Earlier this year a troop of Explorer Scouts (formally known as Venture
Scouts) from Davenport near Stockport were looking for someone to help them
obtain experience in aeromodelling as part of one of the badges that they
were taking. Through a local BMFA member, with links to the scout troop,
Tyldesly MFC stepped up to the plate and graciously offered the services of
their field and some club members for the day on Sunday 21st May. The event
was co-ordinated by Andy Ellison and comprised of the scouts both observing
and sometimes flying via a buddy box a mixture of electric, IC and Gas
Turbine models including Helicopters, Jets, Quadcopters and Fixed Wing along
with sessions on a flight simulator. Tyldesly MFC also arranged for a BBQ to
be available at lunchtime for both the scouts and their guardians.
The day went well with the weather playing ball for a change and all
attendees appeared to have had a good time and take something positive from
the experience. The North West Area of the BMFA paid for each scout to take
home a BMFA Rookie capacitor plane with which to continue their journey into
the world of aeromodelling.
Our thanks go to all of those involved and we can only hope that at least
some of the scouts will consider taking up aeromodelling and inject some
much needed young blood into the hobby. It would be good if other clubs in
the area, and indeed the UK, could foster more contact with local youth
organisations in order to let them experience the enjoyment that we get out
of the hobby in the hope that more youngsters will get involved in
aeromodelling.