It is with regret that I have to inform the model flying community of the loss of a lifetime aeromodeller, expert flyer and dear friend, Keith Whiddett, who has died peacefully at his home following cancer. Within his local Club Keith was revered as the go-to test pilot by many members.  He was present at the formation of South Norfolk Model Flying Club on Hethel wartime airfield in Norfolk during the late 60’s and progressed to becoming a long term committee member and trainer, helping to sha...

It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Peter Rabjohn in the early hours of Saturday 21st September 2019. Peter had been receiving treatment for a heart condition for many years, but a recent deterioration finally beat him.  He was a keen Control Line Model Flyer and member of both Chiltern Flyers CLMC and the Milton Keynes Modellers club. He will be especially remembered by many for competing in various racing classes, aerobatics competitions, and vintage speed events.  Only a...

On Thursday 19th of September Les Ormrod, a long time member of our club, died after a short  stay in hospital. Les  was a very friendly person who easily got along with everyone. Les had varied interests, but his main passion was aircraft of which he had a large collection. I  don't think  there was an aircraft  built  that he didn't  like! Les was often accompanied to the field by his wife, Betty, who also took a keen interest in his pursuits. Les was liked by everyone, and will be keenly miss...

Mike Knapp, Chairman of the Beaufort Model Flying Club, passed away on 11th August 2019 aged 84 after a short illness. The Beaufort MFC was formed in the early 70s and steadily expanded to become one of the largest in the Western Area. Mike joined the club in the early 80s and, with his son Ivor, flew a wide range of models. Mike and Ivor were early ‘Bishops’ and flew exciting fast IC powered models in duo routines. Mike was a skilful model builder and an early and enthusiastic convert to elec...

MIKE BILLINTON, FSMAE, 12/3/1932- 5/7/2019 Mike Billinton was a unique person, a self-taught engineer, engine builder and tester, author and control line speed multiple winner - being the first person in Europe to break the 200mph record for the 10cc class. This was at Barkston Heath at the Nationals in the early 1980s; the OS engine manufacturers from Japan were there on the day with Ron Irvine from Irvine Engines and the record caused quite a stir and atmosphere on the day. He competed in con...

Firebirds Model Flying Club club member and author of the much read BMFA New ‘Nostalgia Notebook’ feature, Roger Stanton passed away on May 29th this year. Roger was a proper ‘old school’ aeronautical modeller who told stories of how as a child, he saved up his pocket money, dreaming of the next model that he would be building. Many of his stories made it to a much wider audience via the pages of the BMFA News magazine, through which he made many friends and contacts. Roger’s love of avia...

Obituary by Terry Jones Northern Ireland Area Secretary & Achievement Scheme Co-ordinator It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Robert Wallace. He lost his battle with cancer and passed away peacefully at his home on 3rd April 2019. He leaves behind his dearly beloved wife Jacqui, much loved daughter Paula, son-in-law Columb, much loved granddaughter Clara. Robert was not only my good friend but also my mentor, small in stature but with a huge heart, I always say the bigge...

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Bill Michie on Wednesday 9th January 2019. Bill was born in Essex but his family moved to West Africa when he was aged 2. They then moved to Rhodesia where Bill served in the Rhodesian Air Force 74 - 81 before moving to South Africa. He flew precision aerobatics (F3A) in South Africa - called pattern then - and won several National competitions, but was not in the National Team due to work and family commitments. Made the FunFly Championsh...

Sadly on the 19th December Noel passed away in Alnwick Infirmary , aged 82. His family comprising Mel, Zoe and Lia were at his bedside. The funeral was held in St Pauls church Alnwick where the numbers attending indicated how much Noel was loved and respected-very much so. His family are greatly appreciative of the condolence cards and messages of sympathy they have received about their Dad. Noel was well known in the local area , clubs and societies of various kinds and from the aeromodelling c...

On March 25th, British aeromodelling lost not only one of its most celebrated national and international competitors but one of the very few remaining links to our beginnings before World War 2. Ray Monks built his first models at the age of seven or eight during the 1930’s- free flight, of course, there was nothing else in those days- and by the early forties he was entering competitions. In 1945 he won the S.M.A.E.’s prestigious Hamley trophy (on what is now Heathrow airport) and in 1951 qua...