MIDLANDS NATIONAL FLYING CLUB

Doncaster Show : Phew What A Day

Since I took the reins of the MNFC first of all with my wife Sue and latterly on my own I always expect to earn ‘my corn’ at all three of the major shows but boy Doncaster 2015 was definitely something else. I am sincerely glad to have had the help of my fellow committee men because the sea of faces was wall to wall from the minute the doors opened right through until we packed up. It was great to see when I managed to escape the Old Comrades show full to the rafters.

I must say that the interest in both the Midlands National’s ‘Midweek Training Scheme’ and the proposed ‘One Loft Race’ surprised even the most optimistic of the Club’s Committee. I must be totally honest here in that I never thought that a One Loft race would generate such a large amount of interest. Many fanciers were only too keen to pay a deposit and book places for the project.

MNFC ONE LOFT RACE

I thought that it may be useful to answer a few of the questions which were fired at the people manning the stand. First of all the lofts will be located in between Evesham and Stratford. The entry is being limited to 700 pigeons because we flatly refuse to overcrowd the lofts which will have the benefit of an aviary running the full length of the structure which will provide plenty of fresh air an important feature to aid good health to the inmates. There will be 4 Hot Spot races and then the ‘Big One’ from either Carentan or Coutance. The cost per bird is £120 which we believe to be a very reasonable figure. Which if the ‘full house’ signs go up will generate a figure of £50,000 in total prizemoney. The doors will be open to accept the birds from mid-February until the end of March but the entry fee must be paid in full before the birds can be accepted. The entry is limited to 1-20 birds and will be open to all on a first come first served basis. One of the races main selling points besides the lovely ‘lolly’ is the fact that each training flight will have a ‘cut off’ point and birds homing after this time will have a week to recuperate before being put back into training or racing. There will be a full page advert in your favourite paper with a booking form in a week or two so keep your eyes peeled if you want to get your entry booked in. If you need further details give me a call on 01782 624440

THE MNFC MIDWEEK TRAINING SCHEME

This venture has really taken off with a bang with nearly 150 members signing up to the scheme which should enable them to ensure that their pigeons are well prepared for the MNFC channel programme. Several of our members were so keen to book that they have paid the £110 fee in full already. There is a choice of two training points for each section with the Centre and East sections going to either Newbury or Lymington the decision is entirely down to each fancier. The Western side will be able to choose between Hullavington or Lymington. It is also worth mentioning that each of the three sections will have a separate liberation to help inexperienced birds. In a few weeks the full details of pick up points and approximate collection times will be put into an advert which will once again appear in the papers with all of the details and a booking form.

After a dash back to the hotel to get a shower and dressed it was back to the Racecourse Gala Suite for the Midlands National Presentation and judging by the feedback a good time was had by all and to repeat the heading of this piece ‘Phew what a day!’

The Glistening Trophies of the MNFC await presentation.

Members and Guests of the MNFC seated for their evening at Doncaster 2015.

Mike Lakin