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By chance, I came across the Club's website and was delighted that it is not only still operating but flourishing.
I thought you might like to know about its origins as it is now 53 years old (in 2017).
I was flying with some friends on Stanpit Recreation Ground early in 1967 when we were approached by a friendly man in his 70s. He seemed interested in our models and introduced himself as 'Rip' Rippon, former owner of Ripmax aeromodel products. We became firm friends with this engaging, lively and interesting man and quickly developed a deep respect for his knowledge of aeromodelling. He had been building and flying models since 1909: an impressive history. We never knew 'Rip''s first name. We always addressed him respectfully as 'Mr Rippon'.
As a result of our friendship, we decided to start a model flying club. A club already existed in Bournemouth, €the Bournemouth Model Aircraft Society but we felt that one was needed in the Christchurch district, especially as we had the Council's permission to use the recreation ground. We arranged the hire of Stanpit village hall one evening a week and the Club was duly formed with Mr Rippon as Chair and me as Secretary.
Meetings were well organised and often included a design, construction and finish competition and, in the winter months in particular, indoor and round-the-pole flying. Membership struggled somewhat in terms of numbers: many members were from the sixth form in Bournemouth School but the Club was still meeting regularly when I left for university in 1968. So I was delighted to see you are very much in existence. I no longer made or flew models after this time.
Here are some photographs from that time:
1) An article from the Evening Echo about C A Rippon
2) David James with Kittyhawk, 1967 (wouldn't win a finish competition)
3) A Club meeting, 1967: Chris Challenger (L) and David James operating a prize draw. Note Mr Rippon's cap. (Yes, we really did dress like that at that time.)
4) Stanpit field: C A Rippon, Mike Lewis (centre) and Phil White attempting to start a PAW 3.5cc engine (in a Hawker Hurricane by the looks of it -Ed)
Anyway, this information and pictures might be of interest to your members: you already have a long history: good luck in the next 53 years!
Kind regards
David James
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