The NDMAC Member Handbook was revised in January 2018

NDMAC Members Handbook

MAN OF THE YEAR

 KEITH VOTED OUR 'MAN OF THE YEAR' 2017

THIS YEAR'S CHRISTMAS DINNER WAS HELD AT A LOCAL BANGOR RESTAURANT

The event was very well attended with eighteen members partaking of the traditional Xmas fare.  Sadly, two lads had to miss out due to illness.

At the next table	And finally........'Merry Christmas'

BARRY ASPINALL

AT THE CLUB'S ANNUAL DINNER WE WERE DELIGHTED TO PRESENT BARRY WITH AN ENGRAVED PLAQUE TO MARK HIS OVER 40-YEARS MEMBERSHIP OF NDMAC.

The 'Prof' officiated as Master of Ceremonies

Barry was visibly touched as he examined the plaque

Barry was further gifted with a dinner voucher (for two!!) to a popular Bangor restaurant.  It was pointed out that the restaurant is not licenced.  Noticing a slight look of anxiety on Barry's face, a further gift was produced from under the table;  two bottles of vino for Barry and friend to enjoy with their meal!

Peter thanked Barry for his many years of service to the club, most recently as chairman, and wished him all good health and many more years on the flight line.

TD43

OUR LAST SPLASH-IN OF THE YEAR SAW A GOOD TURN OUT OF PILOTS AND PLANES

Seldom are we favoured with calm weather but today was the exception.  Windspeeds between 0 & 3 mph!  The water was flat calm as you can see in the photograph.

'Rescue ONE' and its trailer are now in storage until spring, next year.

Stephen form UMAC joined in the activities with his squadron of 4-water planes and his r/c rescue boat, 'Little Toot'. 

An overview of the Lough by 'Snapper Martin':

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmEbJMhe2dI

All-in-all, a wonderful day's flying.

TD43

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUToPmVZ2e8

IT'S BEEN SAID;

"IF YOU'RE PRONE TO CRYING, DON'T GO FLYING"

MTK and Bill put on a brave face

Another one bites the dust

A sad end to a long serving 'Sedona'

A VERY BIG WELCOME TO STEPHEN WHO HAS APPLIED FOR MEMBERSHIP OF NDMAC

Stephen is new to the sport and had his maiden flight on Saturday past. 

A skilled modeller, he has scratch built many model boats and professes to be a tad nervous about flying planes.  Aren't we all !!!

If his maiden flight is anything to go by, it'll not be too long before he masters the art.

Welcome to the squad Stephen.

TD43

IF YOU ARE A BIT SQUEEMISH  -   LOOK AWAY NOW

Endeavouring to start a 55cc petrol plane which was not correctly restrained resulted in the pilot being attacked by a very sharp G-Sonic propellor.

A moment's lack of concentration and this is what happened

The tendons in two fingers were severed and the tip of the little finger was all but chopped off. 

The pilot was wearing a glove for protection but it was no match for a powerful engine and a sharp propellor.

Upon a visit to A & E at the Ulster, plastic surgery was quickly organised.  That involved joining the tendons together in two fingers and resetting fragmented bone pieces in the little finger.  One and a half hours in theatre.

A big thank you to the NHS for the wonderful care provided and to the surgeon who was a 'dab hand' with her needle and thread.

TD43

(Out of action for at least six weeks!)

IT WAS WITH DEEP SADNESS THAT WE LEARNED OF THE DEATH OF JIM

1937 - 2017

Jim was a long standing member of the North Down Model Aircraft Club.   I am advised that he passed away peacefully in hospital, on Thursday 31st August after a long illness.

Jim is survived by his sister Bertha, his two brothers, Hugh and Wesley and his 'best friend' Jimmy.

Jim spent his early days at sea and would often recall to us some of his exploits and adventures on the high seas. 

As a young lad Jim served on board a Kelly's coal boat.  I remember him telling me that his bunk had no mattress. It was made of straw!  Jim was a quiet and unassuming individual and a delight to be around.

Very sadly missed.

TD43