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Office Manager: Gillian Naum, 23 Brendon Road, Watchet, Somerset TA23 0AU
Mobile: 07746-243325 between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday
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Racing Manager: Jill Webber, 29 Lucca Drive, Abingdon, OX14 5QN
Mobile: 07821-898336 between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday
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The National Flying Club Committee feels that it is vitally important to ensure that we can retain our time-honoured race program south through the French race points, as this is the only route to ensure a true national race which is fair to all areas of the United Kingdom, given the topographic landscape of England. With this in mind, the decision was made to race from Guernsey as the best alternative until the present bureaucratic situation can be resolved, which would then allow a return to our traditional race program. The Committee had recently been enthused by the great work and determination of the Chief Executive of the RPRA Mr Ian Evans, to ensure a speedy resumption to normality for the 2022 season, with a statement published earlier in April giving a summary of the requests by DEFRA to register our members lofts and the veterinary certification required to enter France for the liberation of our pigeons. These requirements were discussed at length with the governing bodies and after a final meeting with the Chief Vet Mr David Parsons, all was in order for us to proceed with confidence, once the registration process with DEFRA was confirmed. This has fallen short at the final post and with the first race just weeks away, DEFRA have yet to inform us how this registration will proceed, and a more political situation is unfolding with their resources being stretched to a limit, and our concerns contesting for position in their current list of priorities, no doubt exasperated by the very high cases of H5N1 Bird Flu in the UK this year. This has created a perfect storm in which our Chairman Mr Paul Naum has been constantly reviewing in order to place the NFC in the best position to continue to provide the nation with a premier national race program, which as pointed out earlier, is the one true and fair result for our members.
We have now begun lobbying the members of parliament and we request all our members to do the same with their local MP, to point out that after over 120 years of pigeon racing from the continent, it seems ridiculous that our own UK body is preventing the continuation of this tradition. Our Honorary Treasurer Mr Stephen Beardmore has already contacted his MP and has pointed out that when our members do the same, “they should supply their full postal address and all your telephone contact numbers as they shall need this information before they shall be able to deal substantively with your concerns.” Having spoken to our Secretary Mr Sid Barkel this afternoon he has also asked me to point out that as members are now sending in their vaccination forms, it is important to note that ALL birds in the loft need to be listed as vaccinated, not just the race team and if you have not listed your stock birds or young birds, please send in a revised form which includes them in order to fully comply with this requirement.
On a final and lighter note, I would like to conclude this report with a hearty congratulations to Mr & Mrs E W Froggatt who are celebrating their 60-year Diamond Wedding Anniversary on the 1st of May this year. Eddy is Life Vice President of the National Flying Club and has represented his section on the Committee for at least 50 years and a member many years prior to that. He and his wife Julia have been a great asset to the club over those years and the Management Committee would like to convey the congratulations of all their members in wishing them a great day of celebration with many happy returns.
News and views to me Chris Sutton on 01530 242548 or 07792 356330 email
The Annual General meeting for the National Flying Club was held on the 4th of December at the Alveley Sports and Social Club. The Chairman opened the meeting at 12 noon and the minutes of the previous AGM were read out by the Secretary Mr Sid Barkel which were passed as a true record and the Honorary Treasurer Mr Stephen Beardmore followed by giving his comprehensive report to the meeting. He explained the financial situation of the club was very healthy and that an £150K trust fund investment he made on behalf of the NFC has given a return of £23k at this time. This came as a little ray of sunshine in an otherwise dreary year considering the Covid and Brexit effects on our race programme in 2021 and the acceptance of the accounts along with a vote of thanks was proposed and carried.
The Secretaries Report was accepted and the Chief Convoyer Mr Dom McCoy followed with a detail explanation of the successful racing from Guernsey considering the size of our Transporter warranted a Police escort, which alerted the attentions of the local press and other well-wishers. It was mentioned that just one of his video reports amassed a total of 28 thousand views and with the help of Steve White as Weather Adviser a vote of thanks was given to the team followed by a round of applause.
Then came the election of Officers and Mr Ray Scriven stood down in order for the election to proceed but before he did so the Chairman Mr Paul Naum thanked him for all support that he given over the past four years for the club, and I am very pleased to announce that a true legend of National racing has become our President for the next three years, with Mr Geoff Kirkland taking over with a unanimous vote and was congratulated by all in attendance.
NFC President 2021 Geoff Kirkland
The position of Chairman was contested by Mr Paul Naum and Mr Dom McCoy resulting in Paul Naum continuing as Chairman with Dom McCoy as Vice Chairman. Mr Stephen Beardmore accepted the wish of the Committee to continue as Honorary Treasurer and the following members were voted on the Management Committee to represent their sections. For section A there was no one standing with Kevin Zerafa being voted on once again for Section B. Steve White will continue for Section C and John McClements along with Paul Pym was confirmed as continuing to represent Section D. Mr Peter Wells and Dom McCoy agreed were proposed and accepted for Section E with Stuart Wilcox and Mr D Wyatt representing Section G. No members stood for Section H with Chris Sutton and Drew Callan both sporting bald heads as they were voted on for Section I. In truth Drew had raised a total of £320 for charity for allowing his school pupils to shave his head, which was congratulated. Aurel Voiculescu and Mr A Jones were voted on as representatives for Section J with Will Curtis and Kevin Heeley voted on for Section K. Section L is continuing to be represented by Gerry Clements and Jamie Campbell, but no members stood for Section M. Mr J Sexton was voted on for Section N and Mr I Parsons for Section O and once again no members stood for Section P. Chris Boyce was joined by new member and National winner Gary Jacobs as representatives for Section Q and Stuart Treharne along with Malcolm Jones completed the Committee by continuing to represent Section W.
NFC Committee
The Accountants will continue to be Hawley & Co along with Barclays Bank for our account. The Press Officer will continue to be me Chris Sutton with the Race Adviser Steve White and Chief Convoyer Dom McCoy to also remain unchanged for 2022. The Chairman read out the result of the proposition votes to be a dead heat, so the status quo remains for 2022 and the Chairman then closed the meeting at 12:52pm.This was followed by the continuation of the General meeting which was due to begin at 9:30 but the Chairman asked the Management Committee to review the line management procedures within the club and the working relationships which caused a slight delay to the proceedings. It was confirmed that the new marking station at Bristol will replace Bridgwater with Mr Paul Titcomb as I/C at Lawrance Western Social Club Bristol BS11 0ST. All contact details will be published in the yearbook with the Chairman thanking Paul for his efforts in securing this venue for the NFC. The minutes were then accepted as a true record and the Chairman read out correspondence from Mr M Armitage and Mr G Francis which was noted by the Committee followed by a discussion of the rules review which had been undertaken by Mr Chris Boyce, Eric Watkins and Drew Callan and it was agreed that the Chairman along with the Secretary who will assist with his huge experience of the rules to see this through to completion to put before the Committee as it had been noted that some members did not agree to some of the suggestions.
The presentation for 2021 was reviewed as a great success although Dom McCoy would like to assist in organising the seating arrangements and the trophy table in future at this venue. It was confirmed that Buxton was booked for 2022 although Mr McGrevy pointed out that the hotel would like 6 weeks’ notice for bookings to receive the discounted rates. For the 2023 season it was suggested that Harrogate would be looked into as it was considered to be a great venue for all, and a vote of thanks was given to Mick McGrevy for his continued efforts.
On the subject of Sponsorship, it was noted that Mr Aurel Voiculescu had secured sponsorship from Cest Pharma, Benzing once again and he confirmed that he will continue to sponsor the Northern and Southern Ace Pigeons in 2022. The Chairman has confirmed Steve Wright of the House of Aarden will continue with their generous sponsorship as will Northern Premier Auctions “Champion of Champions” thanks to Chris Gibson. The Rear of the transporters are to be offered for Sponsors transfers and links on our website will be available at a rate of £150 for the main home page. The Sigogne Race will be named after Her Majesty the Queen to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee and the handbook will also continue as it was considered to be a great asset to members with the race reports also included to give added interest.
The NFC Young Bird sale will go ahead on Thursday the 10th of March with Stuart Treharne continuing to organise it using the auction website compare the pigeon, run by John Burgham. Some discussion took place on how to respectfully approach aged debtors as it was often unknown to the club if some of these had passed away. It is always a difficult question and Mr Heeley suggested a delicately worded letter to be sent out to bring our records up to date. It was also mentioned that a total of £7,000 in prize money had accumulated as unclaimed, so I was asked to reiterate the club policy of requiring bank details to pay out these funds to the rightful owners. So, if you are patiently waiting for a cheque to arrive you must call the Secretary with your bank details to enable him to transfer your prize money. To assist in this Aurel Voiculescu explained it would be beneficial to set up an automated reminder to those who owe their subscriptions or have unclaimed prize money.
It was agreed that Mr Cosmin Talas would look into the prices of alternative trophies the NFC will be giving to section winners in 2022. There then followed a lengthy discussion about the prospects of channel racing in the current predicament we find ourselves in. Cosmin Talas had received a quotation from Mr Geoff Greenaway for replacement crates and he was instructed to try to buy a sample crate for the Blackpool Show to allow for committee members to take a look. New members will receive an NFC tie or sweatshirt if they approach the stand at Blackpool and we look forward to meeting friends old and new in the usual place. The handbook will be scheduled for delivery during the last week in March so there is plenty of time for the many pigeon related businesses to book a page of advertising with the Secretary. Full contact details can be found on the club website nationalflyingclub.co.uk and finally, we need representation from Sections A, P and H on our Management Committee, we have three meetings per year and members often share the transport costs, you can really make a difference to your area and be part of a team who continue to make the one true National the most prestigious to win in the country.
News and views to me Chris Sutton on 01530 242548 or 07792 356330 email .
The National Flying Club presentation evening was held at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay on the 27th November when around 230 guests attended to support the winners of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. This made for an epic celebration due to the Covid lockdown and one that most were ready for after such a long period of restrictions, but the virus was still affecting us as the main guests of the evening, Ian Evans the Chief Executive of the RPRA could not attend due to testing positive and sent his apologies. Gladly the great concern for his wellbeing was rewarded with the news that he was coping very well with just a slight cough and very frustrated he had missed his opportunity to address the room. Stephen Beardmore gave a short summery of his speech on his behalf by way of updating us on the brighter prospects of the resumption of channel racing in 2022. The RPRA and DEFRA have formulated an agreement with the EU that the UK would be able to join the other member countries for racing with only the proof of vaccination issues still to be resolved.
Loft Manager to HM the Queen Peter Farrow and his wife Sherryl continued their long standing support of the NFC by attending the top table and our President Mr Ray Scrivens read out a letter from HM the Queen which said “Please convey my warm thanks to the members of the National Flying Club for their loyal greetings, sent on the occasion of their Gala Dinner and Prize Presentation evening which is being held in Torquay tonight. Your kind message and thoughtfulness in writing are much appreciated. As your Patron, I send my best wishes to all those who are assembled at the Imperial Hotel for a most memorable and enjoyable gathering. Elizabeth R” This was followed by Mr Scrivens asking the whole room to be upstanding and he proposed a Loyal Toast to Her Majesty the Queen. He then said grace and a very enjoyable three course meal began to be served.
Peter & Sheryl Farrow
Following a short interval after the meal Stewart Wilcox, committee member for section G gave a very amusing speech on behalf of the winners which concluded by his introduction of Mark Gilbert, winner of the 2020 Grand National who took the floor as is tradition and recounted his lifelong dream of being amongst the greats in our sport by winning the Kings Cup. He has built a world class team and he acknowledged the assistance of Nigel Langstaff and Troy Birch and most would agree he has surpassed those achievements he found so motivating when he was a young fancier. The standing ovation he received is well deserved.
Our club Secretary then asked Mrs Barbra Kirkland to assist him and he began his impressive display of announcing skills by calling out the first trophy presentation of the evening which went to A Parsons of Salisbury, who received The Moonraker Cup for the first bird in Wiltshire from Pau in 2020.
Andy Parsons with The Moonraker Cup for the first bird in Wiltshire Pau
Bob brown of Plymouth came up next for 1st Sect D Sennen Cove
Bob Brown Plymouth 1st Sect D Sennen Cove
followed by Andrew Cousins, Bishops Stortford for his 1st Sect P Sennen Cove 2 trophy 2021.
Andy Cousins 1st Sect P, Sennen Cove 2
Chris Gibson, Rotherham collected his 1st Sect K Fougeres Trophy 2020
Chris Gibson 1st Sect K Fougeres 2020
and D & B Rayner, Bridgwater collected his Team Aurel Award for the Winner of the South Ace Pigeon + £500 cash prize.
D B Rayner Team Aurel Award for NFC Ace Pigeon Southern
D B Rayner Ace Pigeon
F J Quinn in Devizes won The Barry Sherman Memorial Trophy for the best average all Old Bird races in Section F 2020
F Quinn with The Barry Sherman Memorial Trophy
and G M Smart from Wolverhampton received his 1st Section J Guernsey OH trophy 2021.
G M Smart 1st Sect J Guernsey OH trophy
Gosling & Jarvis, Mount Nessing won The Brian Freeman Memorial Trophy for 9th National Pau 2020 and J Fitzsimmons & Son travelled all the way down from Cleator Moor in Cumbria to collect their 1st Section O Messac Trophy 2020.
Young Joshua Goodier, from Exeter had a great result with his young birds being 4th Open and collected his 1st Section D Guernsey YB trophy 2021.
Joshua Goodier 1st Sect D Guernsey YB
Kevin Heeley on behalf of K Heeley, D Allen & M Lambert of Chesterfield came to collect The Arthur & Winifred Rawson Trophy for the first bird in Derbyshire from Coutances YB 2020
K Heeley D Allen M Lambert with The Arthur Winifred Rawson Trophy
followed by Leigh Sheppard, Bath who received his 1st Section G Guernsey YB trophy 2021.
L Sheppard 1st Sect G Guernsey YB
Lee is the grandson of the late Brian Sheppard who won in 2003 1st National Flying Club and 1st International Dax against 19400b with “The Legend” and it is great to see him continuing the family tradition by competing and winning with the NFC.
M & M Wiffen from Dorchester won their 1st Section C Guernsey YB trophy 2021
M & M Wiffen 1st Sect C Guernsey YB
and Marcus Blackmore, Exeter was presented with his 1st Section D Guernsey R3 trophy 2021.
Marcus Blackmore 1st Sect D Guernsey
Mr & Mrs Nigel Shaw, from Crewe were presented with The S P Griffiths Memorial Trophy for the first bird in Cheshire Pau 2020
Mr Mrs N Shaw Crewe The S P Griffiths Memorial Trophy for the first bird in Cheshire
Nigel & Wendy Shaw
followed by club Chairman Paul Naum and his wife from Watchet who won the The Nobby Henley Memorial Trophy for the best average all Old Bird races in Section D 2021.
Mr Mrs P Naum Watchet The Nobby Henley Memorial Trophy for the best average all Old Bird races in Section D
Mr & Mrs Webber & Son, Abingdon won The Antingham Memorial Trophy for the first bird in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Sennen Cove 2 2021,
Mr & Mrs Webber & Son, Abingdon winning the Antingham Memorial Trophy for the first bird in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Sennen Cove 2 2021
followed by Neville & Diana Spracklen in Dorchester who collected their 1st Section C Guernsey R3 trophy 2021.
Neville Diana Spracklen 1st Sect C Guernsey
Neville Dianne Spracklen
R English, Clevedon received his 1st Section G Guernsey R4 trophy 2021
R English, Clevedon receives 1st Section G Guernsey R4 trophy 2021
followed by a very smart Roger Lowe from Reading who collected his 1st Section E Fougeres Trophy 2020 in front of several of his friends all wearing face masks of himself which came as quite a surprise to Roger who just said “You can’t take them anywhere can you”
R J Lowe 1st Sect E Fougeres
Roger Lowe Fans
Will the real Roger Lowe please stand up
S & B Cooke, Wrexham was next up to collect the 1st Section W Guernsey R3 trophy 2021
S B Cooke 1st Sect W Guernsey
and Sebastian Szul from Telford came up with his young son to receive The E.A. Braithwaite Cup for 2nd National Guernsey YB 2021.
Sebastian Szul wins The E.A. Braithwaite Cup for 2nd National Guernsey YB
Simon Cordery in Sidmouth won 1st Section D Coutances OH trophy 2020
Simon Cordery 1st Sect D Coutances OH
followed by Steven Light from Doncaster 1st Section K Coutances OH trophy 2020.
Steven Light 1st Sect K Coutances OH
Team Aurel in Telford came to the table to collect their 1st Section J Sennen Cove 2 trophy 2021
Team Aurel 1st Sect J Sennen Cove 2
with the The Rostrons from Thatcham receiving 1st Section F Guernsey R3 trophy
The Rostrons 1st Sect F Guernsey
and Barbra Kirkland completed by presenting W Whitehouse, Dudley with his 1st Section J Messac Trophy 2020.
W Whitehouse 1st Sect J Messac
Alan Hallsworth collected the The Atrill Trophy for the first bird in Derbyshire Pau
Alan Hallsworth with The Atrill Trophy for the first bird in Derbyshire Pau
Sid then asked Mrs Scriven to present the following trophies beginning with Mr & Mrs L Cowley, Dorchester who won a 1st Section D from Sennen Cove 1 trophy 2021.
Mr & Mrs L Cowley, Dorchester winning 1st Section D from Sennen Cove 1
A E Shepherd, Emsworth collected his Certificate of Merit 2020 and his 1st Section A Guernsey OH trophy 2021.
A E Shepherd Certificate of Merit 2020 and 1st Sect A Guernsey OH
J J Schoeman won 1st Sect F Sennen Cove 2 and The Barry Sherman Memorial Trophy for the best average all Old Bird races in Sect F
J J Schoeman 1st Sect F Sennen Cove 2 The Barry Sherman Memorial Trophy for the best average all Old Bird races in Sect F
Cowley Bros, Cirencester won a 1st Section F Guernsey R4 trophy 2021 and 1st Section F Guernsey OH trophy 2021
Cowley Bros 1st Sect F Guernsey R4 trophy 2021 1st Sect F Guernsey OH
followed by the first National winner of the evening Daniel Hocking of Bridgwater who won The Joe Dixon Trophy for 1st National Sennen Cove 2 and 1st Section G Sennen Cove 2 trophy 2021.
Daniel Hocking with the Joe Dixon Trophy for 1st National Sennen Cove 2 2021 1st Sect G Sennen Cove 2
He was followed by Gary Jacobs in Penzance who won
- The Chris Catterall Trophy for 1st National Guernsey R4 and 1st Section Q Guernsey R4 trophy 2021.
- J J Schoeman, Andover won a 1st Section F Sennen Cove 2 trophy and The Barry Sherman Memorial Trophy for the best average all Old Bird races in Section F 2021.
Gary Jacobs wins the Chris Catterall Trophy for 1st National Guernsey R4 2021 1st Sect Q Guernsey R4
M Anderson & Sons traveled all the way down from Washington to collect their 1st Section N Messac Trophy and 2020 and 1st Section N Guernsey R4 trophy 2021,
M Anderson Sons 1st Sect N Messac Trophy 2020 1st Sect N Guernsey
followed by Mr & Mrs M S Gower, Nr Fordingbridge who won The Tony Pouralli & Son Memorial Trophy for the best bird in Hampshire Guernsey YB and 1st Section B Guernsey YB trophy 2021.
Mr Mrs M S Gower win the Tony Pouralli Son Memorial Trophy for the best bird in Hampshire Guernsey YB 2021 1st Sect B Guernsey YB
Mr & Mrs P Kenny & Family from Wantage won a 1st Section F Fougeres Trophy and 1st Section F Messac Trophy 2020.
Mr Mrs P Kenny Family 1st Sect F Fougeres 2020 1st Sect F Messac
Mr M J Skidmore from Havant won 1st Section A Sennen Cove 2 trophy 2021 and The National Flying Club Trophy for 2nd National Guernsey R3 2021
Mr M J Skidmore 1st Sect A Sennen Cove 2 2021 The NFC Trophy for 2nd National Guernsey
followed by the next National winner in attendance Mr Steve Moseley from Bristol who won The National Flying Club Trophy for 1st Sennen Cove 1 National and 1st Section G Sennen Cove 1 trophy 2021.
Mr Mrs Steve Moseley
S Moseley wins the NFC Trophy for 1st Sennen Cove 1 National 2021 1st Sect G Sennen Cove 1
He was followed by the 2021 Champion of Champions Stuart Wilcox, Bristol who also won The Mrs B. Grainger Memorial Trophy for 3rd National Sennen Cove 2.
Stuart Wilcox wins the Mrs B. Grainger Memorial Trophy for 3rd National Sennen Cove 2 2021 Winner of the Champion of Champions
National winner Fred Hall & Daughters of Worthing won The Sid Moon Memorial Cup for the first bird in Sussex, The Brian Long Memorial Trophy for 1st National Guernsey R3 and 1st Section A Guernsey R3 trophy 2021
F Hall Daughters wins the Sid Moon Memorial Cup for the first bird in Sussex The Brian Long Memorial Trophy for 1st National Guernsey
followed by Graham Kirkham in Boston who collected The Beacon Trophy for the first bird in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire or Lincolnshire Pau. 2020, The Alan Pearce Memorial Trophy for 1st Section H and 1st Section H Pau trophy 2020.
Graham Kirkham wins the Beacon Trophy for the first bird in Leicestershire Nottinghamshire or Lincolnshire Pau 2020 The Alan Pearce Memorial Trophy for 1st Sect H 2020 1st Sect H Pau
Still in section H, Hubert Walker of Newark had a great season and collected 1st Section H Sennen Cove 1 trophy, 1st Section H Sennen Cove 2 trophy and 1st Section H Guernsey R4 trophy. Brilliant flying Hubert, well done.
H Walker 1st Sect H Sennen Cove 1 2021 1st Sect H Sennen Cove 2 2021 1st Sect H Guernsey
Campbell Bros Son collected the st Sect L Fougeres 2020, The Bill Wills Memorial Trophy for 1st Sect L Sennen Cove 2021 1st Sect L Sennen Cove 2021 and The W. A. Gough Son Sect L Bird of the Year
Campbell Bros Son 1st Sect L Fougeres 2020 The Bill Wills Memorial Trophy for 1st Sect L Sennen Cove 2021 1st Sect L Sennen Cove 2021 The W. A. Gough Son Sect L Bird of the Year
Another fancier who made the long trip all the way down from the North East was John Best & Son, from Stockton On Tees who also collected three section trophies for 1st Section N Fougeres Trophy 2020, 1st Section N Coutances OH trophy 2020 and 1st Section N Guernsey R3 trophy 2021. Sadly, John Best senior passed away in March of this year so his trophies were collected by his son John and grandson Steve.
John Best Son 1st Sect N Fougeres 2020 1st Sect N Coutances OH 2020 1st Sect N Guernsey
John’s favorite karaoke song was Sweet Caroline and amazingly the Disk Jockey had chosen it to begin the evenings dancing just after they had been to the trophy table. The whole family raised their hands to sing along and the fanciers who were on the same table from Plymouth, joined in to create a very moving moment for them all.
Martin Williams in Hereford won a 1st Section J Fougeres Trophy 2020, 1st Section J Sennen Cove 1 trophy 2021 and the Team Aurel Award for the Winner of the North Ace Pigeon + £500 cash prize.
M Williams NFC Ace Pigeon Northern
Team Aurel NFC Ace Pigeon Sponsor
He was followed by another National winner Michael Lovelock in Shrewsbury who won The National Flying Club Cup for 1st National Guernsey YB, 1st Section J Guernsey YB trophy and The Fright & Johnson Trophy for the winner of Messac, Pau or Guernsey YB race with the lowest winning velocity 2021.
Michael Lovelock wins the NFC Cup for 1st National Guernsey YB 2021 1st Sect J Guernsey YB
Mr & Mrs Walker from Stockton on Tees collected The G. A. Lowe Memorial Cup for the bird flying the longest distance in race time (778 miles, 1440 yards.) Pau 2020, 1st Section N Pau trophy 2020 and 1st Section N Guernsey OH trophy 2021.
Mr Mrs Walker win the G. A. Lowe Memorial Cup for the bird flying the longest distance in race time 778 miles 1440 yards Pau 202 1st Sect N Pau trophy 2020 1st Sect N Guernsey OH
He was followed by Wayne Wright, Exeter who received The E.C.C. International Trophy for the highest velocity into Devon Sennen Cove 2 2021, The Peggy Reeves Memorial Trophy for first Section D Sennen Cove 2 and 1st Section D Sennen Cove 2 trophy.
Wayne Wright wins the E.C.C. International Trophy for the highest velocity into Devon Sennen Cove 2 2021 The Peggy Reeves Memorial Trophy for 1st Sect D Sennen Cove 2 2021 1st Sect D Sennen Cove 2
Campbell Bros & Son from Liverpool won 1st Section L Fougeres Trophy 2020, The Bill Wills Memorial Trophy for first Section L Sennen Cove 2 2021, 1st Section L Sennen Cove 2 trophy and The W. A. Gough & Son, Section L Bird of the Year Trophy 2021.
Darren Ede & Family, Southampton won The Mrs B. Grainger Memorial Trophy for 3rd Messac National 2020, 1st Section B Messac Trophy, The Tony Pouralli & Son Memorial Trophy for the best bird in Hampshire Coutances YB and 1st Section B Coutances YB trophy 2020.
Darren Ede Twice 1st Sect B 2020
Committee member Roger Sutton from Congleton won 1st Section L Sennen Cove 1 trophy 2021, The J.L. Roberts Trophy for 1st Section L Guernsey YB 2021, The Bill Whisker, “Get the call” Trophy for 1st Section L Guernsey YB, 1st Section L Guernsey YB trophy and The Lancashire Rose Trophy for the best average in all the races by a member in Section L.
J R Sutton 1st Sect L Sennen Cove 2021 The J.L. Roberts Trophy 1st Sect L Guernsey YB 2021 The Bill Whisker Trophy for 1st Sect L Guernsey YB 2021 1st Sect L Guernsey YB 2021 The Lancashire Rose Trophy for best average all races Sect
Putting in a fantastic young bird performance John Cowlin, Hullbridge won the first 8 open positions and The National Flying Club Cup for 1st National Coutances YB 2020, The E.A. Braithwaite Cup for 2nd National Coutances YB, The Reg Phillips Memorial Trophy for 8th Open Coutances YB, 1st Section P Coutances YB trophy and 1st Section P Guernsey R4 trophy 2021.
John Cowlin The NFC Trophy 1st National Coutances YB 2020 The E.A. Braithwaite Cup The Reg Phillips Memorial Trophy 1st Sect P Coutances YB 2020 1st Sect P Guernsey
Underhill & Prettejohn from Plymouth collected The National Flying Club Perpetual Trophy for 2nd Open Guernsey R4 2021, The National Flying Club Perpetual Trophy for 4th Open Guernsey R4 2021, The Fred Radford Memorial Trophy for 1st Section D Guernsey R4, The “Down Yer” Trophy for the best two bird performance Guernsey R4 and 1st Section D Guernsey R4 trophy 2021.
Underhill Prettejohn NFC Perpetual Trophy for 2nd Open Guernsey 2021 The NFC Perpetual Trophy The Fred Radford Memorial Trophy Trophy 1st Sect D Guernsey
With great support John F Haynes from Maidenhead won The Antingham Memorial Trophy for the first bird in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Messac 2020, The Patrick Trophy for 3rd National, The Fred Seaman Memorial Trophy for 3rd National, The Coronation Queen Trophy for the best two bird average, The Orchardson Challenge Trophy for the best three bird average, was delighted to win The Veterans Challenge Trophy for the first bird entered by a senior citizen or partnership of two or more senior Citizens aged 65 or over and he also won the Champion of Champions competition 2020.
J F Haynes Winner of the Champion of Champions 2020 The Antingham Memorial Trophy The Patrick Trophy The Fred Seaman Memorial Trophy The Coronation Queen Trophy The Orchardson Challenge Trophy The Veterans Challenge Trophy
Finally we came to the top loft in the UK based on his fantastic results over the two seasons, M Gilbert of Winkfield won The King George V Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The National Flying Club Coronation Gold Cup for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The Continental Challenge Cup for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The F.W. Marriott Memorial Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The W.F.C. George Memorial Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The South Australian Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The Colombovac Golden Feather Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The G. Stovin Memorial Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National 2020, The Jack Adams Memorial Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National, The Peter Titmuss M.B.E. Memorial Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National, The Tommy & Rita Fairclough Trophy for the first bird in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Suffolk. Pau, The E.G.L. Cox Memorial Trophy for the first bird in Berkshire Pau, The D. E. Taylor Memorial Trophy for 1st Section E Pau, The Slade Shield for the first bird in the B. B. & O. SR Federation Pau, 1st Section E Pau trophy, 1st Section E Coutances OH trophy, The Oliver Dix Memorial Trophy for the best average from Messac and Tarbes, The Jim Biss Trophy for the best average in the races Messac, Tarbes and Sigogne, Mr. & Mrs. K. Hine Trophy for the best average in the races Messac, Tarbes and Sigogne in Section E, The Langstone Gold Cup for the best average from Messac, Tarbes and Coutances YB, The Eric Cannon Memorial Cup Awarded to winner of the Langstone Gold Cup, The National Flying Club Trophy for the best average, all races 2020, The Sun City Million Dollar Race Trophy & Free Entry Prize for the best average, all races, The Fright & Johnson Trophy for the winner of Messac, Pau or Coutances YB race with the lowest winning velocity, 1st Section E Sennen Cove 1 trophy, The D.E. Cox Memorial Trophy for the winner of Section E Sennen Cove 2, 1st Section Sennen Cove 2 trophy, 1st Section E Guernsey R3 trophy, The Jack Clayton Memorial Trophy for 1st Section E Guernsey R4, 1st Section E Guernsey R4 trophy, 1st Section E Guernsey OH trophy, The National Flying Club Trophy for the best average, all races 2021 and The Sun City Million Dollar Race Trophy for the best average, all races 2021.
M Gilbert wins the King George V Trophy for 1st Pau Grand National plus many other NFC Trophies won
News and views to me Chris Sutton on 01530 242548 or 07792 356330 email
The first race of the season for the National Flying Club was held as a memorial race to HRH Prince Phillip from Sennen Cove on Sunday the 6th June after a one day hold over, when round 5700 birds, entered by 467 members were liberated at 11am. It was a very frustrating day on the Saturday when 99.9% of the UK was bathed in glorious sunshine with just the peninsular where Sennen Cove is situated in Cornwall, closed in with sea mist and light rain for most of the day.
This was in stark contrast to the weather on arrival the day before, the Convoyers located the transporters in a large carpark overlooking sandy beaches with wall to wall sunshine and after tending to the birds needs, the team relaxed in the Cornish Riviera evening, confident of an early liberation. Unfortunately, the team were greeted by the cold mist and damp weather just before sunrise and as the morning progressed the conditions deteriorated further which prompted a cancellation for the day and although the following morning began with the same conditions, a conversation with the local Lifeboat Crew gave assurances of an improvement later in the morning, which was also predicted by our weather adviser Steve White.
Once the mist began to be burnt away by the sun, it gave an opportunity to liberate at 11am in the full knowledge that the weather was fine with good visibility all through the rest of Cornwall with the rain showers further up the country expected to clear the North East by the time the birds came through. It was a great call by the team and a very good race ensued with nearly all of the lofts verifying their first arrival and the many spectators at the liberation, which included local fanciers and Cornish Combine Official Mr Gary Jacobs, commented on how well the birds cleared.
With this being an inland race due to the Covid and DEFRA restrictions on channel racing, the shortest flying members were soon on the verification board with birds being timed in Plymouth, followed shortly after by many more with the overall winner being from Bristol recording a velocity of 1463ypm, which is an average speed of just under 50mph. In fact, the first nine positions in the open result are in Bristol so they certainly did not have any problems at the race point.
The winning pigeon “June’s Boy” flew to the loft of Steve Mosely in Bristol and is a widowhood cock prepared in the usual way, being trained whilst driving his hen to their second nest after rearing two youngsters.
He is down from Steve’s basic family of Frans Van Wildermeerch with an introduction of Frans Zwols via a hen which was kindly loaned to him by club mate Stuart Wilcox, who also lives in Bristol. The team went to the first BICC race from Wadebridge and won third section, followed by Truro also with the BICC winning third section provisionally and then into Sennen Cove with the National Flying Club first open, so they have had a great start to the season. His local club races from the west with the Combine or “down the leg” as they call it, but Steve’s real passion is in his channel racing although he does like to be able to compete for the top spot in every race.
With that in mind, he acquired the original Frans Van Wildermeerch around 20 years ago from a partnership called Hill & Mell from Birmingham. They were genuine fanciers and after an initial loft visit, Steve developed a good relationship in which nothing was held back. They helped him build good, honest, all round versatile family of Wildermeerch which could compete in most distances and over the years Steve has crossed them with a few with good birds which he said were either gifted or loaned.
He is grateful to top fanciers like Nigel Templar, Stuart Wilcox, Adam Bedford, Les Nicholls and other good friends who have helped him over the years with birds to try, whilst keeping a few closely bred to the originals. The Frans Zwols hen which was loaned to him by Stuart, bred four cocks which all won or were responsible for multiple prize winners. In fact the sire of “June’s Boy” is bred down from her and had himself won from Eastbourne in the Combine before being paired back into the Wildermeerch family to continue the winning genes and vitality.
Steve Moseley is a worthy winner of the National Flying Club. His amiable down to earth approach and club camaraderie is rewarding him with great friendships and top results. He likes to compete each week for the top spot and his birds deliver. There are no fancy pedigrees or flavour of the month bloodlines, just good honest pigeons from good honest friendships which are raced in a tried and tested classic widowhood method.
He does not normally name his birds, but on this occasion he has decided on June’s Boy. His mother, who passed away several years ago, was called June, her birthday was in June and this National win is in June, so “June’s Boy” fits very well indeed.
I hope members logged in to the new interactive arrivals map which has been organised by one of our newest Committee members Mr Aurel Voicelescu and expertly built by Mike Horner. This showed red dots progressing over a UK map as pigeons were being timed all over the country in the following few hours. This is a fantastic new feature for NFC members and the general public which will be available to view each race day and comes hot on the heels of the transporter tracking system which gives our members as much transparency as present technology will allow. The NFC Committee are constantly looking for improvements and they give due consideration to all possibilities which has resulted in the hope that a route to San Sabastian has been found. After many hours of negotiation there is a quiet assurance that the NFC Grand National could take place from San Sabastian on the 31st of July, there is nothing concrete on this as yet but there is a lot of hard work taking place in the background, with a will to never give up trying to provide as full a race programme as possible under the circumstances.
The section report will follow as usual once the official result has been finalised and you are welcome to send any news or views to me Chris Sutton via email Tel:- 01530 242548 Mobile 07792 356330.
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