White Waltham
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: lancs.UK
Age: 77
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AC - DC post #46..... I happen to be interested in old Pinball tables.....let's say you share the interest........
I'd give you short shrift if you wandered into my lounge with a major pintable dealer, made yourselves comfortable and asked me to put the kettle on
OTOH. had I put a note on the" pinball gazette "........."fellow enthusiasts welcome to come and view my machine" Then you'd rightly expect to be welcomed......but the Brew's still a courtesy extended by me, not a right for you to demand.
SAS has summed it up well, except I'd say that if your face fits, you just become another one of the "clique "......which is, essentially, what a club is........a group of like-minded individuals pooling resources for their common good.
Note also, Drambuster has said he'll put some suggestions to the WW Committee , to address the percieved unfriendliness to land-bound visitors.
I'd give you short shrift if you wandered into my lounge with a major pintable dealer, made yourselves comfortable and asked me to put the kettle on
OTOH. had I put a note on the" pinball gazette "........."fellow enthusiasts welcome to come and view my machine" Then you'd rightly expect to be welcomed......but the Brew's still a courtesy extended by me, not a right for you to demand.
SAS has summed it up well, except I'd say that if your face fits, you just become another one of the "clique "......which is, essentially, what a club is........a group of like-minded individuals pooling resources for their common good.
Note also, Drambuster has said he'll put some suggestions to the WW Committee , to address the percieved unfriendliness to land-bound visitors.
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: U.K.
Age: 46
Posts: 3,112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Clubs should never be about a single group of people. Whilst the overriding love of flying binds most clubs together, there are usually certain people who are friendlier with some rather than all.
Any decent sized club will have different groups of people, you might all rub along nicely, but that doesn't mean you are all bestest buddies.
Whilst bad behaviour is unacceptable, having to "prove" yourself and "make your face fit" is often the problem with most clubs. That shouldn't be an issue. As a member, you shouldn't have to gain acceptance from any "clique".
This is entirely the problem at many sailing clubs and other similar organisations. The "clique" believe they are the club and then ride roughshod over other members who might not be as vocal or long standing. When in reality ALL members should have the same standing. They all pay the same fees, therefore should attract the same rights.
"Cliqueyness" is unacceptable, but it needs someone very tough to stand up to it and most of the time, people just leave and avoid it. Which is of no benefit to the club nor the individual.
It's amazing how many clubs resemble playgrounds with sniggering groups in each corner, laughing at the "new kid" or anyone who doesn't conform. WLAC isn't like that, that's just a general comment that is mainly aimed at yacht clubs rather than flying.
Any decent sized club will have different groups of people, you might all rub along nicely, but that doesn't mean you are all bestest buddies.
Whilst bad behaviour is unacceptable, having to "prove" yourself and "make your face fit" is often the problem with most clubs. That shouldn't be an issue. As a member, you shouldn't have to gain acceptance from any "clique".
This is entirely the problem at many sailing clubs and other similar organisations. The "clique" believe they are the club and then ride roughshod over other members who might not be as vocal or long standing. When in reality ALL members should have the same standing. They all pay the same fees, therefore should attract the same rights.
"Cliqueyness" is unacceptable, but it needs someone very tough to stand up to it and most of the time, people just leave and avoid it. Which is of no benefit to the club nor the individual.
It's amazing how many clubs resemble playgrounds with sniggering groups in each corner, laughing at the "new kid" or anyone who doesn't conform. WLAC isn't like that, that's just a general comment that is mainly aimed at yacht clubs rather than flying.
I visit White Waltham by air fairly frequently. I have NEVER been treated with anything less than courtesy. The landing fee is pretty reasonable by modern standards.
The clubhouse (ex-ATA HQ) is exactly what a flying club bar and restaurant should be. If I lived in the vicinity, I would love to become a member because the WLAC is a dying breed.
They are a proper club and long may it last. Don't even consider letting the public in.
As I have already suggested, if the gentleman that started this thread had explained that he was unable to fly in that day because of the weather and had offered to pay the landing fee anyway, he would probably have been allowed in free of charge.
The clubhouse (ex-ATA HQ) is exactly what a flying club bar and restaurant should be. If I lived in the vicinity, I would love to become a member because the WLAC is a dying breed.
They are a proper club and long may it last. Don't even consider letting the public in.
As I have already suggested, if the gentleman that started this thread had explained that he was unable to fly in that day because of the weather and had offered to pay the landing fee anyway, he would probably have been allowed in free of charge.
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: South East
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Kerdunker
thanks for starting this thread. It has started people talking about the good and bad of the club. I am not speaking in any formal capacity whatsoever, but I am known to occasionally work part time there.
The thread has started discussions about how we can be more approachable as a club, yet still keeping the atmosphere which surrounds the historic club. Our CFI is very proactive and keen to show the facilities as discussed by a previous poster.
Mistakes are made and I am most dissapointed for your son. Drop me a PM and bring your son down as my guest. We can show him round the hangers and give you and him lunch. I also freqently observe the club from 09L approach, and hope your expierience will be in the minority as the club is a great place.
Shy Tourqe come back again, you never know you might get a nice visit. Unpleasantness is observed so rarely at the club, I am sure you will probably enjoy it (unless you were the one who nicked our widescreen
)
EdHarding. I prefer the term Aerial prostitute to "hired bitch" but hey will reply to both.
18 greens. I have never heard that comment in 19 years at the club. It must be rollox because they let me fly there
rans6andrew. Brimpton, is a much better base for microlights. I am also a member at Brimpton, but the ripples on the millpond there is turning into a perfect storm !!!
Regards to all
Wide
thanks for starting this thread. It has started people talking about the good and bad of the club. I am not speaking in any formal capacity whatsoever, but I am known to occasionally work part time there.
The thread has started discussions about how we can be more approachable as a club, yet still keeping the atmosphere which surrounds the historic club. Our CFI is very proactive and keen to show the facilities as discussed by a previous poster.
Mistakes are made and I am most dissapointed for your son. Drop me a PM and bring your son down as my guest. We can show him round the hangers and give you and him lunch. I also freqently observe the club from 09L approach, and hope your expierience will be in the minority as the club is a great place.
Shy Tourqe come back again, you never know you might get a nice visit. Unpleasantness is observed so rarely at the club, I am sure you will probably enjoy it (unless you were the one who nicked our widescreen
)EdHarding. I prefer the term Aerial prostitute to "hired bitch" but hey will reply to both.
18 greens. I have never heard that comment in 19 years at the club. It must be rollox because they let me fly there
rans6andrew. Brimpton, is a much better base for microlights. I am also a member at Brimpton, but the ripples on the millpond there is turning into a perfect storm !!!
Regards to all
Wide
Last edited by Wide-Body; 6th Jul 2009 at 19:48.
Couldonlyaffordafiver
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: The Twilight Zone near 30W
Posts: 1,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote:
I think what eharding meant was that if you are operating for someone else in a commercial capacity, you go where you're told, whether you like it or not.
I think what eharding meant was that if you are operating for someone else in a commercial capacity, you go where you're told, whether you like it or not.
Wide suggested "Brimpton is a much better base for microlights?", Not necessarily, it is not the most convenient place if you live at Ruscombe. And what is it about "microlights"?, would you make the same comment about GA? Both are "aircraft", no need to discriminate.
Maybe see you at the bun fight tonight?
Rans6
Maybe see you at the bun fight tonight?
Rans6
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: in the mist
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Plenty of aerial whores around. Many are too cheap for their own good. I won't ask ShyTorque who his pimp is, but only suggest that ShyTorque takes the time to visit WW on his own accord and formulate his own opinion. Talk to a few locals and have a look round.
Don't be influenced by the rich git pulling your puppet strings.
Don't be influenced by the rich git pulling your puppet strings.
Hovering AND talking
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Propping up bars in the Lands of D H Lawrence and Bishop Bonner
Age: 59
Posts: 5,705
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
that ShyTorque takes the time to visit WW on his own accord
Why should anyone give any airfield (or any supplier of services) a second chance?
White Waltham needs to decide whether it is a private club or a business 'cos it can't be both obviously.
Cheers
Whirls
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Warboys
Age: 55
Posts: 284
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmmm, timely thread...
I am staying down in Maidenhead/Windsor early next week and was thinking that I might pop into WW for a drink to take in the atmosphere with my family before heading for home on Tuesday, but it seems I won't be made as welcome as I have been everywhere else that I have done similar?
If it is a choice between having a quick snack in a roadside Cafe or seeking out a local Airfield/club to put some much-needed cash over the bar I normally choose the latter if feasible.
I am staying down in Maidenhead/Windsor early next week and was thinking that I might pop into WW for a drink to take in the atmosphere with my family before heading for home on Tuesday, but it seems I won't be made as welcome as I have been everywhere else that I have done similar?
If it is a choice between having a quick snack in a roadside Cafe or seeking out a local Airfield/club to put some much-needed cash over the bar I normally choose the latter if feasible.
Avoid imitations
Wessex Boy, please bear in mind that the problems I experienced were operational issues and as I mentioned, not to do with the clubhouse. You will hopefully be made welcome as a visitor, especially if certain "members" aren't present.
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Anglia
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've dropped into WW or Hogwaltham as its affectionately known. It is a members club and has exactly that feel about it. They do have the right to make it a bit exclusive, they have all paid membership fees and expect something for it ie a seat at the bar and a short wait for food. If casual visitors have been offended by not being welcomed with open arms then they should bear this in mind, but I'm sure a little bit of pre-arrangement would work wonders. It exactly because it is a nice place that they have to be a bit aggressive about chasing away strangers, otherwise it would be swamped.
It has a Clarksonesque attitude to things like C150 drivers wearing epaulettes, hence the round of drinks rule (and yes its not in the AIP!!!)
Wessex boy, I'm sure you'll be welcome...and just to make sure then why not ask if anyone on this forum would invite you as their guest. If anyone from WW is still reading this, WB is a good lad, he loves aeros and has been known to buy people drinks... so let him in.
Ed is actually a lovely chap; he just gets a bit aggressive when hungry and at the top of avalanches.
ZA
It has a Clarksonesque attitude to things like C150 drivers wearing epaulettes, hence the round of drinks rule (and yes its not in the AIP!!!)
Wessex boy, I'm sure you'll be welcome...and just to make sure then why not ask if anyone on this forum would invite you as their guest. If anyone from WW is still reading this, WB is a good lad, he loves aeros and has been known to buy people drinks... so let him in.
Ed is actually a lovely chap; he just gets a bit aggressive when hungry and at the top of avalanches.
ZA
Last edited by Zulu Alpha; 10th Jul 2009 at 16:07.
Avoid imitations
ZA, we certainly were not in a C150; I last flew one of those in 1973.
My PPR was accepted, so what extra notice is normally expected to land, drop a passenger and buy some fuel whilst waiting for his return?
My PPR was accepted, so what extra notice is normally expected to land, drop a passenger and buy some fuel whilst waiting for his return?
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: East Anglia
Posts: 832
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ZA, we certainly were not in a C150; I last flew one of those in 1973.
My PPR was accepted, so what extra notice is normally expected to land, drop a passenger and buy some fuel whilst waiting for his return?
My PPR was accepted, so what extra notice is normally expected to land, drop a passenger and buy some fuel whilst waiting for his return?
I dropped in, refuelled, had a nice breakfast, chatted with a few of the folk, read their newspaper and went on my way. Couldn't have been nicer.
ZA
I find this whole thread quite amazing. If I was a member of the WLAC and had paid good money for my subscription, then you have to understand that I have joined WLAC because I like what I see and like the fellow aviators that I meet and want to keep it like that.
I have not forked out my dosh to join a CLUB that suddenly allows every man and his dog (sorry dogs) to come traipsing into MY club with squalling brats etc etc and with no interest whatsoever in aviation and then exit stage left with the club's flat screen TV in their pockets.
I have always enjoyed flying into White Waltham and have always been made welcome.
As I said earlier, if you want to arrive by road, then offer to pay the landing fee that you would have paid anyway. If that is not acceptable to you then either apply to join the club or else b*gger off to the nearest McDonalds.
It really is very simple.
I have not forked out my dosh to join a CLUB that suddenly allows every man and his dog (sorry dogs) to come traipsing into MY club with squalling brats etc etc and with no interest whatsoever in aviation and then exit stage left with the club's flat screen TV in their pockets.
I have always enjoyed flying into White Waltham and have always been made welcome.
As I said earlier, if you want to arrive by road, then offer to pay the landing fee that you would have paid anyway. If that is not acceptable to you then either apply to join the club or else b*gger off to the nearest McDonalds.
It really is very simple.
Avoid imitations
I was wearing epaulettes, but to no consequence. I fly for a living, have done so for 32 years now; it's my present company uniform and I was on duty. No-one objected or even mentioned it. If they had, as a paying visitor I would have told them where to stick the club's unwritten rules, as any reasonable person would, especially in the circumstances.
I repeat again - the issue on the day was that my passenger strongly objected to the way he was treated on arrival. He didn't go to use the club or its facilities (nor did I), merely to get to a further destination.
Edit: I didn't steal the telly and I didn't bring any children along.
I repeat again - the issue on the day was that my passenger strongly objected to the way he was treated on arrival. He didn't go to use the club or its facilities (nor did I), merely to get to a further destination.
Edit: I didn't steal the telly and I didn't bring any children along.
