Well last night was another successful SSL event at Milang. We were blessed with a pleasant day for flying and then a magnificent dinner provided by Robert, Jennifer and the team. Roast pork, beef and chicken with roast potatoes and salads, bread and gravy followed later by Christmas pudding, mince pies, cream, custard and ice cream! All served with elegance. It was superb!
Garry and his team had put up 5 gazebos and set out tables and chairs so that everyone had a seat at a table for dinner.
The club trophies were presented to the winners, Mike O, Andrew, Garry and Jennifer. See the overall results in the spreadsheet attached.
We had a nice table of prizes for the raffle which was well supported with 49 tickets sold at $10 each, all of which will go towards improving club facilities. There are still some things on our list to do next year depending on the crop income which may be OK again this year but it’s hard to know.
Everyone who bought a ticket received a foamie chuck glider from Modelflight.
Andrew was the first pick from the raffle tickets and took home a Dreamflight Weasel. Other winners included, Bill, Wim, Mal B, Mike Seyfang, Greg Leigh, Garry, Robert, Ivan and Trevor.
A life membership certificate was awarded to Mal Pring. Mike O gave a quick synopsis of Mal’s long modelling career both before and during his long membership with SSL.
At dusk the night fliers were out with a couple of new Disco Radians amongst others.
We had several guests in attendance including Dave Gladwin from next door, who appreciated being included and wished us well for the New Year.
My heartfelt thanks go to Robert, Jennifer, Garry, Jan, Faye, Max and Robbo for setting up the field and catering dinner for 40 plus people. It was a magnificent team effort exemplifying the quality and talents of the SSL membership. When we all do what we can with enthusiasm and humility, everything gets done.
I believe 2019 will be another fantastic year at SSL with some new and old members getting more involved in events and club activities. Safety will be a focus for all clubs next year. Whilst I don’t want us to be burdened by new rules and procedures it is a good time to look at what we do and improve the environment for everyone. Bill has put some effort into a document which will be a good induction for new members and a refresher for existing members. Some of our flying events have some significant inherent risks which we all need to be aware of and act accordingly. If we all have each other’s back we will avoid serious incidents and have a good time.
Rob and Elsie took some photos which I will distribute as they come in.
If you could not make it this year I hope you’ll keep the date free for next year’s party once we publish the date. I will be publishing a club event calendar for 2019 later this week.
-Greg Potter
