DON VALLEY M.F.C. – CELEBRATING 55 years
If you were to carry out a small survey in our home town of Doncaster, South Yorkshire asking people what Doncaster might we be famous for, I feel fairly safe in saying Aviation would not be at the top of the list. You would probably however receive some of the following answers.
- It’s the home of the St. Leger Horse Race, one of the oldest classic races in history. 2. The railways. The fastest steam train in the world, The Mallard, was built in Doncaster.
3.And for those of us with a sweet tooth we had Nuttalls Mintoes, Radiance Toffees and a favourite at all the race meetings, Parkinson’s Butterscotch.
Until October 2015 Doncaster was also the home of the only flying Vulcan Bomber XH 558 which is still based at what is now Robin Hood Airport (Formerly R.A.F. Finningley).
(Vulcan to the Sky Trust for more info) the airport sadly closed in late 2022 but the latest news is that it will re-open some time in 2028.
The first aviation meeting in England was held on Doncaster Racecourse from 15th to 23rd October 1909, beating off a rival bid from Blackpool. The organisers liked the mile and a half of grass-covered common, surrounded by flat country sides (Blackpool offered a beach and possibly a very wet landing). The racecourse stands and enclosures to accommodate several hundred people was also an attraction. Planes such as the Bleriots were popular as well as many home-made designs, one with a fancy braking system which looks very much like the front wheel of a bicycle and even a twin engine home-made design. And yes, even in those days, the event was sponsored by National Newspapers and the Local Council together with a dog food manufacturer. Pilots were even paid to bring their aircraft here. A certain pilot named Cody was paid a sum of £2,000 to bring his aircraft. Sponsorship at some events has not changed over the years.
In 1916 a permanent airport was opened by the Government for the Royal Flying Corps which was just across the road from the racecourse where it all began only seven years earlier. After the war it was used by Light Aircraft, Gliders, Helicopters and yes Model Flyers, sadly the airport closed down on Christmas Eve 1992 and is now a leisure park.
Like so many other clubs, ours was started because of the vision of one man, Mr. Jim Bridgwood. He was already a well respected figure within the early free flight days community and winner of many competitions well before Radio Control was around. His knowledge and enthusiasm were the driving force behind gathering a small group of fellow flyers in his house to discuss forming a club which is now some 55 years old. So in our own small way, we, along with a few other local clubs within the area, are keeping the aviation tradition in Doncaster going, just with smaller planes.
With the closing of Doncaster Airport in 1992, and like most clubs who have lost a site, finding a new one proved quite difficult. However, after several months of trying to locate a private field and with no prospects in the pipe line, we then approached our local council and explained our situation. Thankfully we were able to obtain our present site and are now in our 31st. Year. Like most clubs up and down the country we have struggled to keep membership up but I do believe that with the introduction of A.R.T.F. models both balsa and Foamies (very few want to build these days) our hobby may be seeing an upturn hopefully.
As a club we do all we can to promote the Hobby/Sport and encourage old and new members alike, offering plenty of instruction and advice. Whether you would like to fly or just display your latest creation come along and enjoy the company of fellow modellers over a cuppa and a burger on one of our open weekends.
Please visit our web site at Don Valley M.F.C.co.uk. for more information.
Hope to see you soon!
Colin Harrop – Member.
August 2025
Bmfa world record attempt
On the 15th May 2022 BMFA members across the UK came together at 12 noon to collectively attempt to set a new record for the greatest number of model aircraft of all types in the air at one time at BMFA affiliated clubs around the UK. The attempt was one of a number of events celebrating the BMFA / SMAE Centenary. We achieved a new BMFA National absolute record of 3109 model aircraft and drones in the air at 263 flying sites across the UK.