The Garden Party event was hosted again by the Midlands Large Model Flying Group. The weather was excellent and one of the best of the year. This resulted in the largest attendance ever seen at the Catton event. The event was excellently organised and run by the group. The atmosphere was friendly and informal and this is what make fly-ins so special to many LMA members.

Flying was from 10.00am until 5.00pm with an hour’s break for lunch. Lunch was provided by an excellent team run, as usual, by John Stevens. In addition, the wives of some of the members served light refreshments all day. This is always much appreciated.

It is easy to forget the people who sacrificed their flying to ensure the day ran well. I would like to particularly thank Paul Savage and Ian Pottinger who spent the day on transmitter control and the slotting board. There was also the crew, headed by Tony Hooper who kept the flightline operating smoothly. I am sure that all the LMA would like to thank all the members of the Catton group who helped us have such a great day.

The lunchtime break gave members, as last year, the opportunity to try their hand at the LMA Proficiency test. A few of members who were put through their paces. This must have been quite difficult for the applicants as they knew they were being watched by many sets of critical eyes who were munching the provided food. Well done indeed to the successful candidates. The traditional apple pie with cream and a glass of wine was donated by the LMA and just about everyone tucked-in.

In short, the Garden Party event was again a great success. Some photographs of some of the models are shown below.

Please click image to enlarge.

A few bottles of wine were handed out after the flying. This year’s recipients were: