Avian Bird Flu

 Avian Bird Flu at Etherow

Neil Barton has just Emailed to say that it has been confirmed that Avian Bird Flu has arrived at Etherow - see below.

Please take appropriate precautions to protect yourselves, and the wildlife.

Neil can be contacted at neilneil60.nb@googlemail.com.

...

The wildlife group at Etherow has confirmed that Avian bird flu is now at Etherow. Please don't touch any wild fowl or birds and report any struggling or sick birds to the RSPB, Wendy Robinson on the Facebook group Friends of Etherow wildlife or myself . 

Perhaps we need to bring hand sanitiser with us when we sail. Avian bird flu is usually transmitted by body fluids so could be present in the water.

A bit of Winter Cheer

 Cheeky Chappy !!

Peter Lee had a passenger on his Sea Hornet at the lake yesterday.

It even left a present !

AGM

AGM - Wednesday 8 December 2021

Although the Clubhouse is still without mains power, and is likely to remain so for a long time, the Sailing Club have been able to acquire a petrol generator and some portable gas heaters. A Club Night was held on 24 November to test out the new arrangements and, apart from a few short plunges into darkness, the evening worked OK.

It has therefore been decided that the AGM, scheduled for the next Club Night on 8 December will go ahead as planned, starting at 8.00 p.m. You are advised to wrap up well as, whilst there is some heating, the Clubhouse temperature may be a bit lower than usual.

The bar will be open !!

Boat Judging

 Boat Judging - 21 November 2021

With the Clubhouse largely out of action, boat judging this year took place on the Landing Stage on a beautiful, if chilly, Sunday Morning.

There was a good turn out of boats to be judged, in three classes. Results will be announced at the AGM.

The Yachting crew were also out on their regular Sunday sail.

As usual, Bob Abell took pictures of the event.

Club NIght

 Club Night - 24 November  2021

Mains power to the Clubhouse has still not been restored, following the destruction of the supply transformer on the Mill site.

However, the Sailing Club have now acquired a generator which should permit lighting in the Clubhouse to be fully operational, and permit evening meetings.

It has therefore been decided that it will be possible to hold a normal Club Night this week, on 24 November, from 7.30 p.m.

Please pass this information on to any members you know who are likely to wish to attend, and who are unlikely to read this post.

Clubhouse Update

 Clubhouse and Boat Judging Update

The loss of power to the Clubhouse previously reported is a result of the high voltage transformer providing the power being destroyed, by person or persons unknown.

This is a major problem, and nobody appears to know when or even if power will be restored. 

Consequently, it looks as if the Clubhouse will be unusable for some time, at least outside daylight hours, and we have no idea when it will be possible to resume Club Nights again.

It has therefore been decided that Boat Judging for this year's competitions will now take place on Sunday 21 November, at 10.00 a.m., either in the Clubhouse or on the landing stage, depending on the weather.

Will members reading this please inform any other members they are in contact with who do not have computer access to this website.

Further updates will be published as soon as we have any information.

Club Night Cancelled !!

Club Night Cancelled

Please note that the Club Night scheduled for this coming Wednesday, November 10, has had to be cancelled, at rather short notice.

Apparently, a group of Travellers has moved on to the Mill site.  Since their arrival, the power cable to the clubhouse from the substation on the Mill site has been cut, and the Clubhouse has no power or lighting.

We have no further information, and have no idea when power to the Clubhouse will be restored. The matter is out of our hands, and is being dealt with by the Sailing Club.

Under the circumstances, it has been decided that the meeting scheduled for this week can not go ahead. A new date for Boat Judging, scheduled for that meeting, will be arranged when we have a better idea of what is going to happen.

Will any member reading this, who is in contact with any other member likely to attend the Club Night who is unlikely to see this announcement, please pass on this information.

We will keep you posted, via the website, as soon as we have any further information.

Sailing Report

 Sailing Report - 31 October

Report by John Berry

Good day yesterday, last day of BST.

The DF65 and Fiesta fleets arrived to wind and rain at 10 am and coffee was served in the clubhouse. By 10:30 the sun was out and the wind had died.

We decided to have a Fiesta / DF65 challenge over 8 races.

With 2 fiestas and 5 DF65s the result was 5/3 to the Fiestas, well done Trevor and Geoff sailing Fiestas.

Steve and JB won races with DF65’s.

The racing format was enjoyed by all and will be considered to be included in the next calendar.

Next Sunday morning is steering.

Now that racing has been completed for the season, the results have been computed for the year:

    Position         Type          Name                    Points

        1                Fiesta        John Berry                7

        2                Fiesta        Terry Miles                14

        3                Fiesta        Trevor Redford          15

        4                Fiesta        David Lee                 16

        5                DF65 A+    Ken Jones                20

        6                Fiesta        Geoff Fitzsimons       29

        7                Fiesta        Steve Toulson           38

        8                Fiesta        Dave Percy               42

        9                Fiesta/DF   Phil Davies               48

        10              DF65A        Clare                       55

        11              DF65A        Peter Lishman          55

        12              DF65A        David Sharp             56

        13              DF65A        Phil Davies               57

        14              DF65A        Ray                         71

Authors Wanted

Calling All Budding Authors

The Club has recently been contacted by Alison Brown, at Crowood Press, looking for potential new authors of books on modelling.

She says:

" I am contacting you from The Crowood Press - a specialist independent publisher for the hobbies and interests markets. Please look at the range and quality of titles we publish at www.crowood.com

 We have recently published a book on building static models - Modelling Naval Ships in Small Scales by Mike McCabe - and the response to this has been so positive that we are looking to expand further into the hobby of model ships, with possible titles covering building scale model sailing ships and/or yachts (both static and working, and from kits and/or scratch built), building scale model tug boats (both static and working, and from kits and/or scratch built), building warships (from kits and/or scratch built), although we will consider other titles.

 The target audience for the books would be someone new to the hobby, with additional tips and advice that would be useful for someone with more experience.

 I wonder if any of any of your members might potentially be interested in writing for us? Or perhaps you know of others who may be interested? Or if you have suggestions how we should approach these books, or for other potential books, I would be very happy to hear from them."

If any member in interested in this opportunity, please contact Alison, by Email:

enquiries@crowood.com

Good Sailing Weather

 Good Sailing Weather !!

A week last Thursday, the sailing boys were out on the lake in rather windy conditions - very good sailing weather.

The rescue boat was out, and Peter Lee has sent us a video of one of the races. One yacht was impersonating a submarine, at times.

The video file is too big to load directly on to the blog,  but you can watch it via OneDrive  by clicking here.

Plans Wanted

 Plans Wanted - Can You Help ?

Phil Laxton has acquired the part built Bismark offered on this site a week or so ago, but no plans came with the boat.

If any member can help with any plans of the Bismark, Phil is prepared to offer money to acquire some !!

New Blood

 New Blood Wanted !!

Andy Glen, our current Hon. Secretary, has informed the Committee that he wishes to step down from the Committee, owing to poor health.

In addition, the Committee would very much like to recruit new, and younger, members to its ranks, as many of the current members getting approaching their best before dates and may not be able to carry on much longer.

Any member who would like to consider Committee membership, and a share in the running and decision making of the club, especially a potential candidate for the position of Honorary Secretary, is invited to contact the Commodore, John Berry, in the first instance. John can be reached by telephone on 427 6269  or 07842 194626.

Dates for Your Diary

 Dates for Your Diary

Now that Club Nights have started again, we can begin to organise the program of Club Night events. So far, the following dates have been set - please take note:

Wednesday 10 November  7.30 p.m.

    Judging of Boats for the various model building competitions, including

    the Commodore's Challenge.

Wednesday 8 December   7.30 p.m.

   AGM and Prize Giving - Details to follow, as we may be restricted on

   numbers who can attend.

Monday 27 December   10.00 a.m.

    Frostbite Sail - with hot drinks, mince pies and [hopefully] soup.

Transmitter - Lost and Found

 Transmitter - Lost and Found

A member - ? Colin ? - left a FlySky transmitter on the landing stage yesterday.

If it was you, or if you know who it was, it has been placed in the locked metal storage box on the landing stage.

Calm Waters

On the Lake Today

IOMs and a couple of DF65s.

Photo by Neil Barton

Free to Good Home

Bismark - Free to Good Home

The club has been offered a part completed model of the Bismark, which its owner says he will never complete and is loathe to consign to the tip.

Length is about 3 feet, plank on frame, hull fairly complete, but little else.

Update - This boat has now found a new home

Updated: 26 September 2021

Club Night - Again

Club Nights

Following a successful trial re-launch of Club Nights last week, it has been decided that we can resume [fairly] normal service.

From Wednesday, 22 September, normal club nights will resume every second and fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 7.30 p.m.

At present, there is a limit on maximum numbers permitted in the Club House at once - 30 people, but this should not give us a problem, at least until we get to the AGM, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Club Night

 Club Night is Back !!!

John Berry, the Commodore, has decreed that the time is right to get back in the Clubhouse for Club Nights, at least on a trial basis to see if it works.

So next Wednesday, 08 September, he suggests that we take advantage of the forecast good weather this week, and meet on the landing stage from 5.30 p..m. for an evening sail.

For those who are happy to brave indoors, the Clubhouse and bar will then be open - cash only, as we can not work the card machine.

Hopefully, this will be the start of a return to something like regular service, after such a long time.

Fiesta Racing

Fiesta Racing - 15 August

Report from John Berry

Winds light, with even lighter patches around the course requiring lots of concentration.

A good turnout with 8 boats on the water.

Terry Miles impressed, and won, with some consistent sailing throughout the day.

Steve Toulson arrived with his recently purchased DF65 with an A+ rig - this shows some promise and will no doubt do better when it is tuned up.

Leading positions for the series so far:

                                    Points

1        John Berry              7

2        David Lee               16

3        Trevor Redford        18

Apologies from the Webmaster for the delay in publishing this report !!

Steering Competition

Steering Competition - 01 August

David Lee has sent a photo of last Sunday's edition of the Steering Competition, on the lake.

The Steering Competition series is held on the first Sunday of each month during spring, summer and autumn, starting at 10.00 a.m. All members are welcome to join in.

Fiesta Racing

 Fiesta Racing

David Lee has sent us this report of Fiesta Racing, last Sunday 18 July:

Very light winds, as usual. Had 10 races in all, mostly on a short course, Eight raced.

     1     John Berry

     2     David Lee

     3     Ken Jones [DF65]

     4     Trevor Redford

     5     Terry Miles

     6     Geoff Beswick

     7     Clare [DF65]

     8     Phil [Guest]

Compstall Community Council

 Compstall Community Council

Phil Cooke, of the Compstall Community Council, has sent us details of their new web site, which may be of interest to EMBC members.

Visit www.compstall.co.uk or click here

Commodore's Challenge

 Challenge Completed

Bob Abell has sent some photos of his completed entry for this year's Commodore's Challenge, to build a Slipper Launch.

She looks extremely handsome and polished, as you would expect for a vessel designed for the upper classes to flaunt it on the river.

Congratulations on a fine piece of work, Bob !

Clubhouse Re-Opening

Clubhouse Re-Opening

The Sailing Club have informed us that the use of the Clubhouse is again permitted, for small numbers of people.

The current government regulations do not yet permit us to resume normal club night activities, but subject to no change in the projected relaxation of current restrictions, due to be announced on June 14, we are hopeful that we may be able to resume Club Nights in July.

For the present however, the Sailing Club have published the following protocols which MUST be observed by any club member using the clubhouse:

Outdoors, groups of up to 30 people are permitted with social distancing maintained.

The current status is that indoor gathering and hospitality is permitted but limited to groups of six people from multiple households or a larger group from just two households with social distancing in place. You must wear a mask unless you are seated for having a drink or snack and use hand sanitiser wisely.  Hospitality will be table service only (no going to the bar for your drinks). There should be at least two and a half metres distance between groups.

There's a clipboard in the lounge area for everyone in the building to sign in on with time/date for every visit to satisfy the legal requirements for Test and Trace.

For the clubhouse, a one-way circulation plan has already been drawn up. This means entry only via the main entrance and exit through the newly refurbished fire door from the lounge. To prevent close contact at the pinch point of the entry to the lounge from the corridor, any visits to toilets or changing rooms when the building is occupied should follow this circular route.

Also because of restricted space, access to the kitchen will also be limited to people from only one household at a time within any ten minute period (i.e. always leave 10 minutes between) and each use shall be followed by disinfectant cleaning of all surfaces that have been touched. Great care is needed with any mugs etc used - a bucket with a bleach solution will be provided to put them in after use.

Government recommendations are for maximum ventilation to be maintained (eg windows open in the changing rooms) when indoor areas are in use. The RYA recommended area per person for changing rooms is 100 sq ft. With our floor area, changing rooms/showers/toilets must be limited to one person or household at once.

As there will be times when ventilation may be restricted (eg no wind or very cold), and coronovirus is likely to become endemic rather than pandemic, the committee felt it would be worth the club investing in some UV-C air treatment as this is known to kill airborn viruses. We are running a trial in the lounge area and the unit should be left active (the fan on) 24/7. When you leave the building unoccupied, press the lowermost button on the side and it goes into a 2 hour phase of giving off Ozone to boost effectiveness.

If you do use the Clubhouse, for any reason, please ensure that you comply with these protocols. In the event of abuse, access may be withdrawn. It is up to all of us to combat the spread of Covid-19, so that normal life can be resumed as soon as possible

Fiesta Race Report

 Fiesta Racing - Results

Placings                     18 April         16 May         Series to Date

    John Berry                  1                    1                        1

    Terry Miles                 4                     2                        2

    Trevor Redford           5                     3                        4

    Dave Percy                -                      4                        7

    Dave Lee                   2                     5                        3

    Ken Jones                  3 [DF65A+]      6 [DF65A+]        5

    Geoff                         7                     7                       6

    Phil Davies                 6 [DF65A]        -                        8    

Report from John Berry

First Fiesta race of the year saw some close racing and fickle winds as usual.

Phil borrowed John’s DF65 with an A rig when his fiesta had problems. The A rig seemed to be on a par with the Fiestas. Ken brought a DF65 with an A+ rig this looked a bit quick. I have noted the DF results but said they cannot compete for the Fiesta Trophy. If we can get some more DF65 entries I will consider a separate DF 65 trophy. Note the Fiesta series is on the 3^rd Sunday of the month.

Race 2 of the of the Fiesta series was held in good weather and light winds.

JB got away with some good (lucky) starts to take the day.

Special mention to Dave Percy who after taking the local scrapyard weight off the front of his jib boom went very fast by the end of the day.

If you have a DF65 or Fiesta please come along and join us.

Fiesta Racing

 Fiesta Racing This Sunday

Fiesta racing is on again this Sunday, 16 May, at 10.00 a.m. on the landing stage.

If you sail, other small yachts, such as the DF65, you will be welcome to join in.

Bear in mind that Etherow Park is now getting very busy at weekends, so you will probably need to arrive early to find a parking space !

Landing Stage

 Landing Stage Fully Open

Following the recent Government announcement of changes to Covid-19 restrictions, from Monday 17 May, the landing stage will be fully open for sailing, without any restriction on numbers.

For the present, the Clubhouse remains closed, although it is hoped that this situation can change after the next proposed relaxation of restrictions in about five weeks time.

Fiestas are Back

 Fiesta Racing

The first session of 2021 for Fiesta Racing. - Not brilliant weather for early May. It looks more like the middle of winter.

Photo by David Lee

Club 500 Racing

 Club 500 is Back !

As Covid restrictions are relaxed, Club 500 fast electric racing is returning from this week, on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

Howard Meadowcroft, who organises Club 500 racing has published a provisional timetable for the racing series this year:

            Date            Time                         Date            Time

            May 05        19.00                        July 07        19.00

            May 19        19.00                        July 21        19.00

            June 02       19.00                        August 04    19.00

            June 16       19.00                        August 18    19.00

            June 30       19.00                        Sept 01        18.30

The regular members of Club 500 should already have been informed, but new members are always most welcome. Contact Howard for more information.

           

Commodore's Challenge

 Commodore's Challenge

As he did last year, Bob Abell has started a Model Boats Forum thread on his build of this years's entry for th Commodore's Challenge.

You can access the thread by clicking here

or by going to:

 https://www.modelboats.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=172181&p=1

Steering Competition

 More Normal Service Resumed !!

Geoff Fitzsimons has announced that the Steering Competition will resume its normal monthly schedule on Sunday, 02 May, starting at 11.00 a.m.

New entrants will be most welcome.

Hopefully, the weather will be better than when the photograph [of an earlier, pre-Covid, session ] was taken !

Fiesta Racing

 Normal Service is Resumed !

David Lee has announced that the Fiesta Competition Racing Series will resume this coming Sunday, 18 April, at 10.00 a.m.

You have got six days to get your hulls polished and rigging fettled !!

More Yachts !

 On the Lake - Easter Tuesday

The sailing boys were out in force again today !! - A beautiful day, but very cold.

Photo by Bob Abell

Boiler Testing

 Boiler Testing

Now that life is slowly returning to normal, and we can all start sailing again with fewer restrictions, do not forget that if you want to put a steamer on the lake, it must have a boiler certificate for a safety test within the last 12 months. For most of us, this will mean performing a new steam test, as little or no testing has been possible in the last year.

Our boiler tester, John Senior, has started retesting so contact him if you wish to arrange a test. He can be contacted by Email [seniorjandd@gmail.com] or by phone [0161 427 2968].

The photo below, courtesy of Bob Abell, shows John performing a Covid safe outdoor test for David Lee on the landing stage earlier this week.

Back to Normal [ish] !

 On the Lake - Tuesday 30 March

Following the latest relaxation of Government Covid restrictions on Monday, the sailing boys have wasted no time in getting back to normal operation - whilst still observing all the rules.

Here they are setting up for a long awaited day's racing, in glorious sunshine.

Photo by Bob Abell

Eric Blackburn

 Eric Blackburn

We have just heard that another long standing member of the club, Eric Blackburn, died last Wednesday.

We understand that the cause was heart failure, and that he was in Stepping Hill Hospital at the time of his death.

At present, we have no further information.

Our condolences and sympathy go to his family.

Change to Covid Restrictions

Covid Sailing Restrictions

Following relaxation by the Government of the previous Covid restrictions on outdoor activities, from Monday 29 March 2021, a maximum of six members may now sail from the landing stage at one time.

Competition sailing may be resumed, subject to observance of all current Covid regulations. See the  Covid-19 page for further details.

Please be sensible in the use of the landing stage. Take your own antiseptic wipes or spray, maintain social distancing and do not visit if you think you may be at risk either to yourself or others.

The Park Cafe and public toilets are open, but access to the clubhouse is still restricted.

Please be aware that the park can now be very busy at times, so be careful when transporting boats and moving in public areas.

Updated: 30 March 2021

Coomodore's Challenge

 Commodores Challenge - 2021

Slipper Launch

The Commodore has issued his Challenge for 2021

The challenge is to build and sail a Slipper Launch.

Click on the Commodore's Challenge menu tab for full details of the competition, and to download plans.

Boiler Certificates

 Boiler Certificates

We have been reminded by the Northern Association of Model Engineers, that there is no extension to the validity of steam boiler certificates because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both steam and/or hydraulic tests, as necessary, must be performed before the expiry of current certificates if you wish to continue using them. Use of steam powered vessels on the lake after the expiry of certification will almost certainly invalidate any public liability insurance claims.

Please take note, and ensure that you comply with these rules. Contact the Club boiler inspector, John Senior, for advice, if you are in doubt. His contact details are in the Club directory.

Frank Ogden

 Frank Ogden

We have just heard that Frank Ogden, a very long standing former member of the Club [Membership Number 16] , died a few days ago.

His son in law, Ian Lester, who passed on the information, tells me that although Frank was suffering from dementia, he was still living at home.

I have no further information at present regarding funeral details, but old friends can contact Ian on 0791 706 3800.

Ian tells me that he will shortly be needing to dispose of Frank's boat collection, which he would like to go to good homes. Details will be posted on the For Sale section as I receive information.

In Memoriam - Ken Pheasey

 Ken Pheasey

Adrian Pheasey has sent details of Ken's Funeral:

Service at:   St. James Church, 42-44 Wellington Street, Gorton, M18 8LJ

Date:           Friday, 12 February, 2021

Time:          12.15 p.m.

Owing to restricted numbers and Covid trace requirements, please contact Adrian if you wish to attend.

Following the service, Ken will be buried at Gorton Cemetary at 1.15 p.m. Club members will be welcome at the burial, without notice.

Adrian has said that donations, in Ken's memory, may be made to the RNLI, in honour of Ken's love of lifeboats.  A JustGiving page has been set up to make this easier.

Link to JustGiving page is HERE

The JustGiving page includes an obituary for Ken - worth reading for those who did not know him well.

The Club will be making a donation to the RNLI, in Ken's Memory, on behalf of all Club members.

Ken Pheasey

 Ken Pheasey

We have just heard  that Ken Pheasey, a very long standing and much respected life member of the Club, died last night, peacefully, in hospital, with his family by his side.

Ken was well known to all of us, from Club nights and exhibitions, where his display of lifeboats was an inspiration to many of us lesser modellers. He will be very sadly missed by all of us, and our sympathies go out to Mrs. Pheasey, his son Adrian and the rest of his family.

Adrian has promised to send details of funeral arrangements when he has them, and I will publish them here when I get them.

Lake incident

 Another Incident on the Lake

The Club have been informed of another recent incident on the lake where it is claimed that a person sailing a speed boat from the landing stage was deliberately chasing the wildlife.

Having viewed photographs of the offending sailor taken by the person making the complaint, we have, as yet, been unable to identify the person involved as a member of the club, but all club members are reminded again that harassing wildlife on the lake will not be tolerated. Any Club members observing any such behaviour are asked to take whatever steps they can to identify the perpetrator, and to inform the Committee immediately.

John Berry, the Commodore, has published the following notice. Please take note !

I have received notification of an incident this week at Etherow Park.

Under no circumstances are model boats to be used to deliberately chase or harass wildfowl at Etherow Park.

Any infringement of these rules may lead to  expulsion from the model boat club.

John Berry  -  Commodore EMBC

Steam Boilers

Steam Boilers

We have received the following announcement from the the Northern Association of Model Engineers regarding rules for marking of steam boilers, following Brexit. Steam model enthusiasts, please take note !

Boiler testers should be aware that from 1 Jan 2021, UK pressure vessel manufacturers may be using the UKCA mark instead of the EU CE mark.  This new mark shall be treated under the boiler test code as a CE mark, as permitted under the Pressure Equipment Regulations Act.  For vessels made after 1 Jan 2022, the EU CE mark is the only valid mark for boilers made in Europe and the UKCA mark is the only valid mark for boilers made in the UK.

 

Owners of models should be aware that the position of recognition of the UKCA mark within Europe is not yet clear.  This may affect those in the future if they are planning to take their model to Europe or to sell it there.