Homer's Odyssey/BHW Plus - 05/03/10

[willie reynolds]

The 60th Annual General Meeting of INFC was held in the Lagan Valley Leisure Plex, Lisburn Leisure Park, Governor Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, on Saturday 27th February 2010, a very good attendance was present. Chairman Syd Collins took a number of apologies and then asked the members to stand and observe a moments silence in respect of those members deceased in the previous year, including Noel Grant Balbriggan who served on the IHU Appeals Committee. The Secretary Trevor Topping was invited to read the minutes of the previous AGM which were passed, the Convoyers Race Reports for 2009 were on the table and available for the members. It was reported the birds were slow to clear in both races from Skibbereen, despite good conditions, and also that the Kings Cup race point in France was excellent and that the liberation last season was one of the best ever.

Secretary's Report 2009.

The 2009 season membership was 1943 with 588 members in the South and 1355 in the North. It is a disappointing to see the numbers go below 2000 and I appeal to all members to promote the club and what it has to offer especially in the South of Ireland. Members who left totalled 217 this is 11.5%. New members totalled 146.

I wish to thank on behalf of the members the following sponsors for the 2009 season: Bamfords Top Flight, Samuel McCausland Ltd, Bucktons Premium Pigeon Feeds, Versele - Laga, Natural Granen, Harkers Hormoform, Veterinary Services for Birds, Gem Supplements Ltd, Unikon ETS and Sawyers & Co. Estate Agents. Each race had sponsors prizes which were greatly appreciated by the members and thanks also to those members who obtained the sponsorship. Also the BHW with a discount on publishing rates for the race results.

Two new trophies were presented during the 2009 by the former New North Flying Club and Mr Robin Duddy for a new competition, Best Average velocity Yearling and Young Bird Channel National with a guaranteed prize of £1,000. Thanks to all concerned.

The club had successful season racing with some races proving challenging and Picauville very disappointing. The lesson still has to be learnt that these easterly race points are not suitable for Irish pigeons in a westerly wind. The King's Cup was flown after a two year break. A lot of work went into organising the race to make sure it would take place and thanks to the drivers Jim and Vincent McCroy, Race Advisors David Black, Tom Marshall and Willie Hore also Michael Corbin site agent who provided the release site from French race. I congratulate all winners of National races and prize winners. Ronnie Johnston arranged the prize distribution to a very high standard once again and it was good to have outgoing President Mr Ken McConaghie present the awards with every trophy being handed out.

I wish to thank the committees of the East Down Combine and Ulster Federation for assistance with transport during the 2009 season. On behalf of the members I wish to thank all of those committee members and members who helped at the race markings, clock settings and checking's, race controllers, convoyers and drivers. Also the ETS Company representatives for assistance at race markings.

ETS was introduced in 2009 it needs improving on and the committee will have to address some issues at the marking and clock checking centres. I wish to thank the officials, the committee members, press officer, and any members who helped me during the past season. This year by rotation the post of President changes with Mr Sid Collins of the RPRA being appointed. I wish to thank the out going President Ken McConaghie for all his help and support in the past and congratulate him on the professional way he carried out his duties.

The 2010 season is fast approaching and I appeal for help at the marking centre if only for a few hours as those members of the committee who faithfully attend the race marking are struggling to cope. The single bird challenge entries to be in before 17th March and also the Duddy Challenge is open for entries. I hope we all have a successful 2010 season.

INFC Auditors report on the 2009 accounts.

2009 was a good year for the club 17,159 birds were sent to all races compared with 15,402 in 2008. It is interesting to note that the 17,159 birds are higher than the entry in 2005 although we had some 300 less members.

Expenditure on races was £37,486 as compared with £43,016 in 2008, a reduction of over £5000. One reason was that in 2008 we had 5 holdovers and the Kings Cup race cancelled, as compared with one holdover last year, however it shows that we are keeping costs as low as possible and our Secretary Trevor Topping is to be congratulated.

Overall the races had a surplus of £5,030 as compared with a loss of £3,013 in 2008 which reflects the higher entries and reduced costs. The Yearling National with a surplus of £4,085 is the main reason for a total surplus of £5030. In view of this the Committee has agreed to increase the guaranteed prize money for the Yearling National by £2,000 and the overall total prize money for this race will be in excess of £13,000 which will be the highest for any of the races.

I do not intend to go through in detail each race but if there are any questions I will be happy to answer!!!

I will now look at our General Revenue Account. Again the number of members dropped and now stands at 1943 a reduction of 66 on the previous year. This downward trend is reflected in most clubs and other organisations. One big change was the almost disappearance of building society interest due to a change to rate change to 0.10% However on the plus side we do not incur any charges for lodging cheques to this account and this would have saved us some £1,300. This year we will have to invest some of our funds with the bank to earn interest. There were some increases on expenditure namely insurance, repairs to trophy and dinner along with inflation interest on other expenditure. The higher dinner costs is reduced by some £900 extra income. Overall this account showed a deficit of £1,968 as compared with a surplus of £2,655 in 2008.

I will turn to the Balance Sheet. You can see on the Capital account the surplus on races of £5,030 and the deficit of £1,968 on the General revenue which gives a overall surplus for the year of £3,062 as compared with £358 in 2008 so a very satisfactory performance. Our total assets including bank and building society deposits are £75,088 but this includes the Trailer Fund of £28,392. The fund includes the £10,000 from the INFC Show Committee and a decision on whether to proceed to purchase a trailer needs to be taken in the future.

We are in a very healthy position and I thank Trevor and David our Treasurer, our Finance Committee and the full Committee for all their hard work in providing National Races at a membership Fee of £15 which is excellent value for Money. I wish you all good health in 2010 and every success in the races. There were no other queries and the accounts were passed.

All officers were then declared vacant and Ken McConaghie was invited to present the Chain of Office to Syd Collins having completed his three year term in office. He thanked the members for their help and support over the time and Syd did the same having been Chairman for the same period and now moving to President. Ken was installed as a Life Vice President and joins Lyndin Boyle, Joe Doheny, Jimmy Hughes, Ronnie Johnston and Sammy Thompson. Eugene Fitzgerald moves up to Senior Vice President, and David Black is the new Junior Vice President.

The Office Bearers 2010.

Patron Mr Ronnie Johnston, President Mr Syd Collins (RPRA), Senior Vice President Mr Eugene Fitzgerald (IHU), Junior Vice President Mr David Black (RPRA), Life Vice-Presidents Mr L Boyle, Mr J Doheny, Mr J Hughes, Mr R Johnston, Mr S Thompson and Mr K McConaghie. Chairman Mr E Fitzgerald.

Secretary Mr Trevor Topping, 74 Causeway End Road, Lisburn, BT28 2ED. Tel/Fax: (028) 9294 1265. ROI (048) 9264 1265. Treasurer Mr Davy Mawhinney, Press Officer Mr Willie Reynolds, Auditor Mr Allan McDonald.

INFC Management Committee 2009:

RPRA Representatives - P Smith (Dublin), W Knowles (Kingsmoss), A Darragh (Cullybackey), P Gault (Kingsmoss), R Duddy (Ballyclare), C OHare (Ballyholland), D Suitters (Doagh), W Reynolds (Ballymena), C Lyons (Hills & Maze), L Woodside (Ballyclare), G Shaw (Colin), G McDowell (Kells & Dist), R Stevenson (Dromara), G Delaney (Dromore). J Serplus (Laurelvale) was elected from the floor. INFC Appeals Committee: S Cairns (Gilford), J Burrows (Eastway) and R McCracken (Banbridge).

IHU Representatives L McCavery (Annalong), B McLoughlin (Annalong), G Gaw (East End), T Marshall (Newtownbreda), A McFarland (East End), B Marshall (Newtownbreda), A Milliken (Lagan Valley), M Johnston (West Belfast), M Irvine (Tyrella), J Erwin (Fortfield), T OReilly (Andersonstown), V Flood (Dublin North East), C Browne (Bangor), R Taylor (Shankill), R Trimble (Ballynahinch HPS). IHU Appeals Committee: J McCavanagh (Balbriggan), P J Corcoran (Balbriggan) and J Albert (Ballylesson).

Race Advisors: W Hore (Wexford), D Black (Dromara) and T Marshall (Newtownbreda).

Item 6 Notices of Motion.

Two Resolutions were listed for decision, both submitted by The Committee and both carried by a large vote. (6.1) Replace Rule 21 with new rule. New Rule 21 Annual subscription must be paid and returned before 28th April each year. New members £10.00 joining fee plus annual subscription. No applications for membership will be considered after 28th April.

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

(6.2) The Old Hens National be excluded from the National Averages.

There was some discussion on the transporter for the Friendship Nat and the Secretary confirmed he had arrangements almost complete for the 2010 season re transport. We had a bit of discussion as well on race points, especially a long distance event and maybe consideration for Quimper again. The Old Hen Nat is now not included in the overall average and is in danger of being dropped if a suitable alternative is not found. The meeting was not in favour of it being flown where a member could win twice on the same day with the same bird. I still think consideration could be given to the Yearling Nat, I know it is the most successful and it would be difficult to race mark a larger entry. Old Hens (from 2 years old) could have a super race here. This race is under severe pressure to be maintained. Most time was used up on what to do about the purchase of a new transporter, we have found again the meeting and members appear to be evenly divided, a decision will have to be made very soon. The committee are to look at setting ordinary clocks at the race marking, help is again the big problem. I have been asked to explain the Robin Duddy Challenge. Members pay a £10 Fee, then enter one, two and no more than three birds for firstly the Yearling Nat and then later in the year for the YB Nat Penzance. Its the Best Ave over the two races, your first nominated bird timed in the Yearling Nat counted with your first nominated bird timed in the YB Penzance. It is not necessary to enter three birds, many lofts send less that three to the race, the main point is that three birds is the limit for the Robin Duddy Trophy. Hope that helps a bit. Its going to be another very interesting year and members should pay attention to the on-going discussions.

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

BHW/INFC Single Bird Challenge

By now all INFC members will have received their BHW/INFC Single Bird Challenge entry form, these should be completed and returned to David Black by 17th March along with the £5 entry fee. Also included in the envelope is the Robin Duddy Trophy entry form, to win this trophy a member nominates three birds on their Yearling National entry sheet, it is the first of these three birds which counts, ~they also nominate three birds on their Penzance Young Bird National sheet and again the first bird home counts towards the two race average, the total cost of entry is £10. The closing date for entries is the race marking night of the Yearling National, Monday 7th June. If any member wants to send both entries together they can do so. The latest member list for the Single Bird Challenge is available to view on the Discussion Forum (INFC) on www.pigeonnetwork.com

* Any potential new members or any member with any questions should contact David Black on Tel: 07876 157706 on details of how to enter. It is my sad duty to inform the fancy that Drew Fleming of Randalstown has passed away, he was a founder member of the NIPA and scored some fantastic results in those early years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hi homer - would you help us publish the following names & number of entitlements to enter our special race to be flown in conjunction with the INFC young bird skibereen
(£1000 prize - splits to be advised later)

j patterson /m mcconville /r fear /j greenaway /b hogg /
a milligan /spence brothers /bingham & seaton /j young
d campbell /d parr /n armstrong /j watt - all have 2 entries

c shaw 3 / f mudd 4 / a crawford 4/ t plant 4 /w willis 5/
s millar 5/ j scates 5/ mcmurray & anderson 6/ n herron 6/ mackey & lockhart 6/
t&k mawhinney 7/ j&r plant 8/ brown & shaw 8/ m johnston 9/
g mccartney 10/ p wylie 10/ h patton 12/ r allen 12/j gabraith & son 14/
j galbraith & sons 15/ r cowan 15/ r&j conlane 17/ k wilkinson 19/
e burton 20/ d jackson & son 20/

Homer
Tel/Fax: (028) 256 44683

Mobile: 07939 684876
Email: reynoldshomer@aol.com
www.pigeonnetwork.com