An Assessment of Challenges and Regulatory Impacts facing the Sport of National racing into the NorthEast

Introduction

Long-distance pigeon racing has a long tradition in the Northeast of the UK. It is a region known for its dedicated fanciers and competitive spirit. The sport requires exceptional stamina and navigational prowess from the racing pigeon which has faced a series of evolving challenges in recent years; not least the impacts of Brexit, Covid 19, Avian bird flu and the increasing perils of climate change. More specifically, the obstacles posed by regulatory bodies such as The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), French authorities, and the critical transportation issues, need to be addressed for successful channel crossings. Not to mention the increased financial impacts fanciers and sport in general.

Challenges Faced by Fanciers

Health and Welfare Regulations

One of the primary challenges faced by pigeon fanciers is complying with stringent health and welfare regulations. Defra enforces rigorous biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of avian diseases. These regulations mandate regular health checks, vaccinations, and strict record-keeping. While these measures are essential for the birds’ welfare, they can be resource-intensive (eg. Vet.loft visits ) for the fanciers.

Impact of Defra Regulations

Defra regulations ensure that pigeons are kept in optimal health before participating in races. However, the complexity and cost of compliance can be burdensome. The requirement for veterinary certifications and adherence to specific transportation protocols increases the logistical demands on pigeon fanciers. This has led to a reduction in the number of participants in long-distance races, as some find the regulatory landscape too challenging to navigate. Indeed, in the last couple of years there has been a significant loss of fanciers racing their birds from across the channel.

French Regulations on Race Marking and Transportation

Crossing the Channel introduces additional layers of complexity due to French regulations. The French authorities require strict requirements for the marking and transportation of pigeons entering their country. These include specific identification protocols and health certifications that must be presented at border controls. The coordination required to meet these criteria can be daunting, often necessitating collaboration with veterinary professionals and regulatory experts. Any breeches in the relevant paperwork can and has resulted in convoys of birds being refused entry by French authorities.

Across the UK, race marking of birds has had to be re-organised resulting in a vastly reduced geographical network of dedicated marking stations. In some areas fanciers must now travel several hundred miles to their nearest marking stations if they want to compete in Channel races bringing additional costs and the further loss of fanciers flying Channel races.

Logistical Issues

Transportation logistics represent a significant hurdle for long-distance race organizers. Ensuring that pigeons are transported safely and in a timely manner is critical for their performance in races. The journey across the Channel involves coordination with transportation services that can accommodate the unique needs of racing pigeons, including proper ventilation, space, and access to water.

Weather and Environmental Factors

Weather conditions play a crucial role in the success of channel crossings. Adverse weather can delay transportation and affect the health and readiness of the pigeons. Organisers carefully monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly to minimize risks. Additionally, environmental factors such as changes in barometric pressure and wind patterns can impact the pigeons’ navigation and overall performance. Climate Change has added a new dimension to race coordination creating greater unpredictability which may prove to be the greatest challenge to Channel racing.

Enhanced Collaboration and Communication

To address the multifaceted challenges described above, enhanced collaboration and communication among pigeon fanciers, veterinary professionals, and regulatory bodies is essential. Establishing clear lines of communication can streamline the process of obtaining necessary health certifications and meeting regulatory requirements. Furthermore, creating networks of support among fanciers will facilitate the sharing of resources and best practices. We have already experienced benefits when organising statutory loft visits by the Vet.

Investments in Technology and Infrastructure

Investing in technology and infrastructure can significantly mitigate the challenges associated with long-distance racing. Advanced tracking systems can enhance the monitoring of pigeons’ health and performance, while improved transportation infrastructure can ensure that pigeons are transported under optimal conditions. These investments not only enhance the welfare of the pigeons but also contribute to the overall success of the races. The development of GPS tagging and tracking may help provide more information of line of flight, identifying potential hazards such of Bird of Prey hot spots.

Conclusion

The state of long-distance National racing in the Northeast of the UK is one of resilience and adaptation. Despite the numerous challenges posed by regulatory requirements and transportation logistics, the community of pigeon fanciers continues to persevere. By embracing collaboration, investing in technology, and adhering to best practices, the sport can navigate the complexities of modern regulations and logistics, ensuring a thriving future for long-distance pigeon racing in the region.

The Sportsman Flying Club at Toft Hill, Bishop Auckland in Co Durham, was founded in 2010 to promote long distance National racing across the Northeast. Since then, there have been some notable performances by club members from 300 to 820 miles. The club has organised transportation to the NFC marking station in Sheffield (around trip of over 200 miles) making the challenge of national racing more accessible. Therefore, if any fancier has the ambition and fortitude to race extreme distances they will be more than welcome to join the Sportsman club.

Bob Mckie

The Sportsman AGM

The AGM will be held on Wednesday 05th February 2025 at 19.30pm in the Sportsman.

Agenda

1. Minutes of last AGM
2. Balance Sheet
3. Election of Officials
4. Applications and Resignations
5. Raceprogramme 2025 see attached sheet
6. Proposed Club constitution see attached document
7. Club and RPRA fees
8. Transporting birds to Sheffield
9. AOB

Any members that shall be using clocks instead of ETS please bring to this meeting for testing.

Regards
Keith

The Sportsman FC (NFC) Race Programme 2025

• Fougeres OB 31st May 2025
• Nort-Sur-Erdre OB 14th June 2025
• Sigogne OB 28th June 2025
• Tarbes OB 18th July 2025 Friday Lib
• St Malo YB/OH 13th September 2025

Dear Members,

On Wednesday 14th August we held a special meeting to discuss the way forward for the Sportsman FC, following on from our AGM held on Wednesday 21st February 2024 when due to there being no takers for the official positions it was decided rather than fold the club we should put it into mothballs until end of the season this was agreed.

At this Special meeting we can report that volunteers came forward and help keep the Sportsman FC running.

Tom Cuthbertson took on the Chairman’s position

Keith Hutchinson took on the Secretary’s position and

Bob McKie agreed to keep the Treasurer’s position it was also proposed that

Jeff Walton be made Honorary Vice President for his services to the Sportsman FC.

This concluded the special meeting and the AGM will be held at the Sportsman FC on Wednesday 05th February 2025 a full agenda will be sent out prior to the meeting.

Looking forward to 2025 I can confirm that basketing will be at Sheffield but we have arrangements in place for members to have their pigeons gathered at the Sportsman Toft Hill the evening prior to basketing at Sheffield and they will be transported there.

If you have any questions please contact me at the contacts below.

Yours in Sport

Keith

Keithhutchinson1952@yahoo.com

Mobile 07505560247

Members of the Sportsman attended their AGM on Wednesday the 21st. Chairman Jeff Walton welcomed the members before the balance sheet was discussed and accepted. There were 4 resignations which were accepted meaning we moved into 2024 with 28 members.

Both the Chairman and Secretary had already given notice that they would be stepping down but unfortunately no members expressed interest in taking on either role. After a long discussion it was unanimously agreed that the club would be “mothballed” for the 2024 season. A meeting/social evening would be arranged for the end of October when the way forward would be reviewed. Subs for 2024 would be waived, the website would continue to operate and the Club RPRA Membership would continue. The meeting was then closed.

2023 Sponsorship

Listed below is the final details of our race sponsors for the 2023 NFC race programme:

20/5/23 Fougeres, Owen Shaw Trophies £100.

3/6/23 Messac, Formula1 Lofts £500 Voucher.

17/6/23 Nort-sur-Erdre, Paul Stobbs £100.

30/6/23 Pau, Alan Dixon £100.

22/7/23 Sigogne, Steve Swainstone, SS SEEDS £100 Voucher.

2/9/23 Vire old bird National. Mrs Carol Walker £50.

2/9/23 Vire young bird National. Mrs Carol Walker £50.

In addition our good friends at Vanrobaey Feeds in Belgium will for the 8th consecutive year sponsor our race winners in the first five Nationals. They will receive 2 Bags of their new Revolution Sport Pro Mix along with Tubs of Super Grit Mix and Supplements.

On behalf of our members I wish to thank all our Sponsors for their generous support.

Sportsman FC Update

Dear All, sponsorship deals agreed so far for 2022.

Vanrobaeys - All race winners will receive 2 bags of corn and range of supplements including a 10 kilo tub of Grit

1st National - Owen Shaw Trophies £100 to race winner.

2nd National - Formula 1 Lofts (John Gladwin) Pair of birds for stock to the value of £500 or a kit of 6x 2023 young birds for racing.

3rd National - Paul Stobbs £100 to race winner.

4th National - Alan Dixon will sponsor winner if Pau is flown £100.

5th National - SS Seeds £100 Voucher to race winner.

6th & 7th Nationals - Young bird/Old Cocks & Hens Tumley Lofts £150 Vouchers to race winners.

Phil Gardner - Respiro -san - Dry to be finalised.

There are still a couple of other possibilities being followed up!

Regarding the Annual Phone-in sale we have 25 excellent lots pledged and the detailed advert for the BHW/Club Website is near completion with the target dates for sale being from 7/4/22 to 14/4/22

Regards

Bob

Sportsman FC Phone-In Auction Sale for Prostate Cancer Research

I can confirm that we have received your cheque for £4500.00 on behalf of the Sportsman Flying Club. I have attached a letter of acknowledgement for you to share with your membership and post in your club headquarters if you wanted to. I have also sent an email to the British Homing World magazine, which I have copied you in. Hopefully they will continue to support you in future fundraising initiatives! Thank you again for all your incredible support and for truly going above and beyond your initial £2000 target!

If there’s anything else I can help with, please let me know.

All the best,

Eurydice Dupré

Events & Community Assistant

Prostate Cancer Research

Thank you so much for your email and for your updates on the online Pigeon Auction. A huge congratulations on raising an incredible £4500 through the auction for Prostate Cancer Research. What a fantastic total! I read the article on your website and particularly liked the final paragraph - “The generosity of Pigeon Fanciers should never be underestimated and is much undervalued. This auction is just another example of their unstinting kindness and good will which makes you so proud of our Sport.” The kindness and good from the Sportsman Flying Club is so appreciated by the whole PCR team. We are so grateful for your support and generosity. All the money raised will go towards our patient-focused and impact-driven research into new treatments for prostate cancer, with the aim of creating a world where people are free from the impact of the disease.

Amy Russell

Events and Community Manager

Prostate Cancer Research

Guernsey Young Bird/Old Hens National flown 6th September

This was the final race in this year’s NFC race card. A couple of months ago the race was being eagerly talked about especially for young birds. However, in what for many in the Northeast has been a most challenging season due to heavy losses many fanciers were forced to shut up shop and finish racing early. This had a significant impact on race entry levels.

Our regular readers will know that in the past Sportsman club members have put up some excellent Open performances in both events. The loft of McSween & Sexton from Sunderland always prepares a small team of darkie young birds with this race in mind. And in the Old hens race we have seen some sterling performances by Driver, Dawson & Dawson from Greenside as well as John Best & Son from Stockton. However, when it came to marking night at Toft Hill on Wednesday the 1st September birds for both races were sparse with only 7 members entering 31 Old Hens and 6 entering 36 Young birds. Club Pooling was brisk along with excellent Sponsorship Prizes for individual race winners from James & Vicky Cook at Tumley Lofts (£150 Vouchers for each) and Vanrobaey Feeds prizes of bags of corn and a range of their products.

Due to poor weather conditions over the weekend across Guernsey the Race Controller and Convoyer had to hold their nerve and wait for suitable conditions. It was not until Monday the 6th that they could liberate at 10am into a beautiful sky with a light northeast wind in the channel that turned to light southeast on the mainland. Our members knew that after 5 nights in the crates this would be tough yet eagerly watched the race progress on the NFC website and some early excellent performances in several Sections was encouraging. None more so in Section K where there were some excellent performances giving hope that we could with luck see birds reaching the Northeast on the day. Unfortunately, after an anxious wait it wasn’t to be and when hours of darkness kicked in no birds had arrived in the Section. This was bitterly disappointing, so alarms were set for an early morning rise at which time the prevailing conditions provided a more positive feeling. Just after 7am, word filtered through that Allan & Carol Walker, at Stockton flying 352 miles had timed 2 Old Hens recording velocities of 918 & 913ypm to take 1st and 2nd Sportsman, Section N. & 202nd & 205th Open. Later, they timed another 3birds to be 5th 6th & 8th Section. Mick Lilley and Son at Hartlepool flying 364 miles timed 3 of their 6 entries to claim 3rd 4th & 9th Section, with McSween & Sexton taking 7th place. As the day progressed the heat became quite extreme, it was therefore no surprise after a difficult first day coupled with the heat of day 2 no young birds made it into the Northeast within race time. This was most disappointing as this the first time in years that the Sportsman had not recorded young birds in race time.

So that’s it for another season of national racing which has seen a mixed bag of outcomes due to the lack of distance. Let’s hope this resolves itself before 2022 and we can get back across the channel but don’t get carried away with the over optimism of many officials as there remains some tough negotiations to be navigated before we see the desired outcome.

Young Bird Losses

Everyone you talk to has their own theories as to why the losses have been heavy and widespread but equally puzzling is why so few are being reported or making it home under their own steam. Because of this and the general uncertainty about future Continental racing many fanciers are in a quandary about whether to carry on racing. Many I think will simply knuckle down and will scale back on the size of their distance team and bring in some sprint/middle distance blood and enjoy whatever racing there is. Unfortunately, there are a few fanciers who love the Continental races and aren’t interested in sprinting who may decide to leave the sport completely if channel racing is not restored and would be a big loss.

Presentation Night

The Sportsman annual presentation night will take place on Wednesday the 20th October. Because of lingering concerns about Covid this will be a low-key event but still a welcome social night for our members with a small buffet and plenty of Real Ale for those who enjoy a pint or two.

Barrie Blackett (Butterknowle)

Barrie who is one of our founder members has been absent for most of the season through ill health. We understand he is making steady improvement and look forward to him being fighting fit and back in the saddle for next season.

Well, that wraps racing reports up for this season, but we will keep you up to date with Sportsman FC business/events as we go through the close season.