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March 23rd 2020 - Closure of all CADMAC Flying Sites All CADMAC Members, As you will know the measures to contain Coronavirus (COVID-19) are changing on a daily basis, and becoming ever more restrictive. Obviously the aim is to “strangle” the virus by giving it nowhere to go, and this weekend alone we have seen the closure of outdoor spaces by many organisations, along with Government advice to restrict movement to “essential” activity only. We have a responsibility not only to our fellow club members, but also to the MOD personnel at Thorney Island, and today I received an email from the land-owner of Portshole stating that he wants to close that site for flying during the current crisis. Clearly we must act, and I believe that the time has come for CADMAC to be proactive by temporarily closing ALL our flying sites with immediate effect. This is not a decision that I have taken lightly, but I have a duty of care to ensure that the members of the club are given the best chances of seeing the current crisis out without detriment to their health. Accordingly, the club flying sites are now closed until further notice. Rest assured that I will continue to monitor the situation with a view to reinstating flying at the earliest opportunity. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this unprecedented situation. Like you, I am looking forward to the day when we can return to normality; hopefully that day isn’t too far off! Kind regards, Tony C Chairman

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May 26th 2020 - Flying at the Trundle All CADMAC members, In light of developments since the the Government relaxed restrictions a couple weeks ago the committee has, subject to the conditions below, decided to declare the Trundle flying site open again for slope soaring. Needless to say there has been a lot of debate about on-site rules, and the following will apply to anyone choosing to fly at the site: 1. Firstly, responsibility for the decision to use the site rests purely with the individual. CADMAC cannot be held responsible for the transmission of COVID-19 as a result of its use. The club neither implies or guarantees that use of the slope is free from risk of the virus and the decision to use the slope and any risk attached to it relies solely with the club member. By now we should all be aware of the risks and categories, and it goes without saying that if you are in any doubt about these, or you believe that you may be at heightened risk from, or carrying, the virus PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE SITE! 2. Whilst at the site current social distancing guidelines must be observed, so please keep at least two to three metres apart from other users. Remember that we are in public view, and the reputation of the club relies upon the conduct of its members. 3. Do not share any equipment with others. Only handle what is your own. 3. Any minor injuries (cuts etc.) must be dealt with solely by the person receiving the injury so extra care will be required. 4. The gate to the site is the only point of viral contact, so use a stick or hand wash after opening or closing it. 5. The CADMAC committee will continue to review Government guidelines with a view to amending the rules for usage of the site should it be deemed necessary. Updates will be sent by email and published on the Club’s web and Facebook sites. Please contact me, Tony Chant or Nick Gates if you have any questions. As a final note we are also looking at potential options for flying agin at Portshole, and I will notify you of any developments in that regard. I trust that you are all keeping well. Kind regards, Tim (Kerss) Club Secretary

May 31st 2020 - Flying at Portshole Dear CADMAC member, As you will be aware last week the Government announced that from 1st June six people from different households will be able to meet up outside in parks and private gardens, as long as they remain 2 metres apart. Accordingly, the CADMAC committee has decided to re-open the Portshole flying site for up to 6 flyers at a time, subject to the restrictions stipulated in this message. Although the rules have been relaxed, we must bear in mind that we are still in the grip of a serious pandemic and it is important that members behave responsibly as far as their own and other peoples' safety is concerned. The decision to use Portshole rests purely with the individual. CADMAC cannot be held responsible for transmission of COVID- 19 as a result of its use. The club neither implies nor guarantees that Portshole is free from risk of the virus, and the decision to use the site and any risk attached to it relies solely with the club member. By now we should all be aware of the risks and categories, and it goes without saying that if you are in any doubt about these, or you believe that you may be at heightened risk from, or carrying the virus, PLEASE DO NOT GO TO THE SITE! It is well worth reading the BMFA guidance which covers many things you may not have thought of, and the mantra remains; TURN UP, FLY, GO HOME! To facilitate social distancing six “set-up spots” will be placed at least two metres apart in the pits area in front of the shed; these will be marked by 6 flag stones, painted yellow, placed at each spot. When not flying members will be required to place themselves adjacent to these stones to ensure social distancing requirements are met. It was felt that, historically, it is rare for more than six individuals to be on the site at any one time, and therefore initially a booking system will not be used. That said, it is to be hoped that common sense will prevail if more than six people do turn up to fly. Once the quota of six has been reached any flyers arriving on site will be expected to make themselves known to the other users and then wait in their cars in the barn yard, or away from the flying site, until someone finishes. To that end it is to be hoped that, in this event, a slot will be given up in reasonable time to give everyone a fair chance to fly. However, if this system of “turn up and fly” proves not to work, a formal booking system will have to be introduced. In addition to the normal club rules the following specific requirements for flying at Portshole will also apply: 1. Only two people should be present in the pilots' box at any one time. Therefore, the maximum number of models permitted to fly at the same time will be two. 2. When walking between the pits area and the pilot box maintain at least two metres distance from other flyers coming in the opposite direction. 3. When opening the site gate be aware of the possibility of contaminating or picking up contamination from the gate and padlock. Clean your hands immediately before and after touching the lock and gate with anti-viral wipes or sanitiser with at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. The use of new & sterile surgical gloves would also be beneficial when touching the lock and gate. 4. Except in exceptional circumstances (see (5) below) the barn is to remain closed to members and you should not use the windsock, plastic chairs and other facilities which are in it. If you want to sit down, please bring your own picnic chair. 5. The medical kit will still be kept in the barn and can be used if needed. 6. Throughout your time on the site you must maintain two-metre spacing from others, in accordance with Government guidance. However, members should respect that some may want to maintain a social distance larger than this and, of course, this should not be considered as antisocial behaviour. 7. The BMFA advises not to share equipment, but if you do, you should use anti-septic hand wash afterwards. As ever, after flying, please remove all of your equipment any rubbish from the site. 8. The two-metre rule must be observed, even for those who are training. This means that most training will only be possible using a buddy box system however, for those whose training is so advanced that they do not need hands-on help a trainer standing two metres away will be acceptable. In any event, please note that the trainer will be counted as “the second person” in the pilots’ box. 9. It is the responsibility of all to adhere to these rules, and any transgressors should be politely requested to comply. Needless to say, the CADMAC committee will continue to review Government guidelines with a view to amending the rules for usage of the site should it be deemed necessary. Updates will be sent by email and published on the Club’s web and Facebook sites. Please contact George Fridlington, Ken Smith, myself or Tony Chant if you have any questions. Kind regards, Tim Club Sec

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June 18th 2020 - Flying at Thorney Dear Members, We are pleased to announce that restrictions to enter Thorney Island base have now been relaxed somewhat and that, having conducted a risk assessment mandated by the MOD, we plan to recommence flying at the site from Saturday 27th June. However, before any member of the club can enter the site to fly they are required to read and acknowledge three separate documents that are attached to the email that has been sent to members as a “pack”. These documents are: 1. The Risk Analysis - Self Assessment Form. 2. The MOD COVID-19 briefing document. 3. The CADMAC additional procedures for operating at Thorney during COVID-19 restrictions. Accordingly, please take the time to read and absorb the content of these documents and, when you are happy, reply to this email stating that you have read and understood them. Only then can your name can be added to the list of CADMAC members permitted to enter the base. If your name is not on the list you will be denied entry at the gate, so please do respond to this email as requested! Unfortunately, personnel in the guard room are not currently able to issue “day passes” so, initially, only those members with valid car passes will be permitted entry. Replacement car passes (for the year 2020/2021) have been obtained for those who are listed as holders, and they are now in Derek’s possession. Members will need to contact him directly by email or phone to arrange collection. Derek has also arranged thirteen extra passes for some existing members and new members that he thought would want to go to Thorney in the near future. In addition to the requirement to read the attached documents we have been notified that spot checks will be carried out by Station Staff Office and Base personnel to ensure that COVID-19 rules are being observed, and this is very likely as the SSO, Tim Kenealy, is often on-site at weekends with the cycling club. It has been made clear that any breaches in agreed procedures will result in CADMAC being removed from the site until things return to normal. This could be a long time hence! Accordingly, when on the site please respect the rules and ensure that your colleagues do too! Also, remember that, unless amended in the attached brief, all the normal Thorney rules apply and, as ever, to fly with consideration for other base users and CADMAC members; we certainly do not need to encounter any more problems through careless actions just as things are starting up again. We fully understand that some of this may seem very onerous, however we have finally got this fantastic flying site back, in spite of the challenges presented by Natural England and COVID 19 respectively. Obtaining the necessary clearances for both of these factors has been extremely time-consuming, but now it’s time for us to get out there and enjoy it! Please get back to us if you have any questions. Kind regards, Derek & Tim

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