Thanks to Bob Radford (Event Co-ordinator for the Club) for sending this through to us...
Having delayed the event due to a water logged field, we were pleased when the farmer finally managed to cut the field and bale the crop. We weren’t so delighted on Sunday morning to find large hay bales dotted around the field and tractors collecting them throughout the day.
This didn’t disturb the pilots but the gusty cold breeze did. Saturday’s sunshine was replaced by low cloud, and a cold gusty breeze. However, occasional breaks in the cloud cover allowed flying to take place.
The turnout was low, but the familiar faces were present and as is always the case with scale pilots, a lot of networking (gossiping) took place.
This is Park Hall’s third event of the year and although attendance was lower than we’d hoped for, there were no complaints and everyone seemed to have a good time.
Crystal trophies were donated by James Beresford Ltd and Barry Price (shown at left in this picture), Proprietor presented two trophies. Ian Bishop of Rocket Rotors won best helicopter flown on the day for his Lama and Richard Morris won best flight for his turbine Cobra.
Darren Swailes brought his superb EC135 which won the best helicopter award at our 2008 scale day but unfortunately he didn’t fly due to a small accident earlier in the week. This is a stunning model even had pilots talking on radio.
Darren did do some excellent flights with his not yet finished large electric powered Lama. If the final detail on this machine is as good as his EC135, it will be a real contender at next year’s event.
Terry Dingley had his excellent EC135 Liberty Bell, this must be the most photographed helicopters in the UK. He also brought his superb Vario Lama.
Nick from Red Lodge had his excellent Alouette and pushed Ian bishops Lama for best helicopter trophy.
Dave Payne from Alcester flew his MD500 and two Bell 47’s. A twenty year old petrol Huey turned back the clock in the vintage section, the condition is stunning.
Despite the gusty conditions, there was only one mishap on the day, a Trex 250 with a lovely Hughes fuselage came down too heavy and cracked the windows.
The die-hards were still flying at 6.00 as club members tidied up the field despite having two hour car journeys in front of them.
The ladies of the club did a sterling job supplying the guests with hot drinks, sandwiches and cake. The day resulted in a profit which will be donated to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. Picture at right shows Roy Bamford, Club Secretary & MC
A big thank you to all our visitors, the club members who attended and helped and especially the ladies who maintained good humour and a smile despite the cold.
This is the final event at Park Hall Helicopter Club for 2009. A committee meeting in the next few weeks will decide the events and dates for 2010, watch this space.
Bob Radford
Event Co-ordinator.
Stills - all linked to large versions
 20 years old, this Huey |
 032 |
 040 |
 041 |
 076 |
 079 |
 086 |
 104 |
 107 |
 110 |
 112 |
 115 |
 117 |
 David Smith, Club Chairman (sitting as usual) negotiating |
 Ian Bishop, best helicopter flown on the day |
 Richard Morris, best flight of the day with his turbine Cobra |