The Oakville Milton Flying Club

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OAKVILLE MODEL FLYING CLUB

2004 FROZEN FINGER FUN FLY

2004 will be remembered, more for the muddy and wet feet, rather than the frozen fingers. Although it was chilly it wasn’t what you could call cold. Once again the truly insane, gathered at the North Field on the first day of January. Members and friends began gathering at the field at around 10:30 AM and were met with a roaring fire courtesy of quite a bit of firewood, donated and delivered to the field by Larry Simmons.   

By 11:30 AM, the old Coleman Stove (older than most who attended) came through again. Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate were the beverages available and that was shortly followed by Hot Dogs, complete with mustard and ketchup.  (Relish and Onions were not available and persons who wish to get that fancy should bring some of those condiments next year.)

Thanks goes to Larry Simmons for the firewood., Dan Morgan for two loaves of banana bread.  (Baked by Dan with his own two hands, my apologies Dan for thinking that your wife made the very delicious bread) and thanks also to Bill Vasiliadis’ family for the container of cookies. 

At approx.  11:30 AM, I asked President Brian Anderson is he could ensure that the contestants for this prestigious event were lined up for a Le Mans style takeoff on the field.  Brian also arranged to have members note who was first, second and third to take off and successful return to the field.  The results have show that next year I will have to take on this duty myself and leave Brian to boiling the water for the weenies. 

Six intrepid pilots, complete with their assistants brought their planes forward and prepared to battle for the honour of having the first official flight of 2004 at OMFC. It was at this time that I was viciously attacked and belittled.   I knew members of this Club could stoop to name calling and jeering ones flying ability, but I never saw this vicious attack coming.  

As I approached the start line, with the starting apparatus in hand, David Fallowfield came forward and handed me a wooden dowel with a small sign on it.  The white sign had the word “BANG” written on it in large red vinyl letters.   David said that he wanted to help me in case the starting apparatus failed to operate (as it did in 2003 FFFF).  I was mortified. 

As 12:00 noon approached, I gave the contestants a one minute warning, at exactly 12:00 noon, the starting apparatus made its own BANG so I did not have to slink of the field waving David’s sign.  (There really is a God).  I did note that Brian Anderson had to leave the field right after the “BANG”.  It was probably to change his pants.  (You should never turn you back on me Brian.)  

First off the ground was Percy Ford-Smith, ably assisted by that accountant extraordinaire Eric Genzer.   Second, (and here arose the problem) was Stafan DiMarco who on pain of no supper had to use his father Umberto as crew.  Second also was Kim Vasiliadis, assisted by his brother Bill.  And third was the evil David Fallowfield.   

All in all it was a very enjoyable day and I would like to thank everyone who came out especially the families. Off special note was the attendance of Nick Rossenboom,  his wife Corra, (the bionic women), and Ivan Kristensen with his wife Dianne.  Ivan flew at least two very entertaining flights with a 3D plane.  Its amazing what a model will do if controlled properly.    As much as it hurts me I would also like to thank David Fallowfield for a truly original and great stunt. 

Jim Eichenberg (pictured below)

photos courtesy of the webmaster