LAA Strut News
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e are beginning to see the return of gatherings planned for the summer months in our Struts’ calendar, plus we are returning to our normal preoccupation when it comes to dates – the British weather! We are certainly due a dose of blue skies and balmy flying days. As you will know, the Struts have been very active over the last few months in adapting to an ever-changing situation and recently we were able to ‘meet up’ at a Strut leaders’ Zoom meeting. It was good to see Strut representatives from Bodmin in the South West, to the North of Scotland at the meeting, which was held online in May. In all, nearly 20 Struts and several LAA member clubs were represented, and the evening was hosted by the LAA’s Strut Coordinator, David Millin. Among the agenda items was an opportunity for leaders to share their Strut ‘lockdown’ experiences, and there was positive feedback regarding the use of Zoom for many meetings over the last year. It was felt that online meetings gave opportunities for a wider audience, and a more diverse selection of speakers sharing a broad range of subject matter of general interest. The format had also been used by many of the Member Clubs, including the Europa and Vintage Aircraft Clubs, which enabled members from abroad to share an evening with UK members as a social, as well as informative, event. Trevor Wilcock from the Bristol Strut had said previously, “Zoom is a poor substitute for our usual opportunities to chat at BAWA, but it has been useful in maintaining some cohesion and keeping members up to date with Brexit changes, and Covid extensions and exemptions over the past few months. It gives the opportunity for members of other Struts to join in – and for me to eavesdrop on other Struts! We have also enjoyed the company of Strut Secretary Mary Leader and her lovebird Pico, who is always happy to join in with a CHIRP report or Listening Squawk!” Many felt that all the Struts and Clubs would use this format for some future meetings, but there is no substitute for meeting up in person, especially for fly-ins, and general social events, which will never be taken for granted again! It was also noted that some members were excluded from online events as the technology was not available to them.
Struts 4U by Anne Hughes
Above Bristol Strut’s Mary Leader is often accompanied on Zoom meetings by her pet lovebird, Pico. Below The Rally team is looking for volunteers, why not come early and join in the fun!
The LAA Rally will take place at Sywell 3 -5 September and is eagerly anticipated! However, not only is there a huge amount of forward planning, especially with the uncertainties regarding potential Covid-19 government guidelines, but the event relies on an army of volunteers for several days before and during the event. The Strut leaders were asked to ‘round up the troops’ from Strut membership to help with the set-up from 31 August. Camping facilities will be available and there is accommodation locally with plenty of opportunities to socialise as the team effort clicks into action. There is also an opportunity for Strut members to volunteer in the Struts area in the new LAA village area, where the Strut banners will be on display, creating a space for representatives to chat over a cup of tea or coffee about local activities. Over the last few years this area of the Rally has become increasingly popular, especially when the Strut
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