Struts 4U

by Anne Hughes

During the LAA75 Rally at Sywell we were pleased to welcome Strut members from across the UK into the Strut marquee. However, several took us to have a close look at the LAA Struts banner which showed active Struts highlighted on a map of the UK and drew our attention to the fact that there were ‘holes’ across the country where no Struts are currently operating. Local Struts are a focal point for like-minded people to socialise with fly-ins, BBQs, fly-outs or scrambles. They also benefit LAA members by sharing support, knowledge and encouragement for anyone building an aircraft, and therefore hold a central place in the Association. Monthly meetings allow time for socialising, under normal circumstances, and instructive and informative presentations are arranged either in person or on Zoom.

A number of conversations ensued at the Rally with parties interested in either the need for or the specific creation of Struts in ‘dead spot’ areas of the UK. In 2018 we saw the emergence of the Cornwall Strut, re-created by Pete White and fellow members, and the West Midlands Strut, which was also re-formed by Graham Wiley and Stuart Darby. These Struts became a great success, not only serving the more Western members of Devon and the West Midlands, but creating an opportunity for LAA members who otherwise may not have joined a Strut at all. We have been made aware that there is interest in Northern

Ireland for the re-creating of an LAA Strut as the original NI Strut, run by Neil O’Neil, disappeared from our records in the early 1990s. We have also heard that members in the Cambridge area that they would enjoy meeting locally, as some travel a considerable distance to meet up with other Struts.

So how do we go about starting a new Strut? David Millin, the Strut Co-ordinator explains, “The actual creation of a Strut is not a complicated affair and provided that some simple criteria are complied with, the applicant’s submission to the Board would be welcomed.

For a Strut to exist there must be a suitable constitution and there must be a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, Safety Officer and an LAA representative, who could be one of the other officers, and who is able to take part in Strut Leaders meetings and discussions organised through LAA HQ at Turweston. All committee officers must be current LAA members. On a discretionary basis, a little funding may also be available to assist in the initial set-up of a new Strut.

“The recent upturn of interest, which has grown our numbers, therefore actually represents significant gains for our Association. Building upon this success, the Association wishes to develop the Strut system by expanding the Strut network to provide a wider geographical coverage so providing easier access to LAA members who are not as yet supported by a Strut.

There are a few areas around the country where LAA members find themselves geographically challenged and are not able to enjoy the benefits and camaraderie offered by being a part of a member club.”

If you think there is the interest for a new Strut near you or if you are interested in starting a new Strut please contact David Millin. (david.millin@sea-sea.com).

Pete White, Chairman of the Cornwall Strut adds, “Initially I put out an email to various aviation minded people in the West Country to gauge whether there was sufficient support for the venture and the inaugural meeting was well attended. It soon became clear that the support was there but, as was expected, finding volunteers to take up the necessary offices was a little slow in materialising. We then chose Bodmin Airfield which is a very LAA friendly venue, plus several of the members are based there or nearby. We decided to hold just the one main fly-in a year and this has now become firmly lodged in the calendar. My advice before you form a Strut is the need. Is there a reason or need for one in your area? If so, you definitely need a ‘Driver’.”

Eryl Smith, the new LAA Chairman says, “The Board would be supportive of any new Strut initiatives and would provide help and support in a practical way should that be appropriate. We would also encourage a ‘buddy’ or mentoring through start-up from adjacent Strut or

Please contact your Strut to check the details before attending the calendar events. Some Struts are using the Zoom format during winter months as we continue to follow government guidelines.

Andover Strut: Spitfire Club, Popham Airfield, SO21 3BD. 1930. 14 Feb Historic Army Aircraft Flight (Middle Wallop) by George Bacon; 14 March – (TBC) Flying the Duxford Lysander with Dave Ratcliffe. Contact Bob Howarth email: bobhowarth99@btinternet.com Phone no. 01980

611124

Bristol Strut: BAWA Club, Filton, 1930 Bristol Strut: BAWA Club, Filton, 1930. 1 Feb – TBC. Contact: chairman@bristolstrut.uk www. bristolstrut.uk

Cornwall Strut: The Clubhouse, Bodmin Airfield. Virtual Zoom meetings throughout winter months. Contact Pete White pete@aeronca.co. uk 01752 406660

Devon Strut: The Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter. 1930. Contact: david.millin@sea-sea. com

East of Scotland Strut: Harrow Hotel, Dalkeith. 2000. Contact: inrgibson001@btinternet.com 0131 339 2351.

East Midlands Strut: The Plough, Normanton on Soar. Contact: tonyrazzell2@gmail.com. We also have a Facebook group and upload recordings of some meetings where we have speakers.

Gloster Strut: The Victory Club, Lypiatt Road, Cheltenham, GL50 2SY. Contact: harry. hopkins@talktalk.net

Highlands & Islands: Highland Aviation, established Strut members.” Eryl also comments, “Now that we have recovered to pre- pandemic levels of Association membership and fleet, it’s an opportune moment to stimulate interest in expanding and strengthening Strut coverage.”

Thank you to all of you who currently support existing Struts and to those who continue to arrange the calendar events.

We are hoping that this year will see a return to what we vaguely remember as ‘normality’ and that the social events for our Struts and Member Clubs will take place as planned and bring back the enthusiasm and optimism for which the LAA is well known! ■