Prehistoric times
Model flying at Southport can be traced back to the very early days of aviation. Southport Beach is in fact the site of one of the oldest airfields in the country, dating back to 1910. The original Southport Model Engineering Club, which started in the 1950s, had a model flying section that flew aircraft from Southport Beach.
Southport Model Flying Club as it is recognised today officially started in 1975. Before this, groups of people were flying on Birkdale beach, in an ad hoc manner, flying anywhere they liked. Graham Green felt that this was not the way it should be and encouraged them to hold a meeting to discuss the possibility of forming a club.
1975
The first Club meeting was on 7th May, at The Air Training Corps. Headquarters on Upper Aughton Road, Birkdale, Southport. Meetings were held there until the end of the year. The 'Red Triangle Club' hall behind Bates Builder's Yard, Bispham Road, Southport, was chosen for regular meetings and the AGM (hence the triangle of the club badge).
Sandy Powell was Chairman, David Jones was Secretary and Graham Green was Treasurer. It was decided to adopt rules based on Liverpool & District Model Aircraft Society.
Club membership by the end of the year was 23 senior and 3 Junior. Subscriptions were then were £3.00 Senior, £1.50 Junior. Membership of the Society of Model Aircraft Engineers (SMAE, now the BMFA) was not compulsory, though most Club fliers had joined that organisation.
Flying sites were on Southport Beach by the Weld Road entrance in Birkdale, Town Lane field for a short time, and Stanley Secondary School.
Late 70's
1978
A Dinner Dance was held at The Queens Hotel, Promenade, Southport, with a model flying display at Birkdale High school, during its summer fete.
1979
Monthly meetings moved to The Queens Hotel, Promenade, Southport, in January.
1990's
1991
In August Southport Council held the first Southport Air Show. Southport Model Aero Club opened the show, with full size aircraft from midday until 4.30pm.
1993
This year the beach changed from 'Queens Land' to the control of Sefton Council. With this change car control was introduced onto the beach. The Club moved its flying site, with full co-operation of the Council, from the old Birkdale site, to the north side of the Shore Road entrance (near Pontins Holiday camp), Ainsdale.
Christ the King School became a flying site, for winter use only.
1996
Burscough Aerodrome was added as a flying site.
Post 2000
2001
Christ the King School was officially removed as a flying site.
2002
Burscough Aerodrome removed as a flying site, due to deterioration of the runway.
2007
In April the beach flying site was moved to the Weld Road entrance.
At the AGM it was decided to abandon flying at RAF Woodvale due to increasing costs and reduced availability due to increased full-size activity.
2008
Given the wetness of the Weld Road flying site, Sefton Council agreed that the old site near Shore Road could be used instead for flying during the winter, subject to certain conditions.
In April 2008 SMAC secures access to a flying site at Leisure Lakes near Southport. This site became operational in June and is still used to this day as well as the beach.
1976
The First AGM was held on the 7th January, and the Committee was re-elected. Sandy Powell was again Chairman, David Jones was Secretary and Graham Green was Treasurer. It was decided to adopt club rules based on those governing the Liverpool & District Model Aircraft Society (LDMAS).
A model flying display was put on by Club members at Birkdale High school, during the summer fete that year.
Flying sites were Southport Beach by the Weld Road entrance Birkdale, Stanley Secondary School until 27th of July 1976 when we lost the site due to complaints from locals about noise, and RAF Woodvale, jointly with LDMAS.
Mike Eccles (a long-serving Club Chairman) joined the club.
1980's
1983
Monthly meetings moved to Sacred Heart Church Hall, Liverpool Road, Ainsdale, in February.
The Annual Model Flying display at Birkdale High school took place during the summer fete yet again. In addition Club members put on a flying display at Ainsdale High School on the 14th May, and a static exhibition at Lord Street West Church.
1988
Both Southport Model Aero Club, and LDMAS lost the use of RAF Woodvale from 17th April 1988 to late May 1988. This was due to a member of LDMAS crossing the active runway whilst an aircraft was landing.
1997
Southport Beach was designated an area of special scientific interest in 1997, and became jointly managed by Sefton Council and English Nature. With help and advice from Roger Bellingham at the BMFA, we were able to remain at our flying site. Restriction of motor vehicles was introduced on the beach, and a barrier erected. Our flying site was located north of the barrier, in the Car free zone; we were allowed through this with passes. This made our flying site safer, as cars were no longer able to drive near our runway.
In October 1997, Christ the King School was damaged by an Arson attack and Southport Model Aero Club was asked to stop flying on the grounds, until the attackers could be found, and the school could be secured.
In May Southport Model Aero Club held its first Model Flying Show, which spanned 2 days. It also continued to support the full-size Southport Air Show.
1999
Further Vehicle restrictions were introduced on the Beach, preventing public vehicle access during the winter. However, because of our relationship with the Council, we were allowed continued access, provided we introduced a 'moving' flying site. In the summer our site is situated north of the barrier. In winter it is moved south of the barrier, so as to distance ourselves from a migrating bird feeding area.
