Flying Site Update

Thank you to everyone who has abided by the recent guidelines to allow flying to restart, it has been very much appreciated.
As a result of this the Committee have reviewed the situation and we feel that it is now acceptable for up to 6 flyers to be on the field, 4 being in the pits and a maximum of 2 on the flight line (please keep to or exceed current social distancing measures).
The 3 flight per visit rule can be relaxed but please be mindful of people waiting in the car park.
For the moment vehicles are still not allowed onto the moor as the turning area is now an extended pit area.

Many thanks for your continued support.
The Committee

LATEST UPDATE

Good news: limited return to flying has been agreed by the committee in line with government guidelines. Unfortunately there will have to be strict rules to adhere to to allow this to happen.

Firstly, hand sanitiser and spray disinfectant to be used at all times for your safety and that of others.
Two club members allowed on the field, one on the flight line and one a good distance away in the pits.
Anyone else waits in their car in the car park until they have finished flying.
We feel that a limit of three flights each alternating between the two people is fair when other members are waiting. The gate onto the moor will be locked so assembly, disassembly and cleaning of models is to be done by your vehicle to maximise flying opportunities for waiting members.

Gentlemen, please abide by the new rules to allow us all to have some quality flying time with no aggravation. If any unwarranted incidents occur we will have no choice but to close the field down.
As this is an ever changing situation we will keep you fully informed of any developments and we look forward to a time when this is in the distant past.

Kind Regards
The Committee

LATEST NEWS

Unfortunately no flying is permitted at the moment until we have all permissions granted and can work out a method of controlling the number of flyers on the moor at a time to conform with government guidelines.

On resumption of flying it will be a requirement for every member to provide their own hand sanitiser and spray disinfectant. This will be mandatory for your and everyone else’s safety. (Stock up now).

Please bare with us as we try and find the best solution to this problem.

Hope to see you flying soon
The Committee

https://bmfa.org/News/News-Page/ArticleID/2654/A-return-to-the-skies-Further-update-please-read

There are a number of club members who have made personal donations to Manorlands Hospice in the last few days, if you would also like to make a personal donation, please take a look at the link click here or phone them direct.

We have seen in the Keighley News that Manorlands Hospice are desperately short of funds due the Coronavirus halting all their fundraising activities. They rely mainly on public donations to give the much needed help to patients and families who need them.

The committee proposes that £1,000 from club funds is donated to this charity to help them continue their work.

Normally an AGM would have to be called to authorise this amount of money but in these circumstances I think everyone will agree that this is the least we can do.

If anyone objects to this donation please contact Charlie Lee or any committee member no later than 5pm Saturday the 11th April with your comments.

. All BMFA Members

Model flying and the COVID-19 Virus  – News Release 17-3-2020

We have been monitoring the current situation carefully and have been awaiting clear guidance from the Government before making decisions relating to general model flying and BMFA Model flying events, contests and roadshows.

It is clear that the COVID-19 situation is developing rapidly in the UK and members should keep themselves updated on current government and NHS advice.  Please see  https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response  for the latest information.

Members are advised to follow the precautions provided by the NHS at all times details of which you can find here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

Model Flying in the club environment

In general terms model flying represents a low risk activity due to the predominantly outdoor nature of the activity and the opportunity to maintain inter-personal separation.

At this time, and subject to any updated government advice/instruction, for those who are not unwell there is little reason to curtail outdoor model flying activities in the club environment. The well-being benefits provided by model flying should be balanced by the potential risk and NHS precautions should be followed.

While there is little reason to curtail normal outdoor flying activities, clubs should consider what action to take regarding indoor club meetings and any proposed or scheduled larger events they have planned which, under present guidance, may have to be cancelled or postponed.

BMFA Organised events, contests and roadshows

The BMFA is currently reviewing the status of scheduled events.  Several events/contests are already subject to cancellation including the Swapmeet at BMFA Buckminster, the ASRC Roadshows and the Free Flight Nationals.  Planning for the Power Nationals in August is continuing on the assumption that it will be going ahead, but this will be kept under review.

Members should keep checking the Contest and Event calendar on the BMFA website for status updates on specific contests and events.  Should contest/event organisers wish to amend/update their entries on the BMFA Calendar, please contact the office or complete the online request form here: https://e-forms.bmfa.org/event-amend.

BMFA Office

The BMFA Office functions will remain in operation, though the office may not be physically staffed to the usual level and we regret that for the time being we are no longer able to welcome visits from BMFA Members. We have measures in place to ensure that support for members and clubs continues. Please use admin@bmfa.org as the primary means of contact.

Important note:- Please stay at home and do not attend flying sessions, events, contests or meetings if:

• you have been in contact with a COVID-19 patient
• you are unwell, with a high temperature and/or a new continuous cough
• you have serious underlying health issues 

Kind Regards
All at the BMFA

Tel: 0116 2440028
email:  admin@bmfa.org 

All indoor sports are being cancelled at Holy Family School with immediate effect by Bradford Council.

They have assured us that we will be notified when the hall becomes available.

Please pass this on to anyone not social media.

Kind Regards
Charlie Lee

The Committee have come to a decision that for the safety of our members we will be suspending the monthly meetings at the Parkside Social Club starting with the April meeting. This is regrettable but I hope you all understand our reasoning.

The Indoor Flying sessions are under review and once we have clarification from the Council we will let you know.

Outdoor flying on the Moor will go ahead as usual as this is deemed a low risk activity.

If you have any queries regarding the above please contact a committee member and we will try our best to help you.

Kind Regards
Charlie Lee