Pigeon Network

Dear Secretary, The attached document details the propositions/rule changes for voting at the 2018 RPRA AGM. There are 73 proposals in total although the vast majority relate to proposals that would allow the RPRA to implement the recommendations contained within the Hall report. The Hall report has previously been published in the BHW and is available on the RPRA website. If you wish to discuss the contents of either the propositions or the Hall report please do not hesitate to contact me. If you wish to have your say on the future of the RPRA it is essential that you vote on the positions in accordance with RPRA rules. Ian Evans General Manager.

Please note that the existing rule is printed in italics and the proposed rule is in plain/bold print. Explanations for rule changes are highlighted in Red.

Please note that the existing rule is printed in italics and the proposed rule is in plain/bold print. Explanations for rule changes are highlighted in Red.
7/1 CUMBRIA REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 2
In these rules the following words and expressions shall have the following respective meanings unless the context requires otherwise:
‘the Association’ means The Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
‘Club’ means any club or society all the members of which are individuals or partnerships of individuals and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with Rule 17. See Appendix H.
‘Group’ means any federation, amalgamation, combine or organisation all the members of which are Clubs or combinations of Clubs and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with the provisions of Rule 17.
‘Council’ means the Council of the Association established under these Rules and ‘Councillor’ means a member of the Council.
‘General Manager’ means the General Manager of the Association.
‘Individual Member’ means a member of the Association who has been admitted to membership by a Local Region Committee pursuant to Rule 15 and who is not a member of a Club.
‘Local Region’ means a division of the Association consisting of all members of the Association whose registered membership addresses lie within the boundaries of a geographical region specified by the Council pursuant to Rule 9 (a list of the boundaries of the current Local Regions is attached hereto as Appendix B).
‘Local Region Committee’ means the governing body of a Local Region.
‘National or Specialist Club’ means any club which does not organise a full race programme annually.
‘Occasional member’ is a member who takes part in a competition under an Open Race licence.
‘Organisation’ means any Club or Group.
And replace with
In these rules the following words and expressions shall have the following respective meanings unless the context requires otherwise:
‘the Association’ means The Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
‘Club’ means any club or society all the members of which are individuals or partnerships of individuals and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with Rule 17. See Appendix H.
‘Group’ means any federation, amalgamation, combine or organisation all the members of which are Clubs or combinations of Clubs and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with the provisions of Rule 17.
‘Council’ means the Council of the Association established under these Rules and ‘Councillor’ means a member of the Council.
‘Chief Executive’ means the Chief Executive of the Association.
‘Individual Member’ means a member of the Association who has been admitted to membership by a Local Region Committee pursuant to Rule 15 and who is not a member of a Club.
‘Local Region’ means a division of the Association consisting of all members of the Association whose registered membership addresses lie within the boundaries of a geographical region specified by the Council pursuant to Rule 9 (a list of the boundaries of the current Local Regions is attached hereto as Appendix B).
‘Local Region Committee’ means the governing body of a Local Region.
‘National or Specialist Club’ means any club which does not organise a full race programme annually.
‘Occasional member’ is a member who takes part in a competition under an Open Race licence.
‘Organisation’ means any Club or Group.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/2 WESTERN REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA Rule 2
In these rules the following words and expressions shall have the following respective meanings unless the context requires otherwise:
‘the Association’ means The Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
‘Club’ means any club or society all the members of which are individuals or partnerships of individuals and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with Rule 17. See Appendix H.
‘Group’ means any federation, amalgamation, combine or organisation all the members of which are Clubs or combinations of Clubs and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with the provisions of Rule 17.
‘Council’ means the Council of the Association established under these Rules and ‘Councillor’ means a member of the Council.
‘General Manager’ means the General Manager of the Association.
‘Individual Member’ means a member of the Association who has been admitted to membership by a Local Region Committee pursuant to Rule 15 and who is not a member of a Club.
‘Local Region’ means a division of the Association consisting of all members of the Association whose registered membership addresses lie within the boundaries of a geographical region specified by the Council pursuant to Rule 9 (a list of the boundaries of the current Local Regions is attached hereto as Appendix B).
‘Local Region Committee’ means the governing body of a Local Region.
‘National or Specialist Club’ means any club which does not organise a full race programme annually.
‘Occasional member’ is a member who takes part in a competition under an Open Race licence.
‘Organisation’ means any Club or Group.
And replace with
In these rules the following words and expressions shall have the following respective meanings unless the context requires otherwise:
‘the Association’ means The Royal Pigeon Racing Association.
‘Club’ means any club or society all the members of which are individuals or partnerships of individuals and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with Rule 17. See Appendix H.
‘Group’ means any federation, amalgamation, combine or organisation all the members of which are Clubs or combinations of Clubs and which is affiliated to the Association in accordance with the provisions of Rule 17.
‘Council’ means the Council of the Association established under these Rules and ‘Councillor’ means a member of the Council.
‘The General Manager means the General Manager of the association and may also be addressed as the Chief Executive within the rules and the appendix of the association.
‘Individual Member’ means a member of the Association who has been admitted to membership by a Local Region Committee pursuant to Rule 15 and who is not a member of a Club.
‘Local Region’ means a division of the Association consisting of all members of the Association whose registered membership addresses lie within the boundaries of a geographical region specified by the Council pursuant to Rule 9 (a list of the boundaries of the current Local Regions is attached hereto as Appendix B).
‘Local Region Committee’ means the governing body of a Local Region.
‘National or Specialist Club’ means any club which does not organise a full race programme annually.
‘Occasional member’ is a member who takes part in a competition under an Open Race licence.
‘Organisation’ means any Club or Group.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/3 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 10
All local administration of the Association within a geographical area prescribed by the Council pursuant to this Rule shall be vested in the Local Region for that area, subject only to appeal to the Council in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.
And replace with
All local administration of the Association within a geographical area prescribed by the Council pursuant to this Rule shall be vested in the Local Region for that area, subject only to appeal to the Appeals Committee in accordance with the provisions of these Rules.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/4 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 25
Every Group shall pay an annual fee of £5.00 plus Value Added Tax (at the rate ruling at the date of payment) to the Association and shall send such fee to the General Manager not later than 1st April in each year. Together with payment of such fee, every Group shall send to the General Manager a list of the Clubs or combinations of Clubs which are members of the Group, the address of its headquarters and the name and address of the Group’s President, Secretary and Convoyers (where applicable). Any Group which fails to pay its annual fee by 1st April in any year shall instead pay a fee of £7.00 plus Value Added Tax (at the rate ruling at the date of payment). The Association shall procure that payment of the said registration fee in any year entitles each Group to insurance cover against public liability at liberation sites in England, Scotland and Wales officially approved by the Association to a limit of £5,000,000 per insured event.
And replace with
Every Group shall pay an annual fee of £5.00 plus Value Added Tax (at the rate ruling at the date of payment) to the Association and shall send such fee to the Chief Executive not later than 1st April in each year. Together with payment of such fee, every Group shall send to the Chief Executive a list of the Clubs or combinations of Clubs which are members of the Group, the address of its headquarters and the name and address of the Group’s President, Secretary and Convoyers (where applicable). Any Group which fails to pay its annual fee by 1st April in any year shall instead pay a fee of £7.00 plus Value Added Tax (at the rate ruling at the date of payment). The Association shall procure that payment of the said registration fee in any year entitles each Group to insurance cover against public liability at liberation sites in England, Scotland and Wales officially approved by the Association to a limit of £5,000,000 per insured event.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/5 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 35
Prior to 30th April in each year, the Secretary of each Local Region Committee shall send to the General Manager all annual Association subscriptions received by him, together with a list of the Clubs which have paid their annual affiliation fee to the relevant Local Region, giving the names and addresses of the Secretaries of all such Clubs. Within four weeks after 30th April the General Manager shall notify any Local Region Committee Secretary who has failed to send all annual Association subscriptions to the General Manager by 30th April.

And replace with
Prior to 30th April in each year, the Secretary of each Local Region Committee shall send to the Chief Executive all annual Association subscriptions received by him, together with a list of the Clubs which have paid their annual affiliation fee to the relevant Local Region, giving the names and addresses of the Secretaries of all such Clubs. Within four weeks after 30th April the Chief Executive shall notify any Local Region Committee Secretary who has failed to send all annual Association subscriptions to the Chief Executive by 30th April.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/6 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA Rule 36
Each Local Region shall apply all Local Region subscriptions received by it in accordance with the objects of the Association. If any Local Region secedes from the Association the Local Region shall pay to the General Manager all monies of which the Local Region Committee then stands possessed and shall deliver to the General Manager all documents and things in the ownership, possession or control of the Local Region for the furtherance of the objects of the Association.
And replace with
Each Local Region shall apply all Local Region subscriptions received by it in accordance with the objects of the Association. If any Local Region secedes from the Association the Local Region shall pay to the Chief Executive all monies of which the Local Region Committee then stands possessed and shall deliver to the Chief Executive all documents and things in the ownership, possession or control of the Local Region for the furtherance of the objects of the Association.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/7 CUMBRIA REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA Rule 38
The ultimate control of the affairs of the Association shall be exercised by the Council in general meetings provided that the Council may in its absolute discretion seek a vote from all members of the Association on any matter or resolution. If the Council determines to put a matter or resolution to the vote of all members of the Association, the Council shall specify the matter or resolution to be put to members and shall provide voting forms to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee but the Local Region Committee shall administer the taking of such vote and shall bear any costs and postage associated therewith. The Council shall determine the date by which any such vote shall be taken and shall specify such date to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee. In the event that a straight majority of members of the Association vote for or against any matter or resolution put to the vote in this manner, the Council shall be obliged to take the necessary actions to give effect to that vote. In all other cases, the Council shall not be obliged to comply with the view expressed by the majority of votes cast on any such matter or resolution but shall take such votes into account in the Council’s deliberations.
And replace with
The ultimate control of the affairs of the Association shall be exercised by an Executive Committee elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of Council. The Executive Committee to consist of one Councillor from each Region and to be inclusive of the President and Vice Presidents. The Council may in its absolute discretion seek a vote from all members of the Association on any matter or resolution. If the Council determines to put a matter or resolution to the vote of all members of the Association, the Council shall specify the matter or resolution to be put to members and shall provide voting forms to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee but the Local Region Committee shall administer the taking of such vote and shall bear any costs and postage associated therewith. The Council shall determine the date by which any such vote shall be taken and shall specify such date to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee. In the event that a straight majority of members of the Association vote for or against any matter or resolution put to the vote in this manner, the Council shall be obliged to take the necessary actions to give effect to that vote. In all other cases, the Council shall not be obliged to comply with the view expressed by the majority of votes cast on any such matter or resolution but shall take such votes into account in the Council’s deliberations.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/8 WESTERN REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 38
The ultimate control of the affairs of the Association shall be exercised by the Council in general meetings provided that the Council may in its absolute discretion seek a vote from all members of the Association on any matter or resolution. If the Council determines to put a matter or resolution to the vote of all members of the Association, the Council shall specify the matter or resolution to be put to members and shall provide voting forms to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee but the Local Region Committee shall administer the taking of such vote and shall bear any costs and postage associated therewith. The Council shall determine the date by which any such vote shall be taken and shall specify such date to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee. In the event that a straight majority of members of the Association vote for or against any matter or resolution put to the vote in this manner, the Council shall be obliged to take the necessary actions to give effect to that vote. In all other cases, the Council shall not be obliged to comply with the view expressed by the majority of votes cast on any such matter or resolution but shall take such votes into account in the Council’s deliberations.
And replace with
The ultimate control of the affairs of the Association shall be exercised by an Executive Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Council in general meetings provided that the Executive Committee may in its absolute discretion seek a vote from all members of the Association on any matter or resolution. If the Executive Committee determines to put a matter or resolution to the vote of all members of the Association, the Executive Committee shall specify the matter or resolution to be put to members and shall provide voting forms to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee but the Local Region Committee shall administer the taking of such vote and shall bear any costs and postage associated therewith. The Executive Committee shall determine the date by which any such vote shall be taken and shall specify such date to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee. In the event that a straight majority of members of the Association vote for or against any matter or resolution put to the vote in this manner, the Executive Committee shall be obliged to take the necessary actions to give effect to that vote. In all other cases, the Executive Committee shall not be obliged to comply with the view expressed by the majority of votes cast on any such matter or resolution but shall take such votes into account in the Executive Committees deliberations.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/9 WESTERN REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 39
The officers of the Association shall be a President and three Vice Presidents who shall be elected from delegates representing four different Local Regions at the annual general meeting of the Association and shall hold office for one year. Any officer shall be eligible for re-election provided that no officer shall hold the same office for more than three successive years. The conduct of the nominations for and election of officers shall be regulated by the Council.
And replace with
The officers of the Association shall consist of five members of council elected onto the Executive Committee to include a President and vice President. Any officer shall be eligible for re-election provided that no officer shall hold the same office for more than three successive years. The conduct of the nominations for and election of officers shall be regulated by the Council.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/10 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 40
The General Manager shall be appointed upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Council shall consider appropriate. A Councillor shall not be eligible for the office of General Manager while holding office as a Councillor. It shall be the duty of the General Manager to attend all meetings of the Council and to record and keep the minutes thereof. All money paid to the General Manager, either as remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in respect of the business of the Association, shall be included in the accounts of the Association.
And replace with
The Chief Executive shall be appointed upon such terms and subject to such conditions as the Council shall consider appropriate. A Councillor shall not be eligible for the office of Chief Executive while holding office as a Councillor. It shall be the duty of the Chief Executive to attend all Committee and Council meetings of the Association and to record and keep the minutes thereof. All money paid to the Chief Executive, either as remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in respect of the business of the Association, shall be included in the accounts of the Association.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/11 SOUTH WEST REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 42
Each Local Region with a membership not exceeding 1,500 shall be entitled to appoint one Councillor. Each Local Region with a membership numbering not less than 1,501 and not more than 2,500 shall be entitled to appoint two Councillors and each Local Region with a membership numbering more than 2,500 shall be entitled to appoint three Councillors, Appointments of Councillors shall be made at the Annual General Meeting of each Local Region. Councillors will hold office from the date of the Annual General Meeting at which they are appointed until the conclusion of the next following Annual General Meeting of the Local Region and shall be eligible for re-election.
And replace with
Irrespective of the number of members to each region, only one councillor shall be appointed to represent the Region. Such appointment to be agreed at the AGM of the respective Region.
Reason -1 Councillor per Region will better serve the RPRA and will be more equitable , in that no Region will have an advantage over another .
7/12 LONDON REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA Rule 42
Each Local Region with a membership not exceeding 1,500 shall be entitled to appoint one Councillor. Each Local Region with a membership numbering not less than 1,501 and not more than 2,500 shall be entitled to appoint two Councillors and each Local Region with a membership numbering more than 2,500 shall be entitled to appoint three Councillors, Appointments of Councillors shall be made at the Annual General Meeting of each Local Region. Councillors will hold office from the date of the Annual General Meeting at which they are appointed until the conclusion of the next following Annual General Meeting of the Local Region and shall be eligible for re-election.
And replace with
Each local Region with a membership not exceeding 1500 shall be entitled to appoint one Councillor. Each local Region with a membership not less than 1501 shall be entitled to two Councillors. Appointments of Councillors shall be made at the Annual General Meeting of each local Region. Councillors will hold office from the date of the Annual General Meeting at which they are appointed until the conclusion of the next following Annual General Meeting of the local Region and shall be eligible for re-election.
Reason for change. To reduce the number of Councillors but to still leave fair representation nationwide.
7/13 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 44
At all Council meetings where a Councillor cannot be present, his/her place may be taken by a reserve delegate at all Committee meetings and each reserve delegate be given full powers.
And replace with
Where a Councillor cannot be present at the annual general meeting of council, his/her place may be taken by a reserve delegate and each reserve delegate be given full powers.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/14 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 46
At the first general meeting of the Council to be held following an annual general meeting of a Local Region each Councillor appointed by the Local Region must be prepared to produce to the President of the Association confirmation signed by the Secretary or President of the Local Region Committee that he was duly elected as a Councillor at the annual general meeting of the Local Region together with confirmation signed by the Secretary or President of a Club which nominated him as a representative to the Local Region Committee that he was so nominated and that he has attended meetings of the Club in the year prior to the annual general meeting of the Local Region.
And replace with
At the annual general meeting of the Council to be held following an annual general meeting of a Local Region each Councillor appointed by the Local Region must be prepared to produce to the President of the Association confirmation signed by the Secretary or President of the Local Region Committee that he was duly elected as a Councillor at the annual general meeting of the Local Region together with confirmation signed by the Secretary or President of a Club which nominated him as a representative to the Local Region Committee that he was so nominated and that he has attended meetings of the Club in the year prior to the annual general meeting of the Local Region.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/15 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 47
Subject as set out in these Rules, the Council shall determine the dates upon which general meetings of the Council shall be held and shall regulate its own proceedings.
And replace with
Subject as set out in these Rules, the Executive Committee shall determine the dates upon which general meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held and shall regulate its own proceedings.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/16 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 48
Any Local Region Committee acting through its Secretary or a Councillor appointed by that Local Region may request the President to include any matter in the general business specified in any such notice but no such matter shall be so specified unless the General Manager has received such a request more than 21 days before the date upon which the meeting is due to be held in the case of any general meeting other than the annual general meeting and 42 days before the date on which the meeting is due to be held in the case of the annual general meeting (excluding in each case the date of the meeting and the date on which the request is received by the General Manager).
And replace with
Any Local Region Committee acting through its Secretary or a Councillor appointed by that Local Region may request the President to include any matter in the general business specified in any such notice but no such matter shall be so specified unless the Chief Executive has received such a request;
(a) In the case of Executive Committee meetings, more than 21 days before the date upon which the meeting is due to be held.
(b) In the case of the Annual General Meeting of Council more than 42 days before the date on which the meeting is due to be held.
In each case the date of the meeting and the date on which the request is received by the Chief Executive shall be excluded.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/17 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 49
An annual general meeting of the Council shall be held on the last Friday in February each year and other general meetings shall be held as often as may be required.
And replace with
An annual general meeting of the Council shall be held on the last Friday in February each year.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/18 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 50
Not less than twenty eight days notice in the case of each Annual General Meeting and not less than 10 days notice in the case of any other general meeting (excluding the date of the meeting and the date on which the notice is posted) specifying the place, date and time at which the meeting is to be held and the business proposed to be dealt with at the meeting shall be sent by post to all Councillors and Reserve Delegates to Council and shall be made available to all newspapers published in the United Kingdom specialising in the sport of racing or showing homing pigeons, provided that in the case of general meetings other than the Annual General Meeting the notice made available to newspapers shall not specify the business proposed to be dealt with at the meeting.
And replace with
Not less than twenty eight days notice of the Annual General Meeting specifying the place, date and time at which the annual general meeting is to be held and the business proposed to be dealt with at the meeting shall be sent by post to all regional secretaries to Council and shall be made available to all newspapers published in the United Kingdom specialising in the sport of racing or showing homing pigeons.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/19 CUMBRIA REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 52
The Council may form such Committees of Councillors as the Council may from time to time determine. The Council shall be empowered to delegate its authority to any such Committee either wholly or partly and whether or not subject to any conditions. The composition of any such Committee shall be a matter for the Council save that the Management Committee of the British Homing World shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Council and shall consist of the President, three Vice-Presidents, plus one councillor from each of the remaining Local Regions not already represented, plus the Editor for the time being of the British Homing World and the General Manager.
And replace with
At the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of Council, the President shall convene an Executive Committee meeting for the purpose of electing an Appeals Committee and a Performance Enhancing Drugs Committee.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/20 WESTERN REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 52
The Council may form such Committees of Councillors as the Council may from time to time determine. The Council shall be empowered to delegate its authority to any such Committee either wholly or partly and whether or not subject to any conditions. The composition of any such Committee shall be a matter for the Council save that the Management Committee of the British Homing World shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of the Council and shall consist of the President, three Vice-Presidents, plus one councillor from each of the remaining Local Regions not already represented, plus the Editor for the time being of the British Homing World and the General Manager.
And replace with
At the annual general meeting the Executive Committee shall elect a performance enhancing drugs and Appeals committee. The Executive Committee shall be empowered to delegate its authority to any such Committee either wholly or partly.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/21 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 53
No business shall be transacted at any general meeting or special meeting of the Council unless a quorum consisting of a majority of all Councillors and including Councillors appointed by not less than five Local Regions is present.
And replace with
No business shall be transacted at any committee or special meeting of the Council unless a quorum consisting of a majority of all Councillors are present.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/22 WESTERN REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 54
Each Councillor shall have one vote. In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. Voting shall be by show of hands unless any Councillor demands a secret ballot either before or on the declaration of the result of a show of hands. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. The declaration by the Chairman of a general meeting or special meeting that a resolution has or has not been passed, whether on a show of hands or on the result of a secret ballot, shall be final.
And replace with
At the annual general meeting of council each councillor shall have the number of votes appertaining to its regional membership (rule 42) In the case of an equality of votes, the Chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote. Voting shall be by show of hands unless any Councillor demands a secret ballot either before or on the declaration of the result of a show of hands. Voting by proxy shall not be permitted. The declaration by the Chairman of a special meeting that a resolution has or has not been passed, whether on a show of hands or on the result of a secret ballot, shall be final.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/23 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 55
The President, or in his absence one of the Vice-Presidents, shall preside as Chairman of any general meeting or special meeting of the Council or of any committee meeting. In the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents, the Councillors present shall elect one of their number to act as Chairman.
And replace with
The President, or in his absence one of the Vice-Presidents, shall preside as Chairman of the Executive Committee, the annual general meeting of council or special meeting of the Council. In the absence of the President and Vice-Presidents, the Councillors present shall elect one of their number to act as Chairman.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/24 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 57
The Council shall cause minutes of all resolutions and proceedings of the Council to be entered in books maintained for the purpose and in particular shall cause to be entered in such minutes:
(a) the names of the Councillors present at any meeting of the Council;
(b) the wording of all resolutions or decisions of any general meeting or special meeting of the Council;
(c) details of all appointments of officers of the Association.
And replace with
The Council and all Committees shall cause minutes of all resolutions and proceedings of the Council to be entered in books maintained for the purpose and in particular shall cause to be entered in such minutes:
(a) the names of the Councillors present at any meeting of the Council;
(b) the wording of all resolutions or decisions of any meeting.
(c) details of all appointments of officers of the Association.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/25 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 58
The minutes of any Council meeting shall be considered by the next ensuing general meeting or special meeting and if agreed by that meeting to be a true record shall be signed by the Chairman of that meeting and the General Manager.
And replace with
The minutes of the annual general meeting of council shall be considered at the next annual general meeting of council and if agreed by that meeting to be a true record shall be signed by the Chairman of that meeting and the Chief Executive. Minutes of a special meeting shall be agreed at the next annual general meeting.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/26 WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 59
The Association shall pay or reimburse Councillors for the cost of second class return railway fares or if travelling by car an allowance of 35p per mile, hotel costs will be paid for by the Association. In attending meetings of Council or any Committee of the Council the following sums by way of expenses will be paid;
a) when necessary for a Councillor to arrive for a Thursday evening meeting - £20
b) when necessary for a Councillor to arrive Thursday night - £10
c) in respect of any Saturday - £20 irrespective of what time the meeting finished.
d) in respect of any other day - £40.
And replace with
The Association shall pay or reimburse Councillors for the cost of second class return railway fares or if travelling by car an allowance of 35p per mile, hotel costs will be paid for by the Association when attending the annual general meeting of council.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/27 COUNCIL OF THE RPRA PROPOSE
(C.7293)
Delete RPRA Rule 60 (a)
The President of the Association shall be paid an allowance for personal expenses of £1,000 per annum.
And replace with
The President of the Association shall be paid an allowance for personal expenses of £2,000 per annum.
The reason for this proposal is so that the personal allowance reflects the associated expense of holding this position.
7/28 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 61
The Association shall procure that such insurance cover as the Council considers appropriate from time to time against the risks of loss of life, personal injury and loss or damage to personal property shall be taken out and maintained by the Association in favour of Councillors in respect of their attendances at meetings of the Council or any Committee of the Council.
And replace with
The Association shall procure that such insurance cover as the Executive Committee considers appropriate from time to time against the risks of loss of life, personal injury and loss or damage to personal property shall be taken out and maintained by the Association in favour of Councillors in respect of their attendances at meetings of the Council or any Committee of the Council.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/29 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 63
The banking accounts of the Association shall be kept at such banks or building societies as the Council shall appoint in the name of the Association and all money belonging to the Association shall be paid into such an account. Cheques on any such account shall be signed by such persons as the Council may prescribe.
And replace with
The banking accounts of the Association shall be kept at such banks or building societies as the Executive Committee shall appoint in the name of the Association and all money belonging to the Association shall be paid into such an account. Cheques on any such account shall be signed by such persons as the Executive Committee may prescribe.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/30 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 64
The Council shall cause true accounts to be kept of the sums of money received and expended by the Association.
And replace with
The Executive Committee shall cause true accounts to be kept of the sums of money received and expended by the Association.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/31 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 65
The accounts shall be kept at the office of the Association or such other place as the Council may determine. The Council shall determine to what extent the accounts of the Association or any of them shall be open to inspection by members and the members shall have only such rights of inspection as are given to them by the Council.
And replace with
The accounts shall be kept at the office of the Association or such other place as the Executive Committee may determine. The Executive Committee shall determine to what extent the accounts of the Association or any of them shall be open to inspection by members and the members shall have only such rights of inspection as are given to them by the Executive Committee.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/32 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 67
Not less than 28 days before the date upon which the Council’s annual general meeting is due to be held the Council shall publish an audited income and expenditure account and balance sheet for the Association. The balance sheet shall be taken as at such date as the Council shall determine. The income and expenditure account shall be in respect of the period commencing with the date upon which the most recent audited published income and expenditure account of the Association ended and ending with the date upon which the balance sheet is taken. A copy of such audited income and expenditure account and balance sheet shall be sent to each Councillor and to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee.
And replace with
Not less than 28 days before the date upon which the Council’s annual general meeting is due to be held the Executive Committee shall publish an audited income and expenditure account and balance sheet for the Association. The balance sheet shall be taken as at such date as the Executive Committee shall determine. The income and expenditure account shall be in respect of the period commencing with the date upon which the most recent audited published income and expenditure account of the Association ended and ending with the date upon which the balance sheet is taken. A copy of such audited income and expenditure account and balance sheet shall be sent to each Councillor and to the Secretary of each Local Region Committee.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/33 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 68
The Council shall procure that prior to publication the income and expenditure account and balance sheet of the Association shall have been audited by the Association’s auditors and that attached to the said accounts upon publication shall be a certificate from the Association’s auditors stating whether in their opinion the accounts exhibit a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association. For the purpose of enabling the Association’s auditors to conduct their audit the Council shall procure that the auditors shall have access to the books of the Association and that the officers or employees of the Association give to the Association’s auditors such information or explanations as they may seek in the performance of their duties.
And replace with
The Executive Committee shall procure that prior to publication the income and expenditure account and balance sheet of the Association shall have been audited by the Association’s auditors and that attached to the said accounts upon publication shall be a certificate from the Association’s auditors stating whether in their opinion the accounts exhibit a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association. For the purpose of enabling the Association’s auditors to conduct their audit the Executive Committee shall procure that the auditors shall have access to the books of the Association and that the officers or employees of the Association give to the Association’s auditors such information or explanations as they may seek in the performance of their duties.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/34 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 69
The Secretary of every Local Region Committee shall forward a copy of the audited income and expenditure account and balance sheet of that Local Region to the General Manager and such accounts may be published by the Council.
All Region Balance Sheets shall be issued to all affiliated Organisations & Region Committee Members at least seven days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.
And replace with
The Secretary of every Local Region Committee shall forward a copy of the audited income and expenditure account and balance sheet of that Local Region to the Chief Executive and such accounts may be published by the Council.
All Region Balance Sheets shall be issued to all affiliated Organisations & Region Committee Members at least seven days prior to the date of the Annual General Meeting.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/35 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 73
An Organisation shall notify its Local Region Committee of the exclusion, expulsion or suspension of a member as soon as possible after a decision to that effect has been taken and such exclusion, expulsion or suspension shall take effect immediately, unless an appeal is lodged with the Local Region Committee in accordance with Rule 82, in which event such exclusion, expulsion or suspension shall be stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. In the event that no such appeal is lodged, the Local Region Committee shall confirm the decision of the Organisation unless the Local Region Committee considers that the decision of the Organisation was not made in accordance with these Rules or the rules of the Organisation. The award of any prizes, pools, nominations, specials, etc won after the date of the decision by an Organisation to exclude, expel or suspend a member shall follow the ultimate result of any appeal by the member against exclusion, expulsion or suspension. The Secretary of each Local Region Committee shall notify the General Manager of the name and address of each member suspended or expelled by the Local Region or whose suspension or expulsion is confirmed by the Local Region Committee.
And replace with
An Organisation shall notify its Local Region Committee of the exclusion, expulsion or suspension of a member as soon as possible after a decision to that effect has been taken and such exclusion, expulsion or suspension shall take effect immediately, unless an appeal is lodged with the Local Region Committee in accordance with Rule 82, in which event such exclusion, expulsion or suspension shall be stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. In the event that no such appeal is lodged, the Local Region Committee shall confirm the decision of the Organisation unless the Local Region Committee considers that the decision of the Organisation was not made in accordance with these Rules or the rules of the Organisation. The award of any prizes, pools, nominations, specials, etc won after the date of the decision by an Organisation to exclude, expel or suspend a member shall follow the ultimate result of any appeal by the member against exclusion, expulsion or suspension. The Secretary of each Local Region Committee shall notify the Chief Executive of the name and address of each member suspended or expelled by the Local Region or whose suspension or expulsion is confirmed by the Local Region Committee.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/36 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 74
Notice of the expulsion or suspension of any Organisation by a Local Region shall be communicated to the General Manager by the Secretary of the Local Region Committee as soon as possible after the decision to that effect. The General Manager shall notify such expulsion or suspension to the Secretaries of all other Local Region Committees and Secretaries of all Organisations to which members of such expelled or suspended Organisations paid subscriptions.
And replace with
Notice of the expulsion or suspension of any Organisation by a Local Region shall be communicated to the Chief Executive by the Secretary of the Local Region Committee as soon as possible after the decision to that effect. The Chief Executive shall notify such expulsion or suspension to the Secretaries of all other Local Region Committees and Secretaries of all Organisations to which members of such expelled or suspended Organisations paid subscriptions.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/37 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 75
During the period of expulsion or suspension any member expelled or suspended shall cease to be a member of the Association and shall not be permitted to attend any meeting held under the Rules of the Association except that he may be invited to attend a Local Region or Council meeting when applying to have a suspension lifted but for that item on the agenda only. No address, loft or ring belonging to or registered in the name of an expelled or suspended member shall be recognised by the Association during the period of expulsion or suspension. It shall, however, be within the right of any member other than an expelled or suspended member at any time to apply for the ‘freeing’ of any such ineligible address, loft or ring and the Local Region Committee may grant such a request. The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be final.
And replace with
During the period of expulsion or suspension any member expelled or suspended shall cease to be a member of the Association and shall not be permitted to attend any meeting held under the Rules of the Association except that he may be invited to attend a Local Region or Executive Committee meeting when applying to have a suspension lifted but for that item on the agenda only. No address, loft or ring belonging to or registered in the name of an expelled or suspended member shall be recognised by the Association during the period of expulsion or suspension. It shall, however, be within the right of any member other than an expelled or suspended member at any time to apply for the ‘freeing’ of any such ineligible address, loft or ring and the Local Region Committee may grant such a request. The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be final.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/38 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 77
Expulsion from the Association is Time-Limited. Such expulsion can be appealed under the provisions of rules 82/83 or lifted under the provisions Rules 80/81. Past RPRA members previously expelled for life may apply to the appeals committee of Council for reinstatement provided that they have served a minimum ten year period. All appeals for reinstatement must be supported by character witnesses who are already members of the RPRA. Before the hearing the applicant must agree to accept the appeals committee of Council’s decision as final and binding before their case for reacceptance into the RPRA will be heard. The organisation or Region that made or confirmed the original expulsion (if known) must be informed and given the opportunity to supply written comment on the application if they so wish.
And replace with
Expulsion from the Association is Time-Limited. Such expulsion can be appealed under the provisions of rules 82/83 or lifted under the provisions Rules 80/81. Past RPRA members previously expelled for life may apply to the appeals committee of Council for reinstatement provided that they have served a minimum ten year period. All appeals for reinstatement must be supported by character witnesses who are already members of the RPRA. Before the hearing the applicant must agree to accept the appeals committee of Council decision as final and binding before their case for reacceptance into the RPRA will be heard. The organisation or Region that made or confirmed the original expulsion (if known) must be informed and given the opportunity to supply written comment on the application if they so wish.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/39 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 78
The General Manager shall keep a register of all suspended and expelled members whose names and addresses are notified to him by the Secretaries of the Local Region Committees.
And replace with
The Chief Executive shall keep a register of all suspended and expelled members whose names and addresses are notified to him by the Secretaries of the Local Region Committees.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/40 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 82
Any member
(a) excluded from membership of an Organisation or expelled or suspended from membership of the Association by an Organisation, or
(b) aggrieved by a decision of an Organisation made at a meeting held in accordance with the procedure set out in the Association’s Standard Rules for adoption by all affiliated Organisations under the heading ‘Grievances and Disciplinary Matters’ or
(c) having a dispute with an Organisation shall have the right to appeal to the Local Region to which that Organisation is affiliated. The following provisions shall apply to any such appeal
(1) Any such appeal shall be made by notice in writing delivered to the Secretary of the Local Region committee within 21 days of the date of the decision of the Organisation to exclude, expel or suspend such member or within 21 days of the date of the meeting of the Organisation at which the decision was made to which the grievance relates or within 21 days of the member’s dispute with the Organisation arising shall state the member’s grounds of appeal. The notice shall be accompanied by a payment of a fee of £20 which shall be returned to the appellant if his appeal is successful.
(2) Upon receipt of any notice of appeal the Secretary of the Local Region Committee shall inform the relevant Organisation of the appeal and the grounds of appeal and request any written evidence which it may wish to submit. If the appeal is against or concerning a decision made at a meeting of the Organisation the Secretary of the Local Region Committee shall request a copy of the notice concerning that meeting sent to the appellant. The Secretary of the Local Region Committee shall give not less than 10 days notice of the date and place appointed for the hearing of the appeal to the appellant, the relevant Organisation and all members of the Local Region Committee. Any such notice shall be sent to the parties concerned by recorded delivery post and shall be accompanied by particulars of the appeal.
(3) At the hearing of the appeal by the Local Region Committee, the appellant and the relevant Organisation shall be entitled to attend, be represented, give evidence and receive and consider written statements or explanations furnished by the other party.
(4) Witnesses will not be allowed into the hearing until they are called individually to give their evidence and answer questions. They will not be allowed to leave the room until all the witnesses have been examined.
(5) The appellant and the relevant organisation may call witnesses on his or its behalf and/or make a verbal statement to the Local Region Committee.
(6) Subject as laid down in these Rules the Chairman of the Local Region committee shall have discretion as to the conduct of any hearing and the procedure to be followed at it.
(7) No member of a Local Region Committee shall attend any hearing by the Local Region Committee of any appeal affecting an Organisation of which he is a member unless he represents such Organisation at the appeal.
(8) The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be made as soon as practicable following the hearing, shall take effect from the date on which it is made and shall be communicated to the parties to the appeal and to the General Manager forthwith.
(9) The Local Region Committee may rescind, vary, modify or confirm the decision of an Organisation except that the Local Region Committee may not vary a suspension to an expulsion. The Local Region Committee may order that any meeting of the Organisation be re-held if not satisfied that the rules of the Organisation have been fully and properly complied with.
And replace with
Any member
(a) excluded from membership of an Organisation or expelled or suspended from membership of the Association by an Organisation, or
(b) aggrieved by a decision of an Organisation made at a meeting held in accordance with the procedure set out in the Association’s Standard Rules for adoption by all affiliated Organisations under the heading ‘Grievances and Disciplinary Matters’ or
(c) having a dispute with an Organisation shall have the right to appeal to the Local Region to which that Organisation is affiliated. The following provisions shall apply to any such appeal
(1) Any such appeal shall be made by notice in writing delivered to the Secretary of the Local Region committee within 21 days of the date of the decision of the Organisation to exclude, expel or suspend such member or within 21 days of the date of the meeting of the Organisation at which the decision was made to which the grievance relates or within 21 days of the member’s dispute with the Organisation arising shall state the member’s grounds of appeal. The notice shall be accompanied by a payment of a fee of £20 which shall be returned to the appellant if his appeal is successful.
(2) Upon receipt of any notice of appeal the Secretary of the Local Region Committee shall inform the relevant Organisation of the appeal and the grounds of appeal and request any written evidence which it may wish to submit. If the appeal is against or concerning a decision made at a meeting of the Organisation the Secretary of the Local Region Committee shall request a copy of the notice concerning that meeting sent to the appellant. The Secretary of the Local Region Committee shall give not less than 10 days notice of the date and place appointed for the hearing of the appeal to the appellant, the relevant Organisation and all members of the Local Region Committee. Any such notice shall be sent to the parties concerned by recorded delivery post and shall be accompanied by particulars of the appeal.
(3) At the hearing of the appeal by the Local Region Committee, the appellant and the relevant Organisation shall be entitled to attend, be represented, give evidence and receive and consider written statements or explanations furnished by the other party.
(4) Witnesses will not be allowed into the hearing until they are called individually to give their evidence and answer questions. They will not be allowed to leave the room until all the witnesses have been examined.
(5) The appellant and the relevant organisation may call witnesses on his or its behalf and/or make a verbal statement to the Local Region Committee.
(6) Subject as laid down in these Rules the Chairman of the Local Region committee shall have discretion as to the conduct of any hearing and the procedure to be followed at it.
(7) No member of a Local Region Committee shall attend any hearing by the Local Region Committee of any appeal affecting an Organisation of which he is a member unless he represents such Organisation at the appeal.
(8) The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be made as soon as practicable following the hearing, shall take effect from the date on which it is made and shall be communicated to the parties to the appeal and to the Chief Executive forthwith.
(9) The Local Region Committee may rescind, vary, modify or confirm the decision of an Organisation except that the Local Region Committee may not vary a suspension to an expulsion. The Local Region Committee may order that any meeting of the Organisation be re-held if not satisfied that the rules of the Organisation have been fully and properly complied with.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/41 WESTERN REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 83 (a)
The Council of the Association shall appoint annually an appeals committee consisting of one member from each Region, five to form a quorum. The current President to be the chairman, in his absence, the committee will elect a Chairman from the floor. Appeal meetings to be held at the discretion of the current President.
And replace with
The Council of the Association shall appoint annually an appeals committee consisting of five members. The committee will elect a Chairman from the floor. Appeal meetings to be held at the discretion of the current Appeals Committee Chairman.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/42 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 83 (b)
Any organisation a decision of which has been rescinded, modified or varied by a Local Region Committee and any member of the Association on whom or in whose interests a decision of the Local Region Committee has a direct, material and adverse effect may, unless the decision of the Local Region Committee is expressed by these Rules to be final, appeal to Council for a re-hearing of the matter in question. The Appeal will be heard by an elected Appeals committee, consisting of one member from each region, minimum of 5 councillors to form a quorum. For each Appeal process the RPRA President will select the committee required, taking in to account interested parties and other associated issues. No councillor from a Region which the appellant is a member shall be eligible.

The following provisions shall apply to any such appeal.
(1) The appellant shall give notice in writing to the General Manager within 21 days after the relevant decision of the Local Region Committee stating the grounds of appeal. The notice shall be accompanied by payment of a fee of £30 (together with value added tax at the applicable rate) which shall be returned to the appellant in the event that the appeal is successful.
(2) Upon receipt of any such notice the General Manager shall forward a copy to the Secretary of the Local Region Committee in question who shall, within 21 days after receipt of such copy notice forward to the General Manager copies of the written evidence considered by the Local Region Committee together with the grounds upon which the Committee’s decision was made.
(3) The General Manager may, after consultation with the President and Vice- Presidents and with their advice set out in detail, refer any appeal back to its source if (a) it is found to have been incorrectly submitted, (b) it is out of time, or (c) the terms of interpretation set out in the Rules of the Association have not been observed.
(4) The General Manager shall give not less than 10 days notice of the date and place appointed for the hearing of the appeal to every party to the appeal and to each eligible member of the Appeals Committee. With such notice the General Manager shall send a copy of the written evidence and grounds upon which the decision of the Local Region Committee was made which he has received from the Secretary of the Local Region Committee.
(5) At the hearing of the appeal by the Appeals Committee, all parties to the appeal may attend or be represented and may give evidence provided that no evidence shall be given which was not given at the relevant hearing before the Local Region Committee unless the Appeals Committee consents to such evidence being given and notice of intention to tender such fresh evidence, accompanied by full particulars, shall have been served upon the General Manager and the other party or parties to the appeal at least 7 days prior to the hearing.
(6) At the hearing to the appeal by the Appeals Committee it will be permissible for a representative from the Local Region Committee to be available for corroboration of the evidence heard before the Local Region Committee.
(7) No Councillor shall be present at the hearing of an appeal from the decision of a Local Region Committee of a Local Region of which he is a delegate unless he represents the appellant or another party to the appeal or is present only for the purpose of corroborating evidence heard before the Local Region Committee.
(8) The Appeals Committee may rescind, vary, modify or confirm the decision of the Local Region Committee and the decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final. See Appendix ‘I’.
And replace with
Any organisation a decision of which has been rescinded, modified or varied by a Local Region Committee and any member of the Association on whom or in whose interests a decision of the Local Region Committee has a direct, material and adverse effect may, unless the decision of the Local Region Committee is expressed by these Rules to be final, appeal to Council for a re-hearing of the matter in question. The Appeal will be heard by an elected Appeals committee, consisting of one member from each region, minimum of 5 councillors to form a quorum. For each Appeal process the RPRA President will select the committee required, taking in to account interested parties and other associated issues. No councillor from a Region which the appellant is a member shall be eligible.
The following provisions shall apply to any such appeal.
(1) The appellant shall give notice in writing to the Chief Executive within 21 days after the relevant decision of the Local Region Committee stating the grounds of appeal. The notice shall be accompanied by payment of a fee of £30 (together with value added tax at the applicable rate) which shall be returned to the appellant in the event that the appeal is successful.
(2) Upon receipt of any such notice the Chief Executive shall forward a copy to the Secretary of the Local Region Committee in question who shall, within 21 days after receipt of such copy notice forward to the Chief Executive copies of the written evidence considered by the Local Region Committee together with the grounds upon which the Committee’s decision was made.
(3) The Chief Executive may, after consultation with the President and Vice- Presidents and with their advice set out in detail, refer any appeal back to its source if (a) it is found to have been incorrectly submitted, (b) it is out of time, or (c) the terms of interpretation set out in the Rules of the Association have not been observed.
(4) The Chief Executive shall give not less than 10 days notice of the date and place appointed for the hearing of the appeal to every party to the appeal and to each eligible member of the Appeals Committee. With such notice the Chief Executive shall send a copy of the written evidence and grounds upon which the decision of the Local Region Committee was made which he has received from the Secretary of the Local Region Committee.
(5) At the hearing of the appeal by the Appeals Committee, all parties to the appeal may attend or be represented and may give evidence provided that no evidence shall be given which was not given at the relevant hearing before the Local Region Committee unless the Appeals Committee consents to such evidence being given and notice of intention to tender such fresh evidence, accompanied by full particulars, shall have been served upon the Chief Executive and the other party or parties to the appeal at least 7 days prior to the hearing.
(6) At the hearing to the appeal by the Appeals Committee it will be permissible for a representative from the Local Region Committee to be available for corroboration of the evidence heard before the Local Region Committee.
(7) No Councillor shall be present at the hearing of an appeal from the decision of a Local Region Committee of a Local Region of which he is a delegate unless he represents the appellant or another party to the appeal or is present only for the purpose of corroborating evidence heard before the Local Region Committee.
(8) The Appeals Committee may rescind, vary, modify or confirm the decision of the Local Region Committee and the decision of the Appeals Committee shall be final. See Appendix ‘I’.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/43 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 85
The Association shall have power so far as the law allows to provide or assist in providing legal advice and assistance to its members in respect of all questions arising out of or connected with the sport of racing or showing homing pigeons or any matter which in the judgement of the Council directly or indirectly affects the interests of the Association.
Any application by a member or an Organisation for legal advice or assistance shall be made in writing to the Local Region to which such member belongs or such Organisation is affiliated accompanied by a written statement of the facts of the case and any relevant evidence. Upon receipt of such application the Local Region Committee may take such steps as it deems expedient. No Local Region Committee shall incur any greater expenses than £50 in any one case without the authority of the Council. Legal charges and rewards to informants not exceeding £50 in any one case shall be paid out of Local Region funds.
And replace with
The Association shall have power so far as the law allows to provide or assist in providing legal advice and assistance to its members in respect of all questions arising out of or connected with the sport of racing or showing homing pigeons or any matter which in the judgement of the Executive Committees directly or indirectly affects the interests of the Association.
Any application by a member or an Organisation for legal advice or assistance shall be made in writing to the Local Region to which such member belongs or such Organisation is affiliated accompanied by a written statement of the facts of the case and any relevant evidence. Upon receipt of such application the Local Region Committee may take such steps as it deems expedient. No Local Region Committee shall incur any greater expenses than £100 in any one case without the authority of the Executive Committee. Legal charges and rewards to informants not exceeding £100 in any one case shall be paid out of Local Region funds.
The proposal is to increase in the legal contribution to reflect current day costs of such charges.
7/44 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 86
When in the opinion of the Association’s Solicitor a case warrants pursuing by the Association, the President may authorise a Local Region Committee to proceed notwithstanding the fact that the limit of £50 may be exceeded and such action shall be put to the next general meeting of the Council for confirmation. The Council and each Local Region Committee shall have the power to initiate legal proceedings or to take such steps as it considers expedient to procure or assist in procuring the punishment of offences which in the opinion of the Council or the Local Region Committee affect the interests of the Association or its members and may offer and pay rewards for information concerning such matters.
And replace with
When in the opinion of the Association’s Solicitor a case warrants pursuing by the Association, the President may authorise a Local Region Committee to proceed notwithstanding the fact that the limit of £100 may be exceeded and such action shall be put to the next general meeting of the Council for confirmation. The Council and each Local Region Committee shall have the power to initiate legal proceedings or to take such steps as it considers expedient to procure or assist in procuring the punishment of offences which in the opinion of the Council or the Local Region Committee affect the interests of the Association or its members and may offer and pay rewards for information concerning such matters..
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/45 CUMBRIA REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 96
All birds must carry at least one intact unaltered Association ring or a ring issued by a Union recognised by the Association or a foreign ring when the owner can produce proof of ownership. Should a bird carry more than one ring, both rings must be registered to one loft number and must be from the country of origin, and must comply with the designation of Council in regard to the size, shape, composition, type and quality of the ring.
And replace with
All birds must carry at least one intact unaltered Association life ring or a life ring issued by a Union recognised by the Association or a foreign life ring when the owner can produce proof of ownership. Should a bird carry more than one life ring, both life rings must be from the same year and be registered to one loft number and must be from the country of origin, and must comply with the designation of Council in regard to the size, shape, composition, type and quality of the ring.
The reason for the proposal is or the rule to clarify its reference to the life ring.
7/46 LONDON REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA Rule 96
All birds must carry at least one intact unaltered Association ring or a ring issued by a Union recognised by the Association or a foreign ring when the owner can produce proof of ownership. Should a bird carry more than one ring, both rings must be registered to one loft number and must be from the country of origin, and must comply with the designation of Council in regard to the size, shape, composition, type and quality of the ring.
And replace with
All birds must carry at least one intact unaltered Association ring or a ring issued by a union recognised by the Association or a foreign ring when the owner can produce proof of ownership. Should a bird carry more than one ring, both rings must be of the same year, registered to the one loft number and must be from the same country of origin, and must comply with the designation of Council in regard to the size,shape,composition, type and quality of the ring.
Reason for change. to add the need for both rings to be of the same year.

7/47 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 99
All Secretaries of Organisations must, on or before the first day of April in each year, forward to the General Manager a complete list of all rings sold, together with the names and addresses of the purchasers and where known the telephone number and email addresses.
On the first day of each succeeding month thereafter each Secretary of an Organisation must forward to the General Manager a list of all rings sold during the preceding month, giving the names and addresses of all purchasers.
The ring list sent to the Association shall be franked by the Association and returned to the Secretary of the Organisation. The General Manager shall notify any Secretary of an Organisation who has not sent lists of rings sold by 1st May in any year that such lists are overdue and should be sent immediately.
And replace with
All Secretaries of Organisations must, on or before the first day of April in each year, forward to the Chief Executive a complete list of all rings sold, together with the names and addresses of the purchasers and where known the telephone number and email addresses.
On the first day of each succeeding month thereafter each Secretary of an Organisation must forward to the Chief Executive a list of all rings sold during the preceding month, giving the names and addresses of all purchasers.
The ring list sent to the Association shall be franked by the Association and returned to the Secretary of the Organisation. The Chief Executive shall notify any Secretary of an Organisation who has not sent lists of rings sold by 1st May in any year that such lists are overdue and should be sent immediately.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/48 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 100
All clubs and organisations must nominate a ring secretary to be included in the ring distribution list. This ring secretary is responsible for the reporting of strays unless special dispensation has been granted by the Council of the Association. Before 1st June in each year the General Manager shall draw up a list of rings issued to Clubs/Organisations prior to 31st March in that year. The list shall include the name and address and, where possible, telephone number of each club/ organisation’s ring secretary and shall be made available for publication in two of the newspapers devoted to the racing and showing of homing pigeons circulating nationally in the United Kingdom.
And replace with
All clubs and organisations must nominate a ring secretary to be included in the ring distribution list. This ring secretary is responsible for the reporting of strays unless special dispensation has been granted by the Council of the Association. Before 1st June in each year the Chief Executive shall draw up a list of rings issued to Clubs/Organisations prior to 31st March in that year. The list shall include the name and address and, where possible, telephone number of each club/ organisation’s ring secretary and shall be made available for publication in two of the newspapers devoted to the racing and showing of homing pigeons circulating nationally in the United Kingdom.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/49 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 101
At the end of the year in which rings become ten years old, the General Manager shall be empowered to destroy the original ring ownership records. Before 30th June of the year in which a pigeon in his possession becomes ten years old, the owner of such a bird may re-register the ring with the General Manager on a card provided by the Association for the purpose. Rings not so re-registered are not eligible for competition.
And replace with
At the end of the year in which rings become ten years old, the Chief Executive shall be empowered to destroy the original ring ownership records. Before 30th June of the year in which a pigeon in his possession becomes ten years old, the owner of such a bird may re-register the ring with the Chief Executive on a card provided by the Association for the purpose. Rings not so re-registered are not eligible for competition.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/50 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 102
On change of ownership of any bird carrying a ring issued by the Association, the former owner shall forthwith sign and deliver to the new owner a transfer form, supplies of which may be obtained (incurring postal charges only) from the General Manager. Such transfer form must be sent to the General Manager for registration in Association records within 14 days after the change of ownership. The Association will send notification of such transfer within 14 days after a receipt of a duly completed transfer form enclosing a replacement transfer form to each party. There is a charge for the process of transfers, which includes postage. This cost can be found in the current price list.
And replace with
On change of ownership of any bird carrying a ring issued by the Association, the former owner shall forthwith sign and deliver to the new owner a transfer form, supplies of which may be obtained (incurring postal charges only) from the Chief Executive. Such transfer form must be sent to the Chief Executive for registration in Association records within 14 days after the change of ownership. The Association will send notification of such transfer within 14 days after a receipt of a duly completed transfer form enclosing a replacement transfer form to each party. There is a charge for the process of transfers, which includes postage. This cost can be found in the current price list.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/51 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 106
In the event of dissolution or termination of a partnership, alterations of the registered owner’s name will be made upon payment of a fee of £5.00 (inclusive of value added tax) provided that the succeeding owner is resident at the registered address of the former partnership. Proof of dissolution or termination of a partnership shall be furnished to the General Manager and all of the partners in the ex-partnership must sign the Association’s standard form. Should it not be possible to obtain the signatures of all the former partners for any reason, a covering letter explaining the circumstances must be forwarded to the Secretary of the relevant Local Region Committee who, after investigation, may give permission for the partnership to be dissolved. All rings on pigeons removed from or to an address other than that at which the owner of such rings is registered must be transferred by means of submission of the standard single ring transfer form.
And replace with
In the event of dissolution or termination of a partnership, alterations of the registered owner’s name will be made upon payment of a fee of £5.00 (inclusive of value added tax) provided that the succeeding owner is resident at the registered address of the former partnership. Proof of dissolution or termination of a partnership shall be furnished to the Chief Executive and all of the partners in the ex-partnership must sign the Association’s standard form. Should it not be possible to obtain the signatures of all the former partners for any reason, a covering letter explaining the circumstances must be forwarded to the Secretary of the relevant Local Region Committee who, after investigation, may give permission for the partnership to be dissolved. All rings on pigeons removed from or to an address other than that at which the owner of such rings is registered must be transferred by means of submission of the standard single ring transfer form.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/52 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 108
The Secretary of any Organisation may obtain verification of the ownership of any Association ring on a bird upon paying to the General Manager a fee of 15p per ring (inclusive of value added tax).
And replace with
The Secretary of any Organisation may obtain verification of the ownership of any Association ring on a bird upon paying to the Chief Executive a fee of 15p per ring (inclusive of value added tax).
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/53 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 109
If the General Manager receives notification of a found or stray pigeon he may communicate to the finder the name and address of the owner and to the owner the name and address of the finder.
And replace with
If the Chief Executive receives notification of a found or stray pigeon he may communicate to the finder the name and address of the owner and to the owner the name and address of the finder.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/54 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 110
On receipt of notification of a stray bird from a non-fancier, and having established that the bird is a stray, the General Manager will notify the owner by first class post or email and pass the name and telephone number to the non-fancier. The owner will be advised that if he/she has not made contact with the finder and arranged collection of the pigeon within 48 hours (2 working days) the finder will be asked to contact the General Manager who will arrange collection of the pigeon for delivery to him at headquarters. In this instance, disciplinary action may be taken against the owner. On delivery of the pigeon to headquarters the owner will have 14 days in which to arrange collection of the bird. The cost of carriage to headquarters and onwards to the owner will be charged to the owner. If the fancier fails to pay these costs within 14 days from the date of invoice from headquarters, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Rule 112.
If a pigeon has to be collected from a non-fancier by a local fancier under extenuating circumstances, then the conditions of Rule 110 still apply in that the owner has 48 hours to collect his pigeon from the new finder.
And replace with
On receipt of notification of a stray bird from a non-fancier, and having established that the bird is a stray, the Chief Executive will notify the owner by first class post or email and pass the name and telephone number to the non-fancier. The owner will be advised that if he/she has not made contact with the finder and arranged collection of the pigeon within 48 hours (2 working days) the finder will be asked to contact the Chief Executive who will arrange collection of the pigeon for delivery to him at headquarters. In this instance, disciplinary action may be taken against the owner. On delivery of the pigeon to headquarters the owner will have 14 days in which to arrange collection of the bird. The cost of carriage to headquarters and onwards to the owner will be charged to the owner. If the fancier fails to pay these costs within 14 days from the date of invoice from headquarters, disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with Rule 112.
If a pigeon has to be collected from a non-fancier by a local fancier under extenuating circumstances, then the conditions of Rule 110 still apply in that the owner has 48 hours to collect his pigeon from the new finder.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review
7/55 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 111
If the finder is a member of the Association or of a homing union recognised by the Association, it shall be compulsory for the owner to communicate with the finder within 14 days of being notified by the General Manager, with instructions either to return the pigeon or for the pigeon to be transferred to the finder. If the pigeon is returned, the owner shall pay to the finder such amount as may be agreed between them or, failing agreement, the sum prescribed by the Council for this purpose from time to time if the bird is delivered by independent carrier by road or such higher expenses as are incurred by the finder in delivering the bird to the owner. In the event of the finder not wishing to have the bird transferred to him, he shall state so at the time of reporting the finding of the bird to the General Manager.
And replace with
If the finder is a member of the Association or of a homing union recognised by the Association, it shall be compulsory for the owner to communicate with the finder within 14 days of being notified by the Chief Executive, with instructions either to return the pigeon or for the pigeon to be transferred to the finder. If the pigeon is returned, the owner shall pay to the finder such amount as may be agreed between them or, failing agreement, the sum prescribed by the Council for this purpose from time to time if the bird is delivered by independent carrier by road or such higher expenses as are incurred by the finder in delivering the bird to the owner. In the event of the finder not wishing to have the bird transferred to him, he shall state so at the time of reporting the finding of the bird to the Chief Executive.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/56 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 112
If the General Manager is informed that the owner has failed to claim a pigeon or had failed to communicate with a fancier finder within 14 days of being notified by the General Manager, the General Manager shall notify the secretary of the owner’s Local Region Committee with a copy being posted to the member. If the member has not informed the Local Region Committee that the matter has been resolved within 7 days after such notification by the General Manager, the President and Secretary of the Local Region Committee may suspend such member from membership of the Association. Such suspension shall be effective until the next meeting of the Local Region Committee and shall be subject to confirmation at that meeting.
And replace with
If the Chief Executive is informed that the owner has failed to claim a pigeon or had failed to communicate with a fancier finder within 14 days of being notified by the Chief Executive, the Chief Executive shall notify the secretary of the owner’s Local Region Committee with a copy being posted to the member. If the member has not informed the Local Region Committee that the matter has been resolved within 7 days after such notification by the Chief Executive, the President and Secretary of the Local Region Committee may suspend such member from membership of the Association. Such suspension shall be effective until the next meeting of the Local Region Committee and shall be subject to confirmation at that meeting.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/57 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 113
Any notice given to the General Manager in connection with stray birds shall be sufficiently given if sent by pre-paid first class post or email in the case of non-fanciers or second class post or email in the case of fancier.
And replace with
Any notice given to the Chief Executive in connection with stray birds shall be sufficiently given if sent by pre-paid first class post or email in the case of non-fanciers or second class post or email in the case of fancier.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/58 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 114
Where a stray pigeon is reported direct to an owner by the finder, the provisions of the above Rules shall apply as if the finder had notified the General Manager.
And replace with
Where a stray pigeon is reported direct to an owner by the finder, the provisions of the above Rules shall apply as if the finder had notified the Chief Executive.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/59 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 124
Officials of any Organisation, including convoyers, assistant convoyers, official liberators, clock setters, the General Manager and Secretaries of Local Region Committees must be Members of the Association. All convoyers, assistant convoyers and official liberators must be licensed by the Association, such licence to be obtained from the Secretary of the Committee of the Local Region of which the applicant is a member. Licences shall apply from the 1st January to 31st December inclusive and the fee for a licence shall be £5.00 of which £2.00 will be retained by the Local Region and £3.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.) shall be forwarded to the General Manager. A Local Region Committee shall be entitled to refuse to grant any such licence where it is satisfied that this would be in the best interests of the association and its members. The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be final.
And replace with
Officials of any Organisation, including convoyers, assistant convoyers, official liberators, clock setters, the Chief Executive and Secretaries of Local Region Committees must be Members of the Association. All convoyers, assistant convoyers and official liberators must be licensed by the Association, such licence to be obtained from the Secretary of the Committee of the Local Region of which the applicant is a member. Licences shall apply from the 1st January to 31st December inclusive and the fee for a licence shall be £5.00 of which £2.00 will be retained by the Local Region and £3.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.) shall be forwarded to the Chief Executive. A Local Region Committee shall be entitled to refuse to grant any such licence where it is satisfied that this would be in the best interests of the association and its members. The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be final.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/60 COUNCIL OF THE RPRA PROPOSE
(C.7351)
Amend RPRA rule 124
Officials of any Organisation, including convoyers, assistant convoyers, official liberators, clock setters, the General Manager and Secretaries of Local Region Committees must be Members of the Association. All convoyers, assistant convoyers and official liberators must be licensed by the Association, such licence to be obtained from the Secretary of the Committee of the Local Region of which the applicant is a member. Licences shall apply from the 1st January to 31st December inclusive and the fee for a licence shall be £5.00 of which £2.00 will be retained by the Local Region and £3.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.) shall be forwarded to the General Manager. A Local Region Committee shall be entitled to refuse to grant any such licence where it is satisfied that this would be in the best interests of the association and its members. The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be final.
And replace with
Officials of any Organisation, including convoyers, assistant convoyers, official liberators, clock setters, the General Manager and Secretaries of Local Region Committees must be Members of the Association. All convoyers, assistant convoyers and official liberators must be licensed by the Association, such licence to be obtained from the Secretary of the Committee of the Local Region of which the applicant is a member. Licences shall apply from the 1st January to 31st December inclusive and the fee for a licence shall be £10.00 of which £4.00 will be retained by the Local Region and £6.00 (inclusive of V.A.T.) shall be forwarded to the General Manager. A Local Region Committee shall be entitled to refuse to grant any such licence where it is satisfied that this would be in the best interests of the association and its members. The decision of the Local Region Committee shall be final.
The reason for this rule change is to reflect the proposed price increase in respect of relevant licences
7/61 SOUTH WEST REGION PROPOSE
Add to rule 127
a) Any member or Organisation arranging for the convoying of racing pigeons shall, where the number of birds carried exceeds 500, ensure that the vehicle used is adequately fitted with equipment for the controlling of fires.
b) The number of pigeons placed in the basket or container must be restricted relevant to the distance and time spent in them. The following figures must be strictly adhered to. Failure to do so may entail suspension of the individuals or organisation responsible. The nights in the basket to be from the day of marking to the projected day of liberation.
Time Minimum floor area per pigeon
0 or 1 night 44 sq. ins.
2 nights 52 sq. ins.
over 2 nights 60 sq. ins.
See Appendix F

c) In designated young bird races no old birds shall be allowed in the same baskets or containers as the young birds. Old birds may be transported on the same transporter but in separate baskets or containers.
And replace with
a) Any member or Organisation arranging for the convoying of racing pigeons shall, where the number of birds carried exceeds 500, ensure that the vehicle used is adequately fitted with equipment for the controlling of fires.
b) The number of pigeons placed in the basket or container must be restricted relevant to the distance and time spent in them. The following figures must be strictly adhered to. Failure to do so may entail suspension of the individuals or organisation responsible. The nights in the basket to be from the day of marking to the projected day of liberation.
Time Minimum floor area per pigeon
0 or 1 night 44 sq. ins.
2 nights 52 sq. ins.
over 2 nights 60 sq. ins.
See Appendix F
c) In designated young bird races no old birds shall be allowed in the same baskets or containers as the young birds. Old birds may be transported on the same transporter but in separate baskets or containers.
d) The number of cocks per basket or container will always be two less than the number of hens, calculated using the 44, 56, 60 sq inches floor area allowance.
Reason for proposition - Cock birds are generally bigger in the body than hens , and will lead to less overcrowding at basketing
7/62 LONDON REGION PROPOSE
Delete RPRA Rule 127(c)
c) In designated young bird races no old birds shall be allowed in the same baskets or containers as the young birds. Old birds may be transported on the same transporter but in separate baskets or containers.
and replace with
c) In any age races or designated young bird races no old birds shall be allowed in the same baskets or containers as the young birds. Old birds may be transported on the same transporter but in separate baskets or containers.
Reason for change- Many Clubs race any age races, so young birds and old birds can compete in some Organisations from the start of the season until the end.

7/63 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 129
All federations, combines, amalgamations and national Specialist Clubs and any club racing independently, shall prior to 1st March in each year deliver to the General Manager their race programmes for the year, including race dates, approximate liberation times and the telephone number of the controller of each race. Failure to do so shall result in a surcharge of £20. The General Manager shall draw up a list of all such race programmes and shall before 1st April in each year make the list available for publication in two newspapers devoted to the racing or showing of homing pigeons circulating nationally in the United Kingdom and have such list available for distribution to any of the said convoying organisations on request.
And replace with
All federations, combines, amalgamations and national Specialist Clubs and any club racing independently, shall prior to 1st March in each year deliver to the Chief Executive their race programmes for the year, including race dates, approximate liberation times and the telephone number of the controller of each race. Failure to do so shall result in a surcharge of £20. The Chief Executive shall draw up a list of all such race programmes and shall before 1st April in each year make the list available for publication in two newspapers devoted to the racing or showing of homing pigeons circulating nationally in the United Kingdom and have such list available for distribution to any of the said convoying organisations on request.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/64 COUNCIL OF THE RPRA PROPOSE
(C.7344)
Delete rule 133 b
‘One-Loft Race’ means a race/s where members send their birds for competition to one single loft location to be trained together, and where an entry fee per bird is submitted as part of the conditions of racing. Any member of the Association or any organisation affiliated to the Association which organises a One-Loft Race shall apply to the Local Region where the loft is situated for a One Loft race licence for the race and for any interim races where prize or pool money is involved. The licence must be obtained before advertising commences and the licence number included in all adverts. The cost of the licence is to be £25 per race. At the close of entry date the organiser/organisation shall notify the Local Region/RPRA Headquarters of the total number of birds entered and deposit the total guaranteed prize money to be flown for with the Local Region/RPRA Headquarters. This is to be paid by cheque or bankers draft. At closure of each race (interim or final) the organiser/organisation shall supply a complete race result to the Local Region/RPRA Headquarters, together with stamped addressed envelopes for those persons who are to receive prize money, subject to objection.
The Local Region/RPRA Headquarters shall, after the race result has been published and any objections to the race result have been resolved, pay to the winners their winnings by cheque. Should the birds be auctioned after the race has been flown, details of the distribution of the sale money must also be published.
In such One-Loft Races birds must be timed using a Electronic Timing System approved by the RPRA Council. All rings shall be registered in the name of the organiser.
And replace with
‘One-Loft Race’ means a race/s where members send their birds for competition to one single loft location to be trained together, and where an entry fee per bird is submitted as part of the conditions of racing. Any member of the Association or any organisation affiliated to the Association which organises a One-Loft Race shall apply to the Local Region where the loft is situated for a One Loft race licence for the race and for any interim races where prize or pool money is involved. The licence must be obtained before advertising commences and the licence number included in all adverts. The cost of the licence is to be £25 per race. At the close of entry date the organiser/organisation shall notify the Local Region/RPRA Headquarters of the total number of birds entered and the total guaranteed prize money to be flown for.
In such One-Loft Races birds must be timed using an Electronic Timing System approved by the RPRA Council. All rings shall be registered in the name of the organiser.
The reason for this proposal is to simplify the process involved in running a one loft race
7/65 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 140
The Council shall be empowered to make alterations to these Rules as regards punctuation and grammar only and provided that the meaning of any Rule is not thereby changed.
And replace with
The Executive Committee shall be empowered to make alterations to these Rules as regards punctuation and grammar only and provided that the meaning of any Rule is not thereby changed.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/66 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 141
Should any member of the RPRA wish to make a proposal to alter or insert a new rule, they must submit the proposition in writing to their Organisation secretary. The secretary will then circulate the proposals to all members of the Organisation giving 7 days’ notice of the meeting. Should the proposition be carried, the Organisation secretary will forward them to their local Region secretary who will in turn circulate them to all Organisations affiliated to the Region.
Any proposition that is carried by the Region will be sent to the General Manager, to be included at the AGM of Council.
Council may submit propositions to the General Manager, not less than 42 days prior to the date of an annual general meeting of the council. Any such proposal must submit the full text of any rule proposed to be revised as it would if the proposal was accepted.
And replace with
Should any member of the RPRA wish to make a proposal to alter or insert a new rule, they must submit the proposition in writing to their Organisation secretary. The secretary will then circulate the proposals to all members of the Organisation giving 7 days’ notice of the meeting. Should the proposition be carried, the Organisation secretary will forward them to their local Region secretary who will in turn circulate them to all Organisations affiliated to the Region.
Any proposition that is carried by the Region will be sent to the Chief Executive, to be included at the AGM of Council.
Council may submit propositions to the Chief Executive, not less than 42 days prior to the date of an annual general meeting of the council. Any such proposal must submit the full text of any rule proposed to be revised as it would if the proposal was accepted.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/67 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 142
The Council shall have power to make and alter Rules and regulations to cover any emergency. Such Rules or regulations may be made or altered at a general meeting or a special meeting and shall operate until rescinded by the Council or until the next annual general meeting at which the requisite publication of the proposed alteration of the Rules can be given, whichever is sooner.
And replace with
The Executive Committee shall have power to make and alter Rules and regulations to cover any emergency. Such Rules or regulations may be made or altered at an Executive Committee meeting or a special meeting of Council and shall operate until rescinded by the Executive Committee or until the next annual general meeting at which the requisite publication of the proposed alteration of the Rules can be given, whichever is sooner.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/68 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 145
The Council’s determination on the interpretation, construction and operation of these Rules shall be final.
And replace with
The Executive Committee determination on the interpretation, construction and operation of these Rules shall be final.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/69 CUMBRIA AND WESTERN REGIONS PROPOSE
Delete RPRA rule 201
Members must time-in their birds by means of a timing clock of a type approved by the Association Council. All members must submit to the Organisation the clocks they intend using in the season’s races for such period as may be determined by the Organisation prior to the first race in which they are to be used. The said clocks shall remain in the possession of the Clock Committee during the whole of the season, provided that a member shall be allowed to transfer his/her clock from one Organisation to another if he/she so desires so long as it is put under seal during transit. (For the purpose of this Rule, Organisation shall be taken to mean any of the Organisations within the ‘Confederation’ whose testing tolerance is not greater than the RPRA tolerance). For the purpose of such transit, the sealing shall be that appropriate to the sealing of the clock for a race, provided that in the case of a clock with dials, one dial only shall be necessary. This dial must be signed and dated by a member of the Clock Committee.
And replace with
Members must time-in their birds by means of a timing clock of a type approved by the Association Executive Committee. All members must submit to the Organisation the clocks they intend using in the season’s races for such period as may be determined by the Organisation prior to the first race in which they are to be used. The said clocks shall remain in the possession of the Clock Committee during the whole of the season, provided that a member shall be allowed to transfer his/her clock from one Organisation to another if he/she so desires so long as it is put under seal during transit. (For the purpose of this Rule, Organisation shall be taken to mean any of the Organisations within the ‘Confederation’ whose testing tolerance is not greater than the RPRA tolerance). For the purpose of such transit, the sealing shall be that appropriate to the sealing of the clock for a race, provided that in the case of a clock with dials, one dial only shall be necessary. This dial must be signed and dated by a member of the Clock Committee.
The reason for this rule change is to enable modernization of the Association as outlined in the recent Hall Associates review

7/70 COUNCIL OF THE RPRA PROPOSE
(C.7346)
Delete rule 241
The positioning of the ETS sensors/ antennae will not be allowed on any landing boards or other external surfaces in such a way that when the loft is closed no electronic chip ring may be recorded by the Electronic Timing System installed. Club Officials may make random checks at any time. Contravention of this rule will result in disciplinary action under Rule 70(a).
And replace with
The positioning of the ETS sensors/ antennae will not be allowed on any landing boards or other external surfaces in such a way that when the loft is closed an electronic ring chip ring may be recorded by the Electronic Timing System installed. Club Officials may make random checks at any time. Contravention of this rule will result in disciplinary action under Rule 70(a).
Reason for proposal is that the current is grammatically incorrect
7/71 CUMBRIA REGION PROPOSE
New rule
That at the RPRA Annual General Meeting, Council shall appoint 3 Trustees. The function of the trustees, along with the General Manager, is to carry out the instructions of Council with regard to the sale or purchase of Real Property (Buildings and/or Land). Trustees can be re-elected. In the event of a trustee resigning or being unable to carry out his/her duties, Council can co-opt a replacement who will carry out the functions of Trustee until the next AGM. See appendix ‘K’
Appendix K
Trustees’ Duties and Responsibilities
The extent of a Trustee’s duties and responsibilities depends on the type of trust established. Before appointing or accepting the role of a Trustee, careful consideration should be given to what the position involves. No-one should become a Trustee without fully understanding the role.
Duties
The main duties are:
• To act in accordance with the trust document and the general law:
- To read and understand the document
- To comply with the terms of the trust
• Duty of care to the beneficiaries:
- To act fairly between the beneficiaries
- To consider the interests and needs of all of the beneficiaries
- To ensure that they do not put themselves in a position where their interests conflict with those of the beneficiaries. For example, a trustee should not buy any trust property if it was for sale
- To provide information and accounts to the beneficiaries upon request
• To take reasonable care in making investments:
- To exercise such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances
- To consider the suitability of any investment and the need to diversify
- To obtain proper advice is advisable
• Not to profit from the trust:
- The general rule is that a trustee is only entitled to claim out of pocket expenses unless they are a professional trustee, then they may charge for their time
- Not to supply goods or services to the trust through the trustees’ own business
• To protect trust assets:
- To identify all trust assets
- To invest carefully and take appropriate investment advice.
- To insure where necessary
• To keep accounts
• To act unanimously
- Unless trust documents state otherwise
Responsibilities
One of the main responsibilities on the trustees’ shoulders is to declare and account for any tax arising on trust assets
• If there is more than one trustee, the trustees need to decide which one of them will deal with HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”). This trustee is known as the “principal acting trustee”
• All of the trustees are jointly liable for any tax due
• The actions of the principal acting trustee are treated as the actions of all trustees
• Trustees are responsible for declaring all income and capital gains tax and for its payment.
• Must notify HMRC if a new trust is established which generates income or capital gains, or if an old trust which previously did not receive income or make capital gains starts to do so
• Keep records of the trust’s income and expenses
• Complete and return any tax return issued
• Supply trust income form to beneficiaries if applicable
• Responsible for letting HMRC know if an inheritance tax charge becomes payable
• Ensuring compliance with Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) including FATCA (Foreign Tax Compliance Act) and CRS (Common Reporting Standard)
Trustees can be held personally liable for breaches of duty or responsibility.
The reason for the proposed new rule to implement the advice received from the RPRA solicitor
7/72 EAST MIDLANDS REGION PROPOSE
New Rule
‘The Council of the RPRA will take urgent steps to introduce the principal recommendations for the future structure of the organisation as outlined in the report by Hall Associates Europe LLP in 2016. Council, or any subcommittee appointed by them for this purpose, may alter or suspend any of the existing RPRA rules or introduce any new rule(s) that they consider necessary for implementing the recommendations contained in the report.
Such alteration or new rule(s) shall operate until the next annual general meeting at which the requisite publication of the proposed alteration of the rules can be given.’
Explanation as to why this rule needs to be added to the RPRA Rules. (see RPRA Rule 139a).
The proposer feels that it is essential for the future of the Association that the principal provisions of the Hall report be implemented as a matter of urgency. The introduction of a new rule that requires Council to take this action is the only way that this will be achieved.
7/73 COUNCIL OF THE RPRA PROPOSE
(C.7351)
Delete RPRA rule 132
Any Organisation wishing to hold an Open Race and organisers of One Loft Races must apply for a licence to the Secretary of that Organisation’s Local Region Committee or the organiser’s Local Region Committee, as applicable, on an application form approved by the Council and sent to the Secretary of the Local Region Committee so as to be received by him not less that 21 days before the date of the proposed race. With such application the Organisation shall send a copy of the rules to be adopted for the proposed race and a fee of £5 which shall be retained by the Local Region. The Local Region Committee shall be entitled to refuse to grant a licence for an open race if it is satisfied that this would be in the best interests of the Association and its members. The Local Region Committee shall refuse to grant a licence for an open race unless the Organisation arranging the race undertakes to ensure that the rules of the race are implemented.
And replace with

Any Organisation wishing to hold an Open Race and organisers of One Loft Races must apply for a licence to the Secretary of that Organisation’s Local Region Committee or the organiser’s Local Region Committee, as applicable, on an application form approved by the Council and sent to the Secretary of the Local Region Committee so as to be received by him not less that 21 days before the date of the proposed race. With such application the Organisation shall send a copy of the rules to be adopted for the proposed race and a fee of £10 which shall be retained by the Local Region. The Local Region Committee shall be entitled to refuse to grant a licence for an open race if it is satisfied that this would be in the best interests of the Association and its members. The Local Region Committee shall refuse to grant a licence for an open race unless the Organisation arranging the race undertakes to ensure that the rules of the race are implemented.
The reason for this rule change is to reflect the proposed price increase in respect of relevant licences