BBC going South

[Andy]

Following a meeting on the 14th the BBC have decided that they will be flying South next year. Although not a surprise in someways as their name, British Barcelona Club, suggests that it is a South Road club it is a bit disappointing. I had hoped that they would go North. It does mean that I only have one club to fly with next season that’s going North giving me potentially only 4 or 5 races. I really don’t want to go South in the current situation. I don’t want to get involved with DEFRA, have to have the yearly vet visits, but as much as anything because these clubs have to have vets at all their marking stations they have very much reduced their number, meaning that there is little chance of me being able to get to the marking stations anyway. This really is only benefiting the retired and professional pigeon fanciers that have plenty of time. I will have to see how things go over the next few months and see what race programs the various clubs put out.

[Buster121]

Such a shame for you and the many others that will be affected

[Murray]

That is very bad news for you and the loft, Andy.

Yes, the BBC exists to facilitate racing from the Continent, with the aim to fly from Barcelona. But as you say, with DEFRA, and the need to have vets at marking stations it is just getting too hard.

This will cause more fanciers to reach the point where it isn't worth continuing.

[Andy]

I won’t be giving up and still intend on flying over 600 miles. May just have to continue slowly for the next couple of years. I think the BBC may regret this decision as I don’t think they will get the support from their members. The only way they could make it viable would be to go with the BICC. Then what would be the point of that. Both clubs are national clubs so most members are in both anyway. They might just as well just amalgamate.

[Trev]

I won’t be giving up and still intend on flying over 600 miles. May just have to continue slowly for the next couple of years. I think the BBC may regret this decision as I don’t think they will get the support from their members. The only way they could make it viable would be to go with the BICC. Then what would be the point of that. Both clubs are national clubs so most members are in both anyway. They might just as well just amalgamate.

That could well be the way it does go Andy but I do think more fanciers will register with DEFRA as time goes on and there will be more vets made available to enable more marking stations, there is just too much money and prestige involved to give up on continental racing. Those who are adamant that they aren't going to continue South will either join the CSCFC or NRCC. Although I personally prefer North Road and will hopefully continue to fly North with our Club next season I will also register with DEFRA so I have the for both. Having felt with DEFRA in the past I know they can be a real pain. However some years ago when we had our first outbreak of avian flu they brought out a new ruling that anyone with over 50 chickens had to be registered, at the time I had a flock of 60 so did register and to honest they never contacted me once. If the likes of Dave Parsons is on board then being a vet he must be quite confident that they aren't going to get too awkward. I have to say that the majority of those wishing to race the channel in our club have already joined, I have applied twice now but for some reason keep having problems I will keep trying but guess I have a year to do it now so no hurry

[Andy]

I won’t be giving up and still intend on flying over 600 miles. May just have to continue slowly for the next couple of years. I think the BBC may regret this decision as I don’t think they will get the support from their members. The only way they could make it viable would be to go with the BICC. Then what would be the point of that. Both clubs are national clubs so most members are in both anyway. They might just as well just amalgamate.

That could well be the way it does go Andy but I do think more fanciers will register with DEFRA as time goes on and there will be more vets made available to enable more marking stations, there is just too much money and prestige involved to give up on continental racing. Those who are adamant that they aren't going to continue South will either join the CSCFC or NRCC. Although I personally prefer North Road and will hopefully continue to fly North with our Club next season I will also register with DEFRA so I have the for both. Having felt with DEFRA in the past I know they can be a real pain. However some years ago when we had our first outbreak of avian flu they brought out a new ruling that anyone with over 50 chickens had to be registered, at the time I had a flock of 60 so did register and to honest they never contacted me once. If the likes of Dave Parsons is on board then being a vet he must be quite confident that they aren't going to get too awkward. I have to say that the majority of those wishing to race the channel in our club have already joined, I have applied twice now but for some reason keep having problems I will keep trying but guess I have a year to do it now so no hurry

It’s not the number of vets being available that is the problem with the number of marking stations Trev it’s the cost at £500 per marking station that’s making it unviable. I did hear this week that the NFC are considering finishing for the season through lack of numbers. It’s not just the problems they I would have with marking but also the cost of the yearly vet visit that I object to. Yes could be ok for those close to other members where they can split the cost, but for myself it could cost me £200+ per year. At present from 14,000+ RPRA members under 1,400 have so far registered.

[killer]

Let’s hope things work out for you Andy ,I think the writings on the wall for the working fancier,

[Buster121]

Let’s hope things work out for you Andy ,I think the writings on the wall for the working fancier,

Have to agree sadly