Well, there was one, but the site was owned by the local Ultra lite guys and we were not sure if they were willing to share their airstrip.  Laughter filled the room as someone had mentioned that, "It?s a toss up who will fly the fastest, Gaston and his jets or one of the Ultra lites." We decided that we should ask the guys about sharing the field because you never know what may come of it.

In May 2002, Marc LeFebvre, the Ultra lite guy and owner of the field, decided to sell his interest in the Ultra lite business leaving the weeds on the airstrip to run rampant. Enter Gaston Boissonneault. Gaston struck a deal with Marc. The deal was he would teach Marc and his son to fly and keep the field in a respectable condition, and in return he could have the use of the field to form a new club. Gaston contacted Lou Sharrock. The two of these men had worked together very successfully as president and vice president of the Cambrian club for several years. Cambrian has gone from strength to strength under the guidance of Gaston and Lou. The 2001 air show was the best on record with over 1000 spectators / pilots attending during the weekend long event. Making it one of the most successful clubs in the Ontario area. ? I know with Lou?s enthusiasm, my drive and experience , that we can make the new club now called the Greater Sudbury Modelers (G.S.M) the best in town and eventually in Ontario.? 

 The club registered with M.A.A.C on Saturday the 25^th of May, the same day as the SOO fun fly with a grand total of 10 members, 6 of whom are instructors. Kay Sharrock was immediately ?persuaded? to take over the position of public relations. ? P.R plays a very important role in the success of any venture,? says Kay, who for the last 2 years ran PR for the Cambrian club. ?We have our first event scheduled for June the 19^th, a day out at the field for a class of grade sixes. The clubs new shirts are being discussed as are pit areas, parking areas, washroom facilities, sponsors, shelters, mall shows, press releases and of course a members ?fry in? a fish and chip supper. It?s too late in the year to organize an air show however, watch for our grand opening in the year 2003?. ? The experience we gained from Cambrian has helped us get off to a good start. We have 8 sponsors some old some new. Membership is steadily growing and work on the new field is coming along nicely? says Gaston. ? I am hoping the club will be very aggressive and progressive in and around Sudbury. We will be looking to grow significantly in the coming years. We are in a new area on a main road with an excellent opportunity to promote R/C flying and fully utilize our airstrip that is currently 800 feet long, an excellent place for both experienced as well as new pilots. Look what we have accomplished in 3 months, who?s knows what we can do in three years. We expect to be around for a long time.?

What a difference a year makes.

  A little over a year had passed since the Greater Sudbury Modelers (G.S.M.) moved to its new location. The club took off slowly both in membership and field layout. One key issue was and still is - cash flow! Do we really want to spend hundreds of $s perhaps thousands maintaining someone else?s land? Where?s the security? G.S.M. was initially formed to give r/c enthusiasts a secure location, free of worry, a place to be proud of. More family orientated, theme air shows a permanent home in the community. We hear horror stories of club?s being asked to leave the property after lots of time and money has been invested. Are the North Shore boys secure at their new location in Elliott Lake? The Cambrain field in Azilda is up for sale. Indeed, here in Sudbury our colleagues at SMAC under went a field move several years ago (not at their own request I must add!).

   Our 2003 season got off to a poor start with our landlord increasing our ?rent? by 100%. During the 2002 season we had maintained the airstrip only at a cost of around $1500. We had not built anything; we were still looking at washroom facilities, fences, a shelter and hopefully a clubhouse. The executive met to discuss options. Pay up and shut up, or, try to negotiate a better deal, or, throw in the towel and join another club, or, move again with a view of buying the next field. We talked to our current landlord; financially, buying this field was not an option. Our members were asking now what? Our roots are not firmly down yet. Our bank balance is at zero. The executive has approached and secured several sponsors for the 2003 season, this will bring in around $1000 plus, membership will generate around $1000 plus. What can we get for around two grand? A well maintained flying facility, perhaps? A new shelter? Fences? Washrooms? Certainly financial constraints will stop the club reaching its full potential and heading in the direction set out by the executive.

   Several key members discussed purchasing property as an investment and would give the club a long-term lease to cover the cost of the taxes. Figures were crunched; this could be a viable option. Taxes are a lot less on agricultural property than our current rent. After viewing potential sites an offer was made on the property next door to our current flying field on Dominion Drive in Hamner. The land is vacant, flat, free of most obstacles (just ask Lou's Extra 300XS how free), one mile long and 660 feet wide. Before the offer was accepted our club president Gaston Boissonneault suggested he buy the property out right, build a house and let the club lease the land long term. Before the ink was dry we were talking to contractor?s regarding the new airstrip. We intend to lay the new airstrip at an angle making it 800 feet long and 80 feet wide. The plan is to lay it adjacent to the old strip, currently still in use, seed roll and fertilize before the end of May. Place a culvert and lay a road, sink a point for fresh water and brush cut for overnight camping.

   It?s now the middle of May 04. Most of what we set out to do is done. The airstrip is ready and in use. A road of sorts is done, we have a pit area. Membership is growing slowly as we become established. Two static shows in the local mall have helped make spectators a common sight. Our sponsors have donated thousands in cash and services so far. Membership has grown to over 20. We have now completed work on a 50-foot shelter, two washrooms, 11 picnic tables and 4 benches. We have two scheduled air shows, our Grand Opening July the 3^rd and The Big Bird event August 21^st. Feeling more secure than ever and with renewed energy,the current executive is making plans for a long-term future. What will two grand buy you? Nothing without a dedicated membership and a will to succeed.

  Sincerely,  

The Executive at Greater Sudbury Modelers.