INFC - Annual General Meeting 2011
Posted: Thu Mar 03, 2011 5:16 pm
INFC – 2011 AGM
The 61st Annual General Meeting of the Irish National Flying Club was held in the Lagan Valley Leisure Plex, Lisburn on Saturday, 26th February. The attendance was down slightly on the previous few years but this was maybe due to the NIPA AGM being on the same day and the fact that there was only one proposal on the agenda.
The Chairman, Eugene Fitzgerald after accepting a number of apologies asked the members to stand for a minute’s silence in respect of those members who had dies during the past year, in particular Henry Beattie and Ronnie Watson. The Secretary, Trevor Topping, was invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed. The Convoyers Race reports were on the table and available to the members. The reports for both Skibbereen Nationals were read, as there had been some discussion about this race point at last years AGM. According to the Convoyer’s report there were no problems this year and we had two perfect liberations. The Secretary then read his report.
SECRETARY’s REPORT
“The 2010 membership was 1927 with 624 members in the south and 1303 in the north, It is disappointing to see the number of members below 2000 and I appeal to all members to promote the club and what it has to offer especially in the south of Ireland. Members who left totalled 187, this is 9.7%. New members totalled 171.
I wish to thank on behalf of the members the following sponsors for the 2010 season: Bamfords Top flight, Samuel McCausland Ltd, Buckton’s Premium Pigeon Feeds, Versele Laga, Natural Granen, Harkers Homoform, Veterinary Services for Birds, Gem Supplements Ltd, and Sawyers & Co. Estate Agents. Each race had sponsors prizes, which were greatly appreciated by the members and thanks also to those members who obtained the sponsorship. Also the BHW with a discount on publishing rates for race results.
A new trophy was presented during 2010 by the family of the late James McGrugan of Doagh, to be presented to the section winner not winning the open in the yearling national. Thanks to all concerned.
The club had a successful seasons racing with some races proving challenging and St Malo very disappointing. Thanks to the efforts of race advisors David Black, Tom Marshall and Willie Hore we managed to avoid poor weather. Race markings and race dates were changed to avoid long holdovers, and these proved to be the right decisions. A great help and friends of the club are Chris MacDubhail and Marcel Gobin, site agent who provides the release site in Plaudren, France. As you are all aware we had probably the best returns ever from a French race. I congratulate all winners of national races and prizewinners. Ronnie Johnston arranged the annual prize distribution to a very high standard once again, (tickets were sold out 8 weeks before the date), and it was good to have Mr & Mrs Geoff Cooper former NFC King’s Cup winners from Bath present the awards with every trophy being handed out.
Mr Sid Collins arranged a presentation evening in January to present the merit awards, and had Chris Gordon, Yorkshire as the special guest. We also had as guests some of the senior members of the club. The evening proved very successful.
I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with transport during the 2010 season. On behalf of the members I wish to thank all those committee members and members who helped at the race markings, clock settings and checkings, race controllers, convoyers and drivers. Also to the ETS company representatives for assistance at race markings. The club web site was put to good use in 2010 and results were available three or four days after the race. We hope to have more information on the web site during 2011 and thanks to Ian Gill for his assistance.
Clock setting took place at the marking centre last season and this has proved to be popular with the members who required a clock set.
I wish to thank the officials, the committee members, press officer and any members who helped me in any way during the past season.
The 2011 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 markings are struggling to cope.
The single bird challenge entries are to be in before 17th March.
I hope we all have a successful 2011 season.”
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
No questions had been asked prior to the meeting regarding the Annual accounts and Allan McDonald from Portadown gave the yearly report before they were adopted.
Auditors Report:
“The financial objective each year is to break even, unless we decide to give back some of the previous surpluses to the members in the form of extra prize money. If you look at the Balance Sheet under the Capital account you will note that there was a surplus on races of £919 and a loss of £639 on the races giving a surplus of £280 so as close to break even as you will get. I will deal with any previous surpluses or funds later.
Although there was an overall surplus on races you will see from the accounts that there were surpluses on the Yearling race, Skibbereen Old and Young birds, with losses on the Kings Cup, Penzance Young Bird and Friendship. The cross channel races incur more expenses and it is the club policy to keep entry fees at less than cost and cover the costs from the other races. The Yearling National continues to be the best supported race and after 2009 the prize-money was increased last year by £2000 and it has still made a surplus due to decreased costs and an increased entry.
Excluding the Friendship National, the race expenses only increased by 1% from almost £33000 to £33400 and I congratulate Trevor on keeping good control on costs.
You will note that the Friendship went from a surplus in 2009 to a loss last year of £2000. This is due to using a transporter solely for our birds and of course costs will not be covered by a small entry of 881 which was down from 1014 last year. The committee feel that although this is a high cost it is best for the birds and we can only hope that future entries will increase to reduce the loss.
It was good that the total number of birds entered increased from 17159 to 18139 with good increases in both young bird races.
As I said the revenue account had a small deficit of £639 and this was down to a loss last year of £1968. You will note that income from members was similar and costs decreased. As you will see £17000 of members’ fees are used to offset race costs.
The Balance Sheet shows that cash funds are £75000 but £10000 of this is being paid back to the Show Committee as this was not used to buy a transporter and the transporter fund will be closed and moved to the capital account this year. The reserves are still very healthy and the committee has decided to give some back to the members in the form of free nominations for both the single bird challenge in the Kings cup and the 3 bird challenge for the Yearling and Channel young bird race. The single bird challenge will pay out £1500 over 12 prizes and the 3-bird challenge will pay a 1st prize of £1000. It was hoped that a sponsor could be found for a second prize. This has not happened yet but it is not too late for someone or company to come forward. The free entry means less work for officials and everyone should now have a go and thus increase the competition. One should say that the member’s fees of £15 can now give them the opportunity to of £15 free nominations and a better deal for members could not be found.
It has been decided to invest £40000 in a bank deposit account. This has been done and will earn some interest this year.
I thank the committee for all their hard work in running the club especially at race markings. Special thanks to Ronnie Johnston for organizing the dinner and to Sid Collins and our President Eugene for the Merit Award presentation. This was well received by all the winners and the club members who were invited. This I am sure will be just one more highlight in the clubs calendar.
I thank Trevor and our treasurer David for all their hard work during the year and to wish you all good racing in 2011”
Election of Officers
All offices were declared vacant and Sid Collins was invited to conduct the election. It was a case of the same again for all the top posts to serve their second year having been elected to serve a 3-year term from 2010. Officials for 2011 are: Patron – Ronnie Johnston, President – Sid Collins, Senior Vice President – Eugene Fitzgerald, Junior Vice President – David Black, Chairman Eugene Fitzgerald, Secretary – Trevor Topping, Treasurer Davy Mawhinney, Auditor – Allan McDonald,
INFC Management Committee 2011: RPRA representatives: R Stevenson Dromara, R Duddy Ballyclare, L Woodside Ballyclare, J Serplus Laurelvale, C O’Hare Ballyholland, P Smith Ind RPRA, C Lyons Hillsborough & Maze, G Delaney Dromore, G McDowell Kells, W Reynolds Ballymena, D Suitters Doagh, W Knowles Kingsmoss, P Gault Kingsmoss, W Sawyers Banbridge, B Kelly Ind RPRA
INFC Appeals committee: S Cairns Gilford, J Burrows Eastway, P Gault Banbridge
IHU Representatives: L McCavery Annalong, B McLoughlin Annalong, G Gaw East End, AMcFarland East End, T Marshall Newtownbreda, B Marshall Newtownbreda, A Milliken Lagan Valley, M Johnston West Belfast, M Irvine Tyrella, J Erwin, Fortfield, T O’Reilly Andersonstown, G Shaw Grosvenor, C Browne Bangor, R Taylor Shankill, R Trimble Ballynahinch:
INFC Appeals committee: J Albert Ballylesson, J McCavanagh Balbriggan, PJ Corcoran Balbriggan:
Race Advisors: W Hore Wexford, D Black Dromara, T Marshall Newtownbreda:
The positions of the Press Officer and the Convoyer were left to the committee to complete.
Notice of Motion
Submitted by the committee:
“The Old Hens national is removed from the race programme.” This was passed unanimously.
Ronnie Johnston gave the INFC Charity Show report. He said that the new venue proved to be an excellent venue and thanked all those who worked so hard to obtain the premises. He thanked all those who had worked so hard to prepare for the show and all those who helped on the day. It has been decided that all the charities that will benefit from this year’s show will be children’s cancer related charities. Ronnie thanked all who had donated pigeons to the sale and said it was a record sale in spite of the current economic downturn and wished everybody a successful 2011.
Eugene Fitzgerald then presented Jimmy Hughes of the charity committee with the cheque for £10000, being the refund of the donation for the transporter fund.
A discussion took place on the awarding of diplomas for national and section winners. This was to be looked into at the next committee meeting. Sid Collins congratulated Eugene Fitzgerald on his appointment as President of the Confederation and Eugene gave a short update from the Confederation Meeting.
The next committee meeting will be held in Lisburn & District HPS on Monday 21st March at 7.30pm. Can I thank Brendan McLoughlin who assisted me in the past season with area reports and who covered the AGM Report in my absence.
INFC Race Programme
The proposed programme is: Skibbereen North OB Inl Nat Tuesday 24th May, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 8th June, Plaudren Vannes Grand National Friday 1st July, St Malo Friendship Nat Friday 8th July, Penzance YB Grand National Wednesday 7th September and Skibbereen North Inl YB Nat Saturday 17th September.
BHW/INFC SINGLE BIRD & DUDDY CHALLENGE
I would also like to congratulate everybody who timed a Challenge pigeon and wish everyone success in the 2011 Single Bird Challenge, which is going to be free to enter, the entry deadline is the same 17th March. Every member will receive an entry form with their statement of accounts and this can be posted or delivered to David Black. The INFC is guaranteeing £1,500 in prize money, there will be twelve prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £300, 3rd £200, 4th £100, 5th-12th £50, W Sawyers and Co. are again sponsoring the Diplomas for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the winner will also receive the J Doheny Trophy. The Robin Duddy Challenge is also going to be free with £1,000 guaranteed, all you have to do is mark your three birds on the Yearling National race entry sheet and the same for Penzance Young Bird National you only need to time any one of the three in each race. Anyone needing clarification can call me on 07876157706, David Black. The Free Nominations which usually cost £15 are a fantastic competition for all the INFC membership, the deadline is fast approaching for the Single Bird Challenge at 17th March, return your entry on time to David Black.
Willie Reynolds
INFC Press Officer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.infc.co.uk
Phil Smith from Stillorgan was runner-up in the Friendship Nat St Malo.
Reilly & Martin from Bray South End won the Kings Cup from Plaudren/Vannes.
Six times INFC winner Alan Darragh had the result of the season,
1st, 2nd & 3rd Yearling Nat Sennen Cove.
Noel Shields holding "Corky" winner of St Malo Friendship Nat.
Homer handles "Dixie Chick" the INFC Penzance YB Nat winner for Danny Dixon.
Billy Cullimore from Wexford won both Old Bird & Young Bird Skibbereen Nationals.
The 61st Annual General Meeting of the Irish National Flying Club was held in the Lagan Valley Leisure Plex, Lisburn on Saturday, 26th February. The attendance was down slightly on the previous few years but this was maybe due to the NIPA AGM being on the same day and the fact that there was only one proposal on the agenda.
The Chairman, Eugene Fitzgerald after accepting a number of apologies asked the members to stand for a minute’s silence in respect of those members who had dies during the past year, in particular Henry Beattie and Ronnie Watson. The Secretary, Trevor Topping, was invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed. The Convoyers Race reports were on the table and available to the members. The reports for both Skibbereen Nationals were read, as there had been some discussion about this race point at last years AGM. According to the Convoyer’s report there were no problems this year and we had two perfect liberations. The Secretary then read his report.
SECRETARY’s REPORT
“The 2010 membership was 1927 with 624 members in the south and 1303 in the north, It is disappointing to see the number of members below 2000 and I appeal to all members to promote the club and what it has to offer especially in the south of Ireland. Members who left totalled 187, this is 9.7%. New members totalled 171.
I wish to thank on behalf of the members the following sponsors for the 2010 season: Bamfords Top flight, Samuel McCausland Ltd, Buckton’s Premium Pigeon Feeds, Versele Laga, Natural Granen, Harkers Homoform, Veterinary Services for Birds, Gem Supplements Ltd, and Sawyers & Co. Estate Agents. Each race had sponsors prizes, which were greatly appreciated by the members and thanks also to those members who obtained the sponsorship. Also the BHW with a discount on publishing rates for race results.
A new trophy was presented during 2010 by the family of the late James McGrugan of Doagh, to be presented to the section winner not winning the open in the yearling national. Thanks to all concerned.
The club had a successful seasons racing with some races proving challenging and St Malo very disappointing. Thanks to the efforts of race advisors David Black, Tom Marshall and Willie Hore we managed to avoid poor weather. Race markings and race dates were changed to avoid long holdovers, and these proved to be the right decisions. A great help and friends of the club are Chris MacDubhail and Marcel Gobin, site agent who provides the release site in Plaudren, France. As you are all aware we had probably the best returns ever from a French race. I congratulate all winners of national races and prizewinners. Ronnie Johnston arranged the annual prize distribution to a very high standard once again, (tickets were sold out 8 weeks before the date), and it was good to have Mr & Mrs Geoff Cooper former NFC King’s Cup winners from Bath present the awards with every trophy being handed out.
Mr Sid Collins arranged a presentation evening in January to present the merit awards, and had Chris Gordon, Yorkshire as the special guest. We also had as guests some of the senior members of the club. The evening proved very successful.
I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with transport during the 2010 season. On behalf of the members I wish to thank all those committee members and members who helped at the race markings, clock settings and checkings, race controllers, convoyers and drivers. Also to the ETS company representatives for assistance at race markings. The club web site was put to good use in 2010 and results were available three or four days after the race. We hope to have more information on the web site during 2011 and thanks to Ian Gill for his assistance.
Clock setting took place at the marking centre last season and this has proved to be popular with the members who required a clock set.
I wish to thank the officials, the committee members, press officer and any members who helped me in any way during the past season.
The 2011 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 markings are struggling to cope.
The single bird challenge entries are to be in before 17th March.
I hope we all have a successful 2011 season.”
ANNUAL ACCOUNTS
No questions had been asked prior to the meeting regarding the Annual accounts and Allan McDonald from Portadown gave the yearly report before they were adopted.
Auditors Report:
“The financial objective each year is to break even, unless we decide to give back some of the previous surpluses to the members in the form of extra prize money. If you look at the Balance Sheet under the Capital account you will note that there was a surplus on races of £919 and a loss of £639 on the races giving a surplus of £280 so as close to break even as you will get. I will deal with any previous surpluses or funds later.
Although there was an overall surplus on races you will see from the accounts that there were surpluses on the Yearling race, Skibbereen Old and Young birds, with losses on the Kings Cup, Penzance Young Bird and Friendship. The cross channel races incur more expenses and it is the club policy to keep entry fees at less than cost and cover the costs from the other races. The Yearling National continues to be the best supported race and after 2009 the prize-money was increased last year by £2000 and it has still made a surplus due to decreased costs and an increased entry.
Excluding the Friendship National, the race expenses only increased by 1% from almost £33000 to £33400 and I congratulate Trevor on keeping good control on costs.
You will note that the Friendship went from a surplus in 2009 to a loss last year of £2000. This is due to using a transporter solely for our birds and of course costs will not be covered by a small entry of 881 which was down from 1014 last year. The committee feel that although this is a high cost it is best for the birds and we can only hope that future entries will increase to reduce the loss.
It was good that the total number of birds entered increased from 17159 to 18139 with good increases in both young bird races.
As I said the revenue account had a small deficit of £639 and this was down to a loss last year of £1968. You will note that income from members was similar and costs decreased. As you will see £17000 of members’ fees are used to offset race costs.
The Balance Sheet shows that cash funds are £75000 but £10000 of this is being paid back to the Show Committee as this was not used to buy a transporter and the transporter fund will be closed and moved to the capital account this year. The reserves are still very healthy and the committee has decided to give some back to the members in the form of free nominations for both the single bird challenge in the Kings cup and the 3 bird challenge for the Yearling and Channel young bird race. The single bird challenge will pay out £1500 over 12 prizes and the 3-bird challenge will pay a 1st prize of £1000. It was hoped that a sponsor could be found for a second prize. This has not happened yet but it is not too late for someone or company to come forward. The free entry means less work for officials and everyone should now have a go and thus increase the competition. One should say that the member’s fees of £15 can now give them the opportunity to of £15 free nominations and a better deal for members could not be found.
It has been decided to invest £40000 in a bank deposit account. This has been done and will earn some interest this year.
I thank the committee for all their hard work in running the club especially at race markings. Special thanks to Ronnie Johnston for organizing the dinner and to Sid Collins and our President Eugene for the Merit Award presentation. This was well received by all the winners and the club members who were invited. This I am sure will be just one more highlight in the clubs calendar.
I thank Trevor and our treasurer David for all their hard work during the year and to wish you all good racing in 2011”
Election of Officers
All offices were declared vacant and Sid Collins was invited to conduct the election. It was a case of the same again for all the top posts to serve their second year having been elected to serve a 3-year term from 2010. Officials for 2011 are: Patron – Ronnie Johnston, President – Sid Collins, Senior Vice President – Eugene Fitzgerald, Junior Vice President – David Black, Chairman Eugene Fitzgerald, Secretary – Trevor Topping, Treasurer Davy Mawhinney, Auditor – Allan McDonald,
INFC Management Committee 2011: RPRA representatives: R Stevenson Dromara, R Duddy Ballyclare, L Woodside Ballyclare, J Serplus Laurelvale, C O’Hare Ballyholland, P Smith Ind RPRA, C Lyons Hillsborough & Maze, G Delaney Dromore, G McDowell Kells, W Reynolds Ballymena, D Suitters Doagh, W Knowles Kingsmoss, P Gault Kingsmoss, W Sawyers Banbridge, B Kelly Ind RPRA
INFC Appeals committee: S Cairns Gilford, J Burrows Eastway, P Gault Banbridge
IHU Representatives: L McCavery Annalong, B McLoughlin Annalong, G Gaw East End, AMcFarland East End, T Marshall Newtownbreda, B Marshall Newtownbreda, A Milliken Lagan Valley, M Johnston West Belfast, M Irvine Tyrella, J Erwin, Fortfield, T O’Reilly Andersonstown, G Shaw Grosvenor, C Browne Bangor, R Taylor Shankill, R Trimble Ballynahinch:
INFC Appeals committee: J Albert Ballylesson, J McCavanagh Balbriggan, PJ Corcoran Balbriggan:
Race Advisors: W Hore Wexford, D Black Dromara, T Marshall Newtownbreda:
The positions of the Press Officer and the Convoyer were left to the committee to complete.
Notice of Motion
Submitted by the committee:
“The Old Hens national is removed from the race programme.” This was passed unanimously.
Ronnie Johnston gave the INFC Charity Show report. He said that the new venue proved to be an excellent venue and thanked all those who worked so hard to obtain the premises. He thanked all those who had worked so hard to prepare for the show and all those who helped on the day. It has been decided that all the charities that will benefit from this year’s show will be children’s cancer related charities. Ronnie thanked all who had donated pigeons to the sale and said it was a record sale in spite of the current economic downturn and wished everybody a successful 2011.
Eugene Fitzgerald then presented Jimmy Hughes of the charity committee with the cheque for £10000, being the refund of the donation for the transporter fund.
A discussion took place on the awarding of diplomas for national and section winners. This was to be looked into at the next committee meeting. Sid Collins congratulated Eugene Fitzgerald on his appointment as President of the Confederation and Eugene gave a short update from the Confederation Meeting.
The next committee meeting will be held in Lisburn & District HPS on Monday 21st March at 7.30pm. Can I thank Brendan McLoughlin who assisted me in the past season with area reports and who covered the AGM Report in my absence.
INFC Race Programme
The proposed programme is: Skibbereen North OB Inl Nat Tuesday 24th May, Sennen Cove Yearling Nat Wednesday 8th June, Plaudren Vannes Grand National Friday 1st July, St Malo Friendship Nat Friday 8th July, Penzance YB Grand National Wednesday 7th September and Skibbereen North Inl YB Nat Saturday 17th September.
BHW/INFC SINGLE BIRD & DUDDY CHALLENGE
I would also like to congratulate everybody who timed a Challenge pigeon and wish everyone success in the 2011 Single Bird Challenge, which is going to be free to enter, the entry deadline is the same 17th March. Every member will receive an entry form with their statement of accounts and this can be posted or delivered to David Black. The INFC is guaranteeing £1,500 in prize money, there will be twelve prizes: 1st £500, 2nd £300, 3rd £200, 4th £100, 5th-12th £50, W Sawyers and Co. are again sponsoring the Diplomas for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, the winner will also receive the J Doheny Trophy. The Robin Duddy Challenge is also going to be free with £1,000 guaranteed, all you have to do is mark your three birds on the Yearling National race entry sheet and the same for Penzance Young Bird National you only need to time any one of the three in each race. Anyone needing clarification can call me on 07876157706, David Black. The Free Nominations which usually cost £15 are a fantastic competition for all the INFC membership, the deadline is fast approaching for the Single Bird Challenge at 17th March, return your entry on time to David Black.
Willie Reynolds
INFC Press Officer.
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683
Mobile: 07538 238364
E-mail: reynoldshomer@aol.com
http://www.pigeonnetwork.com
http://www.infc.co.uk
Phil Smith from Stillorgan was runner-up in the Friendship Nat St Malo.
Reilly & Martin from Bray South End won the Kings Cup from Plaudren/Vannes.
Six times INFC winner Alan Darragh had the result of the season,
1st, 2nd & 3rd Yearling Nat Sennen Cove.
Noel Shields holding "Corky" winner of St Malo Friendship Nat.
Homer handles "Dixie Chick" the INFC Penzance YB Nat winner for Danny Dixon.
Billy Cullimore from Wexford won both Old Bird & Young Bird Skibbereen Nationals.