NFC - National Flying Club

16/04/2026

The NFC's 2026 Member Handbook has been uploaded on the website, accessible from the link below and will shortly be despatched to all paid-up Members. Many thanks to John Wheatcroft and Jill Webber for pulling it all together for us.

https://nationalflyingclub.co.uk/news/

09/04/2026

Just a reminder that those of you wishing to enter the Grand National challenge this year, you have until 23:39 on 11th April to get your entry to me

See the initial post made on March 14, on this page, for full details (rules, how to enter, etc)

Cheers!

30/03/2026

The RPRA have informed us that Sigogne has been withdrawn as a race point, so we will go to Saintes instead, which is ~ 28 miles west of Sigogne.
All distances have been uploaded to the website. If you have a query regarding your distances, please contact the race manager.

14/03/2026

* 2026 NFC Grand National Challenge *

Following the successful relaunch of the Grand National challenge last year, members are invited to enter this year's event.

What to do and how to enter:-

The competition: to nominate a single bird, targeting its entry into the NFC Grand National Race, well in advance of the race (a test of faith and judgement)

The rules:
1) Nomination to be made by 11th April 2026 (by email, please, see below)
2) NB: Your nominated pigeon must never previously have been TIMED in any previous editions of the NFC Grand National race

The entry Fee: FREE

So, we're looking for you to pick out a pigeon from your race team that you believe will really flourish in 2026, culminating of course in taking a good position in the NFC Grand National race, scheduled for liberation on 19th June.

Last year's event, where 45 members nominated into the competition, was won by Dave Clark whose nomination won 6th Open 1st Section F, a terrific performance in a very hard edition of the Grand National.

https://nationalflyingclub.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/NFC-Tarbes-Challenge-2025.pdf

If you need any further inspiration, consider that in 2011 the winner of this challenge was no less a pigeon than Pennine Heights, flown by P Shackleton & Son, flying 740 miles. So, this is not an impossible challenge, dreams really can become reality ... looking at Pennine Heights' previous NFC form in 2010, it marked him out as a very good pigeon, but not outstanding perhaps, yet he was picked out and was the Loft's only entry in the race, who knows maybe part of the reason he was sent was because he was nominated in the challenge? The 2010 winner was raced by Mark Dorrington, winning 47th Open 6th Section. Stuart Goldstraw won the 2012 edition.

It would be great to get a lot more members nominating this year, but what I would say that if you have any intention to enter the race, then why not take up this FREE NOMINATION challenge right now, you've nothing to lose right?

Please email your Ring nomination to me at [email protected] including your NFC membership code and Mobile Phone number, and also a few words telling me a little bit about your nominated pigeon and why you selected it above all others in your loft. Please, though, double-check the ring number of your nominated pigeon, as it cannot be changed after the entry deadline above, and also that it's never previously been timed in the NFC Grand National race (any previous year, see rule 2 above).

As per last year I'll also set up a WhatsApp Group for those entering the competition, where entrants can post updates on their nominations (how has training and racing gone so far, etc).

Good luck to all!

10/03/2026

A new race point has become available at Quai Neuf, Isigny-sur-Mer, beside the L'Aure Interieure river on the Cherbourg Peninsula, and will be a similar distance to Carentan (withdrawn ~2 yrs ago).
Given that we're starting racing a week earlier than we would have liked - we moved our dates to avoid clashing with other large organisations - we feel the shorter race point gives consideration to the northern sections and will increase competition over the whole country.
The first race on 16th May 2026 and the Young Bird/Old Hens race on 29th August 2026 will now be flown from Isigny-sur-Mer instead of Fougeres.

19/02/2026

Thanks to Lee Wilkinson and his team of helpers, we have a replacement marking station for the North East of England 🙂
It's at Byram Park Social Club, Old Great North Road, Byram, Knottingly, WF11 9FF.
Marking times are 06:30 to 08:00.
Refreshments will be available.

13/01/2026

Virtual Veterinarian Loft Visits

Please note the following very important guidance from David Parsons, Veterinary advisor to the NFC

Are Virtual Loft Visits permissible for Cross Channel Racing?
Answer: NO

If the fancier has had a virtual loft visit will he or she be able to race across the Channel?
Answer: NO

Comment: I have checked with my governing body and my insurers. I have been told that should I complete the Export Health Certificate and one or more fanciers have had a virtual and not an in-person loft visit then this constitutes false certification.

Result:

I now need confirmation that all fanciers entering a race have had an in-person loft visit. Having to check whether fanciers have or have not had virtual visits will make more work for those organisations that race across the Channel. Any fancier who has had only a virtual visit will be refused entry into the race. Each organisation will now have to supply me with the names of the veterinary practices doing loft visits for their members.

Action:

I will be requesting a statement from each veterinary surgeon or practice that undertakes loft visits confirming that all have been done in person.

I have been told not to sign any certificates if I have the slightest suspicion that virtual visits have happened. The reality is that is not an option. I must ensure that I am not in a position where I think that it is a possibility. Hence the request for vets to supply me with a statement that all lofts have been visited in person. It is just a matter of compiling a list of vets and or practices that do loft visits. If a vet supplies me with a false statement, so be it. I have done as much as I can.

The above message is clear and unequivocal! Any member who takes the shortcut of a virtual Vet visit jeopardises the whole NFC convoy travelling to France. Don't be that person, please.

https://nationalflyingclub.co.uk/virtual-veterinarian-loft-visits/

01/01/2026

28/12/2025

*** Pigeon - Best Average All OB Races 2025 ***

The Mark Gilbert International Trophy is awarded annually to the Pigeon achieving the highest average velocity across all old bird races. This year, just four pigeons (all 2yo's) were timed in all races, see below, and top of the list is our own tireless Race Secretary, Jill Webber, racing in partnership with husband Alan. 2nd and 3rd flew to the same loft of Derek Nicholls in Wales, with David Taylor in 4th place. Well done to all three fanciers, you've some hardy and consistent pigeons there alright! Would be interesting to hear what plans you now have for these pigeons, stock or race team?

25/12/2025

*** Christmas Crackers ***

See below the performance race cards of the two pigeons that completed their Certificate of Merit qualification this year, flown by Andy Holland and John Hayward. Brilliant pigeons, both, with markedly different NFC race profiles. Andy's pigeon has been clocked 12 times, flying >5000 miles in the process up into Section K, whilst John's pigeon has only ever been timed from our Grand National race, with three top 100 positions.

Andy and John must be very proud men indeed, each winning this coveted award that rewards exceptional pigeons.

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all our members and their family and friends . Wishing everyone warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

15/12/2025

Photos from the Presentation Dinner at the Waterfront Hotel in Southport