From the SAHPA COM

· Approval ‘in principal’ has been given by the SAHPA COM for the SAHPA to become Australian agents for the selling of MEGA electronic timing systems, electronic rings and ICOM rings. Mr P Squire is to be the Manager of this enterprise.

· The SAHPA COM has reduced the maximum temperature for racing pigeons from 32^oC to 30^oC.

· SAHPA COM requests that all clubs start compiling membership lists for the SAHPA – lists to be alphabetical (family name) followed by initials then the name by which the members wishes to be listed in SAHPA website results. Payment of fees is required by 28 February 2012. Fees are $90 pensioners, $100 all others.

Paramyxovirus Status – Per SAHPA and BioSecurity SA

· Notification to all SAHPA members of a summary of BioSecurity SA measures:

o Allowed to loft fly your birds,

o Ok to have sales if Bio Security procedures followed,

o Need for Permits to bring birds into SA and to transfer to other states,

o No permits to be granted from Victoria at this stage.

· Situation Analysis in Victoria

o A total of 62 properties have been infected to date. Of these, 46 have now been resolved. There have been no new cases identified outside of Melbourne.

o There have been 7 more confirmed or suspect cases of Paramyxovirus (PPMV1) in feral pigeons, bringing the total to 43 cases. All cases thus far have occurred in greater metropolitan Melbourne.

o The last confirmed case of PPMV1 occurred on 9 January 2012.

o VIC DPI’s activities are focused on releasing cleared properties from quarantine and communicating the extension of the ban, however, new reports of sickness and death in pigeons continue to be investigated.

o Natural infection has not been detected in chickens or any species other than pigeons.

· This particular PPVM1 strain is particularly virulent and results in most cases in 100% death.  The text books state that 3 to 21 days for the disease to take effect but the experience in Victoria is 2 to 4 days and then the birds are dead.

· Important points:

o If a bird recovers from the disease it is not a “Carrier” which means it will not transmit the disease,

o It is only while the bird is sick that it can transmit the disease. 

o It is not an airborne carried virus. It is transmitted by contact from handling pigeons or contaminated droppings (from clothing, shoes etc).

o The pigeon owner can carry the disease (on shoes, clothing, skin) for up to 8 hours, so it is important to follow BioSecurity procedures such as washing hands, laundering clothes before attending sales, etc. 

o Sales at SAHPA will have a wash mat with VirkonS mixture so people can wipe their feet in the mixture and also cleanse their hands before and after handling pigeons at sales.

o Isolate any sick birds in your loft immediately.

From Paul Springett PPMV COM

Paramyxovirus Update – Meeting held Tuesday 10/01/2012 @ 7.30pm with DPI SA.

DPI Veterinarians have been hard at work trying to get things moving on the vaccine front. We have been informed that the SA DPI is trying to get some vaccine trials done at the quarantine station in Victoria on vaccine that is already used in Australia on chickens as they believe that the trials done at Victorian flyers lofts earlier in the year may not have been a good trial (due to the severity of the outbreak in these lofts). As $100K will be needed to get this done, the SA DPI are hoping to get the C.S.I.R.O and others involved.

A vaccine in Australia will still be some 3-6 months away and once it has been approved into Australia it will be here within 2-3 weeks.

I ask our members to be patient and know that your management committee is doing everything that can be done at this stage.

It is very important that the Australian government looks into how these vaccines are made so as not to bring any other diseases into the country. Many of the vaccines are cultured in chicken eggs and (in the case of the eggs used for our Paramyxovirus are from a country that had a lot of disease problems) potentially when we use this vaccine another unwanted bug could breakout in Australia and destroy a major industry. I don’t think any of us want that.

Remember, don’t bring any birds into your lofts from Victoria and if you are bringing birds from other states make sure you know exactly where that bird has originated from and get your permit (if you need one) from the DPI to bring birds in to SA.

The SA DPI is still investigating and testing deaths in birds in SA as they are reported by the public for Paramyxovirus and nothing has come up positive yet.

We are all responsible for trying to keep this disease out of SA as long as possible.

Now as for the cost of the vaccine – I have heard prices being put around from $2.00 to $5.00 per bird – this type of rumour is only adding fuel to the fire, and this is just not true. But as for the actual cost per bird, we will have to wait and see.

Yours in the sport

Paul Springett – Paramyxovirus Committee member

This next letter is printed with the permission of the VHA President Mr S Kearsey.

From Stephen Kearsey VHA President

PARAMYXOVIRUS UPDATE – 11 JANUARY 2012

Dear VHA Members,

It has been a while since I have sent out an update on the PPMV1 outbreak and the availability of the vaccine.

There have been many cases of the disease in racing lofts, show pigeon lofts and hobby lofts since my last report; in fact three more cases have been confirmed this week (two racing lofts and one hobby loft). These have been on the Eastern side of Melbourne (Dandenong area) and together with the ongoing outbreaks in the Western Suburbs you have to say that this disease is now endemic within all pigeon communities at this time i.e. racing, showing, hobby and feral.

All I can recommend is that fanciers do not loft fly their birds as a number of outbreaks have been with birds that have been loft flown. Do not allow nor introduce birds from any source into your loft because you may introduce the disease to your precious stock. Cover your aviaries so that strays can’t soil your loft from the outside and keep other bird species out of your loft as well. At all times practise bio-security for your own sake and your birds safety.

The application to have the Colombavac vaccine available for use was lodged with the APVMA and AQIS by Pfizer in early December. The process is going reasonably well with some aspects of the manufacture being queried by AQIS, which Pfizer is endeavouring to get answered as quickly as possible. The queries are not unexpected and are normally what happens when registration of a new vaccine is sought. Providing Pfizer can answer these queries over the next few weeks to the satisfaction of AQIS then all will be in place for them to start the process of importing the vaccine. When we are informed that the vaccine will be made available, we will make arrangements for all of our members to be trained in how to go about vaccinating their birds and we will use our Centres to do this.

Please be patient because the process has begun, although it appears slow, it is all going as fast as it can.

STEPHEN KEARSEY – PRESIDENT VHA

From the SDC COM

· The SDC competition enjoyed its best year to date in 2011. More than half the SAHPA total membership participated, and the operation of the group concept for peer to peer racing was well received. The only blemish on the year was the difficulty of some clubs in providing their member nominations to the SDC COM for audit purposes. All hamper documentation is required on the night of hampering to GenSec, and all top three group clock results are to be received no later than the following week. Club secretaries and flyers to take note !!!!

2012 Middle Distance Racing

· It is intended that a Middle Distance Championship (MDC) be organised for 2012 – the format will be similar to that operating for the SDC series.

· General rules are as follows:

o Flyers will be required to provide a copy of their nominated birds to GenSec on the night of hampering to be collected by the MDC COM for review purposes.

o 10 bird maximum nomination.

o Maximum clocking of two birds for BOY points purposes.

o One bird per flyer will be eligible for Aggregate points.

o Competition will be for an Open Aggregate, Group 1 Aggregate, Group 2 Aggregate and Group 3 Aggregate.

o Eight (8) races will be targeted – from the last two club/SDC races through to but excluding the last four SAHPA races.

o Flyers likely to gain top three placings in each group are to provide clock details, per SAHPA rules to the MDC Com for audit purposes. Clock details already provided to the SAHPA race adjudicator (for SAHPA result audit) will be discussed by the SAHPA race adjudicator and MDC COM.

o Certificates will provided

§ For top three placings for each race in each aggregate group (1, 2, 3).

§ For top 10 placings for Open Aggregate.

§ For top 3 placings for Group 1 Aggregate, Group 2 Aggregate and Group 3 Aggregate points.

o Certificates presented at SAHPA Annual Dinner.

· It is planned to provide prizemoney for the aggregate points group winners (1, 2, 3). Details will be provided later in the year on this development.

· Any questions to David Walker, Greg Hamilton.

Opinion – from the Editor

SAHPA members are encouraged to write to the editor to have their opinions, views, comments etc placed in the newsletter.

Be advised however that anonymous letters and articles will not be published regardless of the content. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication to ensure clarity and brevity. All material published will be on the basis that the author accepts full legal responsibility for all statements made in the published copy.

2011 SAHPA Year Book

It is planned to have the 2011 SAHPA yearbook completed and ready for printing by the end of January 2012.

The editor thanks those members that have contributed to the process of completion.

FROM SAHPA FINCOM

Nil

FROM SALDC Inc – By Gavin Harris

This exciting new club had its first meeting late last year and we now have 70 members and would encourage all SAHPA members to become a member.

It is only $25 per annum and you get $20 off your total entry fee for Alice Springs race each year. It really only costs you $5 per annum.

It was agreed to schedule an event from Eucla or close to the WA Border as a second long distance race in 2012 to compliment the great marathon race from Alice Springs 2012.

The SALDC and the North Suburban club recently held a very successful Adelaide International Pigeon Expo on Saturday the 7^th January. We had top flyers Geoff and Catherine Cooper from the UK as our key note speakers. We also flew Dr. Rob Marshall over from Sydney to address the audience on preparing birds for peak racing performance.

On the Monday Fred Dimella drove a large bus with a group of over 40 people down to Serafino’s (McLarens on the Lake) for a Winery Tour and a 3 course lunch. Many interstate guests were very impressed with the whole event, we had guests from WA, VIC, NSW and QLD come over for this event.

The two clubs auctioned off 100 birds and received very good prices. The SALDC plan is to procure a racing trailer with the money that was raised.

A big thank you for the hard work done by Geoff Bell, Dennis Russell, Greg Hodgins, Ray Fewings, Fred Dimella, Denis Shaw, Russell Somerville, Wayne and Cheryl Myers, Willy Thiele, Tony Perkins & Tony’s daughter, Patrick Perkins, Geoff Cawte, Grant Paterson, Tom Tirrell, Fay Fuller, Gus Grunwald and the canteen Helpers, Other BBQ helpers Crawford Hamilton, Graham Watson, Richard Dickson, Ian Durrant, Bill Marcou, Ross Hocking, Salads Rod Millman and Butch Abrahams and the many people that were only too keen to help us on the day, sorry if I have left anyone out.

Thank you to all the people that bred some beautiful squeakers for us to auction, there was real quality on display and the club greatly appreciates their generous donations.

If you would like to join up to the SALDC, please send a $25 cheque or money order made out to the SALDC , C/- Gavin Harris 488 Marion Rd, Plympton Park, SA, 5038. Please attach a sheet with your name, address and club name.

FROM Paul Springett – letter to the editor

Hi David, could you please publish this letter in the upcoming SAHPA newsletter.

I would like to ask all members to have a hard look at themselves and others before continuing the habit of threatening to take legal action against our Association and the five man committee. This act is most disruptive and time wasting not to mention the money that is wasted which could be put to better things such as our new race unit which is long overdue.

Remember when someone threatens to take legal action against our Association they are taking legal action against all members and these so called members that do this act should be condemned by the members and told to pull their heads in or move into another sport as they are not wanted in ours.

Yes we can all get ourselves upset from time to time but there is a better way to resolve our problems than taking legal action.

Yours in the Sport

Paul Springett

From: Australian Town and Country Journal

Broken Hill, Saturday 25 April 1891,

Carrier Pigeons.

A few days ago a homing pigeon was released from the Grand Hotel here by Mr. Aldridge, and made its way to Adelaide in the remarkably short time of seven hours. As some incredulity was expressed regarding the time in which the distance was covered, two more birds were procured from Mr Geogan, of Adelaide, and were released by Messrs Aldridge and Johnston first this morning. The first bird was dispatched at 9.35 AM from the Grand Hotel, and after a gaze flight seemed to take its departure in the right direction. The party then proceeded to the turret of the Freemason Tavern, at the corner of Argent and Oxide streets, and let loose the second bird at exactly 10.00 o’clock.

SIRES PRODUCE 2012

Reminder to all SAHPA members that the Sires Produce 2012 second auction is coming around soon.

· Sunday 5^th February, 2012

· Each member can enter 6 birds into the auction for free.

· Present the birds between 8:30am and 9:30am, Auction starts at 10am

· Any SAHPA member can purchase birds at the auction

· Purchaser/Flyer receives 60% of the prize money

· Breeder receives 40% of the prize money

· First Prize is expected to be our 5^th Car valued at $14,000 plus $6,000 to the breeder

Alternatively if you would like to prepay up to 6 young birds in your own loft and race them from your loft then it is $50 per bird, please see form attached.

This year we have added an extra option whereby each SAHPA club can enter up to 6 birds in the Club’s name either as entries into the auction or as prepaid into specific lofts. Please talk it over with your other club members and take advantage of this new option, the club could win quite a bit of money.

SALDC SIRES PRODUCE CLASSIC REGULATIONS 2012

1. The Classic will be conducted as indicated below and in accordance with SAHPA Rules and Regulations.

2. The 2012 Sires Classic Race will be flown from the race point Marree (which is a distance of 580 kms from Adelaide GPO). The SA Long Distance Racing Pigeon Club Inc. (SALDC) reserves the right to change race point depending on road and weather conditions.

3. All SAHPA members (including juniors and new members) are eligible to participate in the race. Birds bred for the auction must be from a registered member of a club, junior members and social members are also allowed to breed up to 6 birds for the sale. Interstate and country flyers are welcome to enter as breeders.

4. Each participant may breed SIX squeakers for the race. Birds must be rung with (2011) rings. Birds rung with overseas rings will not be accepted.

5. SAHPA members may nominate up to 6 birds by the auction date and pay a nomination of $50 each for the birds without presenting them at the sale. If you wish to nominate the birds using this method, please forward the nomination form attached together with a cheque payable to SALDC and post to Gavin Harris SALDC Secretary, 488 Marion Road, Plympton Park, 5038 by 5^th February 2012 or payment can be made on the day.

6. As from 2012 Interstate Breeders no longer have to pay an entry fee for their 6 birds to be auctioned, it is the breeders responsibility to arrange delivery to Adelaide airport and notify Gavin Harris 0418 853 111 of their arrival time. Interstate and Country Breeders can Alternatively make arrangements with a SAHPA flyer to pre-nominate up to 6 birds at $50 per bird and then place the birds in the nominated SAHPA Flyer’s loft without being processed through the Auction, the pre-paid nomination forms must be lodged by 5th February, 2012.

7. Agents bidding on behalf of breeders must either call out or show computer membership number after bidding for each Lot to complete the purchase. Each bird will be sold to the highest bidder.

8. Squeakers to be sold at the Auctions are to be between 28 & 35 days old on the day of the Auction

9. All birds offered for sale will be thoroughly inspected by scrutineers appointed by the SALDC. The SALDC reserves the right to reject any squeaker and such squeaker will not be registered and will not be eligible to participate in the Sires Produce Classic.

10. The minimum bid for any one bird will be $15. If a bid of $15 is not made, the squeaker will automatically be returned to the Breeder, who, on payment of $15 will become that bird’s owner. The bird will be eligible to compete in the Sires Produce Classic. If Breeder not present at sale, SALDC reserve the right to sell the bird immediately after the sale.

11. A bird sold at the Auction can only be raced by and from the loft of the Purchaser, in whose name that bird has been registered.

12. Birds being offered for sale will be kept in a covered hamper and no inspection will be permitted prior to or during the Auction. Birds will be selected at random from the covered hamper and the Auctioneer will call out the bird’s ring number but will not identify its Breeder. The ring number will also be recorded on the whiteboard. The appointed recorders for the Auction will be the only persons with prior knowledge of all details regarding the birds and their Breeders.

13. Birds will be released to successful bidders on payment of their bids, at the end of the Auction.

14. Full details regarding ring number, colours, purchasers, prices, etc., will be circulated after hampering for the event including details of nominated ring birds.

15. All money raised from the Auction less expenses will be allocated as prize money.

16. Each prize for a placing will be shared, 40% Breeder, 60% Purchaser. The first bird prize will be a Motor Vehicle equivalent of $14,000 for the purchaser and $6,000 for the breeder. (Subject to achieving sales of $32,000 or more, the SALDC reserve the right to amend the prize allocation.)

17. The pigeons which are the highest placed Interstate bred and the highest placed SA Country bred will each receive an additional $300 prize which will be split 40% to Breeder, 60% Purchaser.

18. If we receive over the $32,000 budgeted for Prepaid and Auction Sales there will be a further three zone prizes of $500 (split 40%, 60%) for each of the zone winners which do not include the 4th zones which is the overall race winner. Adelaide is split into 4 zones, as per SRC minutes.

The first Auction was held on Sunday, 4th December 2011.

The second Auction will be held on Sunday, 5th February 2012.

Sunday Auction – All birds to be presented between 8.00am – 9.30am.

Any birds presented after 9.30am may not be accepted.

19. If any of the purchased birds should die, the rings from these birds CANNOT be re-used on any other squeaker. If the rings are re-used, the bird will be disqualified, and SALDC/SAHPA may take further action.

20. The colouring and marking on the birds entered in the Sires Produce Classic must be identical to those recorded at the time of the Auction. If there is a discrepancy, they will be disqualified. All Purchasers are to thoroughly check that the colouring and marking on their birds are identical to those shown on their official receipt. In the event of discrepancy, the SALDC Secretary is to be notified in writing immediately.

21. Any squeaker bred for the sale and rejected by the scrutineers may be flown in any other race on the SAHPA Program (other than the Sires Classic).

22. All birds participating in the Sires Classic event must have qualified as per the SALDC rules and minutes, the SAHPA qualifying rules do not apply to this event. The birds must qualify by flying at least ONE race before the event on the line of flight. The onus is on the flyer for proof, please get club secretaries to keep a copy of all nomination sheets.

23. A single Transfer card must be filled out and presented with the six squeakers on the day of the auction.

24. The SAHPA and Sires Produce Committee are not responsible for any pigeons presented for sale. They act only as a vehicle for transfer of ownership.

25. Foreign rung birds must be presented by an agent who is responsible for the safe arrival of the bird to the sale. The agent is responsible for the safe return should the pigeon be rejected or not sold.

26. The SALDC reserve the right to change the release point and if necessary convoy birds with other SAHPA birds if transported on the same unit. If it is a north race and there are less than 50 birds, or on other lines of flight if there are less than 80 birds.

27. The Sires Classic hampering will be on the Friday night and the birds released on the Sunday. Hampering to be done at the SAHPA Headquarters. There will be a loft Calcutta held after completion of hampering. Loft Calcutta prizes will be paid out to the buyers of the first three lofts, with the breakdown 1st 50%, 2nd 30%, 3rd 20%. The Clock reading for the result is planned to be done at the SAHPA Headquarters, it may be subject to change based on decision of SALDC.

28. The SALDC reserve the right to drug test the winner or any other placing and if found to be in breach of the SAHPA drug rules the flyer will forfeit their position and the matter will be referred to SAHPA Management Committee.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Mate up 07/10/11 09/12/11

10 days to lay first egg 17/10/11 19/12/11

18 days to hatch 04/11/11 06/01/12

30 days old 04/12/11 05/02/12

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SAHPA SIRES CLASSIC SPECIAL NOMINATION SHEET

(This form is only used if you are not presenting

the birds for auction – see Rule 5)

Flyer Number: _____________________

Flyer Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________

____________________________________________

Club: ____________________________________________

Ring Number

____________________________SA 11

____________________________SA 11

____________________________SA 11

____________________________SA 11

____________________________SA 11

____________________________SA 11

No. of Entries

____________ @ $50 each

____________

Please find enclosed a cheque to

SALDC for $

____________

Post to: Gavin Harris

488 Marion Road

Plympton Park, SA, 5038

· The SAHPA ring secretary advises that SAHPA life rings on order from clubs have been collected. Individuals requiring additional rings should contact the RingSec directly – Rosie Kearns 08 8252 0377.

· The SAHPA Annual Dinner and presentation evening will be held on 26^th November 2011 at the Maylands Hotel from 6.30pm. Price is $40 per head for a three course meal. Last years function was at the same venue, was very well attended and enjoyed by all.

· Advice from the SAHPA COM – Non SAHPA life rings for 2011 – all pigeons rung with non SAHPA life rings will be subject to a $0.40 charge prior to Race 1 of the 2012 race season starting.

· Advice from the SAHPA COM – 6 competing member requirement for SAHPA and SDC races – no changes are planned to this requirement for 2012. Clubs and or individuals wishing to fly but hamper under fewer than 6 competing member arrangements will be able to get a club result but not an SAHPA result.

· Advice from SAHPA COM – the LDC club will run the 2012 Sires Produce auctions and race.

· Advice from the SAHPA COM – discussion of young bird/ old bird series for 2012/2013. This suggestion follows the shortened 2011 season which left flyers with more young birds in lofts. The suggestion would be to review the value of an old bird season (ie, use the extra 2011 birds) followed by a short young bird (2012 birds) season (say 4-6 races) later in the year. This method has two benefits – allows young birds to get additional maturity and provides training races for the following season – comments anyone?

· Advice from the SAHPA COM – Nominations for SAHPA Bird of the Year must be lodged with the General Secretary ASAP. Details stipulating the ring number, bird details and positions gained in the SAHPA races are to be advised to GenSec as soon as possible.

· 2012 Race Programme

o DATE RACE POINT Distance Week Direction

o 19/05/2012 Redhill RFDS 150 Week -1 Nth

o 26/05/2012 Stirling North No. 1 280 Week 1 NW1

o 2/06/2012 Stirling North No. 2 280 Week 2 NW2

o 9/06/2012 Keith No. 1 210 Week 3 SE1

o 16/06/2012 Hawker No. 1 340 Week 4 NW3

o 23/06/2012 Keith No. 2 210 Week 5 SE2

o 30/06/2012 Hawker No. 2 340 Week 6 NW4

o 7/07/2012 Edenhope No. 1 330 Week 7 SE3

o 14/07/2012 Hawker No. 3 340 Week 8 NW5

o 21/07/2012 Edenhope No. 2 330 Week 9 SE4

o 28/07/2012 Lyndhurst YBC 520 Week 10 NW6

o 28/07/2012 Inglewood 10 bird 510 Week 10

o 4/08/2012 Hamilton SAD 430 Week 11 SE5

o 4/08/2012 Lyndhurst 10 bird 520 Week 11

o 11/08/2012 Lyndhurst Open 520 Week 12 NW7

o 18/08/2012 Maryborough Open 1 510 Week 13 SE6

o 25/08/2012 The Twins 620 Week 14 NW8

o 26/08/2012 Marree Sires 560 Week 14 SRC

o 31/08/2012 Alice Springs 1320 Week 15 SRC

o 1/09/2012 Inglewood Open 510 Week 15 SE7

o 8/09/2012 Marla 970 Week 16 NW9

o 15/09/2012 Benalla 690 Week 17 SE8

o 22/09/2012 Bye Week 18

o 29/09/2012 Coober Pedy 770 Week 19 NW10

o 6/10/2012 Holbrook 795 Week 20 SE9

· SAHPA Management Committee considerations :

1. 2011 Season was very good for pigeon returns and the SAHPA financial viability. A similar format in 2012 is planned with only a few minor changes.

2. The Redhill Race has been introduced as a fund raiser so the SAHPA can make a significant donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and promote the sport in SA. It is not intended as an official club race but more of a training and promotional event with an overall prize – more information to follow.

3. The double header weekend race has been removed as member feedback indicated it was impacting family finances and activities on that weekend.

4. The Marla event has been brought forward to reduce the probability of racing in hot weather, and in the process one SE race has been dropped with Marla scheduled before Coober Pedy.

5. Hamilton has been chosen for the SA Derby as it has proved successful with good returns on the day, and it is important to maximize returns from the SE derby. Although the distance is shorter than the YBC the flying time is similar to the YBC.

6. There is one less SE race, ie, now 4 Club/SDC SE races but still 3 middle and 2 long distance races. The reason for this is that we have lost the double header on the long weekend and we did not want to move the season back a week into the hotter weather.

7. Seymour has been dropped and the proven race point of Inglewood has replaced it. Inglewood is on the direct line between Benalla, Holbrook and Adelaide.

8. The bye week has been kept so as to provide birds the optimum recovery time of 3 weeks between races and birds can be backed up for Coober Pedy and Holbrook.

Paramyxovirus Issues – Per SAHPA and BioSecurity SA

· Notification to all SAHPA members of a summary of the latest BioSecurity SA measures:

o Allowed to loft fly your birds,

o Ok to have sales if Bio Security procedures followed,

o Need for Permits to bring birds into SA and to transfer to other states,

o No permits to be granted from Victoria at this stage.

· Notification to SAHPA members of the rescheduled Graham Watson Sale 16th October 2011.

· Notification to SAHPA members of the rescheduled Phil Couzner Sale 23rd October 2011.

· Notification to SAHPA members that SAHPA COM and other SA pigeon bodies met with the Chief Veterinary Officer of BioSecurity SA on Tuesday 27th Sept, 2011 and reported as follows:

o No outbreaks anywhere in Australia other than Victoria.

o 35 properties under quarantine in Victoria – mainly hobbyists not racing lofts or show lofts. 

o The majority of affected lofts are owned by Iraqi hobby flyers who do not speak much English and have exchanged birds with each other or via a Victorian Fodder Store. 

o Only one race loft has been affected and that was via veterinary surgery cross contamination of an injured bird at Colin Walkers’ surgery when the first case came in to be diagnosed.

· This particular PVM1 strain is particularly virulent and results in most cases in 100% death.  The text books state that 3 to 21 days for the disease to take effect but the experience in Victoria is 2 to 4 days and then the birds are dead.

· Important points that were noted at the meeting was:

o If a bird recovers from the disease it is not a “Carrier” which means it will not transmit the disease,

o It is only while the bird is sick that it can transmit the disease. 

o It is not an airborne carried virus. It is transmitted by contact from handling pigeons or contaminated droppings (from clothing, shoes etc).

o The pigeon owner can carry the disease (on shoes, clothing, skin) for up to 8 hours, so it is important to follow BioSecurity procedures such as washing hands, laundering clothes before attending sales, etc. 

o Sales at SAHPA will have a wash mat with VirkonS mixture so people can wipe their feet in the mixture and also cleanse their hands before and after handling pigeons at sales.

o Isolate any sick birds in your loft immediately.

· No new outbreaks in last 7 days (from 27/09/2011), and authorities are hopeful they have tracked down most of the spread.

· 52 other properties in Victoria have been tested but disease not detected.

· SA lofts as of 27/09/2011 are now approved to loft fly pigeons but must follow strict BioSecurity SA guidelines and isolate any birds that return home late from a race.

· Sales for Graham Watson and Phil Couzner now approved to proceed.

· Adelaide Racing Pigeon Club (Brian Fretter’s series) approved to proceed with the final race.

· No pigeons allowed into SA, unless a permit is granted by BioSecurity SA.  A copy of the permit can be downloaded from the following web link -http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/biosecuritysa/animalhealth/animal_health/pigeon_paramyxovirus

· It is LAW that any suspected cases of this disease MUST be reported to BioSecurity SA immediately – 1800 675 888

· Bio Security SA will review these guidelines in the coming months when it known the outbreak is under control in Victoria.

· If the disease is not eradicated in Australia, then vaccine options will be investigated. 

· SAHPA COM is already in discussion with BioSecurity SA in relation to running vaccine trials.

From the SDC COM

· The SDC COM advises that the Short Distance Championship certificates for the SDC Open (10 certificates), SDC Group 1 (three certificates), SDC Group 2 (three certificates), SDC Group 3 (three certificates) and Bird of the Year (three certificates) will be made available at the SAHPA annual dinner and presentation evening to be held Maylands Hotel 26^th November (see above for details) 2011.

· In 2012 the SDC COM plans to run the SDC series in a similar manner to 2011. This will include Points Aggregate for SDC Open, SDC Group1, SDC Group2 and SDC Group3 and BOY.

· 2012 Groups will be based on flyers position in the 2011 SDC Open and new flyers will be allocated a group in line with their 2011 SAHPA aggregate points position.

· Any helpful suggestions welcomed by Tom Tirrell, Bill Bilecki and David Walker.

2012 Middle Distance Racing Anyone??

· Give David Walker (details below) or Stephen Nuske (0419 855 635) a call if you would like to provide some ideas for this concept.

SRC COM – 2011 LDC Alice Springs Marathon- by Gavin Harris

The 2011 LDC Alice Springs Marathon event was very successful with an increase in bird numbers from 145 in 2010 to 270 in 2011, an increase of 86%.
The returns were sensational and what a great achievement by the winner flown by Ken & K Watson of the Elizabeth club. The bird was clocked early on the second day at 6:53 am in the morning after flying 1300 kms and picked up $1,500 first prize for the owners. The bird flew in darkness for at least 3 hours. Second place went to Manuel Magro at Moonta with three birds placed in the top twelve places.  The third bird flown by Dennis Cornish won the pool prize.  It was a well placed bet by Dennis as the same bird was placed 11th from Alice Springs in 2010.  Barry Murphy (who won the race on 2010) was placed fourth and had three birds in the top twenty places.  Bronte Andrewartha was 5th and 7th and Adelaide Race Lofts was 6th.
The total prize money for the event was $4,105, plus $825 was paid out from the Loft Calcutta and $300 paid in pools.
The LDC COM is expecting 2012 to be bigger and better, so start mapping out a breeding and race plan for birds you plan to set for the big event.

SRC COM – 2011 SRC Marree Sires Classic – by Gavin Harris

The 2011 Marree Sires Classic was won by Michael Shepherdson of the Centrals club.   Michael has already collected his new car from our sponsors – “Peter Page Holden”. Michael chose to upgrade the vehicle to a new Holden Cruze. This is the fourth car that has been won from this very successful event and in total the Sires Produce event paid out in total $34,000 in 2011.
Phil Thalbourne was the breeder of the 2011 Marree Sires Classic winner and he collected $6,000 to add to the other prizes he has collected from various special events in the last few years – not a bad little retirement plan – breed a few good birds in your back yard, place them in a few races and sit back and collect ‘large’ cheques every couple of months.
Young Aaron Horrocks of the Para Hills club came a very close second place, was only 32 seconds behind the winner.  S Szabo of Campbelltown club was third only a further 71 seconds behind.  The ever reliable Leo Duits placed fourth and sixth, with his birds being split by Max Taylor in fifth place.  Jim Marafiote had his race team just starting to come into peak form and came seventh.  The very popular Chairman of the Southern Vales club, Gary (and Ivana) Cummings came eighth after he was talked him into letting Gavin Harris bid for a couple birds for him so he would go in the race for the first time.  He is likely to be a regular participant now.
Lindsay Smith placed ninth, Alex Hlebnikoff placed tenth and twelfth and Mark Bruggemann was once again highly placed at eleventh. Ron Bampton of the Hyde Park club had two together finishing 13th and 14th and Ross Hocking was also close up and only just finished out of the money. In fact, between 4th and 27th there was less than 3 minutes.
The SRC COM encourages everyone to compete in this event in 2012 as the more the merrier. If you do not want to spend any money, breeders can still participate by breeding up to six squeakers for the auction and if placed in the race, breeders get 40% of the prize money.
The 2012 event is scheduled to be held from Marree.  The sale dates are:
* Sunday 4th December, 2011 and
* Sunday 5th February, 2012,
o Birds to be presented between 8:30am to 10am – sale starts at 10am.

All South Australian pigeon flyers should be proud that such special events are highly recognised nationally. These races include the LDC Alice Springs Marathon, the SRC Sires Classic, the Adelaide $10,000 and the Adelaide Pigeon Racing Club events.

Opinion – from the Editor

SAHPA members are encouraged to write to the editor to have their opinions, views, comments etc placed in the newsletter.

Be advised however that anonymous letters and articles will not be published regardless of the content. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication to ensure clarity and brevity. All material published will be on the basis that the author accepts full legal responsibility for all statements made in the published copy.

2011 SAHPA Year Book

All clubs and individuals are invited to send copy for the 2011 year book to the editor (David Walker). The sooner the information is supplied, the sooner the yearbook can be completed, printed and distributed. Articles (in Word file) and photos (in jpeg file) are welcomed. Stephen Nuske will be conducting interviews, and race winners are invited to provide any information and photos they have on hand to assist Stephen and the editor.

FROM SAHPA FINCOM

SAHPA Association Analysis 2011

Venue: SAHPA Headquarters, Baulderstone Road

Date: 12^th October 2011

Time: 7.15pm for a 7.30pm Start.

Initiative of THE SAHPA FINANCE COMMITTEE

Purpose:-

To establish an in-depth analysis of the current governance of the SAHPA

The first problem of any problem is to identify the problem – Rick Charlesworth

Objectives

1. Establish a VISION / Direction for the future of Pigeon Racing.

2. Establish a viable sustainable structure to manage and grow the association

3. Construct a viable strategic plan of governance of and for the association

PARTICPANTS:

All clubs and subcommittees:-

Chairpersons, Secretaries and Treasurers

And visionary persons

AGENDA

7.30pm Welcome and Introduction: – G. Harris

7.35pm Facilitator – Stephen C Nuske Public Accountant, Business Consultant, Registered Tax Agent.

7.40pm Open Forum

Each participant will have 1 minute to express their Main Concern.

Rules and Constraints will apply.

8.00pm Coffee Break

8.05pm Business Analysis Completed

8.55 pm Closing Address and Thank You

9.00 pm Close

ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL PIGEON EXPO IS DEFINITELY ON!
The paramyxovirus may have devastated Victorian pigeon racing for 2011 but there’s no stopping the Adelaide International Pigeon Expo in Adelaide on January 7. North Suburban Pigeon Club and the Long Distance Club have confirmed the big event will go on with champion International flyer Geoff Cooper the guest speaker, backed up by Dr. Marshall from Sydney. Cooper won an International event against all of France, Belgium, Holland and England earlier this year and his birds featured high up in the prize list in the 2011 Pigeon Punt. Despite the current doubts about the bird virus in Victoria it was thought the feature was too good to lose. The only stipulation was that Victorian squeakers would not be sold, although the best from Sydney, Canberra, Wollongong, Queensland, WA and Tassie will be sought after. Don’t forget the cream of South Australia to back it up. Victorian flyers are welcome. It is hoped that the all clear will be through by January. The generosity of key pigeon flyers, particularly those from Ponderosa and Canberra convinced SA officials that the show must go on.
Everyone is invited and assistance is available for interstate visitors in arranging accommodation at moderate motel rates. Contacts are Fred Di Mella, Ray Fewings or Gavin Harris.

Adelaide International Pigeon Expo

Saturday 7^th January, 2012

AGENDA

2:30pm Viewing of Pigeons

3:30pm Welcome

3:35pm Dr. Rob Marshall

“Methods & Science for reaching Peak Racing Form”

4:05pm Viewing of Pigeons

4:10pm Auction lots 1 to 50

5:30pm Dinner Served

6:30pm Geoff Cooper (UK)

7:15pm Auction lots 51 to 100

8:40pm Panel of Guest Speakers

9:15pm Purchased Birds – Collection

END OF NEWSLETTER 08/10/2011

SAHPA Race #8 – Maryborough Open (the editor had misnamed this race in the previous months newsletter – apologies to all concerned)

· Congratulations to Goodrich Lofts – Glenelg– Winner Maryborough Open

· Congratulations to S Hodgson – West Torrens – 2^ndplacing Maryborough Open

· Congratulations to P Loveridge – West Torrens – 3^rdplacing Maryborough Open

SAHPA Race #10 – Seymour Open

· Congratulations to N&M Albanos – Salisbury– Winner Seymour Open

· Congratulations to M Molchanoff – Salisbury – 2^ndplacing Seymour Open

· Congratulations to Adelaide Race Lofts – 3^rdplacing Seymour Open

SAHPA Race #11 – Glendambo Open

· Congratulations to Southern Lofts – Southern Districts – Winner Glendambo

· Congratulations to V Allan & G’Dtrs – Southern Vales – 2^ndplacing Glendambo

· Congratulations to M Bruggemann – Glenelg – 3rd placing Glendambo

See last page for Aggregate points table (subject to confirmation)

SRC Race 2 – Marree Sires Classic

· Congratulations to M Shephardson – Centrals – Winner Marree Sires Classic

· Congratulations to A Horrocks – Parahills – 2^ndplacing Marree Sires Classic

· Congratulations to S A Szabo – Campbelltown – 3rd placing Marree Sires Classic

SRC Race 3 – Alice Springs LDC

· Congratulations to K&K Watson – Elizabeth – Winner Alice Springs LDC

· Congratulations to M Magro – Balaclava – 2^ndplacing Alice Springs LDC

· Congratulations to D&L Cornish – NorthEast – 3rd placing Alice Springs LDC

From the SAHPA COM

· The SAHPA COM advises that SAHPA life rings will be available for pick up by each club’s Secretary at the SAHPA HQ on Sunday 25^th September between 10am and Noon.

· The SAHPA Annual Dinner and presentation evening will be held on 26^thNovember 2011 at the Maylands Hotel from 6.30pm. Price is $40 per head for a three course meal. Last years function was at the same venue, was very well attended and enjoyed by all.

From the SDC COM

· The SDC COM advises that the Short Distance Championship certificates for the SDC Open (10 certificates), SDC Group 1 (three certificates), SDC Group 2 (three certificates), SDC Group 3 (three certificates) and Bird of the Year (three certificates) will be made available at the SAHPA annual dinner and presentation evening to be held Maylands Hotel 26^th November (see above for details) 2011.

· In 2012 the SDC COM plans to run the SDC series in a similar manner to 2011. This will include Points Aggregate for SDC Open, SDC Group1, SDC Group2 and SDC Group3 and BOY.

· 2012 Groups will be based on flyers position in the 2011 SDC Open and new flyers will be allocated a group in line with their 2011 SAHPA aggregate points position.

2012 Middle Distance Racing Anyone??

· SAHPA members have for many years been able to enjoy and compete in long distance racing via the SRC races, (and now the LDC Club).

· Short distance racing has been introduced over the last three years and has gained about half the SAHPA flying membership as participants. In 2011 the SDC COM introduced group racing to provide kudos and positive feedback to lesser mortals than our sport professionals (ie, groups 1, 2, & 3).

· How about a Middle Distance Championship series??

· It could be runon similar lines to the SDC (or not – depends on feedback from you the SAHPA flyers).

· It could operate on races from say Hawker/Edenhope (distance ~330kms) to say the Twins/Inglewood (distance ~600kms)– see the 2012 race programme. It would thus comprise 13 races (including the 10BS races).

· Give David Walker (details below) or Stephen Nuske (0419 855 635) a call if you would like to provide some ideas for this concept.

SAHPA Special Races Committee

· Congratulations to Michael Shepherdson on winning the Car, we have received the “All Clear” from the drug test and I understand he has placed an order for a Holden Cruze with our sponsor Peter Page Holden at Elizabeth. The Treasure (Lee Abbott) will be sending out cheques very soon to the other prize recipients.

SAHPA FINCOM

· The SAHPA FINCOM has been reviewing a number of matters of financial interest to the SAHPA. This includes a diagnostic study into the ‘business health’ of the SAHPA, transportation options (new truck, new prime mover, etc), and how additional income may be generatedfor the SAHPA (not necessarily from SAHPA members). All completed information will be provided to the SAHPA COM for review and decision.

· The SAHPA COM completed a business review diagnostic review with Stephen Nuske on Wednesday 14/09/2011.

· This will be followed by a further diagnostic review meeting at SAHPA Head quarters on Wednesday October 12^th starting at 7pm.

· All Club Chairpersons and Secretaries are invited to attend and participate in diagnostic review process (of the SAHPA) with the intention of formulating a strategic plan of operations for the SAHPA.  Data and information will be presented and the facilitator will be Stephen Nuske (Hyde Park Club) who is a business consultant.  Members attending can help formulate a plan the SAHPA COM should consider for the future, and provide feedback to their club members.

Opinion – from the Editor

SAHPA members are encouraged to write to the editorto have their opinions, views, comments etc placed in the newsletter.

Be advised however that anonymous letters and articles will not be published regardless of the content. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication to ensure clarity and brevity. All material published will be on the basis that the author accepts full legal responsibilityfor all statements made in the published copy.

The following media release has been endorsed by the SAHPA COM

MEDIA RELEASE FROM BIOSECURITY SA

Wednesday 14 September, 2011

Movement of pigeons into SA prohibited

Pigeons are no longer allowed to be brought into South Australia from interstate, under moves by Biosecurity SA to protect the State’s pigeon and poultry industries from a virulent virus killing pigeons in Victoria. The paramyxovirus was confirmed last week in pigeon flocks in Shepparton and the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. The virus has not been detected in South Australia.

Chief Veterinary Officer with Biosecurity SA, Dr Rob Rahaley, said as well as prohibiting the movement of pigeons into SA, the Livestock Act had been amended to list the virus as a notifiable exotic disease.

“It is believed that pigeons are capable of infecting poultry. The virus therefore poses a significant threat to the State’s commercial poultry industry,” Dr Rahaley said. “In making this disease notifiable, pigeon and poultry owners and producers are under obligation to report any signs of the disease. If anyone notices something unusual in their pigeons or poultry, or a number of them die within a short time period, they must report it to Biosecurity SA”.

Until further notice, pigeons cannot be brought into South Australia from interstate, except where authorised by the Chief Inspector.

This is to further strengthen the protection of our pigeon and poultry industries.

“The prohibition will be removed once the disease has been brought under control interstate.”

If you notice any unusual signs please contact your veterinarian or contact the Animal Watch hotline on 1800 675 888. Biosecurity SA may assist with the cost of any investigations.

Issued by: Cathy Parker, PIRSA Strategic Communications

Ph: 8226 0338 or 0423 296 579

Due to the above noted issues with parmyxovirusin Victoria, the SAHPA COM has suspended racing for 2011.

The table next page provides details of the SAHPA aggregate points gained in races for 2011.

Leader at suspension of racing was Nenard Stojakovic (160) followed very closely by Adelaide Race Lofts (Dennis Shaw)(159). Mark Bruggemann (135) was third. Congratulations to all three flyers.

2011 Race Results

SAHPA Race #7 – Lyndhurst Open

· Congratulations to Coulston & Clevelend – Vitesse– Winner Lyndhurst Open

· Congratulations to G Markham – Vitesse – 2^ndplacing Lyndhurst Open

· Congratulations to Adelaide Race Lofts – 3^rdplacing Lyndhurst Open

SAHPA Race #8 – Glendambo 10BS

· Congratulations to Goodrich Lofts – Glenelg – Winner Maryborough Open

· Congratulations to S Hodgson – West Torrens – 2^ndplacing Maryborough Open

· Congratulations to P Loveridge – West Torrens– 3rd placing Maryborough Open

SAHPA Race #9 – The Twins Open

· Congratulations to Frangos Family – West Torrens – Winner Twins Open

· Congratulations to Cook & Edwards – Vitesse – 2^ndplacing Twins Open

· Congratulations to S Szabo – Campbelltown – 3rd placing Twins Open

See last page for Aggregate points table (all subject to confirmation)

SRC Race 1 – The Twins Cock Bird Special

· Congratulations to M Molchanoff – Smithfield – Winner Twins Cock Bird Special

· Congratulations to P&R Langer – Salisbury – 2^ndplacing Twins Bird Special

· Congratulations to W Lizogubof – ParaHills – 3rd placing Twins Bird Special

Secretaries– please note that:

· Seals on Hamper – Seals are to be on hampers with numbers recorded. Seals will be checked at random on the loading dock before loading the birds

· GenSec requires race number forecastsfrom club secretaries each week.

· Racing pigeon send/return statisticsare to be compiled weekly and advised to GenSec by club secretaries.

From the SAHPA COM – per G Harris

· The SAHPA COM wishes to advise members on the 2011 financial position following two years of financial losses (2009 – $9,514 and 2010 – $32,885). The good news for 2011is that we expect to break even, or make a very small surplus of around $4,000 if the season goes to plan.    Obviously this is subject to change due to un-foreseen circumstances (race bird nominations/weather/race losses etc).

· What has changed in 2011.

o Member Subscriptions were increasedwhich has raised an extra $6,500

o Our General Secretary generously offered to take a honourarium decreaseof $1500 per annum

o Our Treasurer generously offered to take a honourarium decrease of $1000per annum

o Training toss fees were increasedfrom 17 cents per bird to 20 cents per bird

o Zone Prizes were removed, saving $2,000

o Bird Nominations were increasedby around 30 cents a bird per race.

· The Management Committee fully understand the fact that increasing bird nominations was not a popular decision, (and made it difficult for people on social security), but unfortunately it was long overdue and I would like to take this opportunity to explain why it was necessary.

o It costs around $150,000 per annum to run the SAHPA.

· There are only three main revenue streamsfor the SAHPA

o Membership Subscriptions

o Life Ring Sales

o Bird Nominations

o Other revenuecomes from :

· Training Unit Income ($22,437 – 2009), ($18,743 – 2010), expect ($23,000 – 2011). The training unit costs are around $19,000 but it provides a valuable service to the members.

· Interest on investments ($7,535 – 2009), ($6,924 – 2010), expect ($8,500 – 2011 due to changed investments).

· The remaining income is from small items like hall hire, canteen surplus, car parking fees at HQ, etc

· The increase in bird nomination fees has increased our income for 2011(after Maryborough), by around $23,346 compared to the same time last year.    If you do you math, the savings and extra income (from honourariums – $2,500, extra membership subscriptions – $6,500, extra for bird noms – $28,000), is around $37,000 additional income.  If all other expenses are comparative the SAHPA should accumulate a surplus of around $4,000 in 2011 (see table above).

· It is worth noting that the number of members has increased by 12 in 2011, and the number of birds going to races has increased by almost 10,000. If bird nomination prices had not increased, the SAHPA would be forecasting a $15,000 deficit for 2011/2012.

· When speaking to some SAHPA members they are under the perception that the only reason the SAHPA made a loss last year was because of the purchase of the Hino truck.  This is not the case. The purchase of an asset such as a truck does not affect the income statement of the SAHPA.  The only impact the Hino Truck had on the loss was the depreciation amount which was around $6,000 for the year.  In fact the Hino Truck saved us money as we were able to use it for 10 Bird Specials and races such as Lara and Holbrook in 2010.   The Hino truck has been used for the 10 Bird specials again this year and we plan to use it for Benalla and Holbrook later this season.  It is much cheaper to send the Hino than to pay the freight costs for using a prime mover to cart the SAHPA race unit for these longer races(due to smaller bird numbers).

· For those that were not able to attend the AGM earlier this year, the main reason a loss occurred in 2010 was because the number of bird nominations for races was dramatically lower than previous years. In 2011 race numbers have slightly increased and the extra income from bird nominations has meant that the financial position for 2011 is more favourable.

· A SAHPA Finance Sub Committee has been formed this year made up of Gavin Harris (Chairman), Dave Cawte (SAHPA Treasurer), Graham Watson, David Walker and Stephen Nuske.  The FinCOM is working on a series of proposals to be presented to the SAHPA COM later this year.  These proposals include how the SAHPA attracts members, how the SAHPA can raise money (outside SAHPA members and bird nominations) how the SAHPA can provide prize money and what options exist for reducing freight costs.  The FinCOM wishes to thank Graham Watsonfor the work he has done on reviewing transport options and gathering quotes for a new truck.

SAHPA BUSINESS PLANNING SESSION – from Gavin Harris

· The SAHPA Management Committee and SAHPA Finance Sub Committee are holding a review and planning meeting at SAHPA Head quarters on Wednesday October 12^th starting at 7pm.

· All Club Chairpersons and Secretaries are invited to attend (to participate in a business review process with the intention of formulating future operating directions for the SAHPA).  Data and information will be presented and the facilitator will be Stephen Nuske (Hyde Park Club) who is a business consultant.  Members attending can help formulate a plan the SAHPA COM should consider for the future, and provide feedback to their club members.

SA Long Distance Club – from Gavin Harris

· The SA Long Distance Club (SALDC) is about to form and we invite all SAHPA members and countrylong distance enthusiasts to become an inaugural member of this new exciting club.

· Membership is $25 per annum and that includes one free bird nomination for Alice Springs (which is $20).

· The SAHPA Special Races Committee (which formed by merging the SAHPA Long Distance Committee and the SAHPA Sires Produce Committee), has always planned to form a special Long Distance Club in the mould of the UK Barcelona club.  The SAHPA Special Races Committee will dissolve unless other SAHPA members wish form a new committee to run the Sires Produce. SAHPA members are more than welcome to form a new committee and Gavin Harris will hand over any information they need.  If no other members wish to form a new committee, the SALDC will continue to runthis very successful event without any changes to the structure of the event.

· The SALDC will have an inaugural Annual General Meeting in the next two months and under the constitution it will be held annually in Aprilof each year.

· Together with the North Suburban club the SALDC are planning a fund raiser by holding the ADELAIDE INTERNATIONAL PIGEON EXPO on Saturday 7th January 2011.

· The two clubs have organised to have Geoff and Catherine Cooper from the UK as guest speakers. Geoff and Catherine are champion UK flyers – they won another International Race (2011 Bordeaux 1st and 3rd Overall International 22,029 birds) earlier this year and it should be a very interesting presentation.

· Dr. Rob Marshall will provide a presentation on “Methods & Science for reaching Peak Racing Form“.

· Rob and Geoff will then form a panel to answer questions from the floor.

· On the Sunday morning following the Saturday presentation, Dr. Rob Marshall will be available for race bird health checks and new client registrations.

· 100 birds will be auctioned – 50 on behalf of the North Suburban club and 50 on behalf of the SALDC.

· The SALDC will be aiming to consolidate Alice Springs as the major annual event and in addition, plans to introduce a second yearly long distance eventas appropriate.  In 2012 the SALDC will be supporting the National Race from Cobar (being planned by various racing pigeon bodies around Australia).

· Please join up to the SALDC- become a member and have your say in the evolution of this new exciting club.

· Any queries, please contact Gavin Harris (Secretary 0418 853 111) or Greg Hodgins (Chairman 8263 5670)

ALICE SPRINGS 2011 Australia’s Premier Long Distance Event 1,320 kms.

· This is a reminder to all members that hampering for Alice Springs is Tuesday 30th August starting 7:00pmat the SAHPA Headquarters.

· Charlie Forbes and Wayne Brady are taking the birds to Alice Springs and we plan to release on Friday morning 2nd September 2011.

· First prize is $1,500, and a prestigious trophy for the first Cock Bird.

· Bird Nominations are $20per bird.

· There is a $10 pool and this year we are allowing more than one bird per owner to be nominated at $10 each.  The total of the pool will then be paid out 70% to the First Pool Bird and 30% to the Second Pool Bird.

· We will also be running a Loft Calcutta immediately following hampering.  Each flyer will be listed on the overhead projector, showing name and the number of birds in the race.  Dennis Russell will auction off each loft to any person who has the highest bid. The total Calcutta amount will then be divided 50% to the highest bidder for the winning loft,  30% to the bidder of the second highest placed loft and 20% to the bidder of the third placed loft.  In 2010 there was $670 in the Loft Calcutta pool.

· Remember if you would like to join up to the SA Long Distance Club it is only $25 and you get one free nomination for Alice Springs.

· Please check the SAHPA Phone Message 8262 3857 and/or SAHPA Website Release Forum on Tuesday 30th Augustto make sure the event is proceeding as we will keep a close eye on the weather and if the conditions are not suitable the race could be put back a week.

· If you use a Electronic Timing System, please make sure that some one has the club unit set up down at the SAHPA Hall on the hampering night.  Gavin Harris will have a Tipes system set up and Paul Springett will have a Tauris unit set up. Systems for Benzing, Mega are needed.

Opinion – from the Editor

SAHPA members are encouraged to write to the editorto have their opinions, views, comments etc placed in the newsletter.

Be advised however that anonymous letters and articles will not be published regardless of the content. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication to ensure clarity and brevity. All material published will be on the basis that the author accepts full legal responsibilityfor all statements made in the published copy.

From Barry Murphy – Hyde Park

The Hyde Park Pigeon Club held the inaugural presentation of the Golden Scraper Award for the most club points accumulated for season 2011. Winning the award was Rod Stasinowsky & family. Rod and family, who are having a wonderful season so far this year and won the award with 58 points, followed by veteran flyer Warren Moyle and son with 47 points. Third was Ron (rubber thongs) Bampton with 41 points. Special thanks to the Castle Tavern of Edwardstown for their generosity in sponsoring this award. If you are feeling like a flutter on the pokies, generous meal or a nice cold beer, feel free to call in and say hello to Simon and his lovely staff.

SDC Race #8 – Edenhope #1

· Congratulations to TNT LOFTS – Central Districts – leading velocity for Edenhope #1

· Congratulations to all SDC group winners (see SAHPA web page POINTS/SDC Points).

o SDC Open and Group 1 – P&R LANGER – Salisbury

o Group 2 COULSTON & CLEVELAND – Vitesse

o Group 3 – R&W PURDEY – Salisbury

SAHPA Race #1 – Parachilna #1

· Congratulations to BOWEN & CORNISH – Vitesse – leading velocity for Parachilna #1

SAHPA Race #2 – Edenhope #2

· Congratulations to S & S SARGOOD – Southern Vales – leading velocity for Parachilna #1

SAHPA Race #3 – Lyndhurst YBC

· Congratulations to COULSTON & CLEVELAND – Vitesse – leading velocity for Lyndhurst YBC.

SAHPA Race #4 – Mortlake 10BS

· Congratulations to Stasinowsky Family – Hyde Park – leading velocity for Mortlake 10BS

SAHPA Race #5 – Hamilton SAD

· Congratulations to E D Lenkic – Sth Pt Adelaide – leading velocity for Hamilton SAD.

SAHPA Race #6 – Glendambo 10BS

· Congratulations to A Thede – North East - leading velocity for Glendambo 10BS

Secretaries – please note that:

· Seals on Hamper – Seals are to be on hampers with numbers recorded Seals will be checked at random on the loading dock before loading the birds

· GenSec requires race number forecasts from club secretaries each week.

· Racing pigeon send/return statistics are to be compiled weekly and advised to GenSec by club secretaries.

From the SAHPA COM

· SAHPA members are advised that SAHPA Tee shirts ($22) and Caps ($10) available for purchase. Please see David Thalbourne for details.

· SAHPA Trophy Presentation will be held at the Maylands Hotel 26th November 2011. Tickets will be $40.00 per head.

From the SRC COM

A member of the SAHPA has challenged the rule for the Sires Classic 2011 whether birds have to have a ‘qualifying race on the line of flight’. 

The minutes of the 2011 SAHPA AGM it states:

‘RBL 21 There is no qualification for birds on all SAHPA racing.’

The SRC COM discussed the issue and then the SAHPA COM reviewed the discussion at the meeting on Wednesday 20th July 2011.

As the SRC COM is a sub entity of the SAHPA and this SAHPA Race By-Law rule 21 is contradicting the Sires Classic Rule. It is therefore believed that legally the SAHPA rule would over ride the Sires Classic rule in a court of law.  Therefore it has been decided NOT enforce the qualification rule this year 2011.

The SRC COM apologises to those members who have done the right thing and qualified their birds on the line of flight – hopefully they will be rewarded.

The Secretary of the Sires Classic Race has advised that in 2012 every member who wishes to submit a prepayment form or bid at the auction must sign a declaration that they will abide by the qualification rule.

Opinion

SAHPA members are encouraged to write to the editor to have their opinions, views, comments etc placed in the newsletter.

Be advised however that anonymous letters and articles will not be published regardless of the content. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication to ensure clarity and brevity. All material published will be on the basis that the author accepts full legal responsibility for all statements made in the published copy.

From Trevor Madigan – Hyde Park

I am a collector of old pigeon life rings. They can be of any year and any prefix.

I can be reached at Trevor Madigan, 6 Aver Av, Daw Park, South Australia, 5041, phone number 08 8374 1836. I am prepared to pick them up if that suits the person with rings available.

From Ray Linkevics – Barossa – Vale – Stanley Roy Ferguson

I am letting SAHPA members know about the recent death of highly respected and successful pigeon flyer Stan Ferguson. Stan died on 29^th June 2011 aged 95.

Stan was associated with the SAHPA from the mid 1940s to the mid 2000s. At that time he moved to a retirement village. On visiting him prior to the move to the retirement village, he still had about 40 of his favourite pigeons including some imported stock. At Stan’s funeral, his son Michael told the story of whenever the family went out in the car, a hamper of pigeons would also taken (for a toss). When the children grew up and had their own cars, Stan would always try and put a hamper of pigeons in their car to be tossed. It got so that the children would try and sneak out in their car without telling Stan!

Stan lived a full and happy life, was much loved by his three children and their extended families. He succumbed to pneumonia after a short illness.

From Peter Beaumont – Southern Districts

A local member of the Noarlunga community Gary Dungey, has forwarded these pigeon rings to me, all found below a peregrine roosting post. These rings have been found over several weeks have in all probability been LUNCH at some stage. I still have the rings and if the owners require them for any reason, especially the Tipes ring, I can take them to the SAHPA for collection by the owner. If I am not advised otherwise I will forward them on to a collector of pigeon rings that lives in my local area.

SA96 36685; SA02 14186; SA03 04719; SA04 10047; SA06 07577; SA07 11446; SA08 13279; SA08 27966; SA09 31111; SA10 24289; Tipes MC603 chip ring; Fancy pigeon ring – ‘OSSIE’.

SAHPA Aggregate Points – subject to check – see SAHPA website – Points/SAHPA Points

SDC Open and Group Points – FINAL – see SAHPA website – Points/SDC Points

• Congratulations to K BOWEN & A CORNISH for leading velocity for  Stirling North #2
• Congratulations to all SDC group winners (see SAHPA webpage Points/SDC Points).
  • Group 1 – B Hall & Son – Vitesse
  • SDC Aggregate and Group 2 – K Bowen & A Cornish – Vitesse
  • Group 3 – G Markham – Vitesse

Race #4 – Keith #2

• Congratulations to R&S CHAPMAN leading velocity for Keith #2
• Congratulations to all SDC group winners (see SAHPA webpage Points/SDC Points).
  • SDC Aggregate and Group 1 – R&S Chapman – North Pt Adelaide
  • Group 2 – D Evans – North Pt Adelaide
  • Group 3 – P Loveridge – West Torrens

Race #5 – Hawker #1

• Congratulations to R HOCKING for leading velocity for Hawker #1
• Congratulations to all SDC group winners (see SAHPA webpage Points/SDC Points).
  • Group 1 – C&S Forbes – Salisbury
  • SDC Aggregate and Group 2 – Coulsten & Cleveland – Vitesse
  • Group 3 – F&G Magro – Southern Districts

Race #6 – Keith #3

• Congratulations to G VERRALL for leading velocity for Keith #3
• Congratulations to all SDC group winners (see SAHPA webpage Points/SDC Points).
  • SDC Aggregate and Group 1 – A Muirhead & F Fuller – North Suburban
  • Group 2 – K Waters – Salisbury
  • Group 3 – G Pavloudis – Hyde Park

Race #7 – Hawker #2

• Congratulations to G WATSON & J JARAZABEK  for leading velocity for Hawker #2
• Congratulations to all SDC group winners (see page 6 for table).
  • Group 1 – B Hall & Son – Vitesse
  • Group 2 – G&C Rehn – Smithfield
  • SDC Aggregate and Group 3 – G Markham – Vitesse

Secretaries – please note that:

• Be advised that there is a manufacturing problem with the race rubbers and life rings from Belgium.  There will be a delay in supply of new race rubbers and race rings. Clubs are asked to check their supply of race rubbers for spares. If clubs have any spares that are not needed, please send them back to GenSec and they be replaced when new supplies arrive.
• GenSec requires race number forecasts from club secretaries each week.
• Racing pigeon send/return statistics are to be compiled weekly and advised to GenSec by club secretaries.
• Secretaries please send SDC duplicates to GenSec on hampering nights, and all documentation to SDC COM the following week for confirmation of results.

Flyers – please note that:

• The SDC series is now an 8 race series on club races and is free to enter.  Flyers provide a duplicate hampering sheet to the SDC COM (via the SAHPA GenSec) on hampering nights.  Certificates and aggregate points are collated and issued by the SDC COM.  See dot point from SAHPA COM page 2.

From the SAHPA COM

• SAHPA members are advised that SAHPA Teeshirts ($22) and Caps ($10) available for purchase.  Please see David Thalbourne for details.
• Trainers – on the Parachilna (9^th July) and Edenhope (16^th July) races – cost at 50c per bird – to be released am on the Friday following hampering from Stirling North, and Keith.  If successful, the concept may be extended to include trainers on two other middle distance races – details to be advised.  Trainer hampers are to be ticketed with yellow/cream tags and are to be mixed hens and cocks, 27 birds per hamper.
• Amendment to 5.2 Minutes 25th May2011- SAHPA result on website is now found under Overall Unverified for all club races.
• Life Ring Draw 2011.

                  1. Strathalbyn                    13. Smithfield

                  2. Alexandra                      14. Salisbury

                  3. Southern Vales               15. Port Adelaide

                  4. Para Hills                        16. Para

                  5. North Suburban            17. Vitesse

                  6. Northern Districts          18. West Torrens

                  7. Barossa Valley                19. Elizabeth                 

                  8. Riverside                        20. Happy Valley

                  9. Campbelltown                21. Adelaide Hills

                  10. North East                    22. Hyde Park

                  11. Glenelg                          23. Woodville

                  12. Centrals

• The SAHPA COM advises that in accordance with current race rules, the SDC races will finish after 8 club races.  The two extra SAHPA races will take the place of the last two races that would have been SDC races.

Opinion

SAHPA members are encouraged to write to the editor to have their opinions, views, comments etc placed in the newsletter.

Be advised however that anonymous letters and articles will not be published regardless of the content. The editor reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication to ensure clarity and brevity.  All material published will be on the basis that the author accepts full legal responsibility for all statements made in the published copy.

From J Hofman A few weeks after Bill Walford died in October 2010 my wife and I travelled to his home at Stansbury and with the help of his wife Judith we sorted through his pigeons and a vast quantity of pigeon memorabilia. Judith handed me an article written by the late Corrie Lodge probably in the mid 1970’s (he passed away in June 1990). It gives us an insight as to what pigeon racing was like in Adelaide, and more specifically the Port Adelaide district, from the early 1900’s.             

EARLY DAYS OF PIGEON RACING IN THE PORT ADELAIDE DISTRICT & ITS HISTORY AND MY SPORT OF PIGEON RACING

C.C Lodge - President & Life Member – Port Adelaide District Racing Pigeon Association.

Pigeon racing has always been to the forefront in the Port Adelaide District. Even in 1894 Alberton & Glanville both had prominent clubs. Racing was conducted a little different than it is today. The first race north was usually from Smithfield & then from Roseworthy. The Stationmaster would release each bird separately at 15 minute intervals, he would send a telegram giving the time of each bird released, with this method each bird had to fly it home on its own. In these races, it was one bird per member. South line racing started at Mt. Lofty & there on to Mt. Barker Junction. All birds nominated had a name such as “Harbour Lights, ”  “Pale Ale” etc.

Later Semaphore & Ethelton clubs came into being. I can well remember in the early days a member of the Port Adelaide Club, the late Arch McGregor, who conducted a drapery store in Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, and had his loft attached to the outside wall on the second floor of his building..

I was first introduced into pigeons at the age of 5 years, a Mr Bollen of Newcastle Street, Rosewater who had Fancy Pigeons gave me several nice birds and my late father built me a very nice pigeon house. The late Mr Jack Turnbull who was a member of the Alberton Club until the 1914 War, started up pigeon racing again in 1918, he secured a number of youngsters & the first time he let them out six came to my loft which was situated about 800 metres away. He called in that evening & asked if any had strayed to my loft. I told him I had six of them and when he picked them up he said to my dad, get rid of those mongrels & I will start the lad up in racing pigeons, which he did. It was 1919 and a lot of my pals lived in the Woodville area, they had racing pigeons so we formed a club. Although I lived nearer to Alberton I could not afford to join this club. We called it the Woodville Club, and our first race was from the Grange, taken in a box by one of the members in the train. We had to run with the ticket off their leg & I always being on the heavy side my young brother used to run for me, up through the Cheltenham Racecourse to Woodville, distance one and a half miles. So as to save money for entrance fee I used to walk to Woodville on hampering nights, as in those days money was a scarce item. It was a very rough track inside the railway fence, and large box thorn bushes most of the way. Long before Holdens Factory was built this area used to be a wheat crop each year.  In 1920 we all bought a tin clock from a Mr McMahon who brought to our shed which we used as a club room.  Cost $2.00 each. After a few years with Woodville Club I joined the Alberton Club and as I was now working a push bike was my mode of transport. Some of the members of Alberton Club included the late Alf Hemson, Steve Coleman & Dave William, all prominent fanciers in the Port district.

The Riverside Club came into being in 1924 and has been a successful club in the Port Adelaide District. In 1926 the West Suburban Association was formed which is now the Port Adelaide & District Racing Pigeon Association. Our metal rings we had struck WSA. Meetings of the W.S.A. were held in the Ward Street Hall, Semaphore. Three members elected to draw up rules of W.S.A. namely E. Shaw, Chapman & Casey. Rules passed at meeting held 25-11-1926. At this meeting a lively discussion came to be re boundaries. Some members moved for Kilkenny Station, others for Gibson Street, Bowden, after a lengthy discussion it was decided to leave in abeyance. In 1927 the W.S.A. decided to race the East- West line. At a meeting held 10-3-1927 it was decided to procure from the S.A.H.P.A. 2,000 rubber rings and from the A.R.P. Sydney 1500 metal WSA rings at $6.00 per thousand. It was also passed to print 50 rule books. The Semaphore Homing Club which had ceased to exist in 1927 hired their meeting place to the W.S.A. for $10.00 per year. Racing the East-West line it was moved to send the Station Master at Kingoonya 50 cents to release the birds& to send a collect telegram advising time of release. At a later meeting it was decided to send peas to the Station Master at Terowie so he could feed & water birds en-route & instead of 50 cent postal note to the SM at Kingoonya, 25 cents to the SM at Terowie  & 25 cents to SM at Kingoonya. (Money must have been tight in those days, yes I can well remember).

My late father Geo Lodge became Secretary in 1931 and in 1932 it was decided to build our own W.S.A. Clubroom. Permission was sought from the S.A. Railways & a site was allocated in the Glanville Railway yard. From memory rent was $20.00 per year. Although the original building still stands* it has been extended considerably. My brother took over from my father and was now Secretary of the Port Adelaide & District Racing Pigeon Association & also Secretary of the Riverside Club. The 1936 Centenary year the P.A.D.R.P.A. conducted a Special Centenary race which was won by the late Geo Hawke who was one of the original members of the Riverside Club. His three sons have followed in his footsteps, namely Colin, Don & Ken. In the early 1930’s through the efforts of the late Mr Jack Woods, Secretary of the S.A.H.P.A. decided to convoy the PADRPA pigeons along with theirs to race points. In all Pt Adel Assoc races 4 prizes only 1st 50%, 2nd 25%, 3rd 15% & 4th 10%.

In 1929 the W.S.A. shifted its meeting place to a Hall at Alberton, which was offered to them to purchase in 1931 for $600.00, it was decided it was not central enough. In later years this place was worth with land $60,000.00 and was converted into a factory (a golden opportunity missed). Then unfortunately in 1939 the war came, my brother joined the services like many other fanciers. Although pigeon racing continued with limited flying, I like many others had to go into recess.  By 1948 pigeon racing started to get a good hold again. Through the efforts of Mr Albert Hall who financed the importing of continuous running clocks the PADRPA changed over from the old stop & start tin clock. Fanciers who could not afford to purchase outright, Mr Hall sold them on twice payment basis. So a new era was born at Port Adelaide.                     

In 1951 the Commonwealth Jubilee year, an Oscar was given by the Commonwealth for each sport. I was lucky enough to win the Affiliated Club’s race from Oodnadatta thanks to my good wife who clocked the first bird in the metropolitan area at 12.18pm on the Monday, birds released on Sunday morning owing to bad weather on the Saturday. I like many fanciers over the years am indebted to my wife, without their help many would not be able to race pigeons. So to the ladies I say thank you for the help you have given in training the pigeons and your efforts each year when the annual social comes around.

In 1951 the S.A. Homing Pigeon Combine was formed and the PADRPA became a member and I was elected President, a position I held until the Combine ceased to function in 1974. In 1958 a year book printed by the Combine was well received by fanciers. My years of racing pigeons has been a delight, I will complete 60 years this year and during that period I have met a lot of good blokes. My period of travelling around Australia I came in contact with fanciers who always made you welcome. On a visit to the U.K. (1969) I had the pleasure of meeting one of nature’s gentlemen, Mr Colin Osman who when I phoned him at his office at the well known address Doughty Street, London, said he could give me 20 minutes turned out to be a whole day. I visited his home had lunch with his very attractive wife Grace, met his loft manager and handled his pigeons. What a wonderful day with a most knowledgeable gentleman. My visit to the Queens Loft at Kings Lymm will always be a memory. Here again handling the silky feathered birds which they have in the U.K.  The Queens Loft also has an attractive lot of Show Homers in a special loft away from the racing birds. The telephone wires near the loft had all been corked to make it easy for the birds to see. I travelled by British Railways from London to Kings Lymm arriving back in London at 11.00pm. My wife thought I had got lost in this historical place. Unfortunately I had to refuse pigeons offered me owing to import restrictions, however I am of the opinion we have birds equal to those in the U.K. and we fly our birds a lot harder than they do, but in most instances they keep fewer pigeons than we do in Australia. You cannot compare the two types of racing. It is unfortunate the great sport has been in the doldrums for some time. Our media coverage is very poor, and so as to progress it is up to every fancier to try and give pigeon racing a lift. Help the young lad to get established and interested in the sport. I, like many others, have given away good pigeons to get someone started up. This is one way of making the sport popular. We are most fortunate in Australia & especially South Australians as our pigeon feed is at our back door, overseas countries have to import a lot of their feed which is very costly compared to prices we pay. I am asking all fanciers to make a drive to secure sponsors or trophies for our association races. Up to date I have been fortunate in getting a sponsor for $500.00 for Benalla and a couple of $100.00 trophies. If you are interested in helping the sport and securing any donations or trophies please contact me through the association. It is up to all pigeon fanciers to make the sport grow in S.A.

*In 1975 the PADRPA, which consisted of the Osborne, Peterhead & Riverside clubs, joined the SAHPA but it ceased to function after 1977 when some of its members decided to start a local area federation while others decided to stay with the SAHPA. The Western Districts Federation (WDF) was formed and convoyed with the SARPF. While most Riverside members stayed with the SAHPA, the WDF consisted of the Osborne club which basically became the Peninsula North Club, Peterhead & Le Fevre Clubs became Peninsula South, the Mansfield Park club was formed under the guidance of Corry Lodge and the Woodville Club also joined the WDF. At one stage they had over 80 members and Corrie Lodge continued his work in securing good sponsors for classic events. The old PADRPA clubrooms (in the Glanville railway yard) was demolished in the 1980’s and the WDF moved to the former Le Fevre Peninsula Club rooms also in the Glanville railway yard but about 50 metres to the north. Due to dwindling membership & rising transport costs the WDF joined the SAHPA in 1985 but ceased to function as the WDF a few years later. Their clubrooms met the same fate as the PADRPA clubrooms several years later. What exists in its place now is the Port Adelaide Club which at first was  divided into 3 sections, Peninsula North, South & East, then later just two, Peninsula North & Peninsula South. The Riverside clubrooms at the Alberton railway yards was burnt down in the early 2000’s and never rebuilt The Riverside club now occupies the same premisis as the Port Adelaide club at Swam Terrace, Ethelton.

Mr Lodge mentions in his writings quite a number of old and defunct Port Adelaide District clubs i.e., Alberton, Glanville, Semaphore, Ethelton & Port Adelaide plus a couple that still exist, namely Riverside and Woodville. There were at least three others in the Port District that failed to get a mention and I believe that they all wound up their activities in the late 1950’s. They were Largs Bay, Albert Park & Rosewater; the latter two probably being consumed largely by the Riverside Club and the Largs Bay club by Peterhead & Osborne clubs. The Port Adelaide club referred to by Mr Lodge that existed back in the early 1900’s is unrelated to the present Port Adelaide club which was named as such in the 1990’s.

· Congratulations to John Luter for leading velocity for Stirling North #1

· Congratulations to all SDC group winners

o SDC Aggregate and Group 1 – P&R Langer – Salisbury

o Group 2 – A Ellul & Son – Southern Vales

o Group 3 – T&M Langford & Sons – Southern Vales

Race #2 – Keith #1

· Congratulations to Bronte Andrewartha for leading velocity for Keith #1

· Congratulations to all SDC group winners

o Group 1 – B&S Balk – Southern Vales

o SDC Aggregate and Group 2 – B Andrewartha – Southern Districts

o Group 3 – F&G Magro – Southern Districts

Secretaries – please note that:

· Royal Flying Doctor North Line 3 Race Series – Cash Subscriptions – send to RFD Series C/- GenSec at HQ by 03/06/2011

· GenSec requires race number forecasts from club secretaries each week.

· Racing pigeon send/return statistics are to be compiled weekly and advised to GenSec by club secretaries.

· SAHPA Clock Chairman’s Meeting – Club secretaries are advised that a meeting of club secretaries with the S.A.H.P.A. Clock chairperson will be held at SAHPA Headquarters 7.30pm 27th June 2011

Flyers – please note that:

· The RFD North Line series has a $100.00 prepayment due 3^rd June 2011 (three races – 1^st *15birds, 2^nd *15birds, 3^rd *30birds) – prizemoney to be paid on three race groups – See Group Listings & Payment Details in May Newsletter

· The SDC series is a 10 race series on club races and is free to enter. It is separate to the RFD Series (described above). Flyers provide a duplicate hampering sheet to the SDC COM (via the SAHPA GenSec) on hampering nights. Certificates and aggregate points are collated and issued by the SDC COM.

· Following concern from SAHPA flyers about the charge for hampering/clocking at SAHPA HQ, the SAHPA COM decided that the $2.00 charge will be rescinded – there will be no charge for using SAHPA HQ facilities.

From the SAHPA COM

· Release Panel- The release panel for 2011 is – Mr Lee Abbott, Mr Greg Hodgins and Mr David Thalbourne

· Amendment to: 9-12 minutes from 27^th April 2011. Motion – Remove SAHPA result from the website -the only result will be the SDC result on the web page. Clock tapes, compiling forms, electronic result sheets, race rubbers and clock seals as appropriate are to be sent to SDC COM for checking.

· Convoyer: Mr G Rayment has been appointed as convoyer for 2011. The COM would like to thank Mr Ian Durrant for stepping in to do the convoyer duties for the past three weeks.

From the SAHPA COM Continued……………

· The SAHPA has approved the formation of a Finance Sub Committee. Gavin Harris is the appointee from the SAHPA COM. Interested SAHPA members should contact Gavin regarding interest to serve on the sub committee, provide advice to the sub committee or provide submissions to the sub committee. The initial meeting of the sub committee is planned for 15 June 2011. Areas to be considered are:

o Investments

o Options for membership subscription

o Options for bird nominations, including current system, prepaid options, etc

o Future transport options

o Review cost savings

o Review revenue streams

The aim is to provide information and recommendations to the SAHPA COM July 2011 meeting.

From the SDC COM

Flyers please note:

The SDC series is a separate competition to the RFD Series.

The SDC Series provides checked results, and certificates for all short distance races up to (but not including) SAD and YBC distance. In 2011, the SDC is providing a Group competition (in three levels) as well as the aggregate competition as per the last three years.

The RFD Series is a three race series providing three (3) extra races on the north line for those interested in extra north line racing. A pre-paid nomination of $100 is required for the three races (due this weekend – 03/06/2011). Flyers are allowed 15 birds for the first two races, and 30 birds for the third race from Pt Augusta (the RFD Cup race). Prize money is being paid for each race in three groups. The Royal Flying Doctor Service will benefit from a donation should the series attract enough flyers. A minimum 72 flyers is required to cover the cost of the series and ensure the Series goes ahead.

THE 2011 ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW

The SAHPA Inc. (as a Major Sponsor of the Pigeon Section of the Adelaide Royal Show) seeks to encourage the participation of its members in the Racing/Flying Homer show section to be held at the Wayville Showgrounds between the 2^nd to the 10^th of September 2011.

The competition consists of Open Classes for Racing/Flying Homer pigeons in Class colours, with the SAHPA Cash Prize for the “Most Successful Champion Racing /Flying Homer Exhibitor”, as well as a Champion Racing/ Flying Homer Club Competition Sponsored by the Mallee Pigeon Fanciers Group by offering a $100 Cash Prize.

SAHPA Clubs are particularly invited to support Club Competition, which is for teams of up to six (6) pigeons exhibited by registered Racing Pigeon Clubs, and limited to one Team per Club. This Section is to be judged on a points based system, for teams consisting of 2 X Old Cocks, 2 x Old Hens, and 2 x Young Birds.

THE 2011 ROYAL ADELAIDE SHOW Continued…………….

The Judge for the 2011 Royal Adelaide Show is our own SAHPA 2008 & 2010 Champion Flyer MR GREG HAMILTON.

Show Schedules containing full details including Entry Forms, will be forwarded to all Clubs this week thru the SAHPA post system.

PLEASE NOTE: Entries for the Royal close on Friday 1st July 2011, at 5pm with the RAHS. Exhibitors are not required to provide specific Bird details (Ring No’s etc) but only Class Entries as listed in the Schedule.

Any queries, contact Brian Mahomet on Mob 0432 062 176

BIG PIGEON MEET IS ON AGAIN!

Following the success of the 2011 guest speaker and auction night, North Suburban and the Long Distance committee are in talks to stage another big event for January 2012. Champion UK pigeon flyer and celebrity Geoff Cooper has already agreed to fly to Adelaide to be the special guest. Cooper has recently notched major successes in the early 2011 UK classics. Some of his birds will be on offer at the night.
Last year many outstanding flyers from all over Australia donated birds for the auction segment and already this year promises have been received from additional champions. Major stud owners George Desira and Jack Vanderlinden have declared their support. In 2012 it is hoped that flyers from all over Australia will be in Adelaide to hear from Geoff Cooper who has been at the top of the sport in England for several decades. He is in great demand, visiting similar promotions in Holland and Belgium where he is well respected.

IMPORTANT NOTICE to all SAHPA Members

The SAHPA COM (based on a recommendation from the SDC COM), has decided for SDC and Club Races to only provide the Short Distance Championship result. The general Association result which is un-verified will no longer be available. The only results on the web site for short races will be SDC and Club results.

Reasons are:

• Flyers claim the general result as a ‘SAHPA’ result when it is not – the SAHPA does not back these results because they are club results.
• No results have been checked by the SAHPA for accuracy, and hence these results cannot be verified and claimed as ‘SAHPA’ results.
• Until the SDC Series was introduced three years ago, no alternative was available.
• The SAHPA COM has decided to invest the SDC Series with full SAHPA backing because the racing and race results will now be conducted under full SAHPA rules (this is a change – see note below).
• This will mean that flyers participating in SDC racing will get full benefit for themselves and their pigeons because results will be ‘official’ ie, checked and verified by the SDC COM.
• Flyers wanting to fly in club racing (for a club result) do not need to adhere to full SAHPA hampering/clock rules.

· Hampering for Stirling North on Friday 20^thMay 2011.

· Have you checked your clock – mechanical or electronic?

· Have you checked your ELB is working and that the seal is intact?

Secretaries– please note that:

· Stock order forms are to be in by the 20^thMay 2011.

· GPS readings for new flyers or new loft locations are up required (including photos and details of the loft seal number to GenSec).

· Advise GenSec on your intended group flying arrangements.

Flyers– please note that:

· The North Line series has a $100.00 prepayment due 1^st June 2011 (three races – 1^st *15birds, 2^nd *15birds, 3^rd *30birds) – prizemoney to be paid on three levels (dependent on SAHPA aggregate points position – see Group listings last page – see page 2 for payment details.

· Don’t forget your life ring transfers – changes are required before hampering first race (on 20 May 2010).

· The SAHPA COM requires race bird nomination forecasts to club secretaries the week before each race (ie at hampering the week before).

From the SAHPA COM

· SAHPA members in the northern areas are reminded that training times for loft flying near Parafield Aerodrome is from Sunrise to 8.00am each day.

· SAHPA Members are advised that the yearbook for 2010 is at the printers, and will be distributed on hampering night Friday May 20^th.

· Charges for flyers using the SAHPA hallfor basketing and clocking is $2.00 per flyer per race.

· Racing pigeon send/return statisticsare to be compiled weekly and advised to GenSec by club secretaries.

· Club secretaries are required to forecast expected bird nomination numbers for the next race at hampering the week before. This info is required to ensure that the most economical race unit is used for each race.

· Mr P Couzner has resigned from the SAHPA COM due to ill health. Replacement nominations were received from Mr P Squire, Mr T Jeffries, and Mr G Hamilton. Mr G Hamilton was appointed.

· Due to concerns about the Edenhope/Hamiltonrace points from some flyers, the SAHPA COM advises that birds will be released on the day (weather permitting), and the release will be from the race point the release COM believes will provide best race returns.

SAHPA Insurance for Clubsby Gavin Harris

All SAHPA clubs have $5 million Public Liability Insurance covered under the SAHPA broad coverage.

The current policy is with CGU and our broker is VFP Insurance of which Alan Thede is a retired director.  Alan works on Mondays, so if you have any queries, please contact him on 8362 7841.

It is important to note that many councils now request that clubs have at least $10 million Public Liability Insurance cover, if this is the case, please contact VFP Insurance and request an upgrade and VFP will issue a Certificate of Currency for your club with an invoice made out to your club to cover the difference, last year the upgrade costs were around $160 for a full 12 months coverage.

The SAHPA policy also covers the clocks owned by members if the damage is caused by a club official, for example if the clock committee accidentally tipped over the table holding the clocks.  The policy has a $250 excess and maximum limit of $10,000.

Please note that if a member drops their own clock, the SAHPA policy does not cover this situation, it is only if the accident is by a club official.

All clubs should organise their own contents insurance.

RFD North Line Series – Payment methods by 1 June 2011

1. Direct payment via internet to SAHPA – RFD Series acct 065102 10300829– ensure you note the following

• Payment amount ($100)
• Payee details (FlyerNumberFlyerName) (ie, 562Walker with no spaces)

2. Direct payment into any Commonwealth Bank into acct 065102 10300829 and ensure you enter your payee details as aboveor the teller notes these details – and get a receipt.

3. Direct payment to Tom Tirrell, Bill Bilecki, David Walker or GenSec and ensure your details are recorded and get a receipt.

4. Via your club secretary to either of the people named above – get a receipt and ensure your details are recorded.

LOST BIRD PROCEDURE S.A.H.P.A. 2011

Public Contact

Contact is made by the ‘finder’ of the bird to the Ring Secretary by…

• Live and Message Bank (to Ring Secretary) telephone (08) 8252 9377
• Telephone message bank only (08) 8411 5830
• Email: lelith@internode.on.net

In cases of live communication, the Ring Secretary receives bird and ‘finder’ details and shall give assurance that the owner will be notified a.s.a.p. The Ring Secretary is to thank the ‘finder’.

In cases using the message bank systems the Ring Secretary is to get back to the ‘finder’ and give assurance of receiving the report that the owner will be contacted a.s.a.p. The Ring Secretary to thank the ‘finder’.

In cases of email, use above principles

Owner Contact

The Ring Secretary is to contact the birds registered owner a.s.a.p. and after confirming the ownership, must get an assurance from the owner that…

• He/she (owner) will contact the finder immediately (within reason)
• He/she (owner) will arrange for the bird to be picked up within 24 hours or by another agreed arrangement.

On completion of bird pick-up, the owner must confirm immediately or a.s.a.p. with the

Ring Secretary that action has been carried out.

If no confirmation of the bird pick-up is made within 3 days, the Ring Secretary must follow up with the owner. The Ring Secretary will then evaluate the reason for the delay in the pick-up. If the reason is not justified, an alternative pick-up arrangement will be made and the original owner will be fined $50.

All SAHPA Members must comply with the above ‘Lost Bird Procedure’. Failure to do so without reasonable circumstance, will incur a fine of $50. Furthermore, failure to pay the fine as invoiced by the SAHPA within 30 days may incur further disciplinary action by the SAHPA.

Members are also reminded statements to the ‘finder’ such as…

Kill it!

Don’t want it!

Do what you like with it etc

…are not acceptable, particularly when dealing with non-pigeon members of the community.

In cases where the owner of the lost bird does ‘not’ or through circumstances is ‘unable’ to pick the bird up from the ‘finder’, the Ring Secretary will make necessary arrangements to do so on their behalf. In case of negligence by the owner to ‘not’ pick up the bird the Ring Secretary will make recommendation to the SAHPA Secretary that a fine of $20 will apply – this fine may help offset any costs in retrieving the bird through other means.

All members of the SAHPA are reminded that being Ambassadors for the sport of pigeon racing in South Australia they must communicate with lost bird ‘finders’ in a cordial and respective manner and thanking them for their efforts. Any reports of other forms of poor communication will be regarded as detriment to the well being of the sport and will be dealt with accordingly by the SAHPA COM.

THE ABOVE ‘LOST BIRD PROCEDURE’ IS ENDORSED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN HOMING PIGEON ASSOCIATION INC.

5.04.2011

Has anyone this setup!!!!!!!

Very different !!!!!!! All plastic !!!!!!!, very robust !!!!!!

Very Nice !!!!!!! No internal Framing !!!!!!

And this is the complete product!!!!!

Photos supplied by Phil Squire – acquired from the Barcelona Club of UK – photos of their new unit