National Bulletin
10th May, 2002 Bulletin
Is the idea of International racing gathering momentum, Yes it is with many calls
coming my way with suggestions, what I would like is everything in writing so that I can
comment more. The last thing that I want is to pass comment and then something be denied,
that is not the way I want to work. This week I am including two letters that are looking
at the International scene in different ways and you too can have your views added if you
drop me a line. If you do want to air your views without your name please say on the
letter, all I need is a copy to cover myself.
The first letter is from Staddon Bros who you will all be aware of because they are
one of the best Breeding and racing lofts in the Country. “Dear Les, Our
congratulations on a fantastic job you are doing as Press Officer for the NFC. We read the
Bulletins avidly as there is only one NFC and we wish to support it 100%. Whatever
programme they fly we will be supporting it. We fully support Geoff Coopers views on Barcelona
and think this race is adequately covered by the BICC & BBC. We personally would
prefer to fly Pau as one of the Internationals as we would prefer a level playing field
that the 5B limit ensures the small back garden lofts could compete equally against the
mob flyers. Our programme would be Nantes, Saintes, Pau International and Bordeaux
International”.
The other letter is looking at the International scene from another angle. “Dear
Les, I feel that “International Racing” is the way forward for the NFC. However
let us keep the big picture and the main objective in mind, there is no substitute for the
“Barcelona International Race”! This is the main race in the International
programme, it is the “Daddy” of all races. Dax & Perpignan are very good but
do not offer the ultimate challenge in both distance and prestige. Barcelona would test
the Southern fanciers, giving a near 700ml race which is more of a true long distance test
for the modern fancier and pigeon. We have the opportunity to be long distance pioneers on
the NFC scene, let us not squander it on lesser ideals” That was from Jim Emerton
“Barcelona Dream”.
And here’s one from the Mr & Mrs T. partnership that highlights the fact that
we are on the right track with the International scene. “Dear Sir, Yes’
Yes’ Yes About time too that someone has come up with a lot of sense. I would suggest
Nantes 11th May, Bordeaux 25th May, Dax 15th June and Perpignan
20th July as these dates are based on 2002, no doubt the club could fit in the
corresponding dates. If other specialist clubs such as the MNFC were to move their race
programme to match the NFC then there would be much better transport system. There would
also be more loaded lorry’s in one place, better than having empty ones. It costs
just the same to take 2,000 birds as it doers to take 20,000 birds so why not combine the
NFC & the MNFC, then we could duplicate one to the other leaving the International to
choice”. A few very interesting points that may cause a few eyebrows to be raised in
the big organisations with the main point being that 20,000 birds could be achievable. The
programme is good and one that would bring the birds in but getting the big two together I
feel is rather too ambitious because there are stalwarts in each club who would not move
that way under any circumstances. There are members who like to concentrate on the big
races and with the two have sufficient races to satisfy their appetite.
The information coming in on this issue is valuable to the committee for future
thoughts on the International scene so why not send your views. Always remember that it is
the thoughts of the members that keep the club as the number one competitive organisation
to all fanciers in the UK. Any movement forward is in the hands of the members so send
your views because there just may be a few good ideas out there waiting to be put forward
to achieve the object of International racing, 1st National FC 1st
International.
Les.J.Parkinson. Elimar, 11 Rushton Drive, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10
ONJ. Tel/Fax: 01606 836036. ljohnp@elimarpigeons.fsnet.co.uk
web-site www.elimarpigeons.fsnet.co.uk
