A humble tribute befitting a beloved local icon.
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The 'Alf Saunders Model Flying Field' sign was unveiled recently at the Mudgee RC Airfield. Alf Saunders who died in October last year was a long-time member and mentor for scores of people in the Mudgee Model RC Flying community and quickly became the 'heart and soul' of the club according to President of Mudgee District RC Model Club, Clifford Wall.
Situated between Mudgee and Gulgong, the club, which Alf loved so dearly has been operating in the region for just over two decades.
The club decided to place the sign at the entrance to the airfield in a tribute to the man they all knew and loved.
"It was actually my son, he got on the phone to us just after Alf died and said you folks need to remember him," Clifford said.
"Alf was a very generous man. Newcomers would come into the club and he more or less looked after them. He did the same to me when I came in. We were good mates.
"He's done a hell of a lot of work out there. A hell of a lot.
"He was just a great bloke, and he'll be sorely missed."
Alf's family was in attendance at the unveiling. His wife Maureen and Clifford covering the sign in a Union Jack to mark Alf's career in the Royal Navy.
His daughter Janet O'Hare posted photos and a message on her Facebook page, shared here with permission.
'Today our family was invited to the Mudgee Model RC Flying Field for a special unveiling. My dad was an avid flyer for 20+ years. Dad made this club what it is today with his dedication and passion every Sunday,' she wrote.
'Many flights, crashes, kit planes, planes from bits and pieces and many more were flown by dad. This club was a very big part of dad's retirement...I know dad was watching down on it all, loving the accolade he so deserved.'
Before he died, Alf penned a letter to the Mudgee Guardian thanking the nurses and staff at Mudgee Hospital.
'I recently spent time as a patient in Mudgee Hospital and have nothing but admiration for all of the staff at how they have treated me and looked after me and my family during my stay,' he wrote.
Clifford said the club is always encouraging anyone interested to come along.
The club meets every Sunday morning at the now-named Alf Saunders Model Flying Field at 31 Castlereagh Highway, Cullenbone.
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