RPRA (Irish Region) Appeal - 17/03/18

[willie reynolds]

The RPRA (Irish Region) held an Appeal Meeting on Saturday 17th March in the Templeton Hotel in Templepatrick, President Sam Briggs was in the chair. Apology from G McDowell and members stood for a moments silence in respect of members deceased since the last meeting that included Angus Houston. Members attending included – S G Briggs President, J Burrows Vice President, R Reid Secretary, A C McGrugan, W Reynolds, G Delaney, W Knowles, T Griffith, F Russell, C O’Hare, A Thompson, N Lewis, D Suitters, N Higginson, T McNally.

Under correspondence a letter was read from the RPRA giving their decision on the recent appeal re Titanic HPS v NIPA. The text had been published in full in the BHW and was also on their website, the NIPA Secretary was also furnished with a letter.

The meeting was called after an objection was received following the advert placed in the BHW regarding Abbey Social application for membership. After some discussion it was established the objection was not valid as per Rule 14 – Application for Individual Membership.

14. Any individual may apply to become a member of the Association by applying to the Local Region Committee for the area in which he resides. Any such application shall be upon a form to be obtained from the Local Region Committee which form shall require the applicant to state whether he has ever been a member of a Club or Organisation concerned with the racing of pigeons and if so to give details of such Club or Organisation. Such application form shall be signed by the applicant and by two members of the Association to whom the applicant is personally known.

The application of Abbey Social Club was then considered and after some general discussion carried when the vote was put by a majority of those present. S Briggs, G McDowell and G Delaney were trained at the RPRA to conduce drug tests, they in turn will train at least two members in each NIPA Section prior to the new racing season.

You will be aware that over recent years the presence of Avian Influenza within domestic birds has resulted in the movement of certain domestic birds being restricted. This could potentially have a devastating impact on Pigeon racing and showing. However, to date Defra’s risk based approach in relation to pigeons has resulted in a limited impact on pigeon racing and showing. To strengthen this position a code of practice (attached) has been developed and agreed with Defra. Please note that full compliance with the requirements of the General Licence for Bird Gatherings i.e. racing, marking, liberations, shows and multiple loft training is essential in maintaining limited restrictions. The code should supply all the information relevant to comply with the General Licence. You will note that within the code the RPRA are required to inform the APHA of all gatherings in relation to race marking. Therefore please complete and return Appendix 1 within the code of practice, listing all marking stations within your organisation to RPRA HQ. Failure to comply with this will increase the risk of restrictions and may result in the cancellation of your race programme.

All clubs have now filled out the relevant form and this also applies to those who train birds on a small transporter, where birds are released having been collected from different lofts/clubs for training. Willie Reynolds PO.