Special Secretary Report
Sorry about the delay in drafting this report but thought I would leave until post Torquay weekend.
Well on Saturday the 26th all roads led to Torquay for the NFC Presentation night. I travelled down by train along with John & Steven Best where we also met up with Alan & Carol Walker which meant the Sportsman were well represented. There was also a handful of other Section N members in attendance including our friends John Rumney, Brian Hicks & George Anderson as well as George Purvis who remains very interested in the National scene.
This was my first time at the event and I was somewhat apprehensive about how the evening would proceed. Well we kicked off at 5.00pm once the top table of guests was in place a letter from Queen Elizabeth was read out and her best wishes were well received from the members after which the appropriate round of “toasts” was completed. All a bit formal I was thinking yet in fairness once the food arrived and the drink was flowing a lighter more fun atmosphere was apparent. Following key note speeches from members of the top table in which mention was made of the difficult events dogging the NFC throughout the year. However these were not dwelt on and in no way did they detract from the evening. There was much praise and applause for the current Chairman Phil Curtis who is enduring difficult health problems yet it has not stopped his enthusiastic efforts in governing over the Club.
Likewise there was a big round of applause for Sid Barkel who has experienced a difficult year both professionally and from personal perspective.
The prize presentation was a bit drawn out but none the less very enjoyable with a very amusing “winners” speech from Mick Locke this year’s Tarbes National winner Phoenix. Flying to the Wirral Mick sent 8 birds to Tarbes and got them all!!!!!!! Absolutely brilliant flying.
Once the presentation ended it was time for serious drinking and plenty of pigeon chat with old and new friends. All in all a really great event with genuine fanciers and nice people all after the same thing, “flying National races and chasing the goal of winning an NFC Open”.
Really looking forward to next year’s event which will be held in Harrogate when hopefully the Sportsman members will have plenty of Trophies to collect.
General Meeting
Would members note the Agenda for our scheduled General meeting on Wednesday 7th December (Kick-Off 7.30pm).
Minutes of last GM
Review of Presentation evening on 19/10/16
NFC Business
Discussion on possible Show Race(s)
Agree date of AGM including format /agenda items including proposals from members.
AoB.
Bob Mckie
