lets make the RAFMAA special for you.
Mr Colin Waite,
RAFMAA Newsletter Editor editor@rafmaa.co.uk
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