Secretary’s Weekly Report

NFC Auction Sale

Check the sale list out on the NFC website there are some quality birds available.

NFC Sections

At this week’s NFC General Meeting the management committee decided to split Section E and create a new Section P. Hope this works out Ok. Looking at social media sites it appears that the creation of Section N is still attracting plenty of comment. All I can say is we are where we are so let’s make the most of it and concentrate on the racing scene.

Annual Youngbird Phone-In Sale

Jeff has been working extremely hard to finalise the advert for our own club Phone in Sale/ I would like to thank everyone who has donated to the sale. I must say that the quality of birds on offer is simply fantastic and provides a real opportunity to buy something special. Some excellent winners have come through the sales in previous years so have fun bidding.

Vanrobaeys Sponsorship

Big thanks to Vanrobaeys once again. I have now collected all the sponsorship prizes from Terry Knox’s warehouse.

Metcheck Weather Forecast

The week ahead looks unsettled although there should be some definite training opportunities. It is still early in terms of potential National candidates nevertheless looking at the forecast over the next couple of weeks

Planning Application

Just had word from Gateshead Planning Department which “Refuses” my application to put 2 lofts on agricultural land behind my house. They say in their opinion the proposed development is considered to be “inappropriate development in the Green Belt as it fails to preserve the openness by virtue of the scale, location and appearances of the proposed pigeon loft.” And in addition they state “the size of the pigeon lofts would allow the keeping of a substantial number of birds which would have an unacceptable impact, both real and perceived on the residential amenity of surrounding properties by virtue of the number of birds” (I said the numbers will not exceed 72).

I now move on to the appeal stage although it looks like a stacked deck!

Bob Mckie

Secretary Weekly Report

RPRA Ring Registration Scheme

I have attached the full response/advice from David Higgins of the RPRA North East Region on this issue which Jim Sexton raised at our last General Meeting:

“THE RPRA has had two issues with regards to rings for a number of years and this relates to the increasing sales of NWHU rings. Although it is never admitted their rings appear to be available earlier and earlier each year and this year it was rumoured that some fanciers had rings on youngsters well before Christmas. This is an issue of fairness. The second issue is that NWHU rings are sold all over the country partly because of the early issue but primarily because they are cheaper.

There have been discussions at Council about ways to deal with this for the last two or three years. Latterly it was felt that a uniform kind of arrangement could be agreed via the Confederation but this proved fruitless. Some councillors were aware that the WHPU have been operating a levy on all non WHPU rings for a number of years. This has proved successful in limiting the influx of GB rings into their races and protected sales of their own rings and consequently their finances.

There was a long and hard discussion at the February meeting of the RPRA Council on this subject and in the end there was a majority decision to apply a registration fee to all non GB rings to be raced under RPRA rules. This to come into force on December 1st 2016.

Chris Gordon and I have expressed concern about the impact of this on the growing number of fanciers in the North East who compete in national races and we will continue to do so when it comes up again, as it no doubt will at our October meeting. In the meantime I will be happy to receive any comments and/or suggestions on the matter from your members.

Regards

David Higgins.”

So there you have it direct from our Regional Officer and confirming the points made by Jim Sexton. You will all have a view on this issue and I would welcome any comments/suggestions from members and I will compile a response to David, from the Sportsman.

Mid-Week Training

In the last 3 years there has been a training service available from Catterick, Wetherby and Pontefract on Wednesdays and Catterick on a Thursday. Paul, the lad who runs the service will be kicking off again on Wednesday 30th March. He normally starts at Burnopfield (8.00am) picks up at various points including Bowburn before heading down the motorway.

In the last 3 years he has shown himself to be very reliable and keeps you posted of weather and liberation times via text messaging services. For more information just give Paul a call on 07401172427.

Sportsman FC Membership now stands at 45 lofts spread throughout the North-East.

Section N boundaries map

On the Race Info page we’ve posted the map outlining the new Section N boundaries which give you a better understanding of where we stand in relation to neighbouring Sections. If you consider the National race-points it should help members clarify some of their thinking on provides food for thought on race preparation. As I keep telling friends “many roads lead to Rome” and you will all have your personal thoughts on the best system.

Keep me posted of anything fresh happening in your area that may affect the Club or be of interest to other members. It won’t be long now before Saturday club racing is in full swing and your adrenalin is pumping. Best of luck to everyone.

Bob Mckie

NFC Section N Map

We have added the NFC Section N boundary map to our Race Info page.

Secretary Weekly Report

General Meeting held 16/3/16

We had a good turn out with more than 20 members attending from across the North East.

Big thank you to Sunny Jim Nicholson who acted as Chairman in the absence of Tommy Riddle.

Minutes of last general meeting accepted as true record.

Secretary reminded members that Club subs were due. RPRA and NFC fees should be paid direct asap to those organisations.

Jeff Walton gave members an update on this year’s Phone-in Young Bird sale. He asked members to provide breeding details of their pledges and approx. date of readiness before the end of this month. Jeff provided brief detail of young birds already donated by supporters of the club. Once again there will be an array of quality distance stock on offer. The sales list will appear on the club website, Pigeonland as well as in both the BHW and RP.

The Secretary confirmed that Phil Curtis, Chairman of the NFC will be our main guest at the prize presentation night on 19/10/16. After discussion it was agreed that during the course of the presentation night a small, select number of late bred youngsters donated from 2016 winning lofts would be offered for auction. Garry Heslington kindly offered to act as the auctioneer.

A map showing the new Section N boundaries was circulated. Jeff Walton will look to reproduce these on the website.

Malcolm Brown had secured another excellent trophy from Mrs Deweerde and Sons of Belgium. Members agreed it be presented annually to the bird achieving the best National position.

AOB

Jim Sexton raised the question of changes of the RPRA introducing a ring ”tax” on foreign rings before birds could compete in races which are governed by the RPRA. This caused a great amount of consternation given the financial impact with members using NEHU rings. Secretary to take up with Dave Higgins at North East RPRA to seek clarification.

At the close of the meeting club membership stood at 45.

RPRA

Following the meeting I sent an email to Dave Higgins who confirmed that from 2017 a ring registration system was being introduced at the RPRA. He agreed to get back to me with full information which I will appraise members of once received.

BHW Article (18/3/16) John & Spencer Nicholson

This is an excellent appreciation of their highly successful approach to National/International racing over many years. “Many roads lead to Rome” in long distance racing and everyone has their own ideas however, members can glean a great deal from how John & Spencer approach breeding, feeding and race conditioning. They race with a relatively small team which is thoroughly tested keeping things simple. Loft hygiene is extremely important with plenty of natural supplements used, antibiotic use is kept to a minimum. Definitely worth a read.

Bob Mckie

Secretary’s Weekly Report

General Meeting Wednesday 16th March (Kick Off 7:45pm)

Agenda:

1. Minutes of last general meeting

2. Update on membership numbers

3. Subscription position in relation to Club, RPRA, NFC

4. Young Bird Sale: Jeff to provide update and clarify what additional information he needs.

5. Firm up on Sale advertisements in BHW and RP

6. Transportation Arrangements

7. Clock Station arrangements

8. Annual Presentation Night: Secretary will update members and discuss format options

9. AOB

Bob Mckie

Secretary’s Weekly Report

This has been a quiet week on the club front.

RPRA Club Schedules

The Sportsman FC membership list is completed and was despatched along with payment of club fee and members subscriptions. Would members who did not pay their fees via the club please note that these are now due and should be paid direct.

General Meeting

This will take place on Wednesday the 16th March (kick off at 7:45pm). Anyone interested in joining the club (I have had another couple of enquiries this week) is more than welcome to come along to the meeting to meet everyone and learn more about how we are organised. The meeting agenda will be tabled in next week’s report.

Annual Young Bird Sale

We will finalise details at the next meeting but Jeff Walton would appreciate an early heads-up on details from donors on breeding/and approximate date of readiness of your entries. One of our latest youngbird donations is from Nelson, Hall, Ramm & partners of Bearpark 9x1st WDA, including twice in 2015.

Planning Permission for new lofts

Hit my first objections this week from the Environmental team. Their grounds for objection “noise and odour”. Bearing in mind the lofts will be on open agricultural land some 20 plus metres away from my house and others, sharing the field with Highland Cattle, Sheep and Alpacas could not believe the stance adopted. Interesting to see how they develop their arguments when I respond!!!

That’s it for this week.

Bob Mckie

Secretary

Secretary’s Weekly Report

Messac Show Race

This week the primary focus has been on the Club Show Race from the Messac National with Jeff looking to determine the number of entries and working closely with John Fellows to ensure we could accommodate the pens.

Show co-ordinator Gary Heslington of Wingate with Showrace Class winners

Garry Heslington, secured the services of Robert Frost from Wheatley Hill as show judge and Tony Edreyner as his steward.

Malcolm Brown provided a great trophy for the Best in Show from his very good friends Mrs Deweerde & Sons of Koetermark, Belgium and Owen Shaw Trophies, kindly donated momentum plaques to the individual winner of each Class.

In the end we had a smashing turn out today with 17 members showing a total of 59 birds (31 Hens/ 28 Cocks). The quality of birds on show was excellent.

Best in show 1st Hens - Terry Unsworth of Wingate

Winning the Hen’s class and Best in Show with a superb 4 year old Cheq and white was Terry Unsworth, a close 2nd Tom Cuthbertson with a sweet 2year old Blue and in 3rd place with a cracking 4 year-old Dark hen we had the ever young Jim Nicholson.

1st prize Cocks - Gordon Clark of Blackhall

The Cock’s class was won by Gordon Clark with a cracking 3 year old Blue, just stopping Terry Unsworth doing the double who was 2nd with a smart three year old chequer and 3rd were Armstrong, Shergold, Johnson and Moon with a great looking two year old chequer.

The total prize pot came to £295 split 50%, 25%, 15%, 10%. And in the £10 Single Nom winner take all £140.

Everyone enjoyed a great afternoon and as the judging was taking place our hosts Belle and John provided a great spread of sandwiches to go with the excellent pint of ale they serve. Several of our new members were in attendance. They were all made welcome and given the opportunity to learn more about how the club operated.

Sportsman FC Messac showrace entrants

Overall this was an excellent event, with great support, excellent prize money, some superb birds on show and a friendly social atmosphere throughout the afternoon. Very big thank you to the judge Robert and his partner in crime Tony. Also to Jeff Walton, John Fellows, Paul Fullard and Garry Heslington for all the hard work in organising the event.

Many thanks to Dean Bank Homing Society for loaning the Sportsman FC their show pens and trays. We hope DBHS have successful Breeder Buyer sales on Saturdays 5th & 12th March.

Members waiting for the show result

Membership

The brave decision of the NFC Management Committee to create a new Section N was a major boost to National racing in the North East. By close of play on Saturday the 27th Sportsman FC membership has reached 44. The latest to join the club are Mick Fantarrow from Stanley, Robert Westgarth, also from Stanley, Stephen Barrows of Middlesbrough, Thurlow and Strong Sunderland, and Allan Walker of Stockton. Can we hit the 50 mark before the Season starts? This is a real challenge but I know there are other lofts thinking of joining us. So as I said last week if you know anyone thinking about joining just give them a nudge!!

Farm Beans

Esp-Green Farm Iveston, on the Lanchester Road has locally grown Tic Beans available at £6 for 25 Kilo bags. Just ask for Dave, Mobile 07831279669.

Young Bird Sale

As mentioned last week Jeff, is already collating the Sale’s List which is starting to look very impressive indeed with birds pledged from among others, Barry Winter 1st Open Tarbes in 2012, Nick Adshead who has numerous top Open NFC positions, Phil Curtis (NFC Chairman) who had a cracking season last year in both the BICC and NFC. Paul Stobbs and partners who have a stock loft full of UNC and Amalgamation winners which are breeding winners in many parts of the UK, Europe and across the world.

Greyhound Racing

I see this issue came under Political scrutiny again this week with calls for the Association of Bookmakers to do more by way of contributing to the re-homing of retired dogs. There were even calls from some quarters for greyhound racing to be banned altogether. The Sport of Racing Pigeons cannot ignore these constant hostile attacks and we all need to ensure we do nothing to give these spectators the ammunition which would create unwanted attention in our sport. I have kept retired greyhounds for some 18 years now. They make great family pets, don’t need a great deal of exercise, are excellent with children and all round good company. I would highly recommend them if you are looking for a new house-mate. Be warned they make lousy guard dogs!!

Bob Mckie

Secretary’s Weekly Report

This is the first of what will be a weekly blog appearing on our new website detailing club business that the secretary has been involved with during the previous seven days. Because the club membership is drawn from across the whole of the North East the aim of the blog is to help keep the membership better informed of what is happening within the Club and across the National scene.

Club Membership

Since the AGM a further 4 applications have been received and accepted these included:-Ken Dodd and Son, Hexham. Gordon Clark, of Blackhall, Mrs B Matthews and Son Butterknowle and Dave Lodge of Barnard Castle bringing the membership up to 39 for the 2016 season and there is still time for that number to increase before the end of March. So don’t be shy if you know anyone who may be thinking about trying National racing give them a nudge and some encouragement to come and join us. It could be the best decision that they make this year.

NFC Business

NFC Auction is currently live on their website and will close at 21:00:00 on Sunday the 21st February. Looking at the auction schedule there are some excellent distance birds on offer which could strengthen any distance race team or stock loft.

Talking to Sid Barkel this week he asked that I remind all members that NFC Annual subs are now due.

He also mentioned that the NFC Annual Handbook should be issued early/mid April. I would encourage all members to take a few moments to read the guidance covering race entry and marking including basket arrangements. Give me a call if they need any issue’s clarified.

RPRA Annual fees are due end of February. Many of you have already paid these via the Club and I am in the process of preparing a schedule listing our full club membership which will be sent to the RPRA on March 1st. I will be happy to take outstanding club subs and RPRA Fees on Saturday 27th Feb.at our show race.

Messac Show Race

I have had regular discussions with Garry and Jeff, who are co-ordinating the event. All indicators suggest it will be a big success. There will be a great trophy for the best in show so even if you do not intend to show try and get along to the Sportsman. You never know it maybe that you get a chance to see a future NFC Open winner. One thing for sure you’ll enjoy the crack. Big thank you to Garry & Jeff for all their support in organising the show.

Club Young Bird Sale

Jeff has already started working on this initiative and would appreciate it if members could pass breeding details of youngsters to him asap. Pledges of youngsters are still welcome and an indication of when the babies will be ready would be enormously helpful for the press advert.

Sponsorship

I have been in touch with Tom Demeester at Vanrobaeys to confirm that I had picked up this year’s prizes from Terry Knox and again thanked him for their brilliant support. I also advised him about the launch of our Club website and the link within it to the Vanrobaey site.

I am still chasing other Sponsorship deals, although it remains quiet on this front currently.

New Cumbria Section

Have made contact with Ian Parsons across in Cumbria. Ian is not only a great flier of the doo’s he also manages a very successful Stud. He is looking to get things moving in his new section across the Pennines, it is early days and there is a long way to go before they get their National act together. One very interesting aspect he mentioned concerned the setting up of a Marking Station. His immediate thoughts were that if Section N were granted a marking station then perhaps the Cumbrian lads would/could use it rather than set up a separate one. We have agreed to keep in touch as Cumbria develop its approach.

Planning Permission for New Lofts

I am currently looking to relocate my own racing lofts from allotments a couple of miles away from my home, to agricultural land behind my house. Not an easy or cheap process although a lot more straightforward if approached sensibly. The RPRA website is a great starting place with some excellent advice to be found there. I also talked to my local Councillor and gained his full support along with local farmer who owns the land. Plans have been submitted and registered so it’s just a waiting game and if permission is given I see the shift taking 1 to 2 year. If anyone wants any advice on planning or permitted development processes just get in touch.

That’s it for this week but should any member want to see anything specific covered in the blog just drop me a quick text.

Bob Mckie

Annual General Meeting 27th January 2016

Tom Riddle the club Chairman welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. We had a full house with members traveling from all over the North East to be at the AGM and bearing in mind the average journey for each member is 25+ miles this was an excellent turn-out.

The club Secretary then gave his annual report on the 2015 season highlights before outlining some of the impacts that the NFC Management decision to create 3 new Sections including a Section N would have on the Sportsman. Everyone recognised the risks that come with the new arrangements, nevertheless the mood was very positive and members agreed to work hard to encourage more fanciers in the North East to take up the challenge of National racing with the NFC.

It was then on to the night’s agenda.

2014/2015 Balance sheet

The financial position of the club is satisfactory with our high transportation costs of ferrying birds to the marking station in Sheffield well under control. Options to keep transport costs at a minimum will be kept under review, any significant increase in birds entered would need to be carefully managed.

Resignations/Applications

Peter Brunskill a founder club member resigned through health reasons (The Secretary will be in touch and pass on best wishes). There were 12 applications to join the club and all were accepted bringing the membership up to 35. More applications are known to be in the pipeline and these will be welcomed through to the end of March 2016.

Election of Officials

The secretary had suggested a restructuring of the Official jobs which was fully discussed and adopted for 2016.

Chairman: Tom Riddle

Secretary/Treasurer: Bob Mckie

Events Secretary: Jeff Walton (Working closely with the Secretary will lead on IT Developments, race management etc.)

Local Clock Station Officials: Tom Riddle (Greenside) Jim Nicholson (Sunderland) It was agreed to explore the possibility of a further local clock station around the Stockton area.

Club Subscriptions

Maintained at £20 a loft for 2016.

Annual Telephone-in Young Bird Sale

To be organised mid/late April.

Sponsorship

Once again the club has secured excellent sponsorship from Vanrobaeys and a big thank you must go to Terry Knox of Knox Feeds, Swalwell, who was influential in securing this deal. Each race there will be prizes of:- 2 Bags Vanrobaeys Young Bird and a full range of Vanrobaey Products including, Bacostar, Broncostar, Packs of Pickstones and 10 Kilo tubs of Super Grit Mix.

Paul Stobbs has generously offered £100 sponsorship for the winner of the Ancenis National.

Paul has always been a big supporter of the club in more ways than one and the members wished to send their appreciation for his continued support.

Show Race

Garry Heslington, outlined proposals for a club show race from the Messac National to be flown 4thJune.

The show will be held on Saturday 27th February at the Sportsman, Toft Hill and open to club members. Penning 12 to 1.00pm. Entry limited to 4 Birds per loft (2 cocks/2 hens) All birds must be in show pen, 2 Classes Cocks/Hens, Show Prize Money 1st £20, 2nd £15, 3rd £10, Best in Show £10 (Entry fee is £5 per bird all paid out in the race four prizes. 50% 25% 15% 10% There will also be a £10 single bird nomination pool (Winner take all)

Website

The Secretary then raised the issue of communications which he had touched on earlier in his overview. It was proposed that if the club wanted to raise and maintain its profile then there was real merit in having our own website created to promote the club. Given the vast area covered by the club/Section N boundaries it is critical that our members and supporters are kept up to speed with everything happening within the Sportsman FC, the new Section and wider National scene. It was agreed that we would take forward this initiative and have a Website commissioned which would be specifically used as an Information only website (no chat-room facility).

2016 Presentation evening

This will take place on Wednesday the 16th October. Rod Adams was so well received last year that he will be a difficult act to follow! The Secretary will follow up on suggestions made about the main guest(s)

The AGM, after a very busy and productive evening, was eventually closed. The next General Meeting will be held on 16/3/16 (kick off 8.00pm).

2016 Racing Season is fast approaching with many lofts well advanced in their breeding programme. If however your approach is like mine with distance racing only in mind, then there is still plenty of time before the nest boxes will be opened. In recent years I have become increasingly calm and more objective about pairing later, paying greater attention to the dates of the longer races. Where once the 14thof February or should I say Valentine’s day and a full moon were the trigger to mating it strikes me that we need to be more cognisant of other factors not least changes in weather patterns and impacts of climate change. In this respect there are a range of excellent websites outlining both short and longer term weather patterns which are extremely informative and can be considered when formulating your breeding and racing plans. Breeding sound stock has always been an art where good husbandry skills were key to success, however these days science has an increasing role to play not just in feeding methods but understanding weather conditions. An excellent example of this has been the information that Joe Murphy has brought to fancier’s attention in his press articles which centre on Space Weather, highlighting atmospheric pressures and Sun surface disturbances. When you follow these data reports it is not without coincidence how there are delayed impacts on prevailing and sometimes unusual earth weather patterns. The poor returns experienced some racing days are influenced in part caused by turbulent sun storms and we really need to better understand the full implications on our weather systems. All fanciers but especially long/extreme distance racing exponents could in my opinion benefit greatly from understanding the science behind this activity and factor it into race preparations.

Final Warning just been told in no uncertain terms by my wife that the job of home decorating started back in March last year has to finished before racing season starts. Be warned!!

Bob Mckie

National Flying Club — New Section N

At the recent NFC Annual General Meeting in addition to significant changes of Officials we saw a proposal to create 3 new sections passed by the Committee. Not surprisingly there has been a mixed re-action to the boundary changes not least because of the additional financial impact the decision will have in the short to medium term. And in some quarters the breaking up of existing Sections is considered to be a weakening of Section competition.

Looking at the decision from a Sportsman FC member’s perspective-the general feeling is quite positive and seen as a step in the right direction insofar as National racing in the North East is concerned. However whereas the NFC is known for having a cautious approach to decision making, the creation of a new Section N whilst pragmatic indeed bold it is not without risk. Therefore it is worth taking a more detailed look at the argumentation supporting the Committee’s decision and their positive drive to enhance National racing in the North East.

What are the benefits NFC racing offers the North East Fancier?

• Proven record in promoting and organising UK National racing.
• Experienced administration processes and staff with proven track records.
• On line race entry and race verification facilities.
• In-race provisional results available on line.
• Strong flying competition across the UK.
• Seven National races including a joint Old Hen/Young bird race.
• Individual race winners recognised for performance.
• Annual race programme changes are kept to a minimum.
• Top of the range Transport with experienced drivers and Race team advisors.
• Allocated Section prize money with £100 to the winner of each race and additional prizes dependant on number of entries.
• Open prize money and excellent pooling.
• Fantastic range of Trophies to be won.
• In 2015 3 races carried sponsored new Motor Cars (2 of which were free entry.)
• Regular press coverage in both the Racing Pigeon and British Homing World.

What are the aspects of NFC racing which are less attractive to North East Fanciers?

• Cost of membership to NFC and RPRA.
• Birdage charges may be perceived as expensive.
• Nearest marking station is the Greyhound Stadium at Sheffield (Toft Hill for Sportsman FC members).
• Race entry numbers have to be submitted a week in advance. -Lack of local clock stations.
• Dual Club and National racing can bring extra time management pressures.
• Weather conditions highly influential on results (occasional late morning liberations are contentious).
• Heavy losses can be expected until a team is established. (Switching experienced and very successful Combine/Amalgamation birds to National racing is no guarantee of success.)

There we have it many of the key Pro’s and Con’s involving National racing into the North East. The NFC committee have set out their stall and it is now down to the North East fanciers who are interested in National racing to step forward. Currently there are nearly 4000 NEHU members and amongst these are some of the best long distance fanciers in the country and we have a golden opportunity to establish the North East as a major force on the National scene. There is no doubt that fanciers in this part of the UK have the ability to successfully compete and challenge for top spots in National racing and bring home the glory that goes with a 1st Open NFC we just need to see North East fanciers take up the challenge. Looking ahead I would argue that Specialist National racing has a great deal to offer despite some of the current challenges.

The Sportsman FC at Toft Hill has successfully removed many obstacles to National racing which face North East fanciers. We have tremendous support from like-minded distance fanciers across the UK along with business sponsorship in 2015 from Vanrobaey Feeds. There is no reason why other groups of interested fanciers could not come together and model their own local club for National racing on the Sportsman. The more that pick up this challenge then greater is the argument for our own marking station in the North East. Give me a call if you think I can help in anyway.

Finally members of our club wish Mick McGrevy and Phil Curtis all the very best in their new posts as NFC President and Chairman respectively.

Bob Mckie

Secretary (Sportsman FC)