More Covid !!

 New Covid Restrictions

As the Government have announced this afternoon that Greater Manchester will be placed in Tier 4 of Covid restrictions from 00.01 a.m on Thursday 31 December, the Committee regrets that it has no choice but to restrict access to the lake again, until further notice.

With effect from midnight tonight, the maximum number of members permitted on the landing stage at any time is reduced from six to two. Guests of members are not permitted on the landing stage. Social distancing advice must be followed at all times.

A session limit of 20 minutes still applies if more than two members wish to sail at the same time.

Although Tier 4 restrictions permit parks to remain open for exercise and recreation, you are reminded that Government advice is to Stay at Home, and  restrict travel away from your home as much as possible.

These restrictions will be lifted as soon as Government rules allow.

Happy Birthday

 Don Beswick

A little bird has whispered to us that it is Don Beswick's birthday tomorrow. He will be 90.

Congratulations, Don, and Many Happy Returns from all at the Club.

Frostbite Sail

 Frostbite Sail

 

This year's Frostbite Sail is still On !!

Even though the Clubhouse will not be open, wrap up well and join us for the Frostbite Sail on Sunday, 27 December, on and around the landing stage. Mike will be serving the usual hot drinks and Mince Pies from a pop up takeaway stall.

To try and avoid the usual car park mayhem, we are starting earlier this year, from 9.30 a.m.

We hope to see you there !!

Big Lake Full Again

 Big Lake

After many months of low water levels in the big lake, caused by the need to repair the dam following badger burrowing, it has finally been refilled. The Sailing Club can now get back on the water. 

Photo by David Lee

Covid Update

 Changes to Landing Stage Rules

Following government changes to Covid-19 restrictions from today, up to six members are now permitted to sail from the landing stage at one time, subject to observance of all other published restrictions.

Please note that the 20 minute session restriction still applies, if more than six members wish to sail at once.

Sad News

 Lawrence Kerney

We have just heard that Lawrence Kerney, who most of us will know as a very long standing member of the Club, and our Commodore a few years ago, died earlier this week, in Stepping Hill hospital. As yet, we have no further details.

We are sure everybody will join us in sending our condolences to his family.

Second Covid Lockdown

                          Second Covid Lockdown

Following the recent Government announcement of a second Covid-19 lockdown, the Committee have decided, after much discussion over that last few days, that sailing can continue at Etherow for the present, subject to some additional restrictions, and still keep within published guidelines regarding exercise and the use of public open spaces.

From midnight tonight, 4 November, the following rules will apply, until further notice:

Individual members may still sail from the landing stage, subject to a maximum of two members on the landing stage at any time, and the observance of social distancing and hygiene rules.

Do not occupy the landing stage unless you are sailing.

Members are reminded that current Government advice is "Stay at Home" and not travel significant distances by car or public transport for exercise and recreation.

In the event of more than two members wishing to sail at the same time, there is a session limit of twenty minutes, after which the member must vacate the landing stage.

Organised sailing events are not permitted.

All members are urged not to abuse these rules, as any such actions may result in all access to the lake being banned.

Members are also reminded that sailing is permitted only from the landing stage, and not from the public walkways surrounding the lake.

The Committee will be monitoring Government rules and advice closely over the next few weeks, and further changes to lake access may be needed if such advice changes.

Yet More Boats !

Static Ship Models

We have been sent details of a collection of static boat models by Bob Smith, who is disposing of them on behalf of a late neighbour's family. Proceeds are to go to Charity.

Mr. Smith says:

"I have been offered a collection of model boats by the family of my neighbour who has passed away.

I do not have the space too keep them all, They are going to throw them out so I have asked if I can find them good homes.

This they have agreed to asking for a fair donation to be split between Cancer reacher and Deme.

I am hoping some of your members may like to have some of the models please note they are static models.

I am willing to deliver within 20 miles of Marple or bring them down to the Lake to view etc 

My Telephone number is 07429 645335. "

If anybody is interested, please ring Mr. Smith.

Updated: 03 November - Two boats deleted - Found new homes.

Updated: 16 November - Two more boats deleted - Found new homes.

Free Hull

 Free to Good Home

We have been contacted by a lady in Bramhall who has a wooden boat hull she wishes to give away to a good home. It has been in store in a dry garage for the last thirty years, but is still in good condition. The length is just over six feet [ It's a big one !!].

She wants to dispose of it as soon as possible, and whoever wants it will have to collect it from Bramhall.

This hull has now been taken by an EMBC member - 21 October

New Club Facebook Group

                 Etherow Model Boat Group

Neil Barton has started a new Facebook Group, Etherow Model Boat Group, to provide a platform for members to chat and discuss Club boating matters. It is a private group, so you will have to apply to join, but all Club members will be welcome.

If you are interested, give it a try !

 Model Yacht Racing

Report by John Berry

EMBC is still racing model yachts on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting around 9 am to avoid the rush at the park. We also have some members sailing later in the afternoon on the same days.

The most popular classes are International One Metres (IOM), Canterbury J Class and Fiestas.

We also have a few DF65s which are similar to the Fiestas and probably easier to get hold of.

A few of us have travelled to Birkenhead Radio Sailing & Power Club to take part in their series racing and to get some tips from their list of national and world champion sailors.

Last weekend I lent one of my boats to Martin Roberts (Housemartin Sails) asking him to tweak it for me, I think he just put the sails on and won 8 out of ten races sailed. 

I cannot blame the boat anymore. 

I did manage to win one of the races with my other boat but generally I was at the back of the fleet.

Martin borrowed a Lintel MMX and I sailed a Viper both made by Dave Creed and rigged by myself with Housemartin sails.

Over last winter I completed 5 of the 6 races in the Northern District IOM winter series finishing 9th out of 43 entries, the high position was mainly down to a lot of competitors not entering enough of the race days. The racing was good and as a newcomer to the sport I felt very welcome. My highlight was winning one race when the wind blew up a bit and I changed to a smaller sail when other boats were struggling to round the marks with bigger rigs. In the next few races the wind dropped and I did not have time to change up and subsequently lost out big time.

The clubs I travelled to were Birkenhead, Fleetwood, Ripon, Rotherham and Askern. I did not go to Scarborough and Keighley was cancelled because of the weather.

The Fiesta racing series is still on going on the third Sunday of each month the placings at the moment are as follows:-

Trevor Redford 8 points  3 wins

John Berry 8 points  2 wins

Dave Lee 16 points

Ken Jones 19 points

Dave Percy 24 points

Andy Spencer 25 points

Terry 31 points

Phil Davies 31 points

Steve Toulson 38 points

Arthur 43 points

Phil Davies sailed a DF65 with a A rig at the last race and finished mid fleet.

We are still sailing with a maximum of 6 sailors on the landing stage with rotation as required on the day. We will not turn anybody away, however they may have to wait for a short time for a slot to become available

John Berry

 Commodore's Challenge Judgement Day

Judging of this year's Commodore's Challenge took place yesterday, on the landing stage.

There were five excellent entries from Bob Abell, Chris Galloway, Geoff Garside, John Senior and Harry Twist.

After much deliberation the Commodore made his choice.

The worthy winner was:

Chris Galloway

Many Congratulations to him.

Bob Abell         Geoff Garside     Chris Galloway        John Senior       Harry Twist

                            The Audience -  Nigel Vogler and Colin Harrison                       

Comments by the Commodore:

Bearing in mind that many people have more important things on their mind and we have not had the opportunity to meet and generate enthusiasm I was very pleased to see five entries.

The boats were all built to high standards with many people using re-used material .

Sailing characteristics of these little planning hull boats was also impressive.

Bobs boat was double size and built from cardboard, the other boats were true to plan. Working searchlights were provided on some of the boats.

Special mention must go to Harry who is a new member to the club who usually sails an International One Metre with the yachting guys, have we lost him to the scale builders?

The worthy winner of the challenge was Chris Galloway.

Any suggestions for next years challenge?

John Berry - Commodore EMBC

 Covid 19

Change to Landing Stage Access Rules

From Monday 14 September, a maximum of six people will now be permitted on the landing stage at any one time.

The Model Yachting Association have recently published guidance regarding competitive sailing. Any Club member intending to engage in any competitive sailing on Etherow Lake is asked to study this document, and observe all recommendations within it.

This document MYA-Covid-Guidance, in .PDF format, can be downloaded from here.

Please note that restrictions on the use of the Clubhouse and Sailing Club Compound remain in place.

If essential access to either is required, please arrange with our Commodore, John Berry.

 Commodore's Challenge

Judgement Day

Because of the recent lockdowns, the original scheduled judging day in August had to go by the board.

However, as things now seem to be quieting down a bit, the Commodore has decided it is now safe to go ahead with judging of the entries, albeit only on the landing stage, as the Clubhouse is still out of bounds.

He has announced that judging will now take place on:

Wednesday 30 September at 11 a.m. on the landing stage.

Any who are intending to enter, but who can not make that date, please try and arrange a deputy to bring your boat instead. If that proves impossible, contact Geoff Garside, who will be happy to take your boat along, as well as his own entry.

All members are invited to attend the judging and offer support. We hope to see you then.

John Glynn

John Glynn

We have just heard, via John Davies, that John Glynn, a well known member of the club, has suffered a stroke, and is now in Tameside Hospital.

Mrs. Glynn has asked that we let other members of the Club know, and we are sure that you will all join with us in wishing him a speedy recovery.

At present, because of the Covid crisis, visitors to the hospital are not permitted.

Memories of the Past

Does Anybody Remember This ?

Ian Buckley, who was a member of the Club, with his father, in the 1970s has sent a photo of an old Club membership badge, which he has recently
re-discovered.

Does anybody remember this badge ?    I don't, it well predates me.

Finished Ferret

                        Now Finished

Harry Twist has sent a pic of his finished entry for the Commodore's Challenge. It looks like the Commodore is going to have his work cut out choosing the winner !!

Harry says:

Here's a shot of my finished Ferret. Colour is polar grey overall, Matt black up to the lower chine and a couple of coats of water based varnish over the lower hull. All the electronics are fitted and she floats well in my bath! I'm pretty much calling her finished, but wouldn't mind adding a couple of 1/48th scale crew if I could find some!

Turbinia on a Shoe-string

Turbinia

John Murphy has sent a photo of his latest creation - still in build.

He says:

In true Murphy 'shoe-string' style the hull is made from venetian blind slats - the keel being  a venetian blind laminate! Plating is lithoplate. The forward cabin is the same.

The conning tower is a yoghurt pot with lithoplate jacket. The funnel is a plastic bird-feeder with lithoplate covering. 

The rear cabin again, Venetian blind, lithoplate and just for a change, window frames made from coffee stirrers!

The portholes are eyelets, with 'google eyes' glazing. Cabins and funnel have been painted with undercoat.

The deck, incidentally, is a piece of birch ply from Canada, date stamped 1941, which was intended to make Mosquitos.

The hull below the waterline will be green, the funnel yellow (!) and cabins white.

It should be a striking looking vessel when completed - Wonder if it will have a steam turbine ?

Ferret Number 5

Yet Another Ferret

Harry Twist has sent a photo of his entry for the Commodore's Challenge. Still in primer, but already looking good.

Harry says ..

The torpedo tubes and depth charges are from cheap old felt pens with the centres removed. The rear turret is a piece of plastic conduit pipe. Rear floor pips are cupboard screw covers. Various scrap box balsa bits make up the guns etc. All good fun.

It's amazing what a bit of lateral thinking can come up with !

Today on the Lake

A Pleasant Sunday Morning Sail

Nice to see boats returning to the lake !!

Photo by Neil Barton

Ferret Number 4

Chris Galloway's Ferret

Chris has sent an 'in progress' photograph of his Commodore's Challenge Entry.

He says:

 I am somewhat behind but I shall hopefully get there....... my only need is time cos I have all the bits that I need . It is amazing that the rubber plunger in my diabetes injection syringe  is just about right to represent a depth charge - how's that for recycling ? 

Chris has to take a lot of the blame for the Ferret project. He first suggested it to the Commodore as a possible Commodore's Challenge subject, and John Berry agreed !!

Gallery

New Gallery Section

A new Gallery section has now been added to the website, intended to be a showcase of members' models, which will remain after normal posts have scrolled down into the archives.

If you have any interesting photographs of your prized models which you would like to share with other members, send them to the webmaster - see the Contact us page.

Ideally, include some details of the vessel, or information on its construction.

HMCS Sackville

HMCS Sackville

Just before lockdown started, David Swindells had prepared a talk for a Club Night on HMCS Sackville, believed to be the last Flower Class Corvette still afloat, out of 294 originally built.

He had visited and filmed the ship in Halifax, Canada last year.

As Club Nights still seem to be some way off, he now offers this video of the ship, which can be downloaded from HERE.

Be aware that the file is 138 mB, and will take some time to download if you
have slow broadband.

This film should be of interest to those club members who are warship modellers.

A Tranquil Sail

A Tranquil Sail

On the water yesterday - First sail of new member Neil Barton's Pilot Boat - ex Eddie Higham.

At Last !!

Back on the Lake  -  at Last !!

As you might expect, the Tuesday sailing boys were wasting no time. They were back on the water this morning.

Photo by Dave Lee

Yet Another Ferret

Yet Another Ferret

Since the recent post appealing for more Ferret builders to get in touch, John Senior has sent a pic of his build. His has a rather smart Oerlikon gun.

There are now five known entries, either complete or in build, for the Commodore's Challenge, so we have a competition on our hands. Are there any more, lurking in the background ?

Lake Re-Opening

Lake Re-Opening

Following the latest changes to social distancing rules announced by the government yesterday, the Committee have agreed that the time has come to permit a partial re-opening of the lake and landing stage.

From next Monday, June 01, access to the landing stage and sailing at Etherow will be permitted to members only, subject to social distancing rules, as follows:

• A maximum of five people on the landing stage at any one time.
• Do not use the landing stage unless sailing.
• Maintain 2 metre distance from fellow sailors at all times.
• If more than five members wish to sail at once, a maximum of 20 minutes per session, after which you must vacate the landing stage.
• The route behind the worktops must be kept clear.

Please be aware that the Sailing Club have declared the Clubhouse out of bounds, for the present, and that the public toilets at the visitor centre are closed.

Please bring, and use, your own hand sanitiser, and avoid touching work surfaces, as far as practicable.

Obviously, the Committee can not monitor the lake continuously, so we are relying on all members using the landing stage to act responsibly at all times.

Please do not come if you believe that you may be at risk, either to yourself or to others.

Keep Safe and Happy Sailing, Everybody !!

Clubhouse Access

Access to Clubhouse and Dinghy Compound

The Club has been informed by the Commodore of the Sailing Club that they have decided to make the sailing club out of bounds for the time being.

The public toilets in the park are also closed.

There will also be restricted access to the compound which does include our storage container.

If anybody does need essential access to the container they should contact our Commodore, John Berry, who will arrange access with the Sailing Club.

Final Ferrets

Final Ferrets

Bob Abell has sent a pic of his completed Ferret. It looks like it has come off slightly worse from an encounter with a Messerschmitt. The crew are going to have to man the pumps. According to Bob:

" We were just sailing back to port when a plane was spotted coming in from the Sun in a howling dive!

At it got close, the Rotter opened fire!...…..Rat tat tat! whiz bang!.....tinkle tinkle

As luck would have it......No casualties! "

 That aside, it looks a brilliant model, as you would expect from Bob, especially as it is mostly made from cardboard.

Mine is now finished as well, very much its younger smaller brother, but I am quite pleased with it, especially because everything in it, apart from the prop, came out of the bit box. It has whiled away quite a few happy hours in the workshop during the lockdown.

Is there nobody else out there building a Commodore's challenge entry ? We would very much like to see what else is in the competition.

Lake News

News About the Lake

A number of members have been in contact asking when it is likely that the lake can be re-opened.

The Committee have been discussing this for the couple of weeks, but have reluctantly decided that current Government lockdown restrictions have not yet been relaxed enough to allow us to re-open the lake yet.

This decision is under continuous review and we hope that the next round of restriction relaxations, due hopefully by 4 June, will allow us to do so. We all want to get back on the water as soon as possible, and we will not delay lake re-opening any longer than we think we have to.

As soon as we can re-open, it will be announced here.

In the meantime, keep building, and keep safe.

More Bob's Boat

Yet More Ferret !!

Bob Abell has sent another Pic of his oversized cardboard Commodore's Challenge entry. It looks to be coming on a treat.

He's also sent another Pic, this time of the turntable he has devised to make it easier to work on the boat without having to keep walking around the Workmate - I like it ! - Why didn't I think of that ?

Some of you may know that Bob is running a thread on a Model Boats Forum on this build. You can get to it by clicking here:

https://www.modelboats.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=153659

Another Lockdown Project

Bristol Bay Fishing Boats

Neil Barton has sent a pic of his current lockdown project - two Bristol Bay fishing boats, which he is refurbishing with more detail, new electrics, sails and rigging.

They look really smart - roll on the lake re-opening !

Big Lake

The Big Lake

Neil Barton has sent another pic of the big lake a couple of days ago. Very tranquil, but the water levels are still rather low. 

More Commodore's Challenge

Clamps to Cobble Dogs With

Bob Abell has sent another another update on progress of his Commodore's Challenge entry.

It looks like he has got the clamp market cornered !!

Mind you, it is now really starting to look like a boat.

I do like the upper class workshop - Carpet on the floor !!

Have Your Say

Have Your Say

A Club member has asked how to go about posting comments on an item on the Club website.

It is very Easy

At the bottom of every post, next to the time of the post there is a link marked either x Comments or No Comments.

Just Click on this text and you will get an invitation to post a comment. Write what you want, and click the   Publish  button. 

Because the site has been inundated with spam comments recently, all comments are moderated; that is they are checked by the site administrator before being published, but all genuine comments will be published, usually within a day of being posted.

If you want to submit more than a comment for publication on the site, please Email your copy, and pictures if possible, to the webmaster - see the Contact Us page for details.

At The Lake

Ducklings - Lots of Them

David Lee still seems to be managing to visit the lake, and has sent this to cheer us all up.

Another MTB

Not the Commodore's Challenge !

A note and some photos from Howard Meadowcroft on his new build. Another MTB, but far too grand to be an entry in the Commodore's Challenge.

  

 

Hi fellow modellers. Bought this Dean's Marine MTB488 at the Blackpool Model Show, and to say the least,it's giving me a lot of pleasure and a few headaches building her. I am really enjoying having the time to do this project without the usual distractions.Hope to see you all soon at the club, although l think it will be a while yet.Best wishes to you all.      Howard  

Who recognises this ?

Who Recognises This ?

An eMail from Neil Barton, who says he is anxiously awaiting the end of lockdown so that he can join the club on the next Club night.

He sent this pic of an old steering competition boat he has bought and restored. I think it may have been one of Eddie Higham's.  He has kept the original colour scheme and now just needs the lake to re-open.

Well done Neil, and we hope to welcome you to the club very soon !

More Ferret

More Ferret !!

If none of you other than Bob Abell is going to send me copy for the website, you are going to have to look at another pic of Bob's Commodore's Challenge entry. He has now got as far as plating the hull, and it is starting to look pretty good.

My version is coming on slowly. The hull is finished and has had the first coat of primer, and I have started on the superstructure - still a way to go though.

So come on the rest of you. Let me have news of what you have all been up to.

Keep Safe and Well, and look forward to better days to come !!

Dam Repair

Dam Repair

David Lee has sent a photo of the dam repairs, following the badger infestation. The water levels on the big lake are now back to normal, and the footpath has been re-opened, not that many of us are going to be able to visit to inspect it in the near future !

Bob's Ferret - Another Update

Bob's Ferret

Bob Abel has sent some more shots of his outsize Ferret build. isn't it amazing what you can do with a sheet of corrugated cardboard ?

Is nobody else building one ? - If you are, let us know and send a pic. There is not a lot else we can report on during this time.

Happy Easter !!

Happy Easter

David Lee has sent this tranquil shot of the big lake a day or so ago.

I hope it will encourage you all to look forward to better times ahead. Roll on the day when we can all sail again !

Bob's Ferret

Bob's Ferret

Bob Abell has sent a pic of his Ferret Build. As you might expect, he has to be different, so his version is twice original design size. He's building it out of cardboard as he did not have any suitable wood. I have no doubt it will worth seeing when finished.

Very swanky rudder drive, via toothed belt and sprockets.

Marple Carnival

Marple Carnival

John Senior has just contacted me to let us know that the Marple Carnival, scheduled for June 20, has been cancelled for this year. They hope to hold it next year.

The Club were intending to have a stand there, but we hope to be able to attend next year.

NEWS

                                                           THE WATER IS RISING

Good news about the work on the dam.  We have been informed that the work being carried out on the  Dam has now been completed, and the path will be open once again.    The water levels should be back to normal by the time we are released from this enforced isolation..  Hope you are all well and maintaining your sence of humour.   Stay Safe, Stay Well.

Commodore's Challenge - Again

Commodore's Challenge - Again

I have heard from Chris Galloway and Bob Abell that they are both starting to build Ferret MTBs for the Commodore's Challenge. Who else has started or is going to ? - Keep us updated with progress.

Bob also tells me that there is a thread on the Model Boats magazine forum about the Challenge. Click on this link.

My build is progressing slowly - I am in the middle of skinning the upper part of the hull.

Electrics and radio gear installed and tested - It was better to do it whilst I still had easy access

Deck now attached and the hull is ready for skinning.