History of the Society

Cwmbran Modelling Society was formed in 1972 by a group of modellers that used the Cwmbran Boating Lake as individual model sailors. Their aim then, as the clubs is today, was to promote the hobby of model boat building and sailing.

The Society returned to its original interests in model making by including all models, not only those that sail..

The flying section lost the use of the council park it was using due to several of the flyers in the society causing a nuisance by flying over near by housing with noisy aircraft. The car section seems to have lost its membership and by the early 90s it was only the boating section left.

Now members are branching back into aircraft, cars and other RC Models as the advent of better electric systems makes for a quieter and cleaner rc model. Aircraft of all types are used with due consideration to what is called 'Drone Regulations'. Aircraft of all types are flown by individuals.

Cars of the Short Course and crawler types are in common use and individuals make arrangements to meet and enjoy themselves as a group.

The Members in the late 90s decided to change its format with the introduction of a new logo and ideas to promote the prime reason for the Society existence, that of model boating. The Societies Constitution and rules being modified to address the changes of the Society structure. Out went committees and structures that reduced the involvement of all Society members on an equal basis. Rules now had to include items that were being driven by external forces like the banning of IC engines on many sailing waters.

The Society became a member of the federation of Model Boat Clubs Wales (now defunct).

The Society has been blessed with an increase in membership, a membership that every member, if they wish, can influence the forward direction of the Society by attending Society club nights and sailing days, where future activities of the Society are discussed.

The Society also started holding annual Open Day events, held to promote the Society to the people of Torfaen and to invite like minded people interested in modelling to our fantastic locations to join the activities. The Society spent some of the membership subscriptions purchasing items that could be used on the Open day. These item are also be put to good use when visiting other Model Clubs / Society's on our away days visits.

In late 2006 The Society started promoting sailing to non-members of the society, by purchasing its own model boat for this purpose. The following year 2007 the Society received a donation from a retired member allowing it to purchase a second boat and extra drive battery packs for both boats. Both boats have been used by members of the public from the middle of 2007. It was hoped that they will be available for the general public to use for many years to come. Sadly this has now been curtailed as the boats fell into a state of disrepair due to the amount of use .

In 2006 once again external forces directed the actions required of the Society and the way it presented itself to the Public and the Councils at the Lake. To this end a new Constitution and set of rules were drawn up in 2007 by the members of the Society, ready for presentation at the AGM in February 2007.

Also on the 10th July 2006 the society signed up with the council via their WEBSTER site to produce these web pages, to promote the society more to the public.

In 2009 the open day was cancelled due to lake side modifications taking place.

CMS once again in 2010 started having open days for other clubs and members of the public to join in with our sailing activities.

In 2010 we joined the SWAMBC ( no defunct), South West Association of Model Boat Clubs, so that if members required they could enter into competitions or other organised events as a club activity.

In 2011 at the AGM the constitution was again modified to bring it into line with present day requirements.

In 2012 CMS started our Open Day Competition in memory of one of our long serving members, Peter Sulley. The Society purchased several trophies to extend our Chairman Competition to involve more of the club members with excellent results. We also started our Presentation Evenings after Hartley one of our members and his wife donated several cups that we modified for club use. Competitions are at this time on hold as requested by members.

2020 Sadle was a year dominated by the COVID. Boating activities were normal until lockdown in March when use of the lake ceased. Later in March 2020 following discussions with Torfaen council our use of the lake restarted with the application of requirements of the day. We were averaging 10 participants as opposed to our usual 20 or so previously. Some were using The Keeper's pond as well as Llanyrafon lake at Cwmbran. Lockdown again in December until March 2021.

The Society aims today are to support like minded people, irrespective of their capabilities and abilities, to enjoy this fascinating hobby, be it as a spectator or active member.