Ideal Snfc Race Programme

[Guest IB]

I am not for one minute suggesting we have any obligation to Ypres/Ieper, as first and formeost it is racing that is the concern.

 

What I would say is it represents a wonderful opportunity to play a positive role for the Scottish Pigeon fanciers in the mind of the UK and Belgian population as a whole. In the next few years will be the century years of the First World War. Some of the most horrific battles where fought out in and round Ypres. The first Battle of Ypres (amongst many) was 1914. The Menin Gate in Ypres itself bears the names of 54,896 dead who have no known graves (40,244 UK, 6198 Australian, 6983 Canadian, 564 South African, 6 BWI and 4217 Indian), who died between 1914 and 15th Aug 1917.. Each and every night at 8pm the soundings of the Last post are carried out by the buglers of the Ypres. Pigeons (Doves) are the symbol of peace, so I think there could be openings where we can play a positive role during the remembrance years.

 

Of course the SNFC are not professional publicists so it may be a futile observation. A race from Ypres can be ingrained in the mindset with good marketing – We need some good publicity. In life one good turn generally gets reciprocated and who knows we may benefit from political decisions that may be made in the future. Just a though …

 

 

I have been to the AGMs that agreed the Ypres race, and discussed the background. I am pleased you posted this item as it is exactly the reason the SNFC go there, and that's also why I want to go, even if like this year I only have one pigeon to send.

 

What needs to be discussed though at the next AGM is what happened to the plan to turn it into an annual GB International Race? Who was going to do that, and what is the current position with it, when is it likely to get off the ground? In my opinion the full potential of the race hasn't been developed, and it would be a mistake for the SNFC to drop it given the negative messages this would send out.