The 70th Annual General Meeting will be held in the Lagan Valley Leisure-Plex, Lisburn Leisure Park, Governors Road, Lisburn, Co Antrim, BT28 1LP on Saturday 29th February 2020 at 2.00pm sharp. The Agenda for the meeting will include proposed changes to race points, the Kings Cup Grand Nat will increase by £1 per bird going up to £6. The Skibbereen YB Nat has been changed back to be the last race due to be flown on Saturday 19th September. The Duddy Challenge which had been for a 3 Bird Nom will in future be presented to the furthest flying member in the YB Channel Nat open prizes.
Please note the annual subscriptions are as follows. Existing Member are £20.00 payable through your club, new member £25.00 payable through your club. Individual member paying direct are £30.00, and new Individual member paying direct £35.00.The closing date is 12th April 2020.
Agenda: 1. Apologies, 2. Minutes of the 2019 AGM, 3. Secretary Report, 4. Convoyers Race Reports 2019, 5. Passing of Accounts, 6. Election of Officers. 7. Notices of Motion.
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.1 The Yearling National is flown from Exeter
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.1 The Yearling National is flown from Sennen Cove
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.2 The Kings Cup race is flown from Fougeres
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.2 The Kings Cup race is flown from St Allouestre
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.3 The Friendship National is flown from Coutances
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.3 The Friendship National is flown from Plougastel-Daoulas or Lamballe race advisors to decide based on weather reports for release day.
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.4 The young bird channel national is flown from Exeter
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.4 The young bird channel national is flown from Penzance
Proposed race dates 2020: Skibbereen Old Bird Inland Tuesday 26th May, race mark Monday; Yearling Wednesday 10th June, race mark Monday; Kings Cup Friday 3rd July, race mark Tuesday; Friendship Friday 10th July, race mark Tuesday; Young Bird Cross Channel Wednesday 2nd September, race mark Monday; Skibbereen YB Inland Saturday 19th September, race mark Thursday.
Voting on various race points should ensure a full attendance as it usually does when changes are proposed. Queries on the Accounts should be in the Secretaries hands in writing or by E-Mail at least 3 days before the AGM.
AGM Lisburn - 29/02/20
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 6808
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM Lisburn - 29/02/20
Irish National Flying Club at the AGM last weekend decided against any change of points and the race programme will be similar to last season. The proposed race dates are as follows. Skibbereen Old Bird Inland Tuesday May 26, race mark Monday; Yearling Nat Sennen Cove Wednesday June 10, race mark Monday; Grand Nat Kings Cup St Allouestre Friday July 3, race mark Tuesday; Friendship Nat Lamballe or Plougastel-Daoulas Friday July 10, race mark Tuesday; Cross Channel YB Grand Nat Penzance Wednesday September 2, race mark Monday; Skibbereen YB Inland Saturday September 19, race mark Thursday.
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 6808
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM Lisburn - 29/02/20
Same again at the Irish National Flying Club -
As was expected a large number of members attended the 70th AGM of the INFC held on Saturday 29th February 2020 in the Lisburn Leisure Centre in County Antrim. The road was closed in Co Louth following a serious overnight accident and members travelling from the South of Ireland were delayed.
Chairman Len McCavery welcomed the members and firstly asked them to stand and observe a moments silence for the members and relatives who had passed away since the previous AGM, included were Glenn Mawhinney, George Casement, Jim Speirs, James McClenaghan, David Harvey, Trevor Griffith and Jim McDonald. Apologies were received from a few members including Sam Briggs and Cormac O’Hare attending the RPRA meeting in England, C Beattie, C Lyons, D Caskey and G Simmons.
He then invited the secretary Trevor Topping to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were then approved. Next item was the Secretary Report of 2019.
Secretary’s Report for the 2019 season.
On behalf of the members I would like to thank the following sponsors during the 2019 season, Bamford’s Top Flight, Frazer’s Animal Feeds, H. Beattie & Son and Danny Dixon Dunloy also to the BHW for a discount on publishing rates for race results. The sponsorship special prizes are greatly appreciated by all the club members.
The club had a mixed seasons racing with the weather playing a big part in all the races. I congratulate all National race winners and prize winners during the 2019 season. In the difficult King’s Cup race eleven Merit Awards; five Hall of Fame Diplomas were awarded which is hard to understand when the race was so difficult. The Friendship National was a very testing race and once again nine Merit Awards and one Triple Award were presented. Thanks to the race advisors David Black, Tom Marshall, Peter McKeown and to Noel Shiels for his assistance, for all their efforts. The weather was poor and the race advisors had to make some very difficult decisions with race dates having to be changed which creates lots of difficulties.
The annual prize distribution was held once again in November and there was a good attendance with many positive comments on the evening. The awards were presented by Mr and Mrs David Black, David the outgoing President and Mrs Bessie Morrow whose family have a long association with the East Down Combine.
I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with transport during the 2019 season. On behalf of the members I wish to thank all of those committee members and club members who helped at the race markings, clock settings and checking’s and race controllers. Also thanks to Jim McCrory convoyer, Vincent and Brian McCrory for their great work and assistance in transporting the pigeons along with Paddy Cullen.
I personally thank the officials, committee members, press officer and any members who helped me during the past season. What will 2020 season bring, with proposals, if accepted to change the cross channel and French release sites to a more easterly direction. Who knows what will happen. The financial strength of the club is under great pressure at the moment with the past two seasons making combined losses of over £20,000.
The 2020 season is fast approaching and I appeal for help at the marking centre, if only for a few hours as those members of the committee who faithfully attend the race marking are struggling to cope. The Single Bird Challenge entries have to be returned before 17th March. I hope we all have a successful 2020 season.
The convoyer’s reports for the year were on the table and available for inspection. Mr Ron McKelvey gave the auditor’s report and made the following observations on the accounts. The loss from the races in the year was £7,292. This would have increased by a further £2,482 as a result of the poor returns from the French races when the prize list was not filled. This level of loss occurred despite the wise decision made at the AGM last year to increase membership fees, also there were no hold-overs resulting in a reduced level of expenditure. The Capital a/c now stands at £33,474 and I expect this may fall to approx. £22,000 by the year end if corrective decisions are not made by the committee. Possible solutions put forward to consider. A marking fee per race of £1 would equal £2,266. Birdage charge increase of £1 could raise £14,137. Prize money reduction of 25% could save approx. £11,000.
Membership numbers currently stands at 1,712. There were 109 new members and 270 left the club for what-ever reason. The split of members is 1,025 North and 687 South. It is interesting to note that 56 new members from the South and 165 left. Ron believes that the club should make a sustained effort to increase and retain membership from the South by making it easier for them to compete. (1) Allow payments in Euro by opening a Euro bank account, if possible using a rate of 1.25 Euro to Sterling, (2) Consider having more accessible Marking Centres for Southern members. This would lead to some logistical problems which with the right mind-set are solvable.
The figures below may be of some interest looking at 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Prize Money in £ sterling was £46,625, £49,433, £41,249 and £43,107. Pools paid out in £ sterling was £69,854, £68,362, £63,358 and £58,642. Birds sent were 18,067, 16,857, 14,645 and 14,137. Members competing were 2,847, 2,699, 2,435 and 2,266. Paid members were 1,928, 1,876, 1,873 and 1,712. Reported loss in £ sterling was £2,407, £9,695, £13,407 and £7,292. Total income in £ sterling was £199,796, £189,489, £167,340, £155,027. It’s very easy to see the decline, over the past four racing season’s.
Raymond Monteith from Strabane had a few written queries on the accounts regarding high costs of printing and stationary, advertising, and convoyer/race expenses over all six races. The secretary had an extensive reply for each query raised and there were no further questions.
Efforts are being made to establish a Marking Station in Dublin, provided there are satisfactory arrangements put in place, initially to be used for the Skibbereen race marking. A big opportunity here to make progress, on what has been asked for over many years, by many members.
Election of Officers: All offices were declared vacant and Mr Clifford Browne conducted the election. Patron Ronnie Johnston, Senior Vice-President Wesley Sawyers, Junior Vice-President Tom Marshall, Chairman Leonard McCavery, Secretary Trevor Topping, Auditor Ron McKelvey, Press Officer Willie Reynolds. Race advisors - Peter McKeown, David Black, Tom Marshall and Noel Shields.
INFC Management Committee 2020:
RPRA representatives: N. Lewis Doagh, C O’Hare Ballyholland, W Reynolds Ballymena, E McGimpsey Ards, P Smith Dublin, D Suitters Doagh, R Duddy Ballyclare, C Lyons Hills & Maze, A Thompson Ballyclare, A Larkin Wilton Cross, G Simmons Edgarstown, J Serplus Laurelvale, P Dunlop Edgarstown, A Bradley Dromara and R Service Ballymena. RPRA Appeals Committee: W Knowles Kingsmoss, J Brown Blackwatertown, J Burrows Eastway.
IHU representatives: L McCavery Annalong, B Marshall Newtownbreda, P O’Neill Grosvenor, B McLoughlin Annalong, D Walton Skerries, A Kelly Skerries, R Topping Ballynahinch, M Irvine Tyrella, K O’Brien Malahide, D Coleman Castlebellingham, R Trimble Ballylesson, B O’Leary Cork South, T Marshall Newtownbreda, D Caskey Bangor, P McKeown Dundalk. IHU Appeals Committee: J Albert Ballylesson, Jim O’Hara Britannia, M Roche Blanchardstown.
David Black was elected as a Life Vice-President last year joining Mr Joe Doheny, Mr Jimmy Hughes, Mr Ronnie Johnston, Mr Sam Thompson, Mr Sid Collins, and Mr Eugene Fitzgerald.
Notices of Motion were then put, Len McCavery returned to the Chair.
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick (Cullybackey HPS) membership No 688
7.1 The Yearling National is flown from Exeter – Votes 20
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.1 The Yearling National is flown from Sennen Cove – Votes 41
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.2 The Kings Cup race is flown from Fougeres – Votes 17
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.2 The Kings Cup race is flown from St Allouestre – Votes 42
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.3 The Friendship National is flown from Coutances – Votes 15
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.3 The Friendship National is flown from Plougastel-Daoulas or Lamballe race advisors to decide based on weather reports for release day – Votes 40
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688 - Withdrawn
7.4 The young bird channel national is flown from Exeter
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.4 The young bird channel national is flown from Penzance – Carried.
The proposed race dates for 2020 are as follows. Skibbereen Old Bird Inland Tuesday May 26, race mark Monday; Yearling Nat Sennen Cove Wednesday June 10, race mark Monday; Grand Nat Kings Cup St Allouestre Friday July 3, race mark Tuesday; Friendship Nat Lamballe or Plougastel-Daoulas Friday July 10, race mark Tuesday; Cross Channel YB Grand Nat Penzance Wednesday September 2, race mark Monday; Skibbereen YB Inland Saturday September 19, race mark Thursday.
The Secretary read out a report from Show Manager Sammy Briggs regarding the INFC Show held in Lisburn in December last year. A good success was reported with 16 Trade Stands and 550 birds on show, some £7,000 will be donated to local charities bringing the total over the years to over £400,000. The annual INFC Charity Show this year will continue in Lisburn on Saturday 5th December 2020, a date for the diary.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
http://www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
“Annie” Dark Cheq (h)
1st Open Kings Cup Grand National St Allouestre
Raced by J Murtagh & Son, Ballyholland
“William” Blue Cheq (c)
1st Open Skibbereen OB Inland National
Raced by Dobbs Bros, Blackwater RPC
“Jonah” Dark Cheq (c)
1st Open Sennen Cove Yearling National
Raced by Joey McLoughlin, Blanchardstown RPC
“Shane’s Pride” Blue Pied (c)
1st Open Friendship National Lamballe
Raced by P Rock & Son, Dublin North East RPC
“Mission Impossible” Blue (c)
1st Open Skibbereen YB Inland National
Raced by E Kennedy & Son, Newtown Kilpedder
Kevin’s Pride” Blue Ch Pied (c)
1st Open YB Grand National Penzance
Raced by K Henderson & Son, Lurgan Social
As was expected a large number of members attended the 70th AGM of the INFC held on Saturday 29th February 2020 in the Lisburn Leisure Centre in County Antrim. The road was closed in Co Louth following a serious overnight accident and members travelling from the South of Ireland were delayed.
Chairman Len McCavery welcomed the members and firstly asked them to stand and observe a moments silence for the members and relatives who had passed away since the previous AGM, included were Glenn Mawhinney, George Casement, Jim Speirs, James McClenaghan, David Harvey, Trevor Griffith and Jim McDonald. Apologies were received from a few members including Sam Briggs and Cormac O’Hare attending the RPRA meeting in England, C Beattie, C Lyons, D Caskey and G Simmons.
He then invited the secretary Trevor Topping to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were then approved. Next item was the Secretary Report of 2019.
Secretary’s Report for the 2019 season.
On behalf of the members I would like to thank the following sponsors during the 2019 season, Bamford’s Top Flight, Frazer’s Animal Feeds, H. Beattie & Son and Danny Dixon Dunloy also to the BHW for a discount on publishing rates for race results. The sponsorship special prizes are greatly appreciated by all the club members.
The club had a mixed seasons racing with the weather playing a big part in all the races. I congratulate all National race winners and prize winners during the 2019 season. In the difficult King’s Cup race eleven Merit Awards; five Hall of Fame Diplomas were awarded which is hard to understand when the race was so difficult. The Friendship National was a very testing race and once again nine Merit Awards and one Triple Award were presented. Thanks to the race advisors David Black, Tom Marshall, Peter McKeown and to Noel Shiels for his assistance, for all their efforts. The weather was poor and the race advisors had to make some very difficult decisions with race dates having to be changed which creates lots of difficulties.
The annual prize distribution was held once again in November and there was a good attendance with many positive comments on the evening. The awards were presented by Mr and Mrs David Black, David the outgoing President and Mrs Bessie Morrow whose family have a long association with the East Down Combine.
I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with transport during the 2019 season. On behalf of the members I wish to thank all of those committee members and club members who helped at the race markings, clock settings and checking’s and race controllers. Also thanks to Jim McCrory convoyer, Vincent and Brian McCrory for their great work and assistance in transporting the pigeons along with Paddy Cullen.
I personally thank the officials, committee members, press officer and any members who helped me during the past season. What will 2020 season bring, with proposals, if accepted to change the cross channel and French release sites to a more easterly direction. Who knows what will happen. The financial strength of the club is under great pressure at the moment with the past two seasons making combined losses of over £20,000.
The 2020 season is fast approaching and I appeal for help at the marking centre, if only for a few hours as those members of the committee who faithfully attend the race marking are struggling to cope. The Single Bird Challenge entries have to be returned before 17th March. I hope we all have a successful 2020 season.
The convoyer’s reports for the year were on the table and available for inspection. Mr Ron McKelvey gave the auditor’s report and made the following observations on the accounts. The loss from the races in the year was £7,292. This would have increased by a further £2,482 as a result of the poor returns from the French races when the prize list was not filled. This level of loss occurred despite the wise decision made at the AGM last year to increase membership fees, also there were no hold-overs resulting in a reduced level of expenditure. The Capital a/c now stands at £33,474 and I expect this may fall to approx. £22,000 by the year end if corrective decisions are not made by the committee. Possible solutions put forward to consider. A marking fee per race of £1 would equal £2,266. Birdage charge increase of £1 could raise £14,137. Prize money reduction of 25% could save approx. £11,000.
Membership numbers currently stands at 1,712. There were 109 new members and 270 left the club for what-ever reason. The split of members is 1,025 North and 687 South. It is interesting to note that 56 new members from the South and 165 left. Ron believes that the club should make a sustained effort to increase and retain membership from the South by making it easier for them to compete. (1) Allow payments in Euro by opening a Euro bank account, if possible using a rate of 1.25 Euro to Sterling, (2) Consider having more accessible Marking Centres for Southern members. This would lead to some logistical problems which with the right mind-set are solvable.
The figures below may be of some interest looking at 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. Prize Money in £ sterling was £46,625, £49,433, £41,249 and £43,107. Pools paid out in £ sterling was £69,854, £68,362, £63,358 and £58,642. Birds sent were 18,067, 16,857, 14,645 and 14,137. Members competing were 2,847, 2,699, 2,435 and 2,266. Paid members were 1,928, 1,876, 1,873 and 1,712. Reported loss in £ sterling was £2,407, £9,695, £13,407 and £7,292. Total income in £ sterling was £199,796, £189,489, £167,340, £155,027. It’s very easy to see the decline, over the past four racing season’s.
Raymond Monteith from Strabane had a few written queries on the accounts regarding high costs of printing and stationary, advertising, and convoyer/race expenses over all six races. The secretary had an extensive reply for each query raised and there were no further questions.
Efforts are being made to establish a Marking Station in Dublin, provided there are satisfactory arrangements put in place, initially to be used for the Skibbereen race marking. A big opportunity here to make progress, on what has been asked for over many years, by many members.
Election of Officers: All offices were declared vacant and Mr Clifford Browne conducted the election. Patron Ronnie Johnston, Senior Vice-President Wesley Sawyers, Junior Vice-President Tom Marshall, Chairman Leonard McCavery, Secretary Trevor Topping, Auditor Ron McKelvey, Press Officer Willie Reynolds. Race advisors - Peter McKeown, David Black, Tom Marshall and Noel Shields.
INFC Management Committee 2020:
RPRA representatives: N. Lewis Doagh, C O’Hare Ballyholland, W Reynolds Ballymena, E McGimpsey Ards, P Smith Dublin, D Suitters Doagh, R Duddy Ballyclare, C Lyons Hills & Maze, A Thompson Ballyclare, A Larkin Wilton Cross, G Simmons Edgarstown, J Serplus Laurelvale, P Dunlop Edgarstown, A Bradley Dromara and R Service Ballymena. RPRA Appeals Committee: W Knowles Kingsmoss, J Brown Blackwatertown, J Burrows Eastway.
IHU representatives: L McCavery Annalong, B Marshall Newtownbreda, P O’Neill Grosvenor, B McLoughlin Annalong, D Walton Skerries, A Kelly Skerries, R Topping Ballynahinch, M Irvine Tyrella, K O’Brien Malahide, D Coleman Castlebellingham, R Trimble Ballylesson, B O’Leary Cork South, T Marshall Newtownbreda, D Caskey Bangor, P McKeown Dundalk. IHU Appeals Committee: J Albert Ballylesson, Jim O’Hara Britannia, M Roche Blanchardstown.
David Black was elected as a Life Vice-President last year joining Mr Joe Doheny, Mr Jimmy Hughes, Mr Ronnie Johnston, Mr Sam Thompson, Mr Sid Collins, and Mr Eugene Fitzgerald.
Notices of Motion were then put, Len McCavery returned to the Chair.
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick (Cullybackey HPS) membership No 688
7.1 The Yearling National is flown from Exeter – Votes 20
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.1 The Yearling National is flown from Sennen Cove – Votes 41
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.2 The Kings Cup race is flown from Fougeres – Votes 17
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.2 The Kings Cup race is flown from St Allouestre – Votes 42
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688
7.3 The Friendship National is flown from Coutances – Votes 15
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.3 The Friendship National is flown from Plougastel-Daoulas or Lamballe race advisors to decide based on weather reports for release day – Votes 40
Submitted by D & H Kirkpatrick membership No 688 - Withdrawn
7.4 The young bird channel national is flown from Exeter
Submitted by the INFC Management Committee
7.4 The young bird channel national is flown from Penzance – Carried.
The proposed race dates for 2020 are as follows. Skibbereen Old Bird Inland Tuesday May 26, race mark Monday; Yearling Nat Sennen Cove Wednesday June 10, race mark Monday; Grand Nat Kings Cup St Allouestre Friday July 3, race mark Tuesday; Friendship Nat Lamballe or Plougastel-Daoulas Friday July 10, race mark Tuesday; Cross Channel YB Grand Nat Penzance Wednesday September 2, race mark Monday; Skibbereen YB Inland Saturday September 19, race mark Thursday.
The Secretary read out a report from Show Manager Sammy Briggs regarding the INFC Show held in Lisburn in December last year. A good success was reported with 16 Trade Stands and 550 birds on show, some £7,000 will be donated to local charities bringing the total over the years to over £400,000. The annual INFC Charity Show this year will continue in Lisburn on Saturday 5th December 2020, a date for the diary.
HOMER. Willie Reynolds
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
Twitter: willie reynolds@homerbhw
Email: homerbhw@gmail.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.irishnationalflyingclub.com
http://www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk
“Annie” Dark Cheq (h)
1st Open Kings Cup Grand National St Allouestre
Raced by J Murtagh & Son, Ballyholland
“William” Blue Cheq (c)
1st Open Skibbereen OB Inland National
Raced by Dobbs Bros, Blackwater RPC
“Jonah” Dark Cheq (c)
1st Open Sennen Cove Yearling National
Raced by Joey McLoughlin, Blanchardstown RPC
“Shane’s Pride” Blue Pied (c)
1st Open Friendship National Lamballe
Raced by P Rock & Son, Dublin North East RPC
“Mission Impossible” Blue (c)
1st Open Skibbereen YB Inland National
Raced by E Kennedy & Son, Newtown Kilpedder
Kevin’s Pride” Blue Ch Pied (c)
1st Open YB Grand National Penzance
Raced by K Henderson & Son, Lurgan Social
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 6808
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM Lisburn - 29/02/20
Article by Milne Mairs published BHW 03/04/2020 on page 25
