I stand by the window……the crowns of the oaks lose their uneven “battle” against the howling wind……a “lonely” hare crosses the country road and in the distance echoes the melancholic howling of a solitary dog waiting for the owner who does not come.
We have arrived in the “dark” days……but the “real fanciers” don’t let it get to their hearts and are already busy in the lofts…… “here and there” artificial light indicates that it will soon be paired!
Pigeon sport never stands still!
Organizationally, there is again much dissatisfaction within the sport, but for the average enthusiast, it’s “the far-from-my-bed show”……here in his loft……his “little kingdom,” he is “lord and master”……soon at the turn of the year, there will again be “new hope” in the bowls, and the fancier can dream further about what is to come. Indeed……as long as a person “can and may” dream in these anxious times of this worldly vale of tears.
The current structure and regulations can attract little or no new young enthusiasts, let alone keep them.
Pigeon sport is in a deep valley and will sink further without a modern and future-oriented policy from the KBDB.
The downward spiral is not only due to management and governance, but today’s youth find too much leisure that does not require the daily commitment like pigeon sport.
There is also the “cost aspect” that must be made more bearable for the purebred enthusiast.
Here I think of travel costs—read “transport.”
Fortunately, there is now the recently launched new project in East Flanders for collaboration among all national marking locations in East Flanders……the V.O.V.D. (Association of East Flemish Pigeon Friends) for a cheaper and more transparent game! “Union fait la force.”
Congratulations to the initiators, and hopefully, they receive much support from the enthusiasts' guild and beyond!
There is also the changed way of life, which has become a reality, and therefore family must be central at the KBDB……the regulations regarding release times need to be re-evaluated, and costs must be drastically reduced in all areas!
There is “here and there” still too much profit-seeking……the “common folk” just let it go, and therefore it seems to many unjust……a acquired right!
Something must also be done to counter the rise of large lofts (and corresponding satellite lofts)……they are putting small fancier communities under pressure.
In the early seventies, I studied law under Prof. Delva at the RUG……and something I have always remembered is that a democratic organization must keep the legislative, executive, and judicial powers strictly separate!
Long before the decade, we had the Study of the Van CLE Foundation (early 1980s) at the request of the KBDB and funded by it.
There was a lot of wisdom in there for the future-oriented approach to our sport.
Perhaps this should be dusted off? It’s a pity that nothing became of it under the “ancien regime”!
The appointment of an “independent” advisor with no “ties” within the sport who examines the cumbersome structure of the organization would not be a luxury; in other words, a business audit.
This is now called an “improve scan” that teaches you where your business can improve in terms of approach and organization.
“All together” today for the well-being of pigeon sport tomorrow, I would say!
LW