I am a retired engineer within the CNC machining field ,married (50 yrs) with 3 children (all with their own families). I have been building and flying model planes since my teenage yrs even placed 1st junior in 1/2a power at the 1969 NATS, my main interest has been in radio control flying (including as an examiner for a few yrs). In 2008 I attended the NATS where i met Mr Peter Watson who introduced me to freeflight power models the rest is history, I now fly in most free flight classes at every event possible, I have been the secretary/treasurer of my local club (MHMAC) for 20 yrs and hope this stands me in good stead for this election.

I am a retired engineer but maintain my membership to three professional engineering institutions and remain a fellow of one. During my working life I have been involved with both many high risk profile physical projects; and restructuring projects. A key to evaluating change is to examine the negative outcomes and not just the positives which should be a given I have previously been a member of the FFTC and worked with most of the current committee and know they work hard and with great intent and commitment. However, I often feel there is a missing element of real community or “customer” involvement. That is NO criticism of the existing PRO who I think does an excellent job With so many competitors it is never going to be possible to satisfy everyone but the aim must be to satisfy the majority and leave everyone feeling they have been genuinely involved, heard and considered. I have represented GB in two classes and have team gold and silver medals and continue to compete in many domestic classes and dabble in radio and occasionally indoor at club level (though I did gain a third place at the  indoor scale nationals many years ago) If elected I would endeavor to be a voice for all the competitors and would continue in the quest to make the contest format more equitable.

Professional BackgroundI am a qualified accountant with professional experience across both the private and public sectors. I also held an academic position at the University of East Anglia where I taught financial management. Although now fully retired, I remain actively involved with my profession.Aeromodelling ExperienceI have been involved in aeromodelling since the age of 8. Over the years, I have flown a wide range of disciplines including:  Control Line, Radio Control Soaring, Indoor Free FlightMy primary passion, however, has been competition free flight, focusing on international-class glider (F1A) and rubber-powered (F1B) models. Highlights of my aeromodelling career include:• Representing the UK multiple times at both World and European Championships in F1A and F1B.• Serving as UK Team Manager at major international events in recent years.• Continuing to compete at top levels and striving to do so for a few more years.Roles and Recognitions• Chairman – Free Flight Technical Committee (FFTC), for over 20 years• Secretary/Treasurer – East Anglian Area• Secretary/Treasurer – Vikings Free Flight Group• SMAE Fellowship – Awarded in 2006• Distinguished Service Award – Presented by the National Free Flight Society of AmericaAspirations for the DisciplineFree flight in the UK remains relatively strong, despite challenges such as an ageing membership and diminishing flying sites. Over the past 20 plus years, I have worked to guide and stabilise the discipline through these issues.A key current focus is supporting recovery and growth post-COVID-19.

I have flown model aircraft since 1966, apart from an initial few months flying control line, always free flight. I have specialised in flying power models and have represented the UK in class F1C at  over twenty World or European Championships in the last fifty years. My best individual placing is second and I have been on five Gold medal teams. I have served on the Free Flight Technical Committee for the last ten years. I had previously served for a similar period in the 1970/80’s. If I am re-elected I will do all I can to keep free flight alive and healthy moving forward into the future.

I have been a modeller since the age of 8 building and flying all types of models,at first CL and some RC until I visited Chetwynd a Free Flight area meeting. I was hooked and then became a stalwart free flight modeller flying for many yrs contest FF mainly in open rubber contests  with glider as a second class.  I also built and flew many other models including coupe, power, chuck gliders and various vintage models . In 1985 I then started to concentrate on A2 ( F1a) earning my first team place for the 1989 world champs I have over the yrs qualified for many F1A teams  and gaining a third bronze medal at the euro champs in 2010 plus also a silver team award in 2005 I have been an  North west area officer and my current tenure of the FFTC started in 2001 I have taken on the roll of treasurer with responsibility for  free flight funds. Fortunately being able to grow our finances to a level that FF can operate a series of venues offering free flight access to all on a regular basis.  I believe our hobby and sport must evolve and address the challenges posed in the 21century being  adaptable and pragmatic in approach.   I very much  admire the SAS moto  Who dares wins  adapted to FF  trying to promote and adapt our great fulfilling pastime to the challenges we all know exist today