Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 26/02/10

[willie reynolds]

The 65th NIPA annual meeting was held in Glenavy on Saturday 20th February, the attendance was along the usual lines with delegates present from a large number of member clubs, and included a number of new faces. The Secretary firstly gave the voting details for the 2010 Race Programme, around 50 clubs returned the vote covering 700 members from a grand total around 1,600 members. Doagh & Dist had submitted a programme along with the NIPA Committee, both from the Committee carried, the young one in a very close vote. Old Bird were NIPA 578 Votes, Doagh 137 Votes, Young Birds NIPA 401 Votes, Doagh 304 Votes.

The agreed race programmes are as follows.

Old Birds: 10th April Tullamore, 17th April Tullamore, 24th April Roscrea, 1st May Clonmel, 8th May Clonmel, 15th May Fermoy, 22nd May Rosscarbery OB Inland Nat, 29th May Talbenny, 5th June Talbenny, 5th June Fermoy, 12th June Bude, 12th June Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, 19th June Penzance, 19th June Penzance OB Classic, 25th June St Malo OB Nat (France), 26th June Yearling Cock/Hen Nationals.

Young Birds: 10th July Training Toss Mullingar (2 Liberations) ie Top Half Clubs above 54:36, Bottom Half Clubs below 54:36. 17th July Tullamore Official Race (2 Liberations, as above), 24th July Tullamore (Mass Liberation), 31st July Roscrea, 7th August Roscrea, 14th August Clonmel, 21st August Fermoy, 28th August Talbenny YB Nat, 28th August Tullamore, 4th September Fermoy, 4th September Fermoy 5 Bird Championship, 11th September Rosscarbery YB Inland National.

Chairman for the meeting Alan Darragh called order and asked that all members had signed the attendance book, he then called for a moments silence in respect of members who had passed away in the previous season. Apologies were received for Chairman Lyndin Boyle and Ass Secretary Ronnie Watson who both had a spell in hospital but were both now making progress, and it was hoped they could return soon to their usual duties. President Diamond Carson had a family engagement and Kevin Henderson for Lurgan also had placed an apology. The meeting may have started a bit late but it moved on at high speed with the Secretary Fred Russell reading the minutes of the previous AGM.

These were accepted as a true record with nothing arising, as was the Secretary’s Report which had been sent to all clubs and published in the Fancy Press, then the accounts and we had no other 2009 Business. Joe Kelly from Londonderry was voted in as the new President for 2010/2011 and was immediately invited to the top table to conduct the remainder of Election of Officials. Joe has had poor health for the past number of months but was so looking forward to being installed as NIPA President, he thanked the members very sincerely for their support. Alan Darragh from Cullybackey was nominated to the post of Vice President to follow Senior Vice President Herbie Boyd from Dungannon. The remaining Vice Presidents are Malcolm Livingstone (Portadown), Ned Marshall (Killyleagh) and Diamond Carson (Banbridge).

All the top positions remained un-changed. Chairman Lyndin Boyle, Vice Chairman Alan Darragh, Financial Secretary Fred Russell, Assistant Secretary Ronnie Watson, Fleet Supervisor Terry Mulgrew, Convoyers Jim McDonald and Terry Mulgrew. Press Officer Willie Reynolds, Race Advisor Ivan Mawhinney, Auditors Robinson & Co (Portadown).

For the Finance, Transport and General Purposes Management Committee most remained unchanged with Sect C the only one involved in a vote between members. It was established that Committee members should be Club Delegates. Sect A & H: A McDonnell, H Boyd, P McLaughlin. Sect B: K Wilkinson, A Darragh, G Magill, G McDowell. Sect C: R Reid, D Campbell, W Ferguson, W Seaton, D Smyth, S McGarry. Sect D: J Vage Jnr, W English, G McEvoy, S English. Sect E: K Henderson, J Parr, G Campbell, S Corrigan. Sect F: P Murray, V Pollock, R Thompson. Sect G: D Carson, T Mooney, J Donaldson.

There was a long delay for the election of Press Officer before it was resolved in the vote. Willie Reynolds indicated he would do the job alone, or not at all. One club at least hope to have an agenda item listed for next time that the job be a shared one. I intend to admin the job using all the help I have had previous, and more that I will pick myself. Clubs should have an opportunity next year to mandate their delegates and I will be happy enough with their decision should they continue to put their faith in me. In all my almost 40 years at the reporting game I have never once been refused entry to obtain a report, of course it was mostly winners I was dealing with. Only one report has been withdrawn at the request of the fancier himself, which he is quite entitled to do, and it has connections to the on-going problems. I have only recently been acting as the official PO for the NIPA although I have been covering them for years and years. The amount of work now is massive compared to what has been done before, complaints were few and far between when the job was done voluntary and I can easily return to that. Only working for people who wish to have work done, I will not be un-employed long. It would be helpful if all member clubs had a PO or Press Contact, and send an e-mail with the latest news and result. I will then distribute the news over the various publications I cover, all clubs have their own Result Board on http://www.pigeonnetwork.com and this should be used if possible. If you are not being covered I am not hearing from you, reports can be sent by yourself or any member of your club. We must have all the info on time, dated news is of no importance. I am subject to the same rules as everyone else, in my weekly race reports from last year my weekend results for clubs in East Down Combine were excluded from the published report, that is entirely up to the papers in question to operate their own policy. It was never ever the case where everything can be covered, there are very few scribes around and I have found the majority of ace fanciers are shy about promoting themselves. A top racer in Carrickfergus has been asked on at least two separate occasions to supply info, he could even have a friend supply it which would enable me to give the season some coverage. I am not perfect, but I do try, in recent times I have attracted unwanted attention with phone calls that carried a threat. That’s the sort of thing that makes you wonder is it all worth it, and something to be fair some of those who have had complaints know nothing about. Just thought I would share this matter with you all, it’s not all a bed of roses. My full reports without EDIT are listed each week at http://www.pigeonnetwork.com

Remember what I said many times before space is precious, what big change there is now compared to years ago. My own local papers give little space in the good old days it could be most of a full page. Now when I am at it the problem that came up regarding my comments on Ulster Federation who I had no wish to offend, either it, its clubs or members. The space I obtained in the News Letter for results that was to replace the coverage we previously had with the Irelands Saturday Night. They got one page to display news and results for approx 12 Clubs the same as I was getting for approx 120 NIPA and East Down Combine Clubs. Again that is the business of the paper concerned. The members of the Ulster Federation will be aware that over many years I promoted their organisation working hand in hand with at least 5 Press Officers in that time. As well as ISN they had reports listed in the Shankill Mirror, Andersonstown News and Ulster Star (Lisburn) to name a few plus the Fancy Press and then more recently the websites. Last season with a new PO the correspondence was NIL, other that the complaint regarding my point on space. A lot of scribes have come and gone on my long watch, the only one still very much in operation is the highly respected Ronnie Johnston, he needs some keeping up with. A fancier who has done more for the sport than lots of others put together, the Irish Rover column is listed weekly on http://www.pigeonnetwork.com

The meeting then quickly moved through the various Resolutions, decisions as follows.

Resolution No 1. Submitted by the NIPA Committee

Delete General Rule 41
That in Old Bird racing each member's pigeons are spread as evenly as possible over all the crates. In Young Bird Racing with the exceptions of National and Championship races members are permitted to have their own crates.

And replace with a New General rule 41 –

That in Old and Young Bird Racing each member's pigeons are spread as evenly as possible in all crates. For 20, against 55.

Resolution No 2. Submitted by the NIPA Committee

Delete General Rule 61
In National and Championship Races a maximum of 16 Cocks per crate and 18 Hens per crate, except the Old Bird National, where there will be a maximum of 10 Cocks per crate and 12 Hens per crate, this is to apply to all NIPA centres.

And replace with a new General Rule 61-
In National and Championship Races a maximum of 16 Cocks per crate and 18 Hens per crate, except the Old Bird Channel National, where there will be a minimum of 14 birds per crate. For 21, against 33.

Resolution No 3. Submitted by Lisburn & District

Allocation of prizes will be awarded on the basis of Birdage as follows:

The Old Bird National from France. 1 prize in ten birds entered - Open & Sections.
Young Bird Cross Channel. 1 prize in fifteen birds entered - Open & Sections.
All other Nationals, Championship and Classic Races. 1 prize in twenty birds entered - Open & Sections. For 48, against 20.

Resolution No 4. Submitted by the NIPA Committee

Delete General Rule 62
Confirmation of the results with the workings of the first six velocities, verification cards, ETS printouts and official result from giving the number of members and birds competing with the number of crates sent and also the first 18 positions with members IR Number and name must be forwarded via the transporter on the racing marking night. This result must also contain confirmation of the winning pigeon being confirmed at club level.

And replace with a new General Rule 62-
Confirmation of club result must be faxed to the N.I.P.A. Secretary on the official result form within 24 hours of the race. The result envelope must be posted to the Secretary to arrive not later than four days after the race. For 43, against 32.

Members should note all changes, especially the rule on members having their own crates which must apply in all member clubs. Please pay attention as well to the new Transporter Only envelope to be handed to the driver on its own with duly signed cheque enclosed and full details listed on the front regarding crates and entry. There was a slight mistake in the print, where it says club should read birds. This will help the Secretary a lot each Friday evening after collection. It has been passed that the NIPA expect all clubs to Fax the Official Result within 24 hours of the said race, if this can be made work a full result will be available each Sunday evening. Fred said the fancy are not prepared in this day and age to wait on results, they are looking for them right away. The Committee will address any problems at member clubs having difficulty getting access to a Fax Machine, the NIPA have plenty of money in the kitty. In the Secretary Report Fred mentioned how difficult it was obtaining funding for ETS, on the GB Mainland it was a lot easier. I had a call from a fancier in the North of England who was telling me all claims in his area are now being turned down, I have heard this myself before.

The Irish Nat FC annual meeting will be held in the Lagan Valley Leisure Plex, Lisburn on Saturday 27th February at 2.00pm. At the recent INFC Committee meeting David Black (Dromara) was selected as the next Vice-President.

Two Resolutions are listed for decision both submitted by The Committee. (6.1) Replace Rule 21 with new rule. New Rule 21 – Annual subscription must be paid and returned before 28th April each year. New member’s £10.00 joining fee plus annual subscription. No applications for membership will be considered after 28th April.

Present Rule 21 reads – Annual subscriptions must be paid and returned before 30th April each year. Members paying after this date will be required to pay an additional fee of £2.00. No applications will be considered after the 14th May. New members £10.00 joining fee plus annual subscription.

(6.2) The Old Hen’s National be excluded from the National Averages.

The proposed race programme for 2010 is as follows. Skibbereen OB Inland Nat Tuesday 25th May (race mark Monday), Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 9th June (race mark Monday), Plaudren/Vannes Kings Cup Friday 2nd July (race mark Tuesday), St Malo Friendship Nat Friday 9th July (race mark Tuesday), Penzance YB Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Penzance Old Hens Nat Wednesday 8th September (race mark Monday), Skibbereen YB Inland Nat Saturday 18th September (race mark Friday).

Queries in respect of the accounts should be in the secretary’s hands, in writing, at least three days before the AGM. Only queries in writing will be considered at the AGM.

BHW/INFC Single Bird Challenge

By this weekend all INFC members will have received their statement of accounts, also included in the envelope is their BHW/INFC Single Bird Challenge entry form, these should be completed and returned to me by 17th March along with the £5 entry fee. Also included in the envelope is the Robin Duddy Trophy entry form, to win this trophy a member nominates three birds on their Yearling National entry sheet, it is the first of these three birds which counts, they also nominate three birds on their Penzance Young Bird National sheet and again the first bird home counts towards the two race average, the total cost of entry is £10. The closing date for entries is the race marking night of the Yearling National, Monday 7th June. If any member wants to send both entries together they can do so. Any potential new members or any member with any questions should contact David Black on Tel: 07876 157706 on details of how to enter.

Roland Janssen’s Experience – Robert Morrow has purchased the best of the best. AT Stock he only has a few pairs of the Roland’s, but what he has are top class blood lines, the quality of the stock birds are a credit to the master of sprint, Roland Janssen. A very limited number of 2010 young birds for sale at £100 each. Contact Robert Morrow Tel: 07794 194549.

Banbridge Social annual Breeder & Buyer Sale will be held in the local Royal British Legion on Friday 12th March, last season £1,700 was paid out over four prizes. The race will be flown from Skibbereen in conjunction with the Irish Nat FC. Contact Gary Tel: (028) 40 669825, Terence Tel: 07711 409295, or Davy Robinson Tel: 07851 312046.

Breeder/Buyer Sale for Drumnavaddy Invitation will take place on Thursday 18th March in Banbridge British Legion .Race to be flown from Fermoy. Birds donated from many top lofts. More info will be available in the next few weeks. Contact - Davy Tel: 07593 666757, Brendan Tel: 07547 802590, or Kenny Tel: 07737 521355.

Dundonald Sale: The Young Bird Sale in aid of the Building Fund will take place in Newtownbreda on Monday 22nd March at 8.00pm, Ronnie tells me he has 30 Choice Lots. Another super sale not to miss!

Corcreeney Breeder/Buyer Race: Sale dates are Newtownbreda on Thursday 25th March at 8.00pm and Banbridge on Thursday 1st April at 8.00pm. The race will be flown from Skibbereen with the Irish Nat FC on Saturday 18th September. The top prize for the last few years has been £2,000 making it one of the best around, the prize night is something special as well. To book a pen please contact Colin Gibson Tel: 07715 472966, for Newtownbreda contact Ronnie Johnston Tel: (028) 90 483625. You can bring along your birds on the night. Do come along and enjoy the excitement of this annual event.

A Breeder/Buyer Charity Sale with half the total proceeds going to Blue Dove Hospice will be held in Banbridge British Legion on Friday 26th March at 8.00pm. Tel: T Lennon 07711 409205, E McAlinden Tel: 07771 813198, or D Carson Tel: 07813 265311.

The http://www.pigeonnetwork.com 10th Birthday Bash which was put off late last year will now take place at the Lisburn Rugby Club on Friday 26th March. It’s probably a good idea not to list the guests at this early stage after what happened last time but you can be sure they will be special. More details nearer the time, the evening will include the usual presentations for NI Fancier of the Year, Cornish Connection Cup and the Mid Antrim Champions League. The small sale of gift birds which this time will be youngsters which can be flown in 2010. Entry is £5 Pay at Door, usual buffet etc.

Springvale Social intend to once again promote a Gold Ring Race in 2010, rings at £20 each are available now. Open to lofts competing in the NIPA Sections B & C the race will be as last year flown in conjunction with the NIPA Rosscarbery National. Prizes will be 1st £750, 2nd £150 and 3rd £100 and the contact numbers are as follows. Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 and Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228.

Millisle Moot was a great success, the panel where the best I have heard, so reported John Hollinger. Chairman was Ronnie Johnston, and the panel included George Rankin Scotland, Peter Martin Fortfield, Gerald Delaney, Oroory Hill Stud Dromore and Alan Darragh Cullybackey. A great nights entertainment, a warm room and good food provided by Jean and Jan Hollinger. The free trip to Belgium was won by John HARKNESS, one punter remarked that the night could never be bettered. I thank everyone who made it such a great success. John Hollinger.

Hi there Homer I’m wondering if u could help us out I have decided to come back to the sport after a break of 10 yrs I have no stock as yet and would like to require some good young birds to race if it’s possible could do a wee add or peice for us it would very grateful my number is 07713379716 you,s in sprt D L ARMSTRONG AND SON Antrim i have been excepted into Muckamore h p s, please excuse the spelling thk,s Derek.

Hi Willie the Doagh & Dist club will be holding a breeder buyer sale (cards only) in McConnells Lounge Doagh on Saturday 27th March at 2.00pm. This year there will be two hotpot races from Roscrea & Clonmel 4th & 5th official N.I.P.A. y/bird races with £100 per race and the main race will be Talbenny Young Bird National with the NIPA. This year it will be open to Section B & C and with birds promised from many top racing lofts we are hoping for a record amount of prize money up for grabs.

Lisburn & Dist club meeting to take place on Tue 2nd March at 8pm /sharp, would all members try to attend please.

Hi Bill Frank Clarke - could you please print that the New Antrim have meeting on Monday 1st March at 7.30 for clocks and ets for updating. Bill this my new e-mail address, thanks Frank.

Hi Homer hope you are well, I hope you can put the following in your column and web site -
Kingswood HPS in East Belfast held a sale of 20 young birds during their successful Boxing Day Open Show to finance a special race to be flown in conjunction with the INFC young bird national from Skibbereen on the 18th September 2010 - all the monies i.e. £1000 shall be paid out as specials & also a breeder / buyer prize, detailed information to follow - we would like to thank the following people for donating / buying birds – J Patterson/McMurray & Anderson, R Fear/E Burton, J Greenaway/McMurray & Anderson, M McConville/R Conlan, B Hogg/E Burton, A Milligan, R Conlane, Spence Brothers/E Burton, McMurray & Anderson/J Plant, Bingham & Seaton/K Wilkinson, J Young/G McCartney, Mackey & Lockhart/Mackey & Lockhart, M Johnston/Mackey & Lockhart, T & K Mawhinney/J Galbraith, A Cawford/R Cowan, K Wilkinson/A Crawford, J Watt/E Burton, D Parr/W Willis, Emerald Classic Entry/M Johnston, R & J Conlane/J Galbraith, D Campbell/D Jackson, N Armstrong/E Burton.

Willie Reynolds
NIPA Press Officer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Email: reynoldshomer@aol.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.niparacingpigeons.co.uk