THE HISTORY OF V.A.R.M.S The Annual Diary 1990 - 2009

24
Oct '94 - ASP 262 relates passing of Stan Mason with tributes from John Rawnsley (Past Master,
Canterbury Lodge). & Ralph Learmont (VARMS).
On behalf of Stan's many friends from the modelling fraternity...
"We'll miss you Stan."" ...So many fond memories flash through our minds, it's hard to
single out any one facet of a very special and unique person, a man who was a privilege to know.
From your cheery laugh, to your wry sense of humour, you probably typified what most of
us would believe to be the ideal clubman. A profile of your many achievements would fill a book,
to count your close friends would add more chapters, to amass all your special, handcrafted models,
would fill the Expo display.
So where do we begin? -"Glenfern Rd," would (of all the many slopes you've flown at),
probably be the place where most of us have the most vivid memories. Your fold-out chair, and
thermos flask. your boisterous "HELLO'S," and of course your models' colour schemes ...bright
yellow and red, -highlighted with thin black stripes.
Then the night-time VARMS meetings, and plenty of good yarns. Without disrespect to
your many friends (whose names just can't fit here), it has to be told that your regular flying
mate/travelling companion, and visitor to the workshop -Ray Murrel (a very quiet person), was the
one whom you probably traded most of your neighbour-like modelling favours, (as we all tend to do
in our hobby).
Stan became a member of VARMS (No. 36) back in 1969, about one year after it started,
but well before that time, he'd been actively flying gliders along with others (Des Leahy, Morrie
Murphy and others), whom he had met at sites such as "Kangaroo Ground" as well as Glenfern Rd.
In fact, Stan was probably one of the first to have trodden the grass at Glenfern Rd., a
considerable time before VARMS came to be. It was that close knowledge of the place, and Stan's
rapport with the property owners, along with his quick witticisms, that got us through many of the
historical loss/regain episodes of our popular gliding site!
On a personal note, I had come to know Stan as a true and willing supporter whenever I was
in need. Back in those early days, He'd visit us regularly at our Burwood house, after a day's work
at the "Gas & Fuel." -All we'd do is talk "models" and then "family," ...along with my wife "Bev,"
and of course with that cup of coffee and biscuits. On many occasions, Frank Smith would join-in
quietly, and he and Stan would continue yarning for hours! )...I'd get back to work).
On the flying side, Stan loved it, ...but not competitively. All the same, If ever I needed
help, whether in flying or in running events, Stan would be there to help!
The story I have clear memories of, was in the early, annual "Cross-Country" weekends at
Warrnambool. It was done differently then, -Instead of the long single-launch flights we do now,
the task in those days, was simply to get to the "barbeque-field" ...at the other end (nearly 40 km
away), But one could relaunch as many times as necessary along the way! The scores were based
only on 'time taken.' For most, the plan was to hand tow off the side of the road.
W'ed arrived at "Tower Hill" crater at 9.30 to be marshalled off into a strong northerly,
toward the destination. Sitting in the back of Martin Williams car (a Celica), progress against the
wind was difficult. After several frustrating handtows, snarled lines and cut fingers, Bev was out of
action, so she drove and Martin did (or tried to do) the tows. By this time Mike O'Reilly was
catching up, and things looked grim! Luckily, Stan and Dawn were following in their own car.
Stan jumped out, lifted the boot and positioned my winch (all-in a flash; and the helpers were
swapped)! From then on Stan did the launches (all of them along the road, regardless of crosswinds
and powerlines), and only snagged the chute once.
The "Sunbird" finally grazed in around the cars at the barbeque. We'd taken 2 hours 47
mins and 21 launches. Simon Morris took 3 minutes more, but in 13 launches. A hot dispute
ensued with dawn and Simon slugging it out. Stan stayed diplomatically "out of it."
Those memorable times, the VARMS camaraderie, the times with Stan and Dawn, Ojars,
Cliff Fiddes, the Murphies....
Before I'd met Stan, he'd been heavily involved with "slot cars." He'd explained to me the
many intricate procedures involved with their construction, and in that era, Stan developed strong