STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS & DISTRICT FEDERATION

by Brian Smith

Staffordshire Moorlands Federation Appoints New President

The Staffordshire Moorlands and District Federation held their 2013 season AGM on Sunday 08 December and the members present voted to appoint a new President for the 2014 season. The new President is the well-known and highly respected fancier Chris Knowles. Chris will be supported by Dave Lomas, as Secretary and Jill Smith as Treasurer. George Greenwood will take over as Chairman and he will officiate with a Management, Transport and Finance Committee comprising Messrs Rowlinson, Jones, Lomas, Knowles, Roberts, Smith, Beck, Stanway, Given, Blackmore  and Jill Smith. Malcolm Blackmore was reappointed as Chief Convoyer for the 2014 season and Brian Smith took on the role of Press Officer.

When asked about how he saw the future of the Federation Chris Knowles said: “2013 was a very difficult season for many organisations, especially where young bird racing was concerned. The Moorlands Fed managed during such difficult times to address certain issues which were undoubtedly undermining the future of the organisation, and efforts made by officials to achieve those results should not pass without recognition. 2014 now gives us the chance to rebuild the SMDF and this can only happen with support from a membership that has already been patient and loyal. I am confident that the management team now in place is more than capable of delivering the stabilisation and growth that the membership deserves. Finally I would like to thank Dave Lomas who carried the burden of Secretary + President + Race controller throughout 2013. I hope that Dave feels that he will now have the support that his persistence and work have deserved. I also hope that through Brian Smith who has taken on the role of press officer, the Federation will receive consistent recognition via the performances of its members and to this end I urge EVERY club to ensure that Brian is supplied weekly with good information to ensure that he can produce reports of the quality that I know he will aim for. Good luck to all our members for the 2014 season and I hope that you and your families have a great Christmas and New Year!”

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