LATEST NEWS

NEWS - WEBSITE 

12.11.19: Our Website Is Now Live!

NEWS - MESSAC 2020

12.11.19: Thames National Messac 2020 Open Race Provisional Race Date - Wednesday 9th September 2020 (Marking on Monday 7th) 

NEWS - 2020 GOLD RINGS

04.12.19: Gold Rings Have Arrived! If you have already pre-ordered & paid, these will be posted to you in the next few days.

NEWS - MOOT

22.12.19: Roger Lowe & Mark Bulled have kindly donated a YB for auction at our Moot on Saturday 29th February. Come along and listen to some of the best fanciers answer your questions. Twin rooms currently available for £62 including all you can eat breakfast for 2, that's £31 per person + £10 for your ticket which includes fish & chips.

NEWS - UNIKON RINGS

NEWS - 3 NEW MARK STATIONS

NEWS - SUPER 6

13.01.20: A big thanks to an anonymous sponsor, Super 6 has an EXTRA £1,000 Prize Money for 2020 and now operates a points system & leader board. Head to 'Racing' to read more.  

NEWS - RACE PROGRAMME

04.02.20: The Lib Site Bedhampton is no longer available. As stated on the race programme we will be going to the alternative lib sites where Bedhampton was mentioned. The updated race programme can be found on the 'racing' page. 

NEWS - ONLINE AUCTION

24.02.20: Our Thames National Messac Auction is live and ends on Sunday 1st March 2020 - www.pigeon-chat.co.uk/auctions/ some fantastic lots up for auction.

NEWS - RACE PROGRAMME

27.02.20: Races 9 & 10 have changed to Honiton as Purbeck was unavailable. 

NEWS - NEW MARK STATION 

27.02.20: Another new marking station has been granted; Rayleigh. Their details can be found under 'members'. That makes 12 M/S & 163 members.

NEWS - 2020 GOLD RINGS

7.02.20: 2020 Gold Ring Prize Money is GUARANTEED to pay out £5,000!

NEWS - BREEDER/BUYER

16.01.21: Our Breeder/Buyer Futurity Sales are going online for 2021. In the last two years we have paid out over an incredible £30,000 in B/B prize money. Have you got what it takes to join in with what must be one of the biggest B/B in the country?!

NEWS - RPRA UPDATE - CHANNEL RACING POST BREXIT

20.01.21: The impact of Brexit on Channel racing has been a concern for Pigeon fanciers all around the UK. The required health documentation and processes relating to the import and export of the avian species, published since Brexit has increased these concerns. The relevant EU regulation that covers the transportation of the Avian species from third countries (countries from outside of the EU) into a European Union member state is 2013/139. 'The following has been extracted from the regulation; This Regulation shall apply to animals of the avian species. However, it shall not apply to: (f) racing pigeons which are introduced to the territory of the Union from a neighbouring third country where they are normally resident and then immediately released with the expectation that they will fly back to that third country;' Nevertheless, I considered it prudent to seek confirmation from the relevant authority than no additional health documentation is required . I am pleased to communicate that I have received confirmation from the Centre for International Trade, (via the APHA) that pigeons transported to an EU state are exempt from the requirements that have caused so much concern. The reply is quoted below 'Your understanding is correct; effectively there is no change to the requirements. Retained EU Regulation 139/2013 [1] does exclude racing pigeons in the scope in Article 2, and no additional documentation would be required. There is just a change to our country status from a member state to 'neighbouring third country'. I am sure members will be pleased to read this confirmation. Please note that this relates to the transportation of pigeons for racing purposes and not the permanent import of pigeons from the EU. In this respect I am still seeking further clarification and will update members as soon as I am in receipt of such information. In addition to the above I am also aware of information circulating relating to vehicle emissions. I have seen social media posts that suggest there is a blanket ban on vehicles, that don't meet certain emission requirements, travelling in France. This is not true. However, there are currently a limited amount of low emission zones with certain restrictions; we will publish information shortly outlining where these emission zones exist.
Ian Evans CEO  

2021 RACE PROGRAMME

20.01.21: The race programme can be found on the 'racing' page.

NEWS - BREEDER BUYER A1

08.03.21: Auction 1 finished at 6pm this evening, 66 lots made £4,205! Thank you to everyone who entered as breeders and everyone who brought pigeons, John Gladwin for his help with the auction and also to The Pigeon Superstore for allowing us to run the auctions on their site.

I have contacted all successful bidders regarding payment - paypal, bank transfer, cheque or cash direct to Thames.
Auction 2 goes live Monday 6pm on https://www.thepigeonsuperstore.com/stores/thames-nec-fc/

NEWS - BREEDER BUYER A2

14.03.21: Auction 2 finished this evening, 67 lots made £3,820! Thank you to everyone who entered as breeders and everyone who brought pigeons, John Gladwin for his help with the auction and also to The Pigeon Superstore for allowing us to run the auctions on their site.

I have contacted all successful bidders regarding payment - paypal, bank transfer, cheque or cash direct to Thames.

Auction 3 is NOW LIVE on https://www.thepigeonsuperstore.com/stores/thames-nec-fc/ and ends from 7.30pm - 8.15pm (no 5min rule) on Sunday 21st March.

There is already over £8,000 in the prize fund.

NEWS - RPRA UPDATE - STATEMENT FROM RAPTOR ALLIANCE

09.03.21: On the 5th February 2021 a meeting between the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Pigeon Racing- Craig Williams MP for Montgomeryshire, DEFRA minister and senior DEFRA officials took place. At this meeting the APPG Chair raised the issues we are experiencing with the rising bird of prey population and specifically the artificial breeding sites used to support Falcons in towns and cities. The DEFRA minister was sympathetic towards the issues experienced by pigeon fanciers and has agreed to facilitate further discussions with DEFRA officials, APPG , Natural England, RSPB and the Hawk and Owl trust. The aim of these discussions is to work towards a Government endorsed guidance for the siting of raptor nest boxes. This has been seen as a very positive step and we thank Craig Williams MP and Chris Guyver of Pepper Shackleton Wellard Ltd for their continued support Colin Clarke - Chair of the Raptor Alliance

NEWS - RPRA UPDATE RE. VACCINATION

10.03.21: As a result of current social distancing rules, the requirement for the vaccination of pigeons to be witnessed by two association members has been relaxed. Wherever possible vaccination should be witnessed by family members or members of the same household. This will remain in place until the Government lifts the restriction on social distancing. Ian Evans CEO.

NEWS - GOLD RING PRIZE MONEY

10.03.21: Gold Ring Prize money for 2021 has been guaranteed to pay out a MINIMUM of £4,500! Open & Section Prize money available. 
There are some (but not many) gold rings still available to buy on www.thamesnec.co.uk/shop/
Our 2021 Gold Ring Race will take place at the second YB BICC race from Vire on 11th September.

NEWS - RPRA MOVING

09.03.21: We will be moving from The Reddings week commencing 22nd March 2021. It is possible there will be some disruption to services between 22nd and 26th March. Contact telephone numbers will remain the same and we will inform the fancy of the new address in due course. We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding. Ian Evans CEO

NEWS - Meeting of the Avian Influenza stakeholder group 23rd March 2021

23.03.21: This morning I attended the meeting of the above group organised by DEFRA. The following is a summary of the update provided by DEFRA. 1. As previously publicised the housing measures will be removed from mid night 31st March 2021. 2. An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone will remain in place across the UK until the risk is assessed as low. 3. The current risk level has been assessed as being between mid and high level. 4. The General license for bird gatherings will be reinstated when the risk level is deemed to be low. 5. The next review will be carried out at the end of March A number of stakeholders asked why DEFRA had not published a 'Road Map' (plan) for when restriction could be lifted. The response outlined that it was impossible to predict when the risk would be assessed as low. I raised the question would Defra be considering the lifting of the ban on gatherings for specific species of birds ie. Before the 'blanket ban was lifted' . It was outlined that pigeons were deemed a low risk of transmitting/spreading avian influenza. Defra's reply was that it was possible that the gatherings could be permitted for certain species deemed low risk in advance of other species of birds. With this in mind I have written to the Defra representatives to request a meeting in advance of the next risk assessment at the end of March Ian Evans CEO

NEWS - Update from APHA/DEFRA

20.03.21: The risk of avian influenza to both wild and kept birds has reduced to 'medium'. The GB-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zones (AIPZ) requiring enhanced biosecurity will remain in force but Wednesday 31st March 2021 will be the last day poultry and other captive birds will need to be housed in GB (housing restrictions end 23:59 31st March 2021).

Bird gatherings will remain banned. High standards of biosecurity remain essential as infection may still be present in the environment. If you intend to allow your birds outside after 31 March you must take action now to prepare the outside areas. Read our guidance on how to prepare for safe release of your birds available on GOV.UK Further details of the latest avian influenza situation and guidance can be found on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu.

What does this mean for Pigeon Racing ?

Racing cannot go ahead until the bird gatherings license is reinstated. As outlined above bird gatherings will remain banned. Racing or multiple loft training cannot go ahead until this has been reinstated. 

RPRA NEW ADDRESS

25.03.21: RPRA HQ has moved to: Bizspace Corinium House Corinium Avenue Barnwood Gloucester GL4 3HX Any post sent to The Reddings will also be forwarded.

NEWS - CHANNEL RACING

25.03.21: As you will be aware from my previous publication DEFRA had confirmed that Racing pigeons transported into the EU from the UK for Racing purposes i.e. to be liberated in the EU to fly back to the UK were exempt from the Animal Health requirements. Following this confirmation we have been working with French Border control to establish what paperwork was required. The outcome of this has been that there is a very different opinion to the 'import' of racing pigeons into the EU from the UK for racing purposes in terms of the health documentation. The current position of the French border control would make the prospect of racing from France or any EU country virtually impossible. There has been successful lobbying of the EU commission by the FCI and European racing organisations in terms of exemptions for racing in relation to the the new animal health laws. While it seems the commission has now excluded racing pigeons from such requirements it has recently become apparent that this is only the case for transport within the EU, by EU members states. What is being done? I am in regular contact with French Border control, FCI, FCF (French pigeon Racing Federation) to try and reach a position whereby we can make channel racing achievable. I have also brought this issue to the attention of DEFRA who are looking into the issues. While I am not an expert in the animal health requirements I am of the opinion that article 62 of the animal health requirements for Third countries (countries outside of the EU), that allows such countries to apply for certain derogations (exemptions), is the avenue to take. However, the process for achieving these derogations is yet to be confirmed. The FCI and FCF are currently assisting in trying to establish the process with the Commission and the French Authorities. Please be assured that everything that can be done is being done. Ian Evans CEO

NEWS - TRAINING IN THE UK

29.03.21: In line with the Government Covid roadmap and the current Avian Influenza restrictions, single loft training will be permitted from 29th March 2021. Multiple loft training (more than one loft) is NOT permitted, and will remain prohibited until the General License for Bird Gatherings is reinstated . For the latest updates in relation to the General License for Gatherings please refer to the RPRA website

Ian Evans CEO

NEWS - LATEST STATEMENT FROM DEFRA. 

31.03.21: The latest statement from DEFRA in relation to Avian Influenza included below along with the relevant extract from the AI Code of Practice.

RPRA UPDATE - COVID MARKING & CLOCK STRIKING

06.04.21: RPRA Update - Please familiarise yourselves with the guidance from the RPRA regarding COVID marking and clock striking. Guidance should be strictly implemented. Please note that in addition to moving to Step 2 of the Government's road map, referred to in the guidance, we will NOT be permitted to start racing until Defra reinstate the General Licence for Gatherings. Guidance can be found on the racing page. 

RPRA UPDATE - DEFRA BAN TIL AT LEAST 30 APRIL. 

09.04.21: Earlier this morning I was informed that the meeting scheduled for this afternoon had been cancelled. I am sure this will be a great disappointed to you all as it is to me. However, a DEFRA representative has taken the time to speak to me and as a result I am able to provide the following update; Defra has commissioned a risk assessment (currently not completed) that will be used to decide when to reinstate the General license. The option to do this on a staged approach starting with species considered a lower risk (such as Racing Pigeons) is still an option being considered. The General license will not be reinstated prior to 30th April. This means that Racing can not take place before this date and will be permitted at the earliest, from 1st May 2021. The meeting has now been rearranged for some time week commencing 19th April 2021 (time and date to be confirmed). I will keep you updated with any developments. In the meantime multi loft training (more than one loft) also remains banned. Ian Evans CEO 

SEVERAL RPRA UPDATES

13.04.21: Given the issues associated with racing from France there have been numerous enquiries in respect of using the Guernsey liberation site. Having spoken with the agent in Guensey this week I am informed that the current position of the authorities is that there will be no liberations at Guensey prior to 1st June 2021. Ian Evans CEO13.04.21 - There are a umber of posts on Facebook encouraging members to contact the Chair of our All Party Parliamentary Group to request him to lobby DEFRA to reinstate the General license for Gatherings. Members motivations are very much appreciated. However, in his capacity as Chair of the Group, Craig Williams MP is already supportive of our aims and objectives and has already raised the issues associated with the EU Animal Health Laws and Avian Influenza with DEFRA. If members wish to support these aims and objectives then please contact your MP and ask them to support the APPG for Pigeons Racing; do not contact the Chair directly.
In terms of Avian Influenza restrictions - Just a simple email outlining that the current suspension of the General License for Gatherings is stopping pigeon racing. The current risk level of Avian Influenza in the UK is assessed as low. Coupled with the fact that pigeons are also considered low risk in spreading the disease you respectfully request your MP to support the aims of the RPRA and APPG in achieving a position where the General license is reinstated for pigeons asap. If your MP requires further information they can contact Ian Evans RPRA CEO ianevans@rpra.org or the APPG Chair. They may wish to contact DEFRA directly. In terms of Channel racing and the impact of the new EU Animal Health laws you could forward the recent communication with the Directorate General Sante that can be obtained here https://www.rpra.org/euahregs-channel-racing/ along with a request for your MP to support our aims and objectives in any capacity they feel appropriate.

15.04.21 - The following has been provided as an update by a representative of the Export team at DEFRA. A meeting took place on Tuesday 13th April 2021 between DEFRA and the Commission. On the long list of agenda items was the impact of the New Animal Health regulations on Channel Racing. DEFRA have now followed this with another written request that focuses on the avenue to achieve derogations (Exemptions) outlined in Article 62 of the Delegated regulation 2020/692. Other actions In addition, I wish to inform members that the RPRA President has written to the French Minister of EU and Foreign affairs outlining our issues and requesting assistance. This Federation Colombophile Francaise (FCF) and federation colombophile internationale have also committed to write to the Minister and support our request for assistance. The FCI and their European colleagues are also attempting to get this issue placed on the agenda at the Commission. May I take this opportunity to thank everyone who is supporting these efforts in a positive manner and also stress how important it is that this is done through a coordinated approach organised through the RPRA. Ian Evans CEO

15.04.21 - The meeting with Defra scheduled for the week commencing 19th April will take place on the 21st April.

RACING START DATE

21.04.21: Some good news at last...Marking Friday 30th April for racing Saturday 1st May.. Further Thames details will be announced this week.

RACE PROGRAMME

26.04.21: Updated race programme and distances can be found on the racing page.

RACE PROGRAMME

28.04.21: Updated race programme can be found on the racing page. Changes to races 3 & 20.

RPRA UPDATE - GUERNSEY

29.04.21: The Agent at Guernsey has asked us to confirm with members that Guernsey is not currently open for pigeon liberations. He is in discussions with the Authorities with the aim of the site being available from 1st June. This is subject to confirmation. Ian Evans CEO

2021 SUPER 6 PRIZES 

29.04.21: Super 6 has kindly been sponsored again anonymously with a £1,000 prize money, the points system for this has changed.
NEW FOR 2021... Formula 1 Lofts have also kindly sponsored Super 6 with 3 pairs of matched Formula 1 Stock Birds worth at least £500 per pair, awarded to those with the most 1st, 4th & 6th positions.
NEW FOR 2021... The same anonymous sponsor has donated £500 prize money for a Super 6 Ace Bird award. A different points system applies. The ACE pigeon will be deemed the winner/runner up by the pigeon(s) with the most points.
Remember, the normal prize money of £1 per pigeon generated from the Super 6 birdage is also paid out as it was last year.

VACCINATION FORMS

27.04.21: Just a reminder that you will need to provide your marking station with your vaccination forms on your first race.No member will be allowed to load their pigeons onto the transporter without providing their station with this.

RACE 2 - SUNDAY RACE

06.05.21: Race 2 - Blandford - Due to weather conditions, this week will be Saturday marking for Sunday race. Marking at normal times on Saturday.

RPRA UPDATE - CHANNEL RACING

At a meeting with DEFRA today it was confirmed that the EU commission has agreed to provide a transitional period for the movement of racing pigeons into the EU for the purpose of racing. This transitional period will run until October 2021 after which time we will have to meet the requirements of the new Animal Health Requirements; unless derogations can be achieved. From recent communications with French Border Control Posts it is obvious that this information has not yet cascaded down to the staff on the ground. DEFRA have a meeting next week where they hope to accelerate this information. However, due to the levels of Avian Influenza on the continent at this point in time the General license does not allow us to race from the continent. This position will be reviewed next week and we hope to have news within the week after next.
I am sure everyone will receive this as positive news. The largest hurdle to channel racing now has a temporary solution. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at DEFRA who have worked to a position that means we have a temporary solution to the Animal Health Law. More information will be published in due course.  

RPRA UPDATE - CHANNEL RACING UPDATE - ANIMAL HEALTH LAW 

14.05.21: Within our previous update we outlined the importance that the EU position was communicated to the relevant members states and the relevant custom authorities. The current position is that there is still not an agreed process to allow the smooth entry into France. We are working with DEFRA and a contact in France, who in turn is working with the French Customs in an attempt to reach a position where all sides are aware of the required paperwork and process to facilitate entry. In the interest of the pigeons welfare; Until this process has been agreed we would advise against any organisation trying to enter France with pigeons, for the purpose of racing. There remains a real possibility that entry would be refused. We will provide an update as soon as the position is clarified. We will publish an update regarding the Avian Influenza issues on Monday 17th May. Ian Evans CEO

CHANNEL RACING - AVIAN INFLUENZA RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

As of the 15th May the restrictions relating to Avian Influenza and Channel racing are lifted. The following is taken from the DEFRA website 'All poultry and bird gatherings, including pigeon gatherings organised for races from mainland Europe, will also be permitted, provided organisers notify the Animal and Plant Health Agency at least seven days before the event takes place and that they comply with the provisions of the new General Licence'.
Ian Evans CEO  

NEWS

....

NEWS

....

NEWS

....