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.