Application for Club Affiliation & Public Liability Insurance Cover

A Report of the National Council for Aviculture Management Committee Meeting 15/12/2018

BREXIT Agreement is for the Birds!

At the latest Management Committee meeting of the National Council For Aviculture held on Saturday 15th December 2018, at the Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield, Leicestershire, Chairman Chris Smith reported that, although BREXIT continues to dominate the news, its outcome remains uncertain. So too are its implications for the fancy.

Chris had attended a DEFRA meeting in July where the official position remained “no change in current procedures until the end of the Transition Period in 2020”. However, bearing in mind that the withdrawal agreement has not yet been agreed by Parliament, if we do eventually leave the EU there are likely to be Visa procedures and costs for people (and birds) travelling to Europe 

Meanwhile the Animal Activities Licensing Bill has been passed in Parliament but trained staff are not yet in place thus preventing implementation until further notice.

National Exhibition Success

The 2018 National Exhibition at Stafford was generally considered very successful. Les Rance of the Parrot Society was pleased that they had passed all their targets for the event. The contributions of the NCA together with sponsors Johnson and Jeff towards trophies were welcomed. The various specialist sections appreciated the additional £20 donated by the NCA for each of the 5 Best in Sections and the provision of extra rosettes.

New CBS Liaison Officer Welcomed

The Chairman introduced Keith Barker formally to the meeting who was volunteering his services as CBS Liaison Officer following the resignation earlier in the year of Adam Kendal due to work commitments. Chris explained the role of the Liaison Officer to be “a bridge between the specialist sections of the NCA and the grass roots of the fancy”. CBSs face an existential challenge – as do some specialist clubs – communication between them all must be helpful. A full list of existing clubs will be provided to Keith and part of his role will be to distribute regular reports of all NCA meetings to all affiliated clubs and act as a conduit for feedback. Keith was happy to agree to this and was “welcomed aboard” by the whole committee. (See NCA website for contact details:www.nca.uk.net).

Secretary Reports Good Deal for Members

Ghalib Al-Nasser, Secretary/Treasurer, reported on the healthy financial position of the NCA which currently holds working funds in two current accounts with HSBC and Santander and a substantial longer term investment in a Bond saving account with the Cambridge & Counties Bank. 

Contributing to this success has been the growth in sales of the NCA Public Liability Insurance Scheme. Since the last meeting a further 14 societies had applied making a total of 193 applying so far for this year. The scheme offers £5m PLI cover from 1^st January to 31^st December for all a club’s activities throughout the year including meetings, shows and fund-raising events. Details and application forms available on the NCA website (www.nca.uk.net) .

The cost to the NCA of insurance cover for 2019 has increased because more societies had to be submitted than were covered in 2018. Consequently the insurance premium has now increased   by £6 per society. Together with the additional cost of the 4 rosettes per club plus postage the reduction this year for affiliation and Public Liability Insurance cover from £65 to £60 was perhaps questionable. However, the reduction should be welcome to loyal existing affiliated members and attractive to new applicants. Given the healthy state of NCA funds the reduction is justifiable and represents good value to members.

NCA Presence at Exhibitions Increases

Exhibitions attended in 2018 thus far: Highclere Castle in May, Surrey County Show, Stafford Spring Show, the PS Stafford Summer Show, the National at Stafford in October and the PS Stafford Show in early December.

The now defunct Maidstone Club show has been replaced in 2^nd week of December at the same venue with a Sales Day and Show sponsored by C&AB. In 2018 there was a promising entry including a large British Bird section, 50 or more Norwich canaries, and 50 Old Varieties. This will be added to the above list of events at which the NCA will have a stand in 2019.

The new “pop-up” banners have proved most effective and easy to house and transport. The former, more substantial stand is in need of some repair but could still be useful. Agreed to supply this together with supplies of booklets to Keith Barker, the newly-appointed CBS Liaison Officer for display in his local area of North East and  Cumbria.

NCA Awards to Loyal Members

The NCA is proud to recognise the service of bird keepers to the fancy in many roles from loyal club members stewarding and catering at shows, to specialist breeders of exhibition birds or rare varieties, holders of club offices, local, national and international judges, conservationists and genuine bird lovers who have contributed to the hobby of bird keeping. There is no charge for any NCA award.

Since our last meeting in July the following societies have applied for various NCA Awards as listed and were unanimously approved:

Spey Valley CBS  – Bronze badge to Charlie Munro and Silver badges to Mike Davies, Brian Forbes, Pete Jones & John Munro.

Scottish Bengalese Fanciers Association – Roll of Honour to Geoff Gradwell

Canary Council - Roll of Honour to David Allen

David Allan receiving his NCA Roll of Honour Certificate from Chris Smith, NCA Chairman

North East Lizard Canary Club - Roll of Honour & Gold badge to Sandy Innes

Members of NCA affiliated CBS societies or of the four parent bodies – The British Bird Council, the Budgerigar Society, The Canary Council and The Foreign Bird Federation – are encouraged to apply in writing to the Secretary for NCA awards as described on the NCA website (www.nca.uk.net) .

COM-UK’s Man In Cervia Reports

COM-UK officials met prior to this meeting and Ghalib reported as follows:

Preparations for the 2019 World Show in Zwolle are underway. The closing entry now is 25,000 from 3200 breeders coming from 24 countries. There are 202 UK exhibits and 39 UK exhibitors this year. UK exhibits should reach conveyors on 1^st January for Vet’s inspection on 2^nd January 2019.

 At the COM Congress held in Cervia, Italy on 28th -30 th September 2018 Brian Hogg, vice president of COM-UK and  vice chairman of the Canary Council attended the OMJ Technical Services meeting at which the “Country of Origin” principle was defeated on a vote of 6 to 4. This means that Standards of breeds exhibited at COM shows are no longer the sole “property” of their country of origin and can be altered upon official application by any country to the Technical Services Committee who decide to accept or reject such applications.

When questioned by Barry Mills, Chairman of Canary Council, whether there had been further developments regarding the Yorkshire Canary Standard and pictorial model Brian reported that no further developments were discussed. He also pointed out that organisations wishing to make proposals regarding Standards and Pictorial Models must be affiliated to at least one of the UK national bodies i.e. The Canary Council, The NCA or the IOA or their proposals will not be considered. This was illustrated by the Gloster Council whose proposed standard was not looked at.

It is hoped that following a presentation by Huw Evans at the World Show 2019 the London Fancy will be officially adopted as an exhibition breed.

A French proposal to cut Parisien Frill toe nails was withdrawn but the German delegate said this presented a problem in Germany where the toe nails have to be trimmed. Hence German exhibitors have to have two show teams (trimmed for home and untrimmed for COM shows). Congress to review the situation at the next OMJ meeting.

The German Huppe crest to be no lower   than a straight line along the beak to the eye line. Birds will not be judged if there are dark feathers below this line. Vote in favour of the proposal.

A New Race for exhibition must have at least 3 major differences from other breed standards to be accepted.

The Lizard compromise standard put forward by the UK will be discussed at the next technical meeting in 2020. COM will put this on the agenda so there is no need to re-apply but we will make sure it is in place.

Turkey wanted to remove the 10% meleniam rule for clear cap and non clear cap Lizards but the vote maintained the 10% rule.

A Gloster proposal from Italy for a points change was defeated but the new Gloster drawing was accepted.

A Dutch proposal to change the Border standard was defeated 9 to 1.

A Dutch proposal to change the Fife standard was defeated 8 to 2.

A mistake on the Raza standard was corrected: length to be 11cm and not 11.5cm. No vote required.

German delegate noted that the Bossu and Lizard have no points for condition.

Correction of a typing error in the Lancashire standard: length to be 21cm MINIMUM and not 23cm but birds under 21cm to be judged. A discussion of the introduction of variegation in the Lancashire resulted in a unanimous NO requiring no formal vote.

North Frill to stand at 30 degrees to the vertical:  vote carried.

Portugues Harliguin position change to be similar to coloured canary was carried 8 for 2 against.

5 more points for position carried 9 for 1 against.

5 more points for colour carried 8 for 2 against.

Only red mosaic birds to be shown carried 6 for 4 against.

Decisions made by the OMJ Technical Committee come into effect from 1^st September 2019.

This report from COM-UK completed the business of the day. The next meeting was determined as, The Annual General Meeting on 6^th April 2019 at 10.30 am in the Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9PS.

NCA STAND at the South Eastern Classic Show 2018

NCA - Management Committee Meeting - Saturday, 21st July 2018

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR AVICULTURE held its latest Management Committee meeting on Saturday 21st July 2018, at the Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield, Leicestershire LE67 9PS.

Chairman, Chris Smith, opened the meeting at 10.35am and welcomed all the delegates present representing:

The Budgerigar Society: Ghalib Al-Nasser, John Cosby and Beverley Hutt

The British Bird Council: apologies from Bob Partridge, Robb Brown and Bernard Williams

The Canary Council: Barry Mills and Terry Salt, apologies from Brian Hogg and Saviour Camilleri

The Foreign Bird Federation: Dave Paine and Dennis Webster.

The Ring of Success and a Timely Reminder

Minutes of the previous Management Committee held on 7th April 2018 were agreed to be an accurate record and there were two matters arising. Firstly, the Chairman was pleased to report that the NCA ring scheme has got off to a very positive start with so far this year some 30 customers purchasing 2000 rings and our supplier, Avian ID, providing a prompt and efficient service. Further discussion is needed on the best way to get all of the required information on the ring. Secondly, it was noted that recommended bio-security measures were not in place at all shows. This is an issue for all show committees to consider if they are to comply with the current general licence.

DEFRA planning for no change….yet!

In his Chairman’s Report, Chris Smith reported on a meeting with DEFRA on whether Border Controls and Brexit would affect fanciers. It seems that nothing will change before the end of 2020, so at least until then there will be no difficulties in attending Gouden Ring and World Shows on the Continent. DEFRA would favour the current regulations continuing post-2020.

New Licenses unlikely for Hobbyists

Concerning the Animal Activities Licensing Bill, Chris read out a letter from a government minister assuring hobbyist bird keepers that they were not the target, unless they were acting on a commercial basis. A recent meeting at Downing Street organised by Colin O’Hara, parrot expert, and Rob Innes, esteemed editor of Cage & Aviary Birds, the 2018 Niche Magazine of the Year, had led, through the auspices of John Randall, to a number of meetings with Government Ministers and DEFRA people on this subject, which will lead to amendments to the Guidance.

 NCA keeps its finger on the legislative pulse

Chris Smith confirmed that he would continue to attend meetings with DEFRA devoted to Brexit, but would not attend future CITES meetings, which are held in Bristol. However, colleagues who will be attending the CITES meeting will keep us informed of developments.

Getting the Shield of Insurance around your club

In his Secretary/Treasurer’s Report, Ghalib Al-Nasser gave details of the NCA’s continuing positive financial position and the disposition of funds in the current and savings accounts. He was particularly pleased to report that so far this year 179 Societies had applied for the Public Liability Insurance, which was 26 more than at the April meeting. Details of how to apply for this service can be found on the NCA website (www.nca.uk.net).

CBS Liaison Officer stands down

After a very promising period as the NCA’s CBS Liaison Officer Adam Kendall reluctantly feels that with his work and other commitments he is unable to give this job the time and effort required, and so has announced his resignation. The secretary will be seeking a full list of CBS contacts’ e-mail addresses, etc. to continue the work Adam started.

The chairman reported that he believes he has a replacement candidate for this post and promised to talk to him at the first opportunity.

How up-to-date is your privacy policy?

Readers of Cage & Aviary Birds will be aware through several editorials earlier in the year of the new General Data Protection Requirement. Since the end of May it has been a requirement that a very large number of organisations need to update their privacy policy to meet the new regulations. This includes bird keeping organisations. As a result, the secretary will be circulating the new Budgerigar Society Privacy Policy for possible modification and use by the NCA and its parent bodies.

Standing up for the fancy at exhibitions

Chris Smith reported that the Highclere Show had been cancelled, but he had attended “Think Parrots”. This was a good and interesting meeting which will be written up in Cage & Aviary Birds by Dot Swartz, and the organisers have sent a letter of thanks for the NCA attendance. The new stand was said to be superb; one person can easily erect and disassemble it.

Honours conferred on worthy fanciers

Ghalib Al-Nasser reported on behalf of the Awards Panel that since the last meeting a Border fancier, Ron Palfreyman from South Wales had been added to the Roll of Honour. The NCA had received a letter of thanks and appreciation for this.

At the present meeting it was agreed that Brian Hogg (nominated by the Canary Council and South Bucks CBA) should also be put on the Roll of Honour for his efforts over a number of years on behalf of many canary species, and also Rosemary Low (nominated by the NCA) for her dedication to, in particular, parrot-like species. Thanks are due to Darren Sefton (Foreign Bird League and Yorkshire Foreign Bird Society) for suggesting this nomination. Both were unanimously agreed.

The presentation to Brian Hogg of his Roll of Honour from the NCA Chairman Chris Smith

The presentation to Rosemary Low of her  Roll of Honour from the NCA President David Paine

There were also a number of nominations for long-service badges:

Yorkshire Foreign Bird Society nominated as follows:

Gold: Judith Moore, Ian Pickard, Darren Sefton, Susan Sefton, Bill Ingham, Yvonne Ingham, Eddie and Joan Kendall

Silver: Paul Brooke.

North Lincs. Foreign Bird Society nominated:

Gold: Lisa Barnsdale

Bronze: Rick Crook, Paul Cook

In addition it was agreed to award a gold medal to Jim Scott, former Chair of Hemel Hempstead CBS (now folded). Not only has Jim served the fancy well for many years, he is also one of a number of loyal NCA supporters who sends an annual donation. (For details of how you and your club can nominate deserving fanciers for these awards please consult the NCA website (www.nca.uk.net).

Fancy Developments Beyond these Shores

Minutes of the COM-UK meeting held on 2nd June 2018 (but not the Balance Sheet) had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Balance Sheet apparently shows a substantial loss on the year – mainly due to a higher than expected expenses claim from one of the conveyors to the World Show. COM-UK has proposed that the annual contribution from the NCA and IOA be increased from £250 to £500, and that the entry fee per cage rise from £15 to £18, and catalogue from £12 to £15.

It was unanimously agreed to start this arrangement from 2019. It was also agreed that the NCA will match whatever the IOA come up with.

Changes to the Yorkshire Canary standard will be discussed at the COM meeting in September. The YCC have written to COM-UK seeking assurances that the model and standard will not change. They await a formal reply.

Brian Hogg will need to have a watching brief at this COM Technical meeting on behalf of the YCC, and any other proposed changes.

As secretary of COM/UK Ghalib Al-Nasser will circulate all the proposals when they are available for comment.

National Developments

The proposal to make the National a 2-day show was defeated at the Parrot Society meeting in Coventry with only 3 clubs voting in favour (Fife Federation, Coloured Canary, and Old Varieties). At the same meeting approval was given for the Yorkshire Canary Club to run a Yorkie section at the National. The NCA needs to raise its profile at the National. It was suggested that the NCA provides £100 for the 5 Best in Section (£20 each) and/or provide more rosettes (2 per participating Club), plus a big rosette for overall Best in Show. This was formally proposed by the secretary and seconded by the president and unanimously agreed.

Also the NCA are donating £100 in prize money to be divided as £20 each for the best in each section (ie Best Canary, Best Budgerigar, Best Foreign, Best British, Best Zebra/Bengalese). A large 5 tier rosette will be given to the Best Exhibit in Show and Best Junior Exhibit in Show.

Final Business

Dates of Next Meetings.

(i) Committee Meeting, Wednesday 10th October 2018 at the Charnwood Arms Hotel, Coalville. LE67 1TB

(ii) AGM and Committee Meeting, Saturday 6th April 2019 at the Fieldhead Hotel, Markfield. LE67 9PS.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 12.50.

A Day of Celebration for President Dave.

Saturday, 7^th April 2018 will go down as an eventful day for Dave Paine. At the Annual General Meeting of the National Council for Aviculture held at Charnwood Arms Hotel, Coalville, Dave was inaugurated as the 2018 NCA President. Outgoing President, Bev Hutt, graciously  handed over the ceremonial chain of office and wished Dave well in his position as head of the NCA.

Bev Hutt (outgoing President) with Dave Paine (new President)

Not only that but, unknown to Dave, the officers of the Foreign Bird Federation had formally nominated him to be entered on to the Roll of Honour for his outstanding service to aviculture over many years. For more than 60 years he has been a loyal member of Gainsborough CBS, holding most of the club’s official posts at some time, and also a staunch supporter of other Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire Clubs and a leading officer of the Zebra Finch Society and the Foreign Bird Federation. For more years than he may wish to remember Dave has also served on the Management Committee of the NCA and in recent times has been a member of the COM-UK Committee.

Chris Smith (Chairman) presenting Dave Paine with the NCA Roll of Honour Certificate

NCA Chairman, Chris Smith, was delighted to present Dave with his Roll of Honour Certificate and to thank him for all his years of service to aviculture. Dave’s name will now be entered on the Roll of Honour list on the NCA website (www.nca.uk.net).

Readers are reminded that the NCA organises several types of award for bird fanciers at every level of the hobby from long service badges, to the Roll of Honour and, for bird keepers who have shuffled off this mortal coil but are remembered for their achievements in aviculture, there is the Hall of Fame. Take a look at the NCA website for details of how you and your club members can share in this recognition of service.

NCA 2018 AGM Report

At 10.30am on Saturday 7^th April 2018 Chairman, Chris Smith, opened the National Council for Aviculture’s Annual General meeting at the Charnwood Arms Hotel, Coalville, Leicestershire by thanking the attendees for making the journey to Coalville, some having driven long distances. Representatives of all four parent bodies of the NCA were present i.e. The Budgerigar Society, The British Bird Council, The Foreign Bird Federation and the Canary Council. Apologies were received from the CBS Liaison Officer, Adam Kendall, and several affiliated CBS’s.

Chairman Warns of New Licensing Scheme

The minutes of the 2017 AGM were approved and with no matters arising the Chairman commenced with the first item of the agenda, his seventh report as Chairman. He thanked the officers of the NCA for their hard work and support over the past year. He flagged up the potential threats to bird keeping from the  licensing scheme proposed by the government which becomes law this year. The Sustainable  Users Network is co-ordinating efforts to combat this on behalf of many hobbyists. The NCA needs to remain active on behalf of our affiliated clubs and at the Management Committee meeting after the AGM to discuss setting  aside funds to help fight individual cases.

DEFRA is restricting its meetings with SUN to CITIES issues but separate meetings will be held on British Bird issues and the effects of Brexit subject to agreement of other member states. The Management Committee will need to discuss the proposal to extend the National Exhibition to a two-day show. Meanwhile the NCA/Canary Council ring scheme is up and running.

Treasurer Reports on Boost to Income

The Treasurer, Ghalib Al-Nasser, presented the balance sheet for 2017/18 which showed a substantial increased profit for the year with income exceeding expenditure by nearly £4k. This was due mainly to the uptake of Public Liability Insurance by 162 societies. Interest earned on the three year bond with Cambridge Bank also boosted income. The Management Committee would need to consider how to make positive use of our increased funds. The meeting accepted the balance sheet unanimously and thanked the Treasurer for his excellent stewardship of the NCA finances.

World Show Success and Awards for UK Fanciers.

Wearing his other hat as Secretary Ghalib spoke to the written report he had issued prior to the AGM. The Management Committee had met three times over the year dealing mainly with DEFRA/SUN activities, specifically regulations relating to the movement of birds post-Brexit and the on-going ring size issue for British Native Birds. He was pleased to report on the very successful World Show held in Cesena, Italy with a total entry of 32,061 exhibits. The COM-UK entry was slightly down at 205 birds from 34 exhibitors gaining five gold, ten silver and five bronze medals. The 2019 World Show will be in Zwolle, Holland from 10^th-13^th January. A good number of NCA Long Service badges had been requested by affiliated clubs over the year but there surely must be many more deserving fanciers who could benefit from this free service. Clubs simply need to nominate qualifying members in writing explaining their achievements. See the NCA website for details (www.nca.uk.net).

From President to President

The Chairman was pleased to announce the inauguration of the NCA’s new president for 2018/19, David Paine, of the Foreign Bird Federation, who was presented formally with his chain of office by outgoing President Beverley Hutt. David was delighted to accept the honour of being president and pledged his support for the NCA in its task of representing and protecting the interests of hobbyist bird keepers.

The Secretary had received a proposal from the British Bird Council that Bernard Williams be made President Elect. This was accepted with enthusiasm and Bernard will therefore assume the Presidency from the 2019 AGM.

In line with recent tradition the outgoing President, Beverly Hutt, was appointed Honorary Life Vice President in recognition of her service to the NCA.

Parent Body Representatives Named

The following names were submitted as parent body representatives for the year ahead:

British Bird Council: Bob Partridge, Robb Brown, Bernard Williams.

Canary Council: Brian Hogg, Terry Salt, Saviour Camilleri, Barry Mills.

Budgerigar Society: Ghalib Al-Nasser, Beverley Hutt, John Cosby, Maurice Roberts (to be confirmed).

Foreign Bird Federation: Dave Paine, Graham Lee, Dennis Webster (to be confirmed)

Paul Tiller was re-elected as auditor for 2018.

No Increase in Subs

In view of the NCA’s healthy financial position it was agreed that subscriptions remain the same as in 2017.

The final piece of business was to set the date and venue of the next Annual General Meeting as Saturday 6^th April 2019 at the Charnwood Arms Hotel, Coalville LE67 1TB.

The meeting closed at 11.25am.

NCA Management Committee Meeting  7April 2018

Immediately following the National Council for Aviculture AGM the members of the Management Committee reconvened to consider the agenda previously circulated.

Minutes of the previous management committee held on 10^th October 2017 were agreed as a true record and adopted. There were several matters arising:

A two-day National?

A proposal was discussed that the National Exhibition at Stafford be extended to a two-day show. Erection of staging would commence at 6a.m. on the Saturday and birds would be entered from 11am in time for judging at 2pm and the show would close for the day at 7pm. The programme for Sunday would include the Sales Day and the Exhibition presentations, finally lifting at 3pm.

Chris Smith reported that 4-5 canary sections were in favour of the change whereas Dennis Webster maintained that much of the Foreign Bird section   were opposed to the idea. This will have to be discussed at the Parrot Society meeting held on 15th May. Some members of the Management Committee doubted whether such a change could be achieved in 2018. There was also the question of cost to the fancier. Those living some distance from the Showground would need to do the journey twice (more fuel) or alternatively stay overnight but the cost of accommodation in the area has sharply increased in recent years and is in any case very limited. Equally problematic is the cost of hiring the halls for the extra day (estimated at £7K).Were the Parrot Society to pay this, would they be able still to pay the Bounty for benched exhibits? Would the PS seek a financial contribution from the NCA? An overnight stay would afford more opportunity for social activity. When put to the vote it was agreed that the NCA would back the concept of a two-day show subject to resolution of the various points raised in discussion.

NCA Officers re-elected

The first formal agenda item was election of officers. On a proposal by Dave Paine (FBF), seconded by Bob Partridge (BBC) it was decided to elect officers en bloc:

Chairman: Chris Smith (CC)
Vice-Chair and Minutes Secretary: Dennis Webster (FBF)
Secretary/Treasurer: Ghalib Al-Nasser (BS)
Publicity Officer:  Barry Mills  (CC)
CBS Liaison Officer: Adam Kendall
Awards Panel: Robb Brown (BBC), John Cosby (BS), Brian Hogg (CC), Dave Paine (FBF)

Chris Smith reported that he was seeking to reduce his commitments this year so would stand down from the COM-UK Committee. Rob Brown (BBC) volunteered to replace Chris and join Brian Hogg (CC) and Ghalib Al-Nasser (BS) as NCA representatives on the COM-UK Committee. All in agreement.

PLI Scheme proving popular

Secretary/Treasurer Update: Ghalib reported that 153 clubs and societies had applied for affiliation and Public Liability Insurance @ £65 so far this year. It was pointed out that £5m PBI is a requirement of most local authorities for hire of premises these days which explains the strong uptake of the NCA policy. This has also increased NCA income substantially to the extent that the Treasurer proposed we could reward our affiliated clubs for their support of the scheme by offering a lower rate of £60 in 2019 and still cover our costs. This was passed overwhelmingly.

CBS Liaison Officer  To Stay on

Due to work commitments our CBS Liaison Officer, Adam Kendall, was unable to attend but had submitted a written report circulated to all MC members. The main points of Adam’s report were that key to the NCA’s activities in the future is development of the website and Facebook page and he apologised for having to cancel two meetings set up to explore this. A new meeting is required as soon as possible.

Improved communication within the fancy is going to be crucial in protecting our hobby from the impending legislation being introduced by DEFRA under the proposed licensing scheme. Adam feels the hobby is still in decline for a number of reasons but he would like to continue in the role of CBS Liaison Officer. This was approved unanimously. It was also agreed to try to set up a meeting with Adam in July.

DEFRA to introduce New Licensing Scheme

Chris Smith was able to give more information about the DEFRA proposals for an Animal Activities Licensing scheme. There is a document (64 pages, not yet published) outlining the requirements of this legislation. Dennis Webster wondered how many bird keepers could provide documentary proof that they did not make a profit from their hobby if visited by inspectors. Chris noted that fanciers could indicate that they were genuine hobbyists and not commercial by joining a club, either specialist or CBS. The local authority inspectorates already exist in Environmental Health departments. It was suggested that an Environmental Health Officer be invited to a meeting to discuss the new legislation with us. It was also noted that licensed bird sellers could not have a sales table at an event like Stafford.

In the event that some fanciers (most likely Hawk or PS members) were prosecuted as a test case, would the NCA contribute to the cost of the defence? The case would need to be chosen very carefully and agreed by the Management Committee. It was agreed to set aside £5K as a fighting fund.

Three Additions to The Roll of Honour

The Secretary had received three nominations for the NCA Roll of Honour:  Robert Read, currently the President of Irvine CBS, has been in the hobby for over 60 years, is a Border Canary exhibitor and Judge.

Mr Ron Palfreyman, nominated by the West Wales BFCC, a bird keeper for over eighty years, a loyal supporter of CBS’s, particularly Swansea CBS, a knowledgeable and respected aviculturist at local, regional and national level.

David Paine, who took up the role of NCA President this very day, was nominated by the FBF for his work with the Gainsborough CBS for over 60 years and his contributions to other Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire clubs, the Zebra Finch Society and the Foreign Bird Federation. His role on the NCA Management Committee for many years and more recently on the COM-UK Committee are also worthy of recognition.

All three nominations were unanimously approved and Dave Paine was presented with his certificate by the Chairman during the meeting.

World Show Comes Closer to Home

The Secretary restated the outstanding success of the World Show at Cesena, Italy in January 2018 with 32,061 birds from 4,002 exhibitors, 34 of whom were from the UK with 205 birds. UK exhibitors won 5 gold, 10 silver and 5 bronze medals. The 2019 World Show is closer to home being held in Zwolle, Holland between 10^th-13^th January 2019. Due to this earlier date birds will need to leave the UK on 2^nd or 3^rd January.

Prior to the meeting a press release from “Birds1st.com” had been distributed to MC members concerning a national/international bird keeping, bird watching and bird conservation day to be held on 27^th April 2018.It is understood that individual membership is £15 and organisations £60. This would enable a minimum of 12 advertising slots on social media. The Birds1st website is rather sparse on information. After discussion the MC agreed not to participate.

Ringing Success to Close the Meeting!

The Chairman was pleased to report that the NCA/CC ringing scheme has been successfully launched (see www.nca.uk.net for details and order form) and experience of Avian ID (new owners of A.C.Hughes) has been good.

There being no other business the Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and their continuing good work on behalf of the fancy and the dates of the next 2 meetings were fixed as Saturday 21^st July and Wednesday 10^th October. Venue to be confirmed.

BM 15/4/18

Calling All Club Secretaries! Are you covered for your club’s activities in 2018?

A reminder from the NCA (National Council for Aviculture) to all conscientious club secretaries -especially those who have previously secured Public Liability Insurance through the now defunct Foreign Bird Association-  that you can secure £5m of public liability insurance covering all your club’s activities including shows, meetings, fund-raising activities which might lead to damage to any third party or their property. Cover runs   from 1^st January to 31^st December 2018.

The NCA provides   this cover through Mead Sport and Leisure Ltd at a very competitive premium of £65 which includes NCA affiliation entitling   your club to 4 rosettes for  your club’s show, access to legal advice, the support of our CBS Liaison Officer, Adam Kendall, the NCA’s long service awards, membership badges, the Hall of Fame and Roll of Honour. Please see our website to learn how to apply for awards that recognise the service and achievements of your members in pursuit of their hobby of aviculture. The NCA represents all cage bird fanciers at national level with DEFRA protecting your interests and our hobby in the ever-changing circumstances of BREXIT.

Simply go to our website www.nca.uk.net and on the home page click on the banner “Application for Club Affiliation & Public Liability Insurance” and you can download the simple form which you should complete and send with a cheque payable to the NCA and your email address for an electronic reply or an S.A.E. for hard copy reply by post. Alternatively, send your request for a form with an S.A.E. to the NCA Secretary, Ghalib Al-Nasser, Evenstar, Pinkuah Lane, Pentlow, Sudbury CO10 7JW.

Get the security of PLI cover for your club now………… it makes sense.

The NCA AGM will take place on 7^th April at 10.30a.m.  at the Charnwood Arms Hotel, Coalville, Leicestershire LE67 1TB. Agendas will be distributed to all affiliated clubs at least 28 days prior to the meeting. All Life members are very welcome to attend. If you are attending as the official representative of your club, please bring a letter on headed note paper from your club chairman or secretary confirming this fact. Please refer to the   constitution on the NCA website for all rules and regulations concerning the governance of the NCA and the conduct of its meetings.