Midlands National Update:

The 2018 Races Programme & Dates

At a recent committee meeting one of the main items on the agenda was to marry the race dates with the races so for those wishing to book holidays etc here they are. Old Birds May 19th Carentan, June 9th Fougeres, June 30th Ancenis. July 21st Bordeaux/Vire. Young Birds September 8th Carentan.  With the ‘Treble Chance’ race also from Carentan on September 22nd.

There were concerns raised in regard to the possible level of support for the ‘Treble Chance’ event. In the past these races had proved to be both popular and a real money spinner for the members who supported the race. That said it must be acknowledged that Young Bird racing has suffered in the last few years due to illness and poor summers. With all of this in mind it was decided to guage the levels of support for the race as the last thing that we want is a costly failure. I personally believe that if we put a sensible entry fee in place that doesn’t measure the depth of our members pockets, that we could have a very successful event on our hands. It was proposed that the two young birds races each should take place a week earlier but the majority of the Committee felt that many members would consider it to early as their federations had not got to their longest races in sufficient time to be fair to the pigeons. As the majority of fanciers are members of National and Classic clubs perhaps their domestic programme should be a little more adventurous and get their longer races in place earlier in the season?.

Pupils of Kingsmead school learning under the guidance of Richard Chambers learning the many aspects that can be gleaned from racing  pigeons.

MNFC One Loft Sale

In this week’s paper you should see the MNFC’s One Loft Sale. This will be held in conjunction with R.P.’s Show at the Uttoxeter Racecourse on the 11th November. I am told that this new venue is a very good location for a pigeon show. So come along and get a bid in on some excellent and proven young birds. For those that are unable to make the show you can make a telephone bid on any pigeons that may take your fancy. Please bear in mind that a good percentage of any profits that are made from the One Loft race will be in support of encouraging youngsters to take an interest in our great sport in our ‘Flying back to Nature’ project.

The ' Flying back to Nature' project is trying to introduce more youngsters like young Emily Taylor into the sport.

The Midlands National’s Annual Prize Distribution

Once again this event is to be held in conjunction with the Doncaster Old Comrades show on the 25th at the Racecourse Gala room. Tickets are going extremely well but there is still room for members to book tickets and a hotel room but the rooms are only available for a limited period. There is a booking form on page 99 of the MNFC handbook.

 By the time you read this update the ‘early birds’ will have had their MNFC subs paid and ring orders packed. So if you are one of the early breeders get your order in and we will get the rings out to you to arrive to your door during Christmas week.

Mike Lakin