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

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2. To consolidate our presence at Martin Brigg's Field, result: Achieved.
3. To support the City of Knox Community Support Services, result achieved to a lesser extent
than expected.
4. To raise funds for necessary improvements to the field, result: as per 3.
The overall analysis of all details regarding the planning, preparation and execution of the event is
currently being done and the results will be available in due course, however here are a few items
worth mentioning.
The Highs, not necessarily in order of preference.
a) The high level of support and interest to participate by 38 pilots invited with 35 actually
taking part.
b) The magnificent preparation and running of the Transmitter pound by Reg
Neville/Wolfgang Schmidt with his frequency scanner. Several models were saved from disaster
after constant interference was detected on channel 36.150
c) The total professional layout and operation of the P.A. system, donated on the day by the
one and only Angelo Favoloro, whose expertise in all matters of sound and acoustics played a great
part in the total outcome. Our Principal commentators were Peter Cossins and Neil Bathie
(L.D.M.F.A.), who provided a first class commentary all day long, with occasional support from
Cliff McIver, a difficult job well done.
d) The setting up and running of the static display by our own Dieter Prussner, the actual
founder of V.A.R.M.S. in 1968. Ask anyone who ventured into the big Marquee and had a look at
the displays. The favourable comments by experienced model aviation experts were very pleasing
indeed.
e) Receiving the great news at 9 p.m. the night before the show that a distinguished helicopter
pilot was on his way from Shepparton (where a Heli-Fest was in progress) to participate in our
event. All this, after months of inquiries and endless phone calls to persuade the helicopter
fraternity to take part. Up to that time, Ian Cole was the only rotor power item on our flying
program. Many thanks to Damian Mould who so proficiently filled that worrying gap.
f) The program and general information leaflet handed out to the public at the gate,
Composition and Artwork by Ralph Learmont, Printing and Folding by Neville Leo. Fellas you are
indispensable.
g) The two ladies at the gate, Monika and girlfriend looking after the tickets and change
dispensation. A fantastic job.
h) Ah, yes, our new V.A.R.M.S. flag, more on the behind the scene story at the next club
meeting on 13 March.
i) The great job done by the glider training team. Des Bayliss and his crew were flat out all
day due to the phenomenal interest by the public in the "hands-on-time". They did all they could
and more, it shall not be forgotten.
j) The almost superhuman efforts before and on the day by some V.A.R.M.S. members and
members of other clubs who helped doing all the necessary tasks for this display - A VERY BIG
THANK YOU TO YOU ALL.
k) Our security staff on night duty (3 nights), Morrie Watts, Prue Cook and her dog and Chris.
Report - no incidents. Result - nothing damaged, nothing lost, what more could you ask.
l) Who was everywhere at any time? Yes it was Bill Denheld with his video camera, who
kindly agreed to spend all day capturing the happenings on the field for posterity. (More of that at
the next meeting). A great effort.
m) The bloke responsible for the weather on the day. How much do we owe him? Seriously,
the weather statistics for this time of the year pointed to a 1:26 chance for bad weather, another
reason why the 1st of March was chosen.
n) Jim French, retired Auto Electrician and his amazing home build, true replica of the very
first motor car ever built, the 1885 Benz 3 wheeler. What does it take to acquire the necessary
documentation in the first place, and then actually undertake the building of such a historically