MIDLANDS NATIONAL FLYING CLUB
Midlands National Update:
What a Lot to discuss
As was promised in my last report the Committee of the Club sought the opinions of its members at the Blackpool Show in regard to adding a new section to cover the bulk of the area of Western Yorkshire. The overwhelming response was a big ‘Thumbs Up’ with approximately 90% agreeing to the planned changes. Of course the new section will still need to be rubber stamped at the next meeting that takes place in a couple of weeks but following the firm directive then the new section should be up and running for the 2016 season. Right these are the proposed Longitude figures on the Eastern side boundary it is 01-26-00W and on the western side 02-10-00W. The new section should give the likes of Leeds, Bradford, Halifax and Harrogate to name just a few areas the opportunity to compete on a far fairer basis. The same belief also applies to the North North Western section and will no doubt encourage many more of the North Lancastrian fanciers to join the MNFC ranks. Whilst the changes will no doubt be unpopular with a small number of members the Committee has to act on what is believed to be most beneficial to the vast majority of its members.
It is also worth remembering that at the last meeting the Club divided the East section into two with the Humber estuary forming the dividing boundary. This action was taken to offer fanciers in this long section as fair a chance success as is possible.
Blackpool Show
I must say I do wonder why the Midlands National Flying Club Stand which is one of the busiest at the show is put up high on the balcony in the ballroom. This major issue that we have is more of a health and safety issue than a simple matter of convenience. All day on Saturday we had complaints from people who had difficulties in getting passed on the narrow corridor. Next year we will be looking to book a larger stand. This will hopefully be in a more spacious and user friendly location.
The MNFC training Scheme
One of the things that many fanciers were keen to enquire more about at the show was the 2016 Training Scheme. I can put a little more ‘meat on the bone’ so to speak by revealing the Tuesday training collection points.
There is a map with these locations and approximate pick up times.
The dates of these flights are as follows:
Old Birds: 4th May, 11th May, 1st June, 22nd June and 13th July
Young Birds: 3rd August, 10th August, 17th August.
Personally I cannot think of any better way to prepare a team of birds for the forthcoming Channel programme. In the case of the young apprentices what an opportunity to get used to the Geraldy transporter and reduce any stress levels.
To me getting a basket booked is quite simply a ‘no brainer’ with the 8 flight season ticket at £110 for a 25 bird crate both good value and the chance to group train with the chances of cross infection greatly reduced because only your birds will be in your personal crate.
The best news is that though many crates have been reserved we still have room for your birds but act quickly because if you don’t other members will as they realise the fantastic benefits of training with the MNFC’s made to measure training system. For details call 01782 624440
MNFC Training pick up points 2016
The Midlands National One Loft Update
The Club is delighted with the response to date but we still have a limited number of places left but I would urge potential entrants to act quickly as the booking date of the 14th February is fast approaching. What we have done though to make it as easy as possible to deliver pigeons to the loft in Evesham as convenient and flexible as possible by extending the arrival date to the middle of April as we are aware that some fanciers aren’t Winter Breeders.
I have fielded many calls and enquiries and perhaps I should highlight the answers as to why the MNFC’s race is the most attractive.
- £ for £ the rewards from the MNFC race is the most rewarding. Remember we have set an absolute limited of 750 birds which we can house in comfort and your chances of a good prize are enhanced.
- We have sought the guidance of the Belgian experts Schroeder- Tollisan and will be using their advice accordingly to maintain good health amongst our young athletes.
- The birds will be well prepared for their final race from Countances in our state of the art Geraldy transporter
- We are intending to use a webcam system which will film the arriving pigeons on the Club’s website enabling participating fanciers to watch the races on their computer in the comfort of their own home. In this way there will be no hesitation holding the birds over if the weather conditions on the proposed dates are unsuitable because though entrants will be welcome at the loft there will be no huge catering costs to worry about with mountains of food going to waste in the case of a postponement. Surely this fact alone is a great bonus because the MNFC will be putting the welfare of the pigeons before all else which should ensure a good, fair and successful race with losses hopefully kept to an absolute minimum because we care about your birds and our reputation!
Mike Lakin