NFC COMMITTEE MEETING – APRIL 2006

Ginger McCain, who will be the chief guest at the NFC's Transporter Open Day at Drayton Manor Theme Park on Sunday May 7th.

The National Flying Club Committee met at Alveley in Shropshire on Wednesday April 19th, primarily to discuss the race programme and the progress of the new transporters. Apologies for absence were received from Mick McGrevy (K), Geoff Cooper and Stan Dangerfield (G).

There was a lengthy discussion regarding the race programme announced in February with the respective section reps reporting on the feedback they had had from their fellow section members. The general consensus was that the prospect of north road racing had met with a lukewarm response. Ken Hanby, however, reported that Section K members were looking forward to the challenge, though he conceded that it would not suit the ‘Devon Sprinters’. Paul Naum (Section D) said he was not going to rise to that one! Trevor Harris (H) said he had received a number of phone calls in support of a Scottish programme and as the committee had made a decision they should stick to it. John Tyerman (A) pushed for the club to stay north, saying he knew plenty of people from his area who would support it. On the other hand, Brian Long (H) said he was worried the club would not get good birdage if it went north. John Wills (E) said support for NR racing in his area was ‘some and some’ and John Edwards (E) said there was apathy, agreeing with Brian Long that the Club wouldn’t fill its transporters. Roger Sutton (L) said that the majority of fanciers he had spoken to in Lancashire, Cheshire and North Staffs were not interested in north road racing because of the perceived dog-leg around the Pennines. With an eye fixed firmly on the income from races, it was proposed by Paul Naum and seconded by Nobby Henley to rescind the programme passed on 22nd February. There were 11 votes to rescind, and 2 against.

It was then proposed by Richard King and seconded by Brian Stansfield that the first race be Sennen Cove on June 10th and the second race be from Sennen Cove on June 24th, then to look to race from Ireland. No vote was taken on this proposal.

It was proposed by Brian Long and seconded by Nobby Henley to fly from Sennen Cove for the first two races, the dates being June 10th June and June 24th. The rest of the race programme to be decided by a sub committee consisting of the President Fred Sharman, the Chairman Roy Stretton, Race Advisor Brian Long, the Honorary Treasurer Paul Naum and Life Vice President Ken Hanby. It was pointed out that should racing be allowed from France then the NFC will revert back to France without delay. This was carried.

The reasons for pushing the race progamme back so that it will commence on June 10th were twofold: The first of the two new transporters will be ready for the Open Day on May 7th but the second is only guaranteed to be ready in time for the originally scheduled 2nd race on June 3rd. The committee felt that it would be safer to add another week on to that just in case of any unforeseen hitches. Secondly, there is still some optimism that France will open up, therefore pushing the date back to June 10th gives the NFC a semblance of a chance of implementing a conventional programme.

On the issue of the Transporter Open Day, Eddie Froggatt confirmed that four-time Grand National-winning racehorse trainer Ginger McCain will be the chief guest.

Brian Stansfield with Ginger, at Ginger's Cheshire stables last Sunday.

John Edwards presented each member of the convoying team with a hold-all containing a uniform to be worn when on NFC duty. Each bag contains 2 pairs of trousers, two short-sleeved shirts, a long-sleeved shirt, a belt, a cap, a fleece and a reflector. John had provided these out of his own pocket and was given a vote of thanks.

Ken Hanby expressed reservations regarding the bird welfare document which the NFC had commissioned, on the grounds that it was only one Vet’s opinion, but Richard King and John Edwards said they believed the NFC had acted correctly. Moreover, Roy Stretton said he did would not have been happy to act as Chairman of an organisation which could be seen as having acted irresponsibly, particularly with Her Majesty as its patron. Brian Long said he thought it was a great idea for the National to have taken a position on the issue of bird welfare as it would demonstrate to any would-be detractors that it had implemented bird welfare measures voluntarily.

Under correspondence, it was agreed to accept an offer of race sponsorship from Paul O’Leary of PBO Solutions, the offer being two laptops plus software to be awarded to the fanciers recording the first cock and hen in the Grand National.

There was a letter from the finance company regarding the second transporter, expressing concern over the effect Avian Influenza would have on birdage and hence income. It was proposed by Nobby Henley and seconded by Paul Naum that the NFC act as guarantors of the second transporter and this was passed unanimously.

Before the meeting closed, Sid Barkel confirmed that the Club had gained 57 new members since its previous meeting in February.

A word of thanks must go once again to Ray Scriven, Section J representative, for allowing the NFC to utilize the Alveley Sports & Social Club premises and for providing the refreshments, which saves the club a significant amount of money.

Cameron Stansfield

Elimar Pigeon Services www.elimarpigeons.com

 

 

National Flying Club

NFC COMMITTEE & AGM MEETINGS

Minutes of the Committee meeting held on Friday 1st December at the Hinckley Island Hotel, Hinkley, Leicesteshire.

Apologies received from Ken Hanby and Stan Dangerfield.

* The Chairman read out correspondence from Mr. D. Higgins, Secretary of the North East Region regarding Mr K. Haines and the Frome clock station. The Committee discussed the matter and it was agreed to forward all correspondence from the beginning of the case to the region Secretary.

* On the subject of transport costs, the Committee decided that a letter should be sent out to all members with the pluses and minuses of everything re the transport. Mr Long agreed to undertake this task.

* It was brought up that several members had heard rumours that J P Haulagewere quoting elsewhere for convoying at a much cheaper rate. This was proved to be wrong as the transporter firm were quoting for convoying using different lorries to our transporters.

* Ashby De-la-Zouch marking station was to be given one more year, as they could not be judged over this past year with all its difficulties.

* The meeting was informed that new-style blazer badges had been ordered and would be ready in the New Year - possibly for Blackpool.

* Costs of running marking stations - this was discussed at length and as no agreement could be reached it was left on the table to be discussed at the February meeting.

* A lengthy discussion took place regarding the condition of birds returning from the Chale race and it was unanimously agreed to limit the number of birds per basket to 24. This still means we shall be able to convoy approximately8,500 birds by using both transporters.

 * Our convoying team for 2007 will be Chief Convoyer - Mr Geoff Allen,Deputy Convoyer - Mr Paul Bakewell, Reserve Convoyer - Mr Ian Anderson. The Chairman asked for avote of thanks to Mr Colin Bates for his many years service to The National Flying Club, which was carried.

* AGM postal vote was discussed and the results are as follows: Proposition 1 For 129 Against 359; Prop. 2For 193 Against 305; Prop.3 For 10 Against 477; Prop.4 For 305 Against 161, Carried; Prop. 5 For 155 Against 273; Prop. 6 For 147 Against 284; Prop. 7 For 298 Against 190, Carried; Prop. 8 For 156 Against 325; Prop. 9 For 170 Against 314; Prop. 10 For 117 Against 340; Prop. 11 For 241 Against 208, Carried; Prop. 12 For 94 Against 375; Prop. 13 For 287 Against 169, Carried; Prop. 14 For 148 Against 269; Prop. 15 For 160 Against 251; Prop. 16 For 448 Against 27, Carried;Prop. 17 For 334 Against 113, Carried; Prop. 18 For 223 Against 196, Carried; Prop. 19 For 148 Against 288; Prop. 20 For 148 Against 266; Prop. 21 For 113 Against 298.

This closed the meeting.

AGM Saturday 2nd December

All Officers re-elected. Two additional Life Vice-Presidents: Mr J R Sutton, Mr B Long. One new Vice-President: Mr M McGrevy. Committee members for 2007 as for 2006 with the exception of Mr G G Cooper who resigned from Section G. He is replaced by Mr W Morris. Mr P Bennett now represents Section B,MrE Kellyand Mr P Gilbert represent Section F, Mr B Leadbeater represents Section I.

22/12/06

 

National Flying Club

      Grand National Averages 1998 - 2006

Pos    Code  Name  Town  Av. Velocity

1        B869F  Biss & Waite  Whitchurch  1024.574

2        N125E  J Nicholson & Sons  Rochester  960.471

3        K030F  Mr & Mrs P Kendal  Wantage  956.248

4        P057E  Tony Pisani  High Wycombe  944.448

5        O050I  P T Oliver  Lutterworth  941.198

6        D004G  S L Dangerfield  Stonehouse  935.836

7        B302E  G T Burgess  Wraysbury  921.741

8        B186E  Mr & Mrs G Bates & Son  Gravesend  919.620

9        R045G  W D Reed  Monmouth  917.861

10      H550B  A Holdaway  Portsmouth  909.192

11      M382G  S & V Miles  Bath 908.214

12      D088B  A & T Deacon  Waterlooville  903.996

13      M391E  Mr & Mrs J F Mauger  Aylesbury  900.799

14      P258G  Padfield Family  Abertillery  896.562

15      D080E  D A Delea  Rainham  896.301

16      P284B  A Parsons  Salisbury  895.359

17      S161A  A E Shepherd  Emsworth  893.196

18      H274E  Mr & Mrs K Hine   Hayes  890.754

19      B282K  Mr & Mrs N Bush  Scunthorpe  886.338

20      M414E  A G Muir  Dorking  862.257

21      L149A  Mr T Leggatt  Havant  852.193

22      W195E  J & R Wills & Family  Camberley  849.287

23      F042A  D E Farr  Bognor Regis  832.452

24      D048B  E Deacon  Horndean  825.390

25      D079E  P C Delea  Rainham  823.092

26      F055E  Mr & Mrs S Fear   Hayes  822.475

27      B335B  Mr & Mrs Bunney  Portsmouth  820.339

28      H219B  R S Harbour  Sandown  818.091

29      D128K  B Denney  York 802.025

30      A181E  C Allwright & Son    Ashford  797.846

31      F017E  N Flint  Billericay  784.830

32      H036E  J H Horler  Reading  775.978

33      M070K  M McGrevy & Co  Rotherham  773.326

34      F054I  Foxon Bros  Coventry  768.113

35      B579B  D Brain  Portsmouth  761.731

36      K116E  S R & W H Knox  Canterbury  760.812

37      G374B  J S Gordon  Southampton  737.184

38      E019E  P J Entwistle  Aylesbury  734.594

39      K022G  King Bros  Nr Bristol  642.117

40      S510L  M C Spencer  Barnoldswick  546.480

 

 

National Flying Club

News and Reports from the Press Officers

2006 Trophies for the National Flying Club

The National FC generally moves the venue for their annual presentation to give members a chance of an occasional short journey. The 2006 presentation was held just outside Hinckley and a few hundred yards from the M69 and not far from either the M1 or M6 motorways in fact the M69 runs between the two, which means that it is an easy venue to arrive at. I must admit that I am a fan of the Palace at Torquay the reasons being that the weather is more often than not that little bit warmer and there is plenty to do around the area without a lot of travelling and you can make a good holiday of the event. However it is probably not fair to all members to stay in one place permanently because of that travelling. But the Hinckley Island Hotel is a central venue and easily assessable from all parts of the country the only problem being that the venue is a bit out on a limb. Even so buses were laid on for those who wanted to travel into one of the bigger cities to sight see or do a little Christmas shopping. The facilities at this venue were excellent, a little dearer maybe but then again you get what you pay for and in any case who cares for a one off when there are so many top fanciers present to talk too. One fancier was telling us that he saw £6.50 by the side of a bottle of wine and thought that was cheap until he realised that the price was by the glass. This was a class venue that made you feel as though you had been somewhere. And with that thought in mind you would also be looking forward to the next event of the Country’s premier club. As expected the weekend was full of conversations about what was going on in the sport but the event was about the winners of 2006 so for me the politics were very limited and to be quite honest I didn’t attend any of the meetings. There have been views as there were on this weekend that the AGM and presentation would be better held on different dates. I’m not so sure because of the attendance and I wonder how many go to the presentation because they are also going to the AGM. The evening was started off with introductions from committee member Mr Mick McGrevy who acted as Toast Master and Master of Ceremonies. A message was read out from HM The Queen followed by Mr John Tyerman for the Ladies and Guests with a reply from Mr C Skelton President RPRA North East Region. It was then the turn of the RPRA President Mr Pat Mitchell with a reply from the NFC President Mr Fred Sharman. Section E committee member Mr John Edwards spoke on the prizewinners with a reply from the 2006 Bordeaux Grand National winner Mr Les Jones. What I will add is that the meal was good for so many people and the service from the staff was excellent, their efficiency in getting everything out could not have been better. 

THE SENNEN COVE NATIONAL SECTION WINNERS

A            M & J Barton, Brighton

B            Mannor Lofts, M & C Norman, Southampton

C            R H Christopher & Son, Shaftesbury

D            Mr & Mrs Elliott, Barnstaple

E            Mr & Mrs H D Lee, Reading

F            Mr & Mrs P Kendal, Wantage

G            C & B Slocombe, Bristol

H            D Owens, Newport Pagnell

I             Pat Frisby, Nuneaton

J            Davenport & Roberts, Wrexham

K            J J Booth, Castleford

L            J G Rigg, Nr Congleton

 

THE ST. NAZAIRE NATIONAL RACE

J & R Prettejohn, Plymouth

The Joe Dixon Trophy

The E.C.C. International Trophy

The Peggy Reeves Memorial Trophy for 1st Section D.

Mr & Mrs A & D Hodge, Cullompton

The Bowman Trophy

Parkinson & Wilkinson, Middlewich

The Mrs B. Grainger Memorial Trophy

The Bill Wills Memorial Trophy

Mr & Mrs S Robins, Blakeney

The Preston Jones Trophy

Mr & Mrs Anthony, Camborne

The L. C. Shannon & Son Trophy

B Shackleton & Son, Keighley

The L. Bamforth Memorial Trophy

T Cadden & A Pusey, Axminster

The R.H. Christopher Memorial Trophy

Mr & Mrs P J Wells, Dunstable

The D.E. Cox Memorial Trophy

F Lloyd & E Kelly, Abingdon

The Antingham Memorial Trophy

THE ST. NAZAIRE NATIONAL SECTION WINNERS

A            D Turner, Dorking

B            Moody & Mitchell, Portsmouth

C            T Cadden & A Pusey, Axminster

D            J & R Prettejohn, Plymouth

E            Mr & Mrs P J Wells, Dunstable

F            F Lloyd & E Kelly, Abingdon

G            Mr & Mrs A Bedford, Bristol

H            B & R Long & Cox, Stowmarket

I             Mr & Mrs R Stretton & Dtr, Rugeley

J            Davenport & Roberts, Wrexham

K            B Shackleton & Son, Keighley

L            Parkinson & Wilkinson, Middlewich

THE ST. MALO NATIONAL SECTION WINNERS

A            Crammond & Langstaff, Arundel

B            Barrie Smith, Winchester

C            M R Staddon, Crewekerne

D            Mr & Mrs Elliott, Barnstaple

E            S & P Kulpa, Reading

F            Crowley & Green, Compton Bassett

G            L Nicholls, Bristol

H            Mr & Mrs R A Bradford, Wellingborough

I             B Hyden & Son, Rugeley

J            G & C Machin, Telford

K            C Gordon, Pontefract

L            Harrison & Hull, Preston

 

BORDEAUX GRAND NATIONAL RACE

Les Jones, Hitchen

The King George V Trophy

The National Flying Club Coronation Gold Cup

The Continental Challenge Cup

The F.W. Marriott Memorial Trophy

The W.F.C. George Memorial Trophy

The South Australian Trophy

The Colombovac Golden Feather Trophy

The G. Stovin Memorial Trophy

The Jack Adams Memorial Trophy

The Tommy & Rita Fairclough Trophy

The Henry Trigg Trophy

R Nash, Bognor Regis

The Jarvis Trophy

The Sid Moon Memorial Cup

The George Stubbs Memorial Trophy

The Genista Memorial Trophy for 1st Hen

Burgin & Marshall, Hemel Hempstead

The Patrick Trophy

The Fred Seaman Memorial Trophy

The R. Mitchieson Trophy (5th Prize)

The Coronation Queen Trophy

The Orchardson Challenge Trophy

W E Huggins, Reading

The E.A. Braithwaite Trophy (4th Prize)

The E.G.L. Cox Memorial Trophy

The Veterans Challenge Trophy

The Slade Shield

S O’Brien, Reading

The T. Clarke Memorial Trophy (6th Prize)

E Mellis, Southsea

The Brian Freeman Memorial Trophy (9th Prize)

The Vic Robinson Trophy

The F. Toomer Trophy

J F Haynes, Maidenhead

The H.B. Davis Memorial Trophy

D Nesbitt & Sons, Rugeley

The N.J. Rhead Trophy

The Barlow Trophy

The Lol Farmer Trophy

D Bartlett, Poole

The Major H.W. Cole Trophy

John Dennis, Marlborough

The Moonraker Cup

A. Sinclair, Nr. Malmesbury

The Fred Hannis Trophy

P Barlow, Gloucester

The F. Roberts Trophy

K Bush, Cossall

The Louis Massarella Trophy

The Beacon Trophy

M R Staddon, Crewekerne

The French Trophy

Khan Bros, New Malden

The R.W. Beard Memorial Trophy

The A.W. Murray Memorial Trophy

Barber & Hilson, Bury

The Ada Burton Memorial Trophy

The H.J. Langdon Trophy

The T.H. Burton Cup

The Roy Mundy Memorial Trophy

The Clifford Norton Ashton Memorial Trophy

The Allwood Baird Trophy

The J.O. Shone Award

D Lawton, Crewe

The S. P. Griffiths Memorial Trophy

F Hinchliffe & Sons, Glossop

The Atrill Trophy

Mr & Mrs R Braithwaite, Grimsby

The Buckley Memorial Trophy

B Denney, York

The E.A Braithwaite Trophy

R. Watson, Penzance

The Pollard & Son Trophy

A. Merrick, Ambleside

The G.A. Lowe Memorial Cup

Mr & Mrs G W Kirkland, Stoke-on-Trent

The J.R. Dunn Memorial Trophy

A S Waite, Whitchurch

The H. Mattey Memorial Trophy

Mr & Mrs G Bates & Son, Gravesend

The W.A. Bliss Trophy

The Mickey Moore Memorial Trophy

I J Barnbrook, Bridgnorth

The C. Ball Memorial Trophy

B & S Parkhouse, Cullompton

The L. Cox & Son Trophy

Mr & Mrs G & T Harris, Colchester

The Alan Pearce Memorial Trophy

Stephen H Hanman, Gloucester

The T. Clarke Memorial Trophy (Average Trophy)

A E Shepherd, Emsworth

The Bernie Miles Memorial Trophy

F Lloyd & E Kelly, Abingdon

The Gordon Coleman Memorial Trophy

W D Reed, Monmouth

The Albert Padfield  Memorial Trophy for Highest Velocity into Wales.

THE BORDEAUX GRAND NATIONAL SECTION WINNERS

A            R Nash, Bognor Regis

B            E Mellis, Southsea

C            M R Staddon, Crewekerne

D            B & S Parkhouse, Cullompton

E            Les Jones, Hitchen

F            A S Waite, Whitchurch

G            S & V Miles, Bath

H            Mr & Mrs G & T Harris, Colchester

I            D Nesbitt & Sons, Rugeley

J            Mr & Mrs G W Kirkland, Stoke-on-Trent

K            Mr & Mrs Braithwaite, Grimsby

L            Barber & Hilson, Bury

SAINTES NATIONAL RACE

T J Durows, Birmingham

The Chris Catteral Trophy

Peter Hagland, Nr Doncaster

N.F.C. Informaton Line Perpetual Trophy (2nd)

N.F.C. Information Line Perpetual Trophy (3rd)

J R Sutton, Congleton

N.F.C. Information Line Perpetual Trophy (4th)

The Norah Bullen Memorial Trophy

 

P Gilbert, Didcot

N.F.C. Information Line Perpetual Trophy (5th)

K Rhodes, Telford

N.F.C. Information Line Perpetual Trophy (6th)

The A Hofton Memorial Trophy for 1st Section J

M Gilbert, Winkfield

The Jack Clayton Memorial Trophy

Mr & Mrs A & D Hodge, Cullompton

The Fred Radford Memorial Trophy

K & J Zerafa, Portsmouth

The Malcolm Squibb Memorial Trophy

THE SAINTES NATIONAL SECTION WINNERS

A            Mr & Mrs Ball, Shoreham-by-Sea

B            K & J Zerafa, Portsmouth

C            A Porter, Portland

D            Mr & Mrs A & D Hodge, Cullompton

E            M Gilbert, Winkfield

F            P Gilbert, Didcot

G            B S Sheppard, Trowbridge

H            C Crick & Son, Hitchem

I             T J Durows, Birmingham

J            K Rhodes, Telford

K            Peter Hagland, Nr Doncaster

L            J R Sutton, Congleton

THE GEORGE BUCKTON CHALE YOUNG BIRD NATIONAL

Alan & Gary Young, South Croydon

The National Flying Club Trophy (1st Prize)

Lee Bastone, Burnham-on-Crouch

The E.A. Braithwaite Trophy (2nd Prize)

Brooks Bros, Bristol

The Somerset Cup

John Angwin, Penzance

The P.J. Thomas Trophy

Peter Hagland, Nr Doncaster

The Guy Barrett Perpetual Trophy

E. Taylor, Crewe

The J.L. Roberts Trophy

The Bill Whisker Trophy

J M Armitage, Aldershot

The Reg Phillips Memorial Trophy

The Tony Pouralli & Son Memorial Trophy

Brian & Sue Stone, Belper

The Arthur & Winifred Rawson Trophy

H & P Archibald, Dover

The Vera Allwright Memorial Trophy for 1st Bird into Kent.

THE GEORGE BUCKTON CHALE

YOUNG BIRD NATIONAL SECTION WINNERS

A            Crammond & Langstaff, Arundel

B            L Willett, Portsmouth

C            F & J Halstead, Kington Magna, Nr Gillingham

D            Mr & Mrs A & D Hodge

E            Alan & Gary Young, South Croydon

F            P J Campbell, Basingstoke

G            T J Cocks & Son, Bath

H            Mr & Mrs G & T Harris, Colchester

I             G S Daykin, Son & Evans, Carlton / Nottingham

J            Mr & Mrs N Shaw, Crewe

K            Peter Hagland, Nr Doncaster

L            E Taylor, Crewe

THE CHALE OLD HENS NATIONAL

J Clarke & Daughter, Chesterfield

The Centenary Cup

THE CHALE OLD HENS NATIONAL

 

SECTION WINNERS

 

A            Mr D Wells, Bordon

B            D Human, Nr Petersfield

C            F & J Halstead, Kington Magna, Nr Gillingham

D            Mrs Sue White, Honiton

E            J Clarke & Daughter, Chesterfield

F            P A Stowell, Basingstoke

G            B Henley, Bradford-on-Avon

H            Mr & Mrs G & T Harris, Colchester

I             Mr & Mrs J Wright, Lutterworth

J            J D Fretwell, Pershore

K            V Wilkinson, Grimsby

L            G Marskell, Leyland, Preston

AVERAGE TROPHIES

C Howse, Devizes

The L.A. Baker Trophy

D Nesbitt & Sons, Rugeley

The Oliver Dix Memorial Trophy

The Langstone Gold Cup

The Eric Cannon Memorial Cup

J R Sutton, Congleton

The Lancashire Rose Trophy

The National Flying Club Trophy

The Jim Biss Trophy

The Sun City Million Dollar Race Trophy

F Lloyd & E Kelly, Abingdon

The F.G. Wilson Challenge Trophy

Mr & Mrs Elliott, Barnstaple

The Fright & Johnson Trophy

M Gilbert, Winkfield

The Davenport Silver Vase

Mr & Mrs K. Hine Trophy

B & R Long & Cox, Stowmarket

The Bernie & Elsie Wallman Memorial Trophy

Mr & Mrs Bunney, Portsmouth

The A. & T. Deacon Trophy

J G Rigg, Nr. Congleton

The W. A. Gough & Son, Bird of the Year Trophy

 

After the presentation there was the usual dancing and in many cases a little more drinking than some are used to. In between times there was a good team selling raffle tickets and they did a great job with close to four figures going the way of the National FC. Thanks to those who donated prizes and won them and to the team who did such an excellent job in selling the tickets on behalf of the club. Also thanks to Doreen Kneller who did such a good job in the organisation of the event, she puts a lot of time and hard work into the annual presentation. I was asked what was it like to get a good pigeon in the National Flying club and how I felt. I like to send the pigeons against the best in the country and this is the only club where the best are sent from all over the country that is helped by the facilities provided. Therefore if you are competing against the best in the country and you can live with them especially up in the North West then what more could you want out of pigeon racing? The challenge is there and it is the ultimate challenge in pigeon racing here in the UK, to compete against and beat the best in the country. This was a good weekend and one that we enjoyed thoroughly and an event that we shall look forward to next year when more winners of the country’s premier club will gather at the Palace in Torquay to receive their rewards of the season from the National Flying Club.