National Bulletin
9th October, 2001 Bulletin
I very often leave bits and pieces for later in the year for various reasons, this
e-mail was left so that I could print it when it really mattered, when fanciers have time
to sit down and think about things for the future of the sport. This is a follow on from a
piece that I did earlier in the year from Russell Bradford. "You kindly printed in
the NFC bulletin in the BHW my comments to both Fred Sharman, & Sid Barkel, concerning
the possibilities of putting 'live' coverage of a National liberation on the Internet. I
trust you will not mind my continuing the subject, ( a bit like a dog with a bone!!).
Ongoing comment has the potential for being only academic, at this moment in time, as
it would seem to me to be highly unlikely the NFC will be racing from across the channel
this Summer ~ given foot & mouth. However even if we don't race from France this year,
it certainly doesn't mean the same problems won't still be there next year and the
following and the following. Please don't take my comments as a personal criticism, but
for any committee person on the NFC it seems to me to be an easy option to say "We
haven't got the volunteers ~ or affordable manpower" ~ and consequently as it would
be too expensive to send a camera man to France, just to film a liberation, the whole idea
is just conveniently dropped!! I do accept that the expense and volunteers create a
problem, so why not a bit of lateral thinking?? If the concept of a photograph (either
still or more preferably moving) of a liberation is agreed as being an asset, ~ for all
the reasons I've already stated, then why not find a French resident at the liberation
site, who for a small fee, would take the requisite photos. In this day and age
lots of people have digital cameras, which in turn are downloadable on to computers. All
that is required is a "local" who (a) has a digital camera (b) a computer with
an Internet connection. (c) a willingness to spend an hour or so of his/her time. (d) take
some photo's (which would include an indication of the weather) & (e) download the
finished result very shortly after the liberation, on to the internet, or to a dedicated
web page. Doesn't sound difficult does it?? Well an advert in the local French newspapers
or the French pigeon press should surely be able to find such a person. I have a good
friend who is totally fluent in French who could/would construct an advert written in
French if required and field the answers by letter phone or fax. Indeed it might even
engender a bit of Entente Cordial !!.
I'm sending a copy of my posting to you, on to Sid Barkel as well. He spoke with me a
little while back, and from the conversation is I believe enthusiastic of the ideas.
Regards Russell Bradford".
I think the committee do understand what Russell has to say and as time progresses and
such things come down in costs then something can be done. I am all for taking the sport
forward and I believe that the club has moved quite considerable in recent years and will
no doubt go on moving in the same direction for years to come.
Knowing that Sid does have an handle on this subject I asked to see what his ideas are
and I received the following. "With regard to Russell Bradfords e-mail to our press
officer Les Parkinson. Yes the Secretary is 100% behind this idea. I must point out that
the idea of a live video of the liberation site prior during and after the liberation
would have an enormous impact for the convoyers, and the general fancier competing. In my
own opinion this would be fantastic. This idea had arisen from Mr Russell Bradford in the
first instance and having such a member as Russell is definitely an asset for the National
Flying Club. All I can say Russell, is keep the ideas rolling in. I must also mention a Mr
P O'Leary who has some great ideas for the National Flying Club. Watch this space for
future press releases. Technolgy at this moment won't allow a live video show of the
liberation unless we have a computer and telephone connection/socket and video camera
attachment at the site. The main need is the telephone socket! Mobile phones at this
moment are too slow to transfer live video pictures. The Secretary is looking at the
technology involved with CNN news channel who have a video phone reporting on the conflict
in Afganistan. Mobiles are on sale with Satellite connection and hopefully we can get
something similar to CNN news channel in America for the National Flying Club. Keep
reading future reports to find out any further developments. In general I would back Mr
Russell Bradfords idea to engage a French man to take some photos and send them back for
publication on the National Flying Club web site. This is possible with todays technology
and the National Flying Club can do this for its members to satisfy the queries, keeping
them informed etc., etc., on the liberations. Fancy that, pictures on the Web Site within
an hour or so.........! Can I take this opportunity to ask any fanciers out there if they
have any idea that can promote, build and create a better National Flying Club. If so,
then let us know!" Good addition from Sid and lets hope that we can get this sorted
for next year because it would be a great way forward for the club.
I finish this week in defence of myself and the articles that I write on behalf of the
National Flying club. Each and every article that I write is written with the interest of
the NFC in mind and from views noted by members for taking the club forward. The reports
on the meetings are presented in a basic format as directed by the committee and when I
report on those meetings and any such report is passed by the President of the NFC before
going to press. I am not saying that I notify the President of every article but I do
those that are directly linked to meetings etc. Regarding my "Fantasy’s"
(as reported on a couple of occasion’s) with the way forward for the club, that is
obviously a view that is directed against someone who considers all aspects concerning the
way forward and not for their own benefit. Such views are only concluded after
conversations with the every day members of the club. I have seen over the years many
people taking stick from fanciers who consider that their views are the only ones that
should be considered. Then when someone comes along and airs the views of many, who for
their own reasons choose to remain in the background, it is all wrong. There are many
genuine people in this world who have good ideas but not the confidence to put them
forward and it those people who we need to bring into the action. There is an endless
source of information and ideas that cannot be accessed without help from the more bold
who as a group can put those ideas into action. The National Flying Club is the only true
National in the Country and one that has a wealth of talent yet to be brought to the fore.
It is about time that we tapped that wealth and stopped knocking those who go out of their
way to take the club and the sport in general forward. I have said it in the past and will
no doubt say it again in the future, "The trouble with British people is that they
knock the more successful when they should be encouraging" jealousy is a terrible
illness.
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
