Cost and what is 'Cheap' is a point of view and depends on what you are asking for. If there is one thing that the JMA has persistently sought, is new venues. Quite a few will not entertain model flying and those that consider it impose unworkable restrictions. These facilities need to make money and with larger better financed organisations paying huge fee's which we cannot afford we have little to chose from in what remains. Suitable club sites are rare and those clubs are not to keen on a load of jets whizzing about for fear of losing there site. In previous years we have had meetings at Scampton, Honington. Coningsby and leeming all of which are much closer to you but one by one they have been lost due to local factors beyond our control. We looked at Bruntingthorpe but they wanted £2000 a day!

Many of the above comments have been from the individuals point of view, wanting meets on their doorstep which would be great and on occasion a few may be lucky. The JMA committee cannot look at it like this, we try and spread out events as much as we can but we are limited by the sites we can get access to, it may seem biased but venues are limited. Keith has provided us with an opportunity further north to replace west Raynham which is definitely a bonus! this event will very likely see a lack of attendance from members further south due to distance/travel/accom costs but will better suit members in northern areas. Merryfield is the JMA's most southerly event and see's very few participants from northern areas undoubtedly due to geography/costs. Whatever the distance and and whatever the cost, the choice to attend these events rests with the individual and the cost of organising these events will not go away.

There were many finance options discussed at the AGM and this was eventually voted on. When you have driven to the Shawbury AGM fly in, the distance from York to Long Marston is only a little more than York to Shawbury and like you (although the other way) i have been at a disadvantage being down in the south west especially when i was stationed in Cornwall, i had to drive long distances to take part but i chose to do so. These distances are not for everyone which is understandable, with increasing costs and limited venues we have few options.