MIDLANDS NATIONAL FLYING CLUB
‘A Massive Success’
On the weekend of the 11th & 12th February the M N F C literally threw open the doors of the newly built Jumbo Skips Sponsored One Loft. Great credit must go to Ian ‘Snooker’ Fradley and Alan Windsor who with the aid of one or two other part time helpers including Slim Timmis, Tony Freeman and Dave Banks and his son Michael with Les Adams “The best painter in the Potteries” (that’s what he says anyway) who painted the back of the huge structure.
Open for business the new loft
We are absolutely delighted to report that the weekend was visited by more interested fanciers than we could ever have imagined with over 100 visitors coming from Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Leicestershire and Shropshire as well as loads of locals rolling up to have a good look around and the verdict was music to our ears. Everyone who I spoke to was unanimous in their praise of the loft. I know that as well as constructing the building, many hours were spent planning and discussing the design. Believe me many of these debates were very lively with plenty of colourful language. The final result though has been well worth the effort with visitors giving the lads so many glowing plaudits.
This was echoed on the MNFC Facebook site with super quotes being received from plenty of those who had taken the opportunity to view the set up and book in birds or have taken a form and pledged to enter a team. It was a little different on one of the chat lines I’m told but as they never came over to view the loft in the flesh I know whose opinion that I listen too. Our thanks go to Dave Banks for managing our Facebook facility.
The loft builders and new managers with the sign announcing 'Jumbo Skips'who are our Construction sponsors and our thanks go to James, Ben & Ray Boden - Nev & Frec Proctor and Ivan Huxley pose for the camera with Snooker who gave the guided tours.
The selection of Snooker and Alan as the 2017 management team was very well received especially by the local fanciers who are well aware that these lads know how to race a pigeon. Initially these lads are doing the job on a voluntary expenses only basis as they believe 100% in the future of this event as a good way to finance the future of our sport and earn the Midlands National membership extra funds to the benefit of all. I am well aware that One Loft racing is a ‘marmite’ subject but as long as it costs the MNFC’s non- competing members nothing should anyone really complain. One thing that I am sure of is the fact the final race scheduled for the second Sunday in September promises to be a great event with a real party atmosphere I’m sure. The barbeque has already been arranged courtesy of Mo Hanif and his mates. Finally thanks to Bev Windsor for her constant supply of much needed hot drinks. Well done young lady.
Please note that the final booking date for booking your entries is the 15th March on a first come first served basis and the closing date for delivery of the birds being the 21st April. A form was in your favourite paper recently and is also on the MNFC website.
Dave Banks shows more visitors around the loft - A few photos of visitors enjoying a chat and welcome drink on a cold day.
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Doncaster Spring Show
We will be attending the show to sell rings, take Subscriptions and book One Loft entries. The Gold Rings are still selling well and signs are that they will eclipse and possible surpass 2016 sales. Win a possible four figure prize for just £6. It has better odds than the lottery.
2016 Diplomas
The Club wishes to apologise for the delay in sending out some of last season’s diplomas. This is due to a major glitch I’m told which has taken a good deal of sorting out but should be resolved in a few days. Our sincere apologises and thanks for your patience.
Mike Lakin