MIDLANDS NATIONAL FLYING CLUB
MIKE LAKIN
Midlands National Flying Club 2016 AGM Report
The MNFC held its latest AGM on Sunday the 10th January. In truth it was rather a quite affair with only Committee people and one prospective committee person in attendance. This is surely a sign that the members have full confidence in the Committee and are happy that all is going well. A different story to a little more than a decade or so ago when the scene was like something from the film ‘High Noon’ and the events which followed resembling the ‘Gunfight at the OK Corral’. Yes stormy days indeed, thankfully times have changed greatly for the Club and all is now calm which is not really surprising when you look at the way the Club is now both run and the rewards that members are now receiving. The only post that we got this New Year was a card sent by Ron Fullwood who won the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee race with his grandson wishing the MNFC continued success and his gratitude for what the Committee has achieved. Thanks Ron it’s nice to be appreciated and means a lot mate.
Anyway back to the AGM and it was a case of same again for the Committee and Alan Whicker from Bolton invited to sit in at meetings but due to our 6 delegates only rule he will not be able to vote at the present time but it is good to see that someone is happy to travel so far to attend meetings.
The only real change is that Jon Dodd who has been such a loyal servant to the MNFC over a long period of time has been rewarded with the position of Race Secretary following on from Ann Covington who is stepping down but has agreed to join the Committee and offer Jon any assistance that Jon may need as he ‘learns the ropes’ of the secretarial position. He will need it because Ann will be a hard act to follow.
The accounts were passed with only two questions being raised one of which was in regard of the £1000 Drug testing charge per race. Which it was explained was raised from the race marking fee of £3. The second was a query about the increase in Basket cleaning and maintenance charges. This was explained to be down to both repairs and the considerable cost of several new tyres.
The voting on proposals went as follows: 1 Failed 17 123, 2 Failed 12-127, 3 Failed 11-128, 4 Carried 106-23, 5 Carried 132-10, 6 Carried 133- 11, 7 Failed 27-114, 8 Failed 39- 103, 9 Failed 31-110
2016 Race Programme & Dates
Old Birds
21 May Coutances 11 June Fougeres 2 July Ancenis 23 July Bordeaux and Vire
Young Birds
3 Sept Chale 17 Sept Countances
2015 Drug testing Results
The Club is delighted to announce that from the considerable number of tests carried out that all were found to be negative. I personally was dismayed to hear that though the Club was informed of the test results that the individuals who complied were not informed by the RPRA. Surely with the considerable test cost a 2nd class stamp to the fancier isn’t too much to expect. The MNFC will make sure that its members are informed promptly in 2016 as we are well aware that it is a stressful time for anyone awaiting the result.
Breaking News: Two New Sections for 2016?
Following requests from members the Committee has decided to divide the present East section as it is covers such a large area and many of the section’s furthest flyers consider that it is unfair to be competing against flyers flying nearly 100 miles less. With this in mind the section will be split by the Humber estuary. With the Northern members now in the new NNE section. It is now expected that many more members from the Hull area to join our ranks. Perhaps this is one of the MNFC’s strengths in as much as we do try and listen to what our members request and where it is felt sensible act accordingly.
There is also proposal on the table to form a new North Central section but this one is a little more complicated as it will affect several existing Northern sections if it is formed. With this in mind it has been decided to take the proposed plans and maps to Blackpool Show and consult with members who will be affected to learn of their opinions. All I will say here is that the new section would cover much if not all of the West Yorkshire which it is felt could be another large catchment area. It would also mean that the present North North West boundary would move over to the West by a few miles and so make it fairer in many Lancastrian fanciers’ opinions. This would no doubt be helped by the fact that after talks there will be a new Marking Station in the Preston are at Bamfords. We are happy to have the likes of Alan Bamford cooperating with us to aid members and encourage more members from the Fylde coast area to come and join our ranks.
There are several new Clock Stations that have been ‘signed up’ including one near Bushbury and another to replace the now defunct Pinxton station. These new stations will appear in the 2016 Handbook. If your station details have changed in any way please let us know so we can keep our list up to date.
One Loft Race & the MNFC Training Scheme
We are pleased to announce that both ventures are going extremely well every day we are receiving bookings and entry fees. Hopefully at Blackpool we will be able to announce the ‘pick up spots’ for the training scheme. Don’t drag your feet folks get your places booked as the One Loft Race in particular is limited and we are expecting a glut of bookings at the show.
2016 Membership Increase
Before I sign off we are delighted to announce that our membership looks likely to increase once again with more new members joining our ranks. With many more expected at Blackpool. I ask these new members to please be patient before we confirm your membership details as the ring distribution is our priority at the moment. We will have both ordinary and Gold Rings on offer at the show and I can announce that both types of ring sales are increased on 2015’s figures. So things are definitely looking good for the new season.
So come and visit our stand at Blackpool and have your say on what the Club is planning to do in 2016. Your thumbs up would be a great help to aid us make a decision.
Mike Lakin