Local residents interested in remote-control (RC) aircraft, drones and model vehicles may be surprised to discover there’s a thriving indoor club right on their doorstep.
Landit RC Club has been meeting in Soundwell since 2014, providing a safe and welcoming environment for people to learn, build and fly remote-controlled models. The club has even enjoyed national success, producing the winner of BBC’s Airmageddon Series 1 and the runner-up in Series 2.
The club welcomes members aged 11 and over and offers opportunities to develop flying skills, learn about model maintenance and meet others who share an interest in radio-controlled hobbies.
Club co-founder Mark Holmes said: “We offer a safe indoor flying environment for small drones and helicopters, as well as events for RC cars and crawlers. We help young people starting out by teaching safe flying, battery care and good operating practice.”
The club was founded by Mark and his friend Ricky West, who discovered they shared a passion for radio-controlled models. They were later joined by Craig Russell as club officer.
Ricky said: “In 2011, Mark and I realised we had many interests in common and became good friends. One of those interests was radio-controlled models. My years of model flying soon got Mark hooked, and we spent many hours building and flying RC models together.”
After introducing the hobby to a local Scout group, they decided to create a dedicated club.
Ricky added: “Mark had the contacts, I had the technical background, and we both had the drive. That’s how Landit became a reality.”
The club held its first meeting at the 37th Kingswood Scout Hut on 11 April 2014. Although originally aimed at Scouts, interest soon spread through word of mouth and local promotion. Today, Landit RC Club has around 14 active members ranging in age from 11 to 75.
Each meeting features activities, challenges and opportunities to develop new skills. Members fly micro-helicopters, gliders and small powered aircraft, while the club’s interests have expanded over the years to include RC cars, crawlers and even construction vehicles such as miniature forklifts.
As club secretary, Ricky also produces information sheets covering topics such as safe flying practices, model maintenance and the theory behind flight.
He said: “The most satisfying part is seeing a novice member develop into a skilled pilot.”
One of the club’s most popular activities is its annual RC Olympics, first introduced in 2014. The competition features a range of flying challenges designed to test precision and control, with participants recognised for their achievements.
In 2016, the club gained national attention when two members were selected to compete in the BBC television series Airmageddon.
Mark said: “One of our members went on to win the first series, and another reached the final of Series 2, finishing as runner-up. Both are still members of the club and regularly impress us with their flying skills.”
Mark believes the club’s greatest strength is the support members offer each other.
He said: “Landit RC Club provides a safe environment for people to learn new skills, whether that’s flying, building or maintaining models. The experience within the membership has so much to offer.
“Anyone interested is welcome to come along and see what we do. Our members are always happy to meet new people and help them feel part of the club.”
Landit RC Club meets fortnightly on Fridays from 7pm to 9pm at the 37th Kingswood Scout Hut, Deerhurst, Soundwell.
Upcoming Meetings: September: 4, 18; October: 2, 16, 30.
Annual membership costs £70 for adults (16+) and £45 for under-16s, which includes a quadcopter/drone. Membership runs from January to December. Anyone joining between July and December can join for £40.
For more information, contact: orfboy85@gmail.com or landitrcr@outlook.com
By Gianina Turner