N.I.P.A SECRETARY`S REPORT 2012/2013
Hi everyone it`s this time of year again when I have to prepare a report on what has taken place in 2012 and look forward in anticipation to a new season in 2013.
The inland race programme was excellent weather conditions reasonably good and we enjoyed some excellent racing, could it continue? The answer to that question was no, once the weather broke it just continued to be cold with rain. Not good conditions for racing.
Channel racing proved to be extremely difficult, the race controller did a wonderful job and we raced every week.
The Old Bird National turned out to be one of our better ones. The weather held and well over 200 pigeons homed on the day. Many more made it home the next morning.
Our race controller decided for personal reasons that he could not continue in his position and stepped down from race controlling.
On behalf of us all I would like to thank him for the dedication he put into his work so that we could enjoy our racing. Ivan will be a hard act to follow.
The NIPA is currently looking to fill the post of race controller. If you are interested please speak to the President, Chairman or any member of committee.
For the young bird season a team of dedicated fanciers took over race controlling. They did a very good job.
On your behalf I sincerely would like to thank them
Young Bird racing and training proved to be very challenging. Somehow we got through it and I hope you all enjoyed the season past. We look forward to a new season which will commence very shortly. I hope weather conditions are more settled in 2013.
Before commenting on our balance sheet I must thank everyone who assisted me during the year. Without their help my job as secretary would be much more difficult to do
The President Vice Chairman and all members of the committee who do their utmost that this organisation runs as smoothly as possible
The Transport Manager Terry Mulgrew. Terry has never let me down and I have full confidence in him.
The Convoyer and our Drivers all excellent workers who do a brilliant job at looking after your pigeons.
The race controlling team of Ivan, Alan, Anthon , Ken, David and Gerard.
My very good friends the Sec. of the Irish National Flying Club Trevor Topping and his son Robert. They both have taught me a lot this year and have brought my computing skills on to new levels. They have assisted in updating the system along with Willie Martin of Bangor. I still have some way to go.
Met Erin who take a healthy interest in our sport. The many fanciers I be in contact with during a race day their assistance is very much appreciated.
To everyone in Southern Ireland, Wales, England, Channel Islands and France. Thank you.
Finally the club secretary`s and treasures. Thank you for your assistance and I must not leave out my assistant Gregory and everyone who calls at the NIPA Headquarters.
To everyone else who assisted the NIPA during 2012. On Behalf of all our members I sincerely wish to thank you all.
It has been a pleasure to be your secretary. This is my 35th. Year. I know I cannot please everyone but I do my best. Not forgetting our Chairman Lyndin Boyle. I believe he will be 90 this year. His health is very good and he still likes to be brought up to date at what is going on. Over the many years well over 60 he has been a great ambassador for our organisation and sport of racing pigeons.
You have now in front of you our balance sheet for 2012. Your capital account shows that your organisation is worth £640,990.88 an increase over 2011 of £15,573.
I have recommended to your committee that once again we will hold our transport costs for 2013. It is now 6 years since we increased prices.
During the year we spent a lot of money on refurbishing the transporters £23,864 to be precise. All transporters are now the same spec. A further £10,904 was spent on updating and modernising the watering system on all transporters. Watering pigeons now is done by just flicking a switch and the water runs freely to all parts of the transporters. This should now put an end to the unjustified complaints that your pigeons are not been watering. It is over to you now. You have the job to learn them to drink.
The crates many of which were in need of repair. We spent £9,205 on them during 2012 a lot of money. I ask everyone to be more careful in the handling of crates and if any are in need of a slight repair please feel free to do it at club level
Your new headquarters is now complete with a further £4,000 being spent. It is a privilege to work in it. The office is modern, warm and comfortable after 30 years in a cold portakabin.
All of this work totalled £47,973 and you have not been asked or levied a penny this can only be done if you keep a strong and healthy balance sheet
You all should take pride in your organisation and what it can and does achieve.
There are many figures to be gone through please feel free if you do not understand any of them or you need further clarification. Please contact me before the AGM and I will endeavour to assist in any way I can
The resolutions are now in front of you two from Horseshoe H.P.S. and two from the committee. Nothing too controversial in them.
I have been asked by the committee to try and explain to you why they are recommending you to support their two propositions.
Firstly Bude and Penzance asking the members to race mark all pigeons at centres. There are a number of reasons for this request.
Yes economics do play a part. Normally 7 Transporters do a collection. Doing it this way only 3 will be needed. Sending out 7 for collection and transferring crates from lorry to lorry to make 3 is a lot of work done late in the evening if it is wet it is a miserable job to do and then expect the drivers to continue to drive to the race point.
If this is what you want the only boat we can catch is Rosslaire to Fishguard which means that somewhere on route to Bude & Penzance the Birds have to be watered and Fed before continuing their journey on. Arriving at the release point late into the evening where they have to be watered again.
If transporters can collect pigeons at centres for these two races we can catch the Dublin ferry which will allow our pigeons to arrive at the race point early afternoon when they can be watered fed and rested for a release the next day.
Much better arrangements for the welfare of pigeons
New drivers driving hours come into play and it is much easier to comply with the law leaving from Dublin
The committee understand some resentment from members at asking for these new arrangements. I assure you they would not be asking for your support if they felt that these new conditions were not essential. I hope now that the reasons have been explained to you. Your club will support them.
The other resolution is asking for your support and reverting back to race marking for the Inland O.B. National and the Young Bird National Rosscarbery races to a Thursday evening for a Saturday Liberation.
Last year we race marked two races on the Friday evening it was a logistical nightmare. It does leave the possibility of human error and the pigeon is put into the wrong crate or even worse the wrong crate on the wrong lorry
The Committee members who run the centres are not happy with the workload and burden put on them. It is an enormous amount of work and planning especially if you are in charge of a large centre.
To collect National pigeons first it does mean whether you like it or not at many centres a much earlier collection. This does not suit working Man. Their jobs come first.
The majority of the Committee feel you will have a better National Race if the birds are rested at the race point and not rushed down the road arriving in the early hours and being released a few hours later
If you want two races on the one day and many of you do, please vote for this resolution.
There are two race programmes submitted for voting they are very similar it is up to you to choose your preference. The Nipa programme is using Pilmore Beach this Year instead of Fermoy. The thinking in that is Pilmore Beach is on a better line for future channel races
I Hope this report is of some help to you, sometimes I wonder if anybody takes any notice. Have a wonderful 2013 and that all your hopes are achieved. Please forgive any errors in typing or spelling as I have already said in my report I am on a learning curve and I hope it is upwards
Fred Russell
Secretary Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation of Racing Pigeon Societies
Email: nipapigeons@hotmail.co.uk
Resolution No.1: Submitted by Horseshoe HPS -
Delete General Rule 37 which states The final date for receiving a proposed race programme is the end of September.All race programmes submittted must include both an inland and channel national race for old and young birds.
Insert a new General Rule 37 which states.The final date for receiving a proposed race programme is the end of October All race programmes submitted must include both an inland and channel national race for old and young birds.
Resolution No.2: Submitted by Horseshoe HPS -
In all races birds be collected at individual club`s except in the case of National Races where they will be collected at centres
Resolution No.3: Submitted by Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee -
In Bude & Penzance all club`s and their members must race mark their pigeons at centres
Resolution No.4: Submitted by Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee -
Race marking for the OB Inland and Young Bird Nationals refert to a Thursday for a Saturday Liberation.
Old Bird Race Programme No1. Submitted by Horseshoe H.P.S.
April 13th. Tullamore
April 20th. Tullamore
April 27th. Roscrea
May 4th. Clonmel
May 11th Fermoy
May 18th. Rosscarbery O.B. Inland National
May 25th. Fermoy
June 1st. Talbenny
June 4th. Rosscarbery Yearling Hen/Cock National
June 8th. Talbenny
June 8th. Fermoy
June 15th. Bude
June 15th. Fermoy 5 Bird Championship
June 22nd. Penzance
June 22nd. Penzance Classic
June 28th. Quimper Old Bird National
Name of Club Submitting vote ____________________________________
Number of Votes. _______________________________________________
Old Bird Race Programme No 2 Submitted by The Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee
April 13th. Tullamore
April 20th. Tullamore
April 27th. Roscrea
May 4th. Clonmel
May 11th. Fermoy
May 18th. Rosscarbery O.B. Inland National
May 18th. Pilmore Beach Come Back Race
May 25th. Pilmore Beach
June 1st. Talbenny
June 8th. Talbenny
June 8th. Rosscarbery Yearling Hen/Cock National
June 15th. Bude
June 15th. Fermoy 5 Bird Championship
June 22nd. Penzance
June 22nd. Penzance Classic
June 28th. St. Malo 0ld Bird National
Name of Club Submitting Vote____________________________________________
Number of Votes ______________________________________________________
Signed By Club Official_________________________________________________
Young Bird Race Programme submitted By Horseshoe H.P.S
Race Programme No 3
July 20th. Area Liberations
July 27th. Area Liberations
Aug 3rd. Tullamore Mass Liberation
Aug. 10th. Roscrea
Aug 17th. Clonmel
Aug 24th. Fermoy
Aug 31st. Talbenny Young Bird National
Aug 31st. Tullamore Come Back
Sept 7th. Fermoy/ Fermoy 5 Bird Championship Race
Sept. 14th. Rosscarbery Young Bird National
Name of club Submitting Their Votes___________________________________________
Number of votes ___________________________________________________________
Young Bird Race Programme Submitted by The Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee
Race Programme No 4
July 20th. Area Liberations
July 27th. Two Area Liberations Top Half/Bottom Half
Aug 3rd. Mass Liberation
Aug 10th. Roscrea
Aug 17th. Clonmel
Aug 24th. Fermoy
Aug 31st. Talbenny Young Bird National
Aug 31st. Tullamore Come Back Race
Sept 7th. Fermoy
Sept 7th Fermoy 5 Bird Championship Race
Sept. 14th. Rosscarbery Young Bird National
Name of Club Submitting Their Votes ______________________________________________
Number of Votes________________________________________________________________
Signed by Club Official
Voting Papers must be returned on or before the AGM. ON The 16th February 2013.
F. Russell Sec N.I.P.A
AGM - Glenavy 16/02/13
-
willie reynolds
- Posts: 7520
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:44 pm
Re: AGM - Glenavy 16/02/13
NIPA – Lively 68th AGM
The 68th Annual General Meeting for the NIPA was held in Glenavy on Saturday 16th February. Acting Chairman Alan Darragh was in the chair and after a slight delay getting started due to counting the race programme votes the first item was that result. There was some very heated discussion on the programme submitted by Horseshoe in that one word was printed wrong, in the voting the standing programme had most votes (almost 2 to 1) both for old birds and young birds, and that was adopted subject to change or maybe appeal.
The agreed Race Programme for 2013.
Old Birds: April 13th Tullamore, April 20th Tullamore, April 27th. Roscrea, May 4th. Clonmel, May 11th. Fermoy, May18th. Rosscarbery O.B. Inland National - May18th Pilmore Beach Come Back Race, May 25th Pilmore Beach, June 1st. Talbenny, June 8th. Talbenny, June 8th. Rosscarbery Yearling Hen/Cock National, June 15th Bude, June 15th. Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, June 22nd. Penzance,
June 22nd Penzance Classic, June 28th. St. Malo 0ld Bird National (France).
Young Birds: July 20th. Area Liberation, July 27th. Two Area Liberation Top Half/Bottom Half, Aug 3rd.Mass Liberation, Aug 10th Roscrea, Aug 17th. Clonmel, Aug 24th. Fermoy, Aug 31st. Talbenny Young Bird National, Aug 31st. Tullamore Come Back Race, Sept 7th. Fermoy & Fermoy 5 Bird Championship Race, Sept 14th Rosscarbery Young Bird National.
The Secretary was then invited to read the minutes of the previous meeting, again a delay with some changes to the text, followed by the passing of accounts and again some discussion mostly round the yearly spend on the transport fleet. Under AOB the committee were asked to look at the Talbenny liberation as a site, and on drug testing the meeting were informed the Race Book will include the RPRA list of banned substances.
All offices were declared vacant AND President Herbie Boyd was instructed to conduct the election of officials for 2013. A point was raised from the floor that this be conducted under RPRA Rules, as per the Rule Book Rule 152b. All posts other than Secretary had to be filled by Club Delegates only. The Committee had been asked to look at representation of each committee and especially Sect H, the Derry area, who claimed last year they were under represented. Changes were to be made but since members had a mandate for 2013 and others had held Sect Meetings it was a good decision to leave alterations regarding numbers to 2014. Then Sections C, D and F will drop one member and Sect H will have 2 members added. Sect C members had come forward from a meeting and members elected for 2013 were R Reid Carrick & Dist, S McGarry Horseshoe, W McClelland Doagh & Dist, W Ferguson Larne & Dist, W Seaton Ligoniel and G Robinson Carrick Social. I will publish the full list for the rest when confirmed at an NIPA Committee, some Sect Meetings have to be arranged. The President stated he will insist Sect Meetings take place in 2013 as is in the rules, these meetings select Committee Members and can put forward Resolutions.
Herbie Boyd (Dungannon) had been installed as the new President last year and has one more season in office. Alan Darragh (Cullybackey) is Senior Vice President and then Robert Reid (Carrick & Dist) was appointed un-opposed in Sect C to follow as Vice President. The remaining Life Vice Presidents are Malcolm Livingstone (Portadown), Diamond Carson (Banbridge), Owen Donnelly (Larne) and Joe Kelly (Londonderry).
All the top positions remained almost un-changed. Alan Darragh replaced Lyndon Boyle as Chairman and Lyndon is added to Life Vice President. New Vice Chairman is Sammy Thompson (Coleraine & County Derry), Financial Secretary Fred Russell, Assistant Secretary Gregory MeEvoy, Fleet Supervisor Terry Mulgrew, Convoyers Kieron Shannon and Terry Mulgrew for second races. Press Officer Willie Reynolds/Stephen McGarry, Race Advisor to be advertised, Auditors Robinson & Co (Portadown). RPRA Delegates – K Quigley and N Hanna.
The meeting continued moving on to Resolutions, no discussion is allowed since all member clubs are supposed to hold local meetings to mandate their Delegates on voting procedure.
Resolution No.1: Submitted by Horseshoe H.P.S
Delete General Rule 37 which states: The final date for receiving a proposed race programme is the end of September. All race programmes submitted must include both an inland and channel national race for old and young birds.
Insert a new General Rule 37 which states: The final date for receiving a proposed race programme is the end of October. .All race programmes submitted must include both an inland and channel national race for old and young birds. For 77, against 2.
Resolution No.2: Submitted by Horseshoe H.P.S.
In all races birds be collected at individual club`s except in the case of National Races where they will be collected at centres. For 67, against 13.
Resolution No.3: Submitted by Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee.
In Bude & Penzance all club`s and their members must race mark their pigeons at centres. Withdrawn.
Resolution No.4: Submitted by Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee.
Race marking for the OB Inland and Young Bird Nationals revert to a Thursday for a Saturday Liberation. For 35, against 55.
It was the most interesting meeting I have attended for some time, there is a lot still to sort out and further meetings will be taking place over coming weeks.
The 68th Annual General Meeting for the NIPA was held in Glenavy on Saturday 16th February. Acting Chairman Alan Darragh was in the chair and after a slight delay getting started due to counting the race programme votes the first item was that result. There was some very heated discussion on the programme submitted by Horseshoe in that one word was printed wrong, in the voting the standing programme had most votes (almost 2 to 1) both for old birds and young birds, and that was adopted subject to change or maybe appeal.
The agreed Race Programme for 2013.
Old Birds: April 13th Tullamore, April 20th Tullamore, April 27th. Roscrea, May 4th. Clonmel, May 11th. Fermoy, May18th. Rosscarbery O.B. Inland National - May18th Pilmore Beach Come Back Race, May 25th Pilmore Beach, June 1st. Talbenny, June 8th. Talbenny, June 8th. Rosscarbery Yearling Hen/Cock National, June 15th Bude, June 15th. Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, June 22nd. Penzance,
June 22nd Penzance Classic, June 28th. St. Malo 0ld Bird National (France).
Young Birds: July 20th. Area Liberation, July 27th. Two Area Liberation Top Half/Bottom Half, Aug 3rd.Mass Liberation, Aug 10th Roscrea, Aug 17th. Clonmel, Aug 24th. Fermoy, Aug 31st. Talbenny Young Bird National, Aug 31st. Tullamore Come Back Race, Sept 7th. Fermoy & Fermoy 5 Bird Championship Race, Sept 14th Rosscarbery Young Bird National.
The Secretary was then invited to read the minutes of the previous meeting, again a delay with some changes to the text, followed by the passing of accounts and again some discussion mostly round the yearly spend on the transport fleet. Under AOB the committee were asked to look at the Talbenny liberation as a site, and on drug testing the meeting were informed the Race Book will include the RPRA list of banned substances.
All offices were declared vacant AND President Herbie Boyd was instructed to conduct the election of officials for 2013. A point was raised from the floor that this be conducted under RPRA Rules, as per the Rule Book Rule 152b. All posts other than Secretary had to be filled by Club Delegates only. The Committee had been asked to look at representation of each committee and especially Sect H, the Derry area, who claimed last year they were under represented. Changes were to be made but since members had a mandate for 2013 and others had held Sect Meetings it was a good decision to leave alterations regarding numbers to 2014. Then Sections C, D and F will drop one member and Sect H will have 2 members added. Sect C members had come forward from a meeting and members elected for 2013 were R Reid Carrick & Dist, S McGarry Horseshoe, W McClelland Doagh & Dist, W Ferguson Larne & Dist, W Seaton Ligoniel and G Robinson Carrick Social. I will publish the full list for the rest when confirmed at an NIPA Committee, some Sect Meetings have to be arranged. The President stated he will insist Sect Meetings take place in 2013 as is in the rules, these meetings select Committee Members and can put forward Resolutions.
Herbie Boyd (Dungannon) had been installed as the new President last year and has one more season in office. Alan Darragh (Cullybackey) is Senior Vice President and then Robert Reid (Carrick & Dist) was appointed un-opposed in Sect C to follow as Vice President. The remaining Life Vice Presidents are Malcolm Livingstone (Portadown), Diamond Carson (Banbridge), Owen Donnelly (Larne) and Joe Kelly (Londonderry).
All the top positions remained almost un-changed. Alan Darragh replaced Lyndon Boyle as Chairman and Lyndon is added to Life Vice President. New Vice Chairman is Sammy Thompson (Coleraine & County Derry), Financial Secretary Fred Russell, Assistant Secretary Gregory MeEvoy, Fleet Supervisor Terry Mulgrew, Convoyers Kieron Shannon and Terry Mulgrew for second races. Press Officer Willie Reynolds/Stephen McGarry, Race Advisor to be advertised, Auditors Robinson & Co (Portadown). RPRA Delegates – K Quigley and N Hanna.
The meeting continued moving on to Resolutions, no discussion is allowed since all member clubs are supposed to hold local meetings to mandate their Delegates on voting procedure.
Resolution No.1: Submitted by Horseshoe H.P.S
Delete General Rule 37 which states: The final date for receiving a proposed race programme is the end of September. All race programmes submitted must include both an inland and channel national race for old and young birds.
Insert a new General Rule 37 which states: The final date for receiving a proposed race programme is the end of October. .All race programmes submitted must include both an inland and channel national race for old and young birds. For 77, against 2.
Resolution No.2: Submitted by Horseshoe H.P.S.
In all races birds be collected at individual club`s except in the case of National Races where they will be collected at centres. For 67, against 13.
Resolution No.3: Submitted by Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee.
In Bude & Penzance all club`s and their members must race mark their pigeons at centres. Withdrawn.
Resolution No.4: Submitted by Northern Ireland Provincial Amalgamation Committee.
Race marking for the OB Inland and Young Bird Nationals revert to a Thursday for a Saturday Liberation. For 35, against 55.
It was the most interesting meeting I have attended for some time, there is a lot still to sort out and further meetings will be taking place over coming weeks.