BMFA NAtional Centre website launched

[Andy Symons - BMFA]

See **LINK**

Edited By Andy Symons - BMFA on 17/03/2017 18:37:15

[Erfolg]

I can only applaud the initiative.

I see that the Universities challenge is headed that way, not as sure, as i have always been less than convinced that east of Leicester is the best location, for many things. But hey, many universities, or should that be the students, do enjoy a good week end at the bar and why not.

As long as it is made to pay, great.

Assuming it is made a viable venue,I am looking forward for a similar resource in the Northern powerhouse. After all a good part of the English population is located in this belt.

Any way, well done.

[Andy Meade]

Great stuff Andy, I'm looking forward to making it over this year

[Keith Lomax]

Posted by Erfolg on 17/03/2017 18:41:07:

I can only applaud the initiative.

I see that the Universities challenge is headed that way, not as sure, as i have always been less than convinced that east of Leicester is the best location, for many things. But hey, many universities, or should that be the students, do enjoy a good week end at the bar and why not.

As long as it is made to pay, great.

Assuming it is made a viable venue,I am looking forward for a similar resource in the Northern powerhouse. After all a good part of the English population is located in this belt.

Any way, well done.

 

 

I understand that Leeds is considered to be part of the Northern Powerhouse. Buckminster is closer to Leeds (97 miles) than to the centre of London (105), which virtually the same as Manchester (108) and only slightly less than Liverpool (128). The population of London is similar to that of the NPH. Even Southampton (176) is the same distance away as Newcastle. Britain's second largest city is less than 70 miles away.

Edited By Keith Lomax on 20/03/2017 11:53:07

[Tomtom39]

Excellent Andy,

I shall look forward to visiting.

[Martyn K]

It would be nice if there was a 'How to Book' section..

Martyn

[Mark Kettle 1]

It's nice it's on my doorstep - 9.9 miles 45 mins on my push bike.

[John F]

Posted by Mark Kettle 1 on 20/03/2017 12:28:39:

It's nice it's on my doorstep - 9.9 miles 45 mins on my push bike.

You can't fit many purchases on a push bike though!

[Gordon Tarling]

Well done to all involved! I shall pay a visit as soon as the weather improves a bit - it's about 15 miles from here.

[Mark Kettle 1]

Good point John I'll go in the car.

[GONZO]

Bit of a drag from North Wales. Going West to East you end up cutting across the main North to South arterial roads. I estimate its at least a 3.5 hour drive with no stops each way. As I'm an insulin dependant diabetic my medical licence restrictions say no more than 2 hours driving before a break. So, say 4.5 hour trip to get there, not that I would feel like doing any thing after that. In reality it would be a minimum 3 day expedition. Add in the variability of the UK weather. Not a practical proposition without even looking at the finances.

[Martin Harris - Moderator]

Posted by Keith Lomax on 20/03/2017 11:27:39:

I understand that Leeds is considered to be part of the Northern Powerhouse. Buckminster is closer to Leeds (97 miles) than to the centre of London (105), which virtually the same as Manchester (108) and only slightly less than Liverpool (128). The population of London is similar to that of the NPH. Even Southampton (176) is the same distance away as Newcastle. Britain's second largest city is less than 70 miles away.

So stop whinging as it's an hour or two away from everyone - except for Mark on his pushbike...

[DH 82A]

I see there is no mention of a tarmac or concrete runway.

[MattyB]

Posted by DH 82A on 20/03/2017 13:00:24:

I see there is no mention of a tarmac or concrete runway.

Yep, there has never been any indication of if/when a tarmac runway would be provided in any of the materials distributed since the Buckminster site was announced - they go to the end of phase 2, but that de The latest information available is on the full BMFA site here; I also posted a précis it in the definitive NFC thread in case that presentation later became unavailable as with some previous NFC materials.

Andy - I may be missing it, but that presentation is not linked/displayed on the new site. It may be a good idea to get it posted up there too, and/or have the materials on the main BMFA site point people straight over to the new site.

[David P Williams]

Only 30 mins from where I used to live, but 3 hours from where I live now. BUT - the kids and grandkids are all in Peterborough, 30 mins from Buckminster, so there may well be other things in the car when we go to visit in future.

[graeme jones]

Gonzo - it's even further from South Wales, and like you I'm on insulin. Won't stop me going to try the campsite out though, provided the NHS ever lets me see the orthopaedic consultant to sort my back out. That's preventing me from driving for more than 15 minutes at the moment, never mind 2 hours.

Graeme

[WolstonFlyer]

I could cry, I am moving away from the area next week from Coventry to South Somerset

[Andy Palmer]

Posted by Martyn K on 20/03/2017 11:40:29:

It would be nice if there was a 'How to Book' section..

Martyn

Look under FAQs for now

[Andy Symons - BMFA]

FAQs **LINK**

[Keith Lomax]

Yep, there has never been any indication of if/when a tarmac runway would be provided in any of the materials distributed since the Buckminster site was announced - they go to the end of phase 2.

We have always said that later developments will depend on the availability of funding. This could come from donations, sponsorship or usage of the centre - there are no plans at present to increase subscriptions to pay for this (and as Treasurer, I hope that there never will be). The grass runway, however, should be a very good one.

[CARPERFECT]

Morning Keith Lomax. When you mention funding and no increase in subscriptions , Was there ever a mention of BMFA members having to pay to use it. ? I have no axe to grind as i will not be using it. But to buy a season ticket at £60 from May to Dec, What will it be next year £100. I think you will have some dissatisfied members, on top of the Country members that did not get a vote on this venture ? I hope its a success but not at a cost to members.

Edited By CARPERFECT on 22/03/2017 09:05:48

[Cuban8]

Seems perfectly reasonable to make a charge to use the site. It was something that I queried ages ago as a counter to the 'something for nothing' argument from those who would never use the site for whatever reason.

[Rob Fairweather 1]

Posted by WolstonFlyer on 20/03/2017 16:54:29:

I could cry, I am moving away from the area next week from Coventry to South Somerset

Some of us down here in deepest darkest Somerset would say that that is a good idea, get away from a big bad city and enjoy some real countryside. You will be welcomed no doubt.

[Keith Lomax]

I don't know if usage charges were specifically stated previously but that has always been the intention, and would have been mentioned if asked. I doubt anybody will have assumed otherwise. That was certainly part of the information provided to the Council Members, who include the Area Delegates.

There will be a daily usage charge as well. The idea is that the centre income at least covers operational running costs so that the wider membership is not subsiding those who happen to live close enough to make more use of it. Even BMFA technical committees will be charged to book a flight line to hold a competition.

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

What do you mean "Even BMFA technical committees will be charged" they somehow better than the run of the mill member, i don't understand the comment ?

John