The views on the International scene are gaining momentum and after I completed my
last article there were a few people and I do mean a few who for one reason or another
read it prior to publication. They have their own ideas and after listening to them I
asked Geoff Cooper to drop me an e-mail with his own views, as you are aware Geoff is very
forward thinking and does not want to live in the past. This is what Geoff has to say and
please note that he has pointed out it is a personal view and not necessarily the view of
the committee of the National Flying Club. “The following article is my personal view
as a National Flying Club member, it is not necessarily the view of the NFC Committee. The
recent press coverage about the National Flying Club joining the International scene, is
great news for British fanciers as their performances have always been underrated on the
Continent and further afield. People like John Clements work very hard trying to promote
British performances and I know from speaking to him that it is an uphill battle. Thanks
to King Bros.’ proposition at the last NFC AGM and the members endorsement,
International racing is high on the agenda. I am personally against racing from Barcelona,
mainly because of the Pyrennees. With a small number of birds (as in BICC club races) the
birds are more likely to be influenced by the drag of the main convoy, whereas if we sent
a large number of birds to Barcelona. I am sure the majority would instinctively break
straight for Britain and therefore get entangled in the Pyrennees and some good pigeons
may be lost forever. This is not what the National would want for its’ members. The
National Flying Club has been formally invited to join the Ente Belge, racing from Dax and
Perpignan next year. This is a marvellous opportunity for the National Flying Club to join
in with the Premier racing in Europe, where we could compete on a more even playing field.
Although our birds have the channel to cross towards the end of their journey, these races
could still be won in Britain. My ideal race programme for the season 2003, would be;
NANTES on its’ normal date; two weeks later either SAINTES or maybe invite the rest
of Europe to join us in an International race, flown from BORDEAUX; three weeks later DAX
Grand National and International; three weeks later PERPIGNAN National and International.
This may well appear on the voting papers for the next AGM, along with the relevant rule
changes. So there is an opportunity now for next years race programme to be: -
NANTES--SAINTES--DAX--PERPIGNAN: This is just an idea, open to suggestions and
discussions. Please, if you have any constructive comments pass them on to either the
President, the Press officer or myself. Let’s not miss this opportunity to take the
National FC and British Fanciers forward. Geoff Cooper”.
I have written about the International scene since taking up the press officer
position with the NFC and I must thank King Bros for helping to move forward on this
subject. What you must also remember is that should the club go down this road it will not
be a compulsory decision by the committee. Any movement will go to the vote of the members
who are the backbone of the club, however I do feel that the committee would welcome such
a move. If the National FC do not move on this issue then I am sure that there are other
organisations who will but what I must stress is that the National FC are just that the
NATIONAL FC of Great Britain. Therefore I believe that they are the people to take the
British fanciers into the International scene and compete with confidence. I know that
there are other organisations who will be affected by such a move. However I do feel that
all organisations concerned can pool their resources and do a fantastic job for the
fanciers in GB. The bigger the better, the more competing members the better, the bigger
the birdage the better, that is why the National FC should take this on board and take it
on at the earliest possible date. You have all now read the views above so why not send me
your views and lets see what the feeling of the members is so that any move forward can be
sorted and put forward for the AGM later this year. Who wants to be an International
winner, everyone who races pigeons, I would think that all pigeon fanciers have ambition
and what better ambition that to be an International race winner against the best in
Europe.
Must add that Brian Newsome also submitted a nomination for Peter Titmuss to receive
an MBE the President thanks Brian and anyone else who has helped and this will be recorded
in the minutes of the next meeting.On the
subject of the Royalty, our sec sent a letter of condolences to Buckingham Palace on
behalf of the President committee and all the members of the National FC. The reply was
received and reads, “The Queen has been deeply touched by the many messages of
sympathy received after the death of her mother Queen Elizabeth. Her Majesty would like to
thank all those who have so kindly sent words of comfort at this sad time” Sir Robin
Janvrin Private Secretary to the Queen.
