Secretary’s Weekly Report

Fougeres National 21/5/16

Bob McKie & Robert Dawson with Phil Curtis NFC Chairman at Sheffield marking for Fougeres

On Wednesday night everyone met up at the Sportsman at Toft Hill where the race entry sheets were checked, clocks collected and birds loaded for transporting to Sheffield early next morning.

Thanks to Robert Dawson who provided additional transport and to Jeff Walton and John Fellows who accompanied us to the marking station. 20 members sent in total 182 birds although the total entry in Section N was 204 birds by 22 members. Overall in the Open 929 members entered 8648 birds.

Brian Denney & Barry Winter at the Sheffield marking for Fougeres

At Sheffield it was very busy indeed and all four of us were kept busy and everything went reasonably smoothly despite the odd system problems with the marking station equipment.

We had a chance to speak briefly with friends from Yorkshire and also to give the transporter a quick “once over”. It is some piece of equipment, expensive yes but the birds are really well catered for. It was then back to the North East and as expected we ran a little late due to the continued road works and imposed speed limits.

Constant water on three sides of the crates from leaving Shefield marking

Best of luck to everyone who has birds away. Remember we have excellent Sponsorship from Vanrobaeys for the race winner and let us hope we can kick off with a Section N winner in this inaugural race.

The holdover of birds today Saturday, was not a surprise given the prevailing weather. Sunday looks a lot better in the UK however France and the Channel could be unsatisfactory and everything points to a Monday liberation.

Cooling fans in the NFC transporter

Clock checking

Remember to verify your first arrival within one hour of timing and to fill in your verification sheet including the verification number you are given when recording your first arrival. This sheet must be handed in with your clock at checking. This point cannot be stressed enough failure to do so can and will lead to disqualification. 

Bob Mckie