GATE CLOSURE
From 21 March the vehicle access gate to the Downs has been closed and will remain so until further notice.
The Downs Conservators are also in the process of closing, where possible, public car parks on the Downs and Nonsuch Park.
Message from the Chairman - COVID-19
Due to Covid-19, the government restrictions on our movements now make it impossible to fly safely and responsibly on the Downs.
Consequently, the Committee declare that all flying is suspended with immediate effect until further notice.
As government restrictions are lifted in the future, the suspension will be reviewed and lifted in due course.
Regards,
John Davis
Chairman
27 March 2020
MODEL FLYING AND THE COVID-19 VIRUS
BMFA UPDATE 23-3-2020
Further to our statement last week, it is clear that the COVID-19 situation has developed very rapidly in the UK and we must now update our advice to reflect this.
Members should continue to keep themselves updated on current government and NHS advice. Please see https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response for the latest information.
Members are advised to follow the precautions provided by the NHS at all times details of which you can find here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
The Government has introduced further restrictions this evening, which severely limit the reasons why people can now leave their homes.
Model Flying in the club environment
It remains the case that in general terms model flying represents a low risk due to the predominantly outdoor nature of the activity and the opportunity to maintain inter-personal separation (a minimum separation of 2 metres is advised).
However, the latest Government advice is that any form of group gathering (now defined as more than 2 people!) must be avoided and that everyone (no longer just those over 70 or with underlying health issues) should significantly limit their face-to-face interaction with others. We are also instructed to avoid all non-essential travel. Therefore, our advice is for members to stay at home and finish off that winter project or make an early start on next winter’s masterpiece.
BMFA Organised events, contests and roadshows
The BMFA is advising that all events and contests scheduled to take place in the next 12 weeks must be cancelled at this time.
Planning for the Power Nationals in August is continuing on the assumption that it will be going ahead, but this will be kept under review.
Should contest/event organisers wish to cancel/amend their entries on the BMFA Calendar, please contact the office or complete the online request form here: https://e-forms.bmfa.org/event-amend.
BMFA Buckminster
All organised events at BMFA Buckminster have been cancelled for the next 12 weeks and will not resume until we receive advice from the Government that group gatherings can recommence safely.
The site will also be closed to visitors until further notice.
BMFA Office
The BMFA Office functions remain largely in operation as usual, though most of the staff are now working remotely and we regret that the Office is closed to visitors. Please use This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as the primary means of contact.
Important note:- We must advise members to follow Government/NHS guidance and stay at home wherever possible. Flying in isolation may still be possible, but group gatherings (2 or more people) must be avoided.
Time to get the building board out!
Welcome to the website of Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club.
While people have been flying model aircraft on Epsom Downs for many decades, the club has only been in existence for a few years. You can read the background to the formation of the club here.
Since the start of 2006 the Epsom Downs Conservators have required that anyone flying a model on Epsom Downs must be a member of this club. This requirement embraces all disciplines of radio control and free flight. Our membership application form can be downloaded from the Membership page.
We fly 7 days a week, except for horse race days, from 12 noon until 8pm or sunset - whichever is earlier. Free-flight and non-powered radio-control models may continue flying until sunset when this is later than 8pm. Models over 7kg. and those powered by jet, rocket or gas turbines may not be flown on the Downs. Control line models and catapult-launched models are also not permitted. These restrictions form part of the Byelaws, which along with the Club Rules and Constitution can be found here. Other restrictions also apply - this is just a brief summary of the main ones. See the Byelaws and Club Rules for full details.
The club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA.)
This website will continue to be updated from time to time with news and information for current and prospective members.
2019 AGM
The 14th Annual General Meeting of the Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club was held on Monday 9th Dec 2018 at The Church Hall, Church of the Good Shepherd, Station Approach, Tadworth, KT20 5AH.
At the AGM the 2020 membership fees were set to remain unchanged at £10 for senior members, with a £3 reduction for existing members renewing, and free for junior members.
The BMFA membership fee for 2020 remains unchanged at £38 for seniors.
Membership
Renewals for 2019 members
Personalised renewal letters for 2020 were available for all current members to collect at the AGM on 9th December 2019. Those that were not collected at the AGM were posted on 11 December.
Please ensure that you renew both your EDMAC and BMFA memberships before flying on the Downs in 2020.
The quickest and easiest way to renew is to use your Internet or Telephone Banking service to make your payment direct to our account rather than writing and posting a cheque. Account details are on the renewal letter and you do not need to return the form.
Cloud Tramp 2019
Good weather at Epsom Downs on Saturday 3rd August 2019 made for a pleasant afternoon for us to join in the world wide mass launch of Cloud Tramps at 17:00 BST.
The Cloud Tramp is a simple, all balsa, rubber powered model, 20” (51cm) wingspan plane designed by Charles Grant and featured in his 1960s “How To” book.
