MIDLANDS NATIONAL FLYING CLUB

MIKE LAKIN

The MNFC Announce Another ‘New Signing’

The decision was made a few months ago that in view of the expansion in the Club’s membership that more transport capacity could be needed. During talks with our close friends from Geraldy a deal was struck which has resulted in the purchase of a 64 crate capacity trailer which will give us room for up to an additional 1,400 birds. In total now the MNFC will be able to transport in first class comfort 10,000 plus race birds. I think that our close relationship with the Klaus, Dagmar and Hugo the Geraldy team has been a major plus factor in the growth of the Club. Our members are now confident that their birds are in good hands with the best in pigeon transportation. The many complimentary comments which we have received since our alliance with Geraldy was formed underlines and confirms this fact perfectly. The latest addition to our fleet of transporters and trailers wasn’t cheap but quality rarely is and the Midlands National won’t compromise on the birds comfort. It has been a long, gradual operation building up our reputation and we are determined to uphold our present standing as we firmly believe in our Club motto of ‘Raising the Standard’ and we are convinced that our latest ‘signing’ will continue to convince our membership of this fact and will I’m sure attract further interest in flying with the Midlands National Flying Club.

Geraldy trailer

M.N.F.C. 2014 ‘2 Bird Nominated Races’

The feedback which we are receiving in regards to the scheduled ‘2 Bird Nominated Races’ is very encouraging and so it should be because it will have its own race result, winners trophy and the same publicity and exposure that is currently afforded to the main races. The Committee are convinced that this new addition to the MNFC’s race programme could be massive if the members give it their full support. The simple truth is that for an additional £10 entry fee members can win excellent prize money and all of the much deserved credits for their skill in selecting and nominating their favourite birds. Two birds against other fanciers two birds is as fair as it can be in pigeon racing with the small team man having the same two chances as the larger senders. The plans are there but for it to succeed we need you to enter in these events. With your support the ‘prize pot’ for the combined races could be in excess of a £10,000 pay out in 2014. The sky is the limit but at the end of the day it is the members who will ultimately decide if the ‘2 Bird Nominated Races’ are what the Club’s members want. For my money this is the best bet on offer and could if well supported keep the MNFC well ahead of the game.

‘Flying Back To Nature Update’

The signs are very encouraging in regard to the MNFC’s ‘Flying Back to Nature’ project. The school children educational website www.flyingbacktonature.com is growing at an impressive rate with many schools contacting Peter Humphries to get a presentation visit to promote the venture. The support from the RPRA and the BHW has been most heartening because we knew that the best method of educating children was by taking living creatures into the classroom but was too big for the MNFC to handle alone. I don’t wish to mention individual names for fear of omitting anyone but if we are successful the pigeon sport will owe a great debt to those working so hard to make our new generation aware of the benefits of a closer relationship with nature. More ‘power to your elbow’ I say. The sister website of www.secretmessages.org.uk is also creating much interest. This website shows just how important the racing pigeon role of carrying messages which not only carried information but saved countless lives during the two World Wars. This is most poignant in 2014 as it is marks the Centenary of the First World War. I would recommend all fanciers to log in to this site and view with pride just how vital our birds were to the war effort. Please do your bit and make your local school aware of these two websites. 

Marking Station Correction

I have been asked to correct an error in the new MNFC Handbook in regard to the Spalding Marking Station. The venue is Moulton Harrox SSS, Broad Lane, Moulton, Spalding PE12 6PN with Dudley Holmes the officer in charge and his contact number is: 01775 766692. The Vet who is available for the Spalding area is now changed to Mrs Julia Creese as she has remarried.

The ring sales this year are most encouraging with the Z prefixed rings entirely sold out but we still have an extra stock of R prefixed rings. This is yet another sure sign of the growth in both membership and popularity of the Club.

It won’t be long now till the first race of the season on the 24th May from Carentan and the Club is gearing itself for a likely bumper entry. May I take this opportunity on behalf of the Club to wish members an enjoyable year racing with the MNFC.

---