Presidents Report December 2020

Last week saw our Christmas Dinner event held at the Public Schools club. It almost didn’t happen, being a victim of the hastily called 6 day COVID lockdown. Having officially cancelled the event, it was then reinstated 48 hours later when the lockdown was shortened.I would like to thank the 43 attendees who committed to turn up on the short notice given. (Photos Here)We enjoyed a very nice 3 course meal provided by PSC head chef Catalina and her staff. The Christmas decorations were on display in the dining room, putting everyone in a festive mood.Whilst there was no Most Outstanding Aircraft Award this year, there were 2 other notable awards. Firstly, the COVID Infringement Notice given to Chris Moore for his 6 hour foray into Victoria to service his aircraft for which he was subsequently awarded 14 days self-quarantine!

We had another worthy applicant for the second SACSA Flying Scholarship Award for 2020. Heather Siebert, daughter of John, has achieved her RAAUS Certificate this year and recently joined the club. She now plans to upgrade her qualifications to an RPL, with aspirations to join the RFDS. The committee was only too happy to support her application and award her a Scholarship.There were other activities on the night starting with a Quiz, very well presented by Mary Ann Seow.

After the main course was completed everyone was issued a piece of A4 paper to produce their best paper aeroplane. There were 3 categories on offer; the prettiest plane, a spot landing task and longest duration.The competitive spirit came out with a lot of practice flights undertaken in the bar before the final competition. Winner of the prettiest was Shirley Robertson, spot landing was Andrew Hogarth and duration was Marc Michell.The evening concluded with the drawing of the raffle for which there were 11 prizes.

Last Sunday saw the Truro Flats Christmas Toy Run. (Photos Here)It was a perfect day weather wise and there must have been a pent up demand to go to a fly in as there were 43 aircraft present! Each person donated a child’s Christmas present so there were a lot of gifts around the Christmas tree, including a life-sized teddy bear.  Being run jointly by the Barossa Birdmen and the Antiquers it was good to see a sizable number of antique aircraft represented this year. I noted 2 Tiger Moths, 2 Austers, a Stinson Reliant, a Stearman and a clipped wing Piper Cub.

Coming up on Sunday 13th December is our final club event for the year, the Christmas BBQ at Murray Bridge. Drive in or Fly in from 1030am, your choice, with Morning Tea and Lunch for just $10. This will be a fundraiser for the RFDS with profits going to their amazing work. 35 people have booked so far but if you have yet to add your name to the list then please contact me.

Terry Wilson is one of our absentee members as he spends most of the year as a teacher in the APY lands in the north of SA. However, when on school holidays he bases himself and his RV7A at his own strip near Morgan in the Riverland. Terry has very kindly offered to host a fly in BBQ at his strip again, on Saturday, January 9th 2021. It is not far, only 65nm from Murray Bridge. Cost for lunch and a drink is $10. Strip location and other details are on the club calendar. Contact Terry directly if you wish to attend.

Also during the holidays is a workshop visit to see Ian Pearce’s RV14 project nearing completion at his hangar at Goolwa airport. It commences at 1pm on Sunday 31st January 2021 and is located in the eastern hangar group. Again you can contact me if you wish to attend as it will help with catering afternoon tea and contact tracing.

Monthly club meetings recommence in 2021 on February 10th. It just remains for me to wish you and your family a safe and COVID free festive season and a much better time in 2021.

Blue skies, 

Steve

2020 has been like looking both ways before crossing the street and then getting hit by an aeroplane.