MK Grass Roots

[Hondanutty]

this is a real shame.. the one and only comp I've competed in and had a great time too .. thanks mk
i cant help the more the decline is mentioned,,,, the more it will happen...#keeprchelisalive

[dszabo]

Going to miss this event and a Flyin at Mk very much

[waveydavey]

Everyone is welcome Dean, just let us know, stick your BMFA in your Tx case and see you there.

[dszabo]

Everyone is welcome Dean, just let us know, stick your BMFA in your Tx case and see you there.

Cheers Dave, I will definitely be taking you up on that, see you soon

[French Paul]

What about a different venue perhaps in Kent? There don't appear to be any in the county, a change may spark some more interest although it not being the most central location such as MK.

Just a thought[/QUOTE]

Is there anything in the east of England?
ive only heard of public fields in Kent but Brian would know
jason at Chelmsford mfc ran a funfly last year and did a great job.... that would be an ideal venue for a small comp aimed at novices like myself,but he decided not to do it again.

[Mike Sanders]

It was good to meet you again last Saturday, Dean.

I think that this thread illustrates the problem that the MK committee face. There have been many posts on here expressing sadness that the event is not continuing and that is entirely understandable. There have, however, only been about five people saying that they would definitely enter if and when the event were to be held again. It will be appreciated that this would not be enough to make the committee reconsider its decision.

I would not want to speak for the club (nor am I able to) but I think that if we had a good number of people saying that they would definitely enter the grass roots comp then we would have something to think about. That would still leave the question of the fly in. In previous years we had held it on a separate date. It was initially very successful. When I first joined the club about five years ago about 80 visitors came along. Because numbers had been declining we decided this year to hold the Grass Roots comp on the Saturday and the fly in on the next day, Sunday. This was successful in that a few of our friends who came for the Grass Roots (including sponsors, judges etc.) stayed over for the fly in. Unfortunately apart from those people and members of our club, nobody else turned up. ( I am speaking from memory, which is deteriorating at my age, and no doubt I will be corrected if I am wrong).

It's not the financial situation that constitutes a problem, It is the feeling that there is a considerable amount of work involved (and waveydavey does a large amount of it). As the turnout is so poor, it is thought that this work is not worth while.

If this were to improve, I think that the committee may, in the future, consider holding the events again. There has been a suggestion that one or other of the events could be combined with FPV quad racing. This is something which is well worth considering and we may wish to canvass opinions on it.

Does anyone have any views?

[GIXERMAN]

What about a different venue perhaps in Kent? There don't appear to be any in the county, a change may spark some more interest although it not being the most central location such as MK.

Just a thought

Is there anything in the east of England?
ive only heard of public fields in Kent but Brian would know
jason at Chelmsford mfc ran a funfly last year and did a great job.... that would be an ideal venue for a small comp aimed at novices like myself,but he decided not to do it again.[/QUOTE]

Paul there are a few clubs, but lots are plankers. medway flying club,maidstone flying club. ArR i believe are more heli orientated.

[feathering]

It is unfortunate to see this competition go. I was planing to enter GR in either 2017 or 2018 although most likely it would have been the latter as my largest heli is a (stock) 180CFX and it would be a bit embarrassing to compete with it.

It does take some commitment from all members of the community to keep this type of event alive. It is a demanding hobby and it is understandable that event organisers are required to adjust to the interest that the community show over time. I haven't done particularly well myself: next spring I would have been flying for two years but I have hardly attended any event. To "make up" for it I just joined a local club with some nice folks and I hope to be a bit more active. But the reality is that time and money are scarce and this is just a hobby after all. In any case, thanks to Dave and the MK crew for having organised this for so many years.

btw, the idea of combining GR with fpv racing is worth exploring. If the fpv community is really growing as fast as people suggest then it may be a good way to get both communities together. Problem is, if I am required to do fpv to enter the heli comp then I am going to need a bowl on my lap. Last time I try fpv on the sim I was so dizzy I could hardly stand up.

[JoeBailey]

Over the last 2-3 years It almost seems that the hobby has stagnated, at least to me.

Manufacturers are releasing fewer helis, the ones we have are of a quality and reliability level that has little room for improvement atleast at a club/sport pilot level.

Watching pro pilots fly in comps has become a chore, 3-4 minutes of set pieces in every round doesn't make for entertainment. I actually get more enjoyment watching sport pilots pushing themselves to the absolute limit of there ability. Even sport class is sliding dangerously close to set piece heaven. The art and fun has left the comp scene.

I don't think the hobby is in danger yet. Peoples life styles have changed alot in the last 5 years and people have far less disposable income, things like smart phones for all the family, subscription movie services, sky tv at £100+ a month. These things have crept into peoples lives and are considered essential for many.
It will always attract people that have an interest the same as always, the hard part is getting our section of the hobby out to people that have no idea about it.

[S1roudy]

Oh no I'm gutted! I've been flat out practicing for GR ��