Willen Model Power Boat Club

Steve Bond

Harry — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:25:18 +0000

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Steve Bond passed away on 22/01/2011. For those of you who knew him you will know what a great guy he was and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his wife Karen and his sons Darren and Leigh.

Winter Fun Race 2011 CANCELLED

Harry — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:10:54 +0000

CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST

WINTER FUN RACE

The race will take place at Willen Lake, which has to be one of the best venues in the UK to hold such an event. Very well protected by trees offering excellent water conditions, in addition the complex has excellent facilities for anyone wanting a hot lunchtime meal or drink etc., all available in the Lakeside Bar close by. It’s a great opportunity to extend your race season and the event will be run with the usual friendly, relaxed atmosphere found at WMPBC.

If you have limited access to water, and would like to do some testing you are more than welcome to visit us on a Sunday morning, just contact us first to let us know.

Round 1: Sunday 13^th February 2011

We can predict some excellent racing but unfortunately we can’t predict the weather. If for any reason we have to cancel the race, which is only likely to be due to the lake being frozen (we saw it 2 inches thick last winter!!) The website will be updated regularly, a reserve date for such a cancellation has been forward planned for Sunday 27^th February 2011 but If we don’t have to cancel we shall run both events.

Jim Kershaw

Harry — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Jims Funeral was held Friday 26th March 2010, He had a good send off and everyone went to the Lakeside Bar afterwards. A boat made of flowers was launched on Willen Lake in his memory.

Jim Kershaw

Harry — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:32:45 +0000

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of our member and friend Jim Kershaw, He passed away on Saturday 13^th March 2010. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed.

Looking Back At 2009

Darren — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:32:05 +0000

As I’m sure you are aware the ‘Z class’ OMRA meeting was cancelled due to lack of entries, this I believe was no reflection on the Willen Club, but a combination of other events being run in weeks close by, holidays and the lack of Z class boats.

There has been much debate on Z class racing but meetings are planned for 2010, including Willen on 18th April 2010. Let’s hope these are well supported.

The AA – D OMRA event on August 23rd was a great success, lovely weather, a good number of entries and a well run meeting which received an excellent report in Model Boats magazine.

The ‘D class only’ event was also a good fun day, not particularly well supported but those who did attend had great day, just what racing should be about. Stewart Rae, the OMRA Pro, asked Jessica (my daughter) if she’d like to produce a write up for Model Boats, you may have read this if you’re a Model Boats mag reader

Annual General Meeting

Darren — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:44:14 +0000

For those members who were unable to attend the AGM you will find a draft copy of the minutes as a separate attachment. The meeting was well attended. Harry Pinder announced that after three years and a second term as secretary he intended to stand down. However, he will continue as membership secretary dealing with renewals and new members.

Harry proposed that Richard Bridgman should take on the role and a unanimous vote means here I am! I’m sure everyone would like to thank Harry for his efforts.

Introducing Your New Secretary

Darren — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:35:41 +0000

I am a relatively new member of WMPBC but have been involved in model making all of my life. I was introduced to the hobby as a small boy in the early 1960’s by my father, he was an original member of the Wicksteed model boat club at Kettering. As a time served engineer he used his skills in building steam locomotives as well as boats, much of his marine modelling involved making parts – even I.C. engines. Modelling in those days was very different, no ready to run imports, R/C in its infancy, straight running and tethered hydroplanes very popular. As a teenager I raced multiboats for a while, before moving on to other hobbies throughout the years. Following in my fathers footsteps I too have built several steam locos and at a recent AGM of the Northampton Society of Model Engineers, Gary Pope the 2007 D Class OMRA Champion, carried out a talk and presentation of his racing experience. My enthusiasm for model boat racing was re-started and a visit to two OMRA meetings encouraged both myself and my daughter Jessica to start racing.

My first introduction to WMPBC was through the OMRA website, a telephone call to Harry Pinder gave me all the information required about the club and facilities at Willen. I have to thank Harry for his help, and advice. This extends to many Willen members, my short time at Willen has been extremely enjoyable.

I think the water and facilities available to us are second to none. I’m sure I’ve met most members either at the lake or the Lakeside Pub meetings, for those who don’t know me I look forward to meeting you. I hope I can bring to the club as much as Harry and the many long term members have. Look forward to seeing you at the lake or a race meeting soon.