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Chapter 11

Form a Club

Why not forms a club? Something shared brings greater pleasure to all concerned. It is hoped that this section may serve to show the way in which to start a club, and also indicate its aims and activities.

First and obviously, a club must have members. This means talking the matter over with others who may be interested in the project. In some places, a suggestion to form a kite club would come as a new idea, and this could be an advantage. When two or three have been found who are willing to make a start, then a meeting could be arranged. The one who called the meeting (the convener) would act temporarily as the chairman. He should prepare beforehand an agenda, along the lines suggested.

Agenda

1.	Put forward a resolution that a club be formed. If this were agreed, then appointments could be made.
2.	Appointment of Officers (a) Club Leader. As well as conducting meetings, the leader would be in charge of the running of the club. (b) Secretary. On appointment, the secretary would proceed to take notes of the meeting taking place. As well as recording and reading the minutes of meetings, he would attend to correspondence and the like. (c) Treasurer. He would be responsible for club funds. (Additional Note. In time, if a club grew in numbers, then a small representative committee could be elected, when convenient.)
3.	Club Room. The choice of somewhere to meet would obviously depend upon what places were available. It would be an advantage if a room or a hut could be found where a workbench, materials, and tools could be kept; and where business and other meetings could be held.
4.	Rules. These should be written in the minute book. The following are examples. (a) That membership subscriptions be paid, weekly or as the club decides (b) That every member is expected to attend a meeting, when it is called. (c) That resolutions be passed by a majority vote; and that in a case where there is an equal number of members voting for and against a resolution, then the chairman gives the casting vote, to decide whether the resolution be accepted or rejected. (d) That all matters which concern the club be brought to a meeting for action to be taken. (e) That such rules agreed upon may be added to when necessary; that a rule may be revised if the club think fit. (f) That an annual general meeting be held. An outline of such a meeting is given below. (g) That appointments be made and held on a yearly basis.
5.	Club Activities. Suggestions for these are given in section 4 of this chapter.
6.	Any Other Business (A.O.B. for short). Matters not previously dealt with would come under this heading.
7.	Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting. The following items are offered for guidance at a further meeting: declare meeting open; read minutes of previous meeting, and sign them as a correct record; deal with any matters arising out of the minutes; deal with any further matters on the agenda, including a review of progress made, and any difficulties encountered; collect subscriptions; any other business; date and place of next meeting; declare the meeting closed.

Notes on Annual General Meeting

At this meeting appointments for the ensuing year would be made; and reports on the past year would be given, such as: first, the treasurer's audited statement, to be received by the meeting as being correct; second, the secretary's, on the number of meetings held during the year, average attendance and any other matters of interest; third, the leader's—a brief review of the year's activities, plus a comment upon the present state of the club. In addition to these reports, ideas and plans for the coming year could be suggested, discussed, and put to the vote.

Association of Kite Clubs

When a club has been formed in a new area, that club in turn should explore ways and means of starting another club. It will be realized that it takes time and experience for these things to work out. However, one may reasonably hope to see in due course, a local association being established.

In such an event, from the organization point of view, a president, secretary and treasurer would be needed, together with a number of

representatives from each club. This body would be responsible for all inter-club activities. It is suggested that among other things, this committee could appoint a person to submit items of interest to the local press, and also could issue a magazine or bulletin.

An association committee might inquire into the possibilities of co-operating with other model and hobby clubs in the area, so that exchange visits could be arranged, joint exhibitions be held, and where possible, other joint activities be planned. There are great opportunities in kite-craft, if it be taken seriously, and dealt with enthusiastically.

Arrange Activities

A club is defined as *a group of persons possessing common or similar interests or occupations, who unite as an organized society' (Universal English Dictionary). But one's ideas of those interests should not be too narrow. Indeed, the aim of this book is to show kite-craft as a many-sided pastime. The focal point of attention, of course, is flying kites, but there are also opportunities for various activities within the framework of club life and organization. In making the most of these opportunities a club provides for the special aptitudes of the individual member, and it becomes a means of creative self-expression.

It follows from this then that a club, to be successful, must have a full and varied programme, which is carefully planned and carried through. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. It is a safeguard against the aimless, what-shall-we-do-next attitude which creeps in where there is no plan of action. And this is definitely not the way to progress.

Therefore a special meeting or meetings could be called for the specific purpose of discussing and planning a full and varied programme, covering a fixed period of say six or twelve months. As the club became established the matter could be dealt with at the annual general meeting, which at least might decide what things should be done, and also appoint members to get them done. Suggestions for various activities are now given and for the sake of convenience are listed under separate headings.

Club Kite Making

This could take place during the winter months or at any time when flying was not possible. The work could be done to a plan with regard to the number, sizes and styles of the kites. Chapters 1-6 will be a considerable help in this matter, and Chapter 9 may also be taken into account. Kites might be decorated with an emblem or a monogram—something simple, bold and finished in bright colours. For example, suppose the name was the Kingsford Kite Club. It could be called the 2-K Club, and a monogram—two K's intertwined—could be used as a distinguishing mark. The cost or part of the cost of all materials used by the members might be made a charge upon club funds. More will be said about the latter later.

Club Flights

These entail such matters as, first the choice of a site or base from which to fly the kites. Preliminary investigation would be needed in this respect, to find suitable and convenient places, which could be used in turn, and which could be marked on a base map, as described in Chapter 10.

Secondly, with regard to the actual flights, this may be said. Although it is recommended that these be planned in advance, and not carried out in a haphazard way, it is obvious that certain details such as cancellations or alterations of places, days and times would be attended to on a week by week basis.

Thirdly, at the start of a club's life, practice sessions would have an important place. By means of them, members could gain skill in handling different kites in varying weather conditions. And further, rehearsals could be held for the competitions, which are suggested later in the chapter.

Exhibitions

It might seem at first that this is too ambitious a project where there are only a few members. In reply it must be said that enthusiasm is always more important than mere numbers. By planning well in advance it is often surprising how much the enthusiastic few can achieve.

In an exhibition, members' work, for example, may be shown. The many sizes and styles which are available in this book provide a means for staging a varied and interesting display. Another feature might be on the theme of kites through the ages (see 'Brief History', Chapter 12). This could be executed by means of posters briefly relating some of the interesting facts and figures, which belong to the theme. Besides this, a large diagram might be drawn to illustrate how kites fly. Chapter 8 provides some useful information on this point.

Another suggestion deals with the weather factor in kite flying. The idea is to have on show large copies of the following: the Beaufort Scale, the list of main cloud types, a specimen weather map with explanatory notes on the symbols used, and perhaps a base map (see Chapter 10). This exhibit might also include a barometer, thermometer, compass and anemometer. (Instructions for making the two latter are given in Chapter 7.)

On the subject of exhibitions, a few general comments may be made. One is that on such an occasion refreshments could be provided and some form of entertainment given. In passing, these two, of course, might make a separate social evening. Another point is that an exhibition might be an inter-club venture, or a means of co-operating with other clubs, such as model glider or aeroplane. Lastly, an exhibition, if it were carefully planned and carried out, would do much to increase knowledge of and interest in one of the oldest pastimes in the world.

Open-air Displays

These are best staged on a large open site, which allows room for manoeuvres and for onlookers. But however good the site is, it is only a background for the displays. The most important thing is that the latter should be as effective as possible, and this is the intent of the following suggestions. They are entered under separate headings, to provide a means of quick reference.

(a) Moonlight Festival

The idea here is to stage a display of illuminated kites. These may be prepared in the following ways. Fasten an electric torch to each kite, over the centre of balance. A method of finding this is described in Chapter 8. Alternatively, a small dry battery may be used. Connect it to one or two bulbs by means of wires and a switch. In both cases it is suggested that coloured lights be used. Coloured transparent material can be placed round the torch glass or the bulbs.

In preparing the kites it must be remembered that they will be carrying extra weight. The additional equipment, therefore, should not be too heavy, and the larger-sized kites should be used. The box style is one of the most suitable for the purpose. As far as some other styles are concerned, very effective use could be made of transparent covers, made from a material like polythene.

On a suitable evening these multi-coloured lights, floating and weaving patterns overhead, would be a very pretty sight indeed. A further suggestion is that a campfire singsong with refreshments might be included.

(b) Dual Control Display

Generally speaking, one line is used in flying a kite. In other words, it has a single control. The suggestion here is to incorporate a second line, attached to the bottom of the backbone. This line, of the same length as the kite line, would be suspended independent of a reel. By means of a dual control the operator could more readily manipulate his kite in an acrobatic display. One of the larger-sized kites would be needed to take up the extra weight, and only very light but strong lines should be used. Care would need to be taken with the second line, especially in coiling it round on the ground so that it would not get tangled during the flying of the kite. The main kite line would be used in sending the kite up; both lines could be used in bringing it down. This is an event, which calls for considerable practice and skill

(c) Novelty Display

A striking effect would be ensured by flying kites of different styles, sizes and colours. The display would be enhanced by the addition on some of the kites of fringes, tassels, buzzers, multicoloured tails, light reflecting and coloured discs. Instructions for making these are given in Chapter 7.

Competitions

These are divided into two classes: constructional and operational. Both provide fine opportunities for demonstrating skill in the making and flying of kites.

The first class is similar in many respects to the exhibition previously described; the difference being that the competitive element is now more in evidence. The entries are divided into groups, and awards are made for the following kites: the most original; the best made; the most artistic; and the best kite in the show. The rule governing this competition is that all kites on show must have been flown satisfactorily.

The second class provides an opportunity for considering many interesting ideas and suggestions. The following are examples.

(a) Height and Speed Event

It should be said at the outset that kites can attain to great heights in the hands of experienced operators. But certain considerations have to be borne in mind. As a kite climbs higher it develops a stronger pull, and the pull of a large kite can be very strong indeed. Therefore, in a contest of this kind, the young beginner should not be tempted to fly too large a kite at too great a height.

Because height is one of the governing factors in this event, the competitors' kite lines must be of equal length. The lines also incorporate a simple device for measuring heights. Small bands of coloured thread are tied to them at fixed distances, say 5 ft. or 10 ft. As a line is being wound in, it is a simple matter to count the bands and to multiply their number by the distance each represents. Speed is the other factor, and so a time-limit is laid down. This could be decided in a preliminary practice. Independent timekeepers and line checkers are needed.

At the signal to start the competitors launch their kites. The winner is the one who succeeds in flying his to the limit of its line in the shortest time. If no one manages to do this in the time which is set, then the one who comes nearest to it gains the first place. This entails measuring the kite lines, and this is done by the checkers, who are then able to declared the winner.

The rule governing the event is that the kites must be brought as far as possible to an overhead position. Any kite moving off downwind no matter how much line has been paid out is disqualified.

(b) Formation Event

For this, members make up small teams, each under a leader. At the signal to start they launch their kites and after climbing for a while endeavour to move in formation. Any team whose kites touch one another, or stray too obviously out of line, receive a point against, and not merely once, but every time such an incident occurs. The aim is to keep the kites in each team from start to finish as close as possible to one another without actually touching. At the end of a given time points against are added up, and the winning team declared. This event calls for combined skill, and much also depends upon the leader. A checker is needed for each team. He records any points made against his team. These are examined and compared by a referee, who has also been keeping a close watch on the proceedings, and he announces the winning team.

(c) Landing in a Target Area

The target area is a marked-out square which is plainly seen by the competitors, but is some distance away from them. Every competitor in turn brings his kite to an overhead position and then, not moving past a touch line, tries to land his kite in the target area. If no kite is brought down in the area, then the one nearest to it is awarded first place. If more than one kite lands in the area, then the one nearest to the centre is the winner.

A referee is needed to measure where the kites land in relation to the target area. In addition, a checker stands by the touch line to see that no competitor goes past it. If he does, then he is disqualified. Like the previous event, this is suitable for team entries. But whether the kites are flown by members on their own or in teams they have to be handled with some skill and judgement.

d) Parachute Recovery

The method of making and releasing parachutes is described in Chapter 7. Each competitor receives an equal number of parachutes, say six. Each competitor's parachutes are a different colour from the others, so that they can be easily identified. At the signal to start, the parachutes are sent up, released and recovered as quickly as possible. One assistant works with each competitor. If no one succeeds in finding all his parachutes in a fixed time, then the one who comes next best is the winner. In the case of a tie, the procedure is repeated by the two competitors to find the winning one.

(e) Balloon Release

This is a variation of the above event. The method of attaching the balloons to the kite lines is the same as for the parachutes, namely, by means of hooks and strings.

(f) Balloon Bursting

Here is a contest which bears a resemblance to the old Chinese sport of kite fighting. In the latter the kite lines were coated at the top with glue and glass fragments, and each competitor tried to cut his opponent's line. In the balloon contest one or two fine nails project from each kite. Competitors send up a given number of balloons on their lines, to which they are attached by strings of varying lengths. The aim is for each of two contestants to burst as many of his opponent's balloons as he can in a given time.

(g) Buried Treasure

A hunt for buried treasure is always a popular game, and this one will arouse a great deal of interest. The organizer hides a small box containing the treasure or prize. Maps are drawn on small pieces of paper, which give clues to the whereabouts of the treasure. Blank pieces of paper, the same size as the maps, and parachutes in different colours for each competitor, are also required.

Two out of a total number of six parachutes for each contestant have maps attached to them, the rest are blanks. The organizer is the one who prepares the parachutes for the hunt. At the signal to start, the parachutes are sent up the kite lines and released. Each competitor has to release all his parachutes before he can begin the hunt. With the help of an assistant he tries to find one of his own maps and not one belonging to another. If one is found, then it has to be decoded, so as to lead to the buried treasure. At the end of a given time, if the treasure has not been found, then the contestants may say where they think it might be hidden. The one whose guess comes nearest to the actual spot is the winner.

Further Suggestions for Competitions

Competitions might be arranged as an inter-club venture, and organized on the basis of heats, semi-finals and finals. But in both cases of members of one club or of competing clubs, some scheme of awards might be considered, these being held for a period of twelve months.

One suggestion is that an award could take the form of a small shield or a framed certificate. A local craftsman or a club member might be able to make a small wooden shield. On this a few suitable words could be neatly painted. An inscription in gold or silver paint upon a red or blue background would look very effective. As an alternative a framed certificate might be executed after the style of an illuminated manuscript. An example of a shield is given in Chapter 7. This suggestion also covers second and third place awards, these possibly being in the form of smaller framed certificates.

A further suggestion is that the awards might be presented at a special meeting. If this were agreed, then the following matters could be decided: who should be invited to present the awards; where the meeting could be held, and what other items could be planned, to help to make it an enjoyable occasion.

In passing, the practice of making awards is to be commended, because it provides a goal for competitive endeavour. And in the atmosphere of friendly rivalry a club may flourish.

Suggestions For Other Activities

(a) Club Magazine

A small magazine, printed on a duplicator could be an interesting and successful project. It could be published once a quarter or even annually. One way of meeting the cost of production would be to make it a charge upon club funds.

The following is a suggested layout: news and drawings of club activities, outdoor and indoor; kite topics in general; review of the weather; outside contributions on the subject of other hobbies, including perhaps model gliders and aeroplanes. These subjects, together with any others accepted by the editor, would provide sufficient material for an interesting magazine. All that remains to be said is that it should be well-designed and neatly printed; and that every member should try to make it known to and read by others.

(b) Club Weather Station

This suggestion arises out of what has been written in Chapter 10 on the subject of the weather. An amateur station could be set up at home or at club headquarters. In the latter case members might make up a rota by means of which daily notes could be taken of temperature; pressure; cloud formation; wind direction and speed. In this way weather trends could be studied, and estimates of coming flying conditions could be attempted. A kite club weather station would probably arouse considerable local interest, for everyone is interested in the weather. This in itself would help to keep the fact of the club's existence in people's minds. Of course, the project, if attempted, does require that one member at least should be well-informed on the subject.

Talks, Discussions and Outings

In a balanced club programme talks and discussions are given a place. The following are a few of the subjects, which could be considered. The first is the story of kites through the ages, as outlined in the brief history in Chapter 12. The second is on popularizing kite flying. The third deals with the theme of how kites fly (see Chapter 8). Again, if there were any speakers available who were interested in other hobbies, such as model gliders or aeroplanes, then they could be invited to give a talk.

In a general sense, club outings could be in the form of visits to places of historic or other interest. Other outings could have a particular reference to kite flying. For example, one might be organized as a survey of one's area, in order to discover suitable flying bases. Another might be for the purpose of noting the physical characteristics of the area, in order to discover whether these had any bearing upon local weather.

Kites and the Camera

The suggestion here is that a camera might be part of a club's equipment. On many occasions photographs could be taken in order to build up a pictorial record of activities, such as exhibitions; displays; competitions; outings and the like. In time, a club album would be a much-prized possession.

Club Funds

In running a club some expense is incurred by materials, heating and lighting, magazine production, stationery, and so on. Apart from membership subscriptions, other sources of income might be found in some activities where charges could be made for admittance and refreshments. In addition, there may be interested people who would respond to an appeal on behalf of such funds. And if a magazine were published, then a small charge might be made for the copies.

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