Yesterday, the NRCC held its first committee meeting since racing finished a few weeks ago.
One of the topics discussed was communication between the committee and our members, and how we can improve the way information is shared.
We appreciate that not all members use social media or are part of platforms such as WhatsApp. However, sending information by post through Royal Mail can be costly, and we don’t want to add unnecessary costs for our members.
The committee discussed producing a short summary of each committee meeting, highlighting the main points discussed and any relevant updates for members.
We will share these summaries on our Facebook page, WhatsApp group and the NRCC website.
We’d really appreciate your thoughts on this and whether it’s something you would like to see or not!
So, to yesterday’s meeting:
Treasurer / Auditor
Our Treasurer, Ian Bellamy, explained that his work with the new auditor is progressing well and that everything is currently up to date.
Ian also confirmed that the auditor will be attending the NRCC AGM on Saturday 9th January 2027.
Marking Stations
At the start of the season, we had to close our Cambridge Marking Station due to Avian Influenza.
Fortunately, we were able to secure a new venue at Takeley, near Bishop’s Stortford. This proved to be immensely successful from the outset and, following feedback from members, it was subsequently made our permanent Marking Station.
During the season, £700 was raised for Cancer Research at Takeley, through the sale of tea, coffee and rolls, together with donations. We would like to thank everyone who supported this.
We must also reinforce that no pigeons can be liberated from the Takeley Marking Station, due to its close proximity to Stansted Airport.
The RPRA ruling states: “The liberation of pigeons within an 8 mile radius of the following aerodromes (Stansted) is forbidden.” This is a ruling that we must adhere to.
The committee has agreed that the Marking Stations used this season — Calverton, Ipswich, Norwich, Takeley and Wyberton — will be used again next year.
We appreciate that Section G is an area where we have the potential to grow the club, and the committee is open to suggestions for new Marking Stations.
Any new venue would, however, need to be financially viable for the club. If anyone has suggestions for suitable venues, please let either myself or your Section Representative know.
Convoyer
Following the unfortunate situation this season where we had to arrange a convoyer at short notice, the committee has agreed that we will have a Deputy Convoyer in place for next season.
This will provide additional cover if required and will also enable the necessary licences to be obtained before the racing season begins.
Trackers
The use of trackers to follow the Lerwick pigeons on social media resulted in mixed views from members.
The committee felt that, if members have concerns about trackers being used during racing, a proposition should be submitted for consideration at the AGM.
Alternatively, if members are happy for trackers to be used but do not want the results published during the race, a proposition could be put forward to allow trackers to be used with the results only being made available after the race.
Diploma of Merit
I was asked what the criteria was for the Diploma of Merit a few weeks ago and just wanted to share this.
Criteria:
3 outstanding performances for the same bird from Lerwick:
Written claims from the member –
Up to 515 miles, x3 times in the first 50 birds
515 – 530 miles, x3 times in the first 100 birds
Over 530 miles, x3 times in the first 150 birds
‘It is the responsibility of the owner to submit claims for the Diploma of Merrit’
The NRCC Day of Champions will be held at the Springfields Events and Conference Centre, Spalding on Saturday 28th November, everyone welcome!
Shows
The NRCC will not be attending any other shows this year.
I hope this has been useful and has given an insight into the committee meeting held yesterday, Sunday 27th September.
Your feedback is important to us, so please let us know what you think.
Our next committee meeting is on Sunday 18th October
Dilys