On Thursday, November 23, the associations in West Flanders were summoned for the annual statutory general meeting in the “Reo Auction” hall in Roeselare. It was a very cordial meeting, demonstrating that the associations appreciate the efforts of the provincial administration.
Shortly after 7:30 PM, provincial chairman Dany Vandenberghe, together with mandated Paul Haesaert and secretary Nico Deschuyffeleer, opened the meeting by welcoming everyone on behalf of the PE West Flanders. He also expressed apologies for mandated and national vice-chairman Wim Logie, who was abroad due to unexpected commitments for the KBDB.
The board members of the associations were thanked extensively for the many efforts they contribute annually. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the associations to find suitable locations. Some associations experienced this again this year. Fortunately, a solution emerged for everyone.
Click here for the power point provincial meeting W-Vl (.pdf-document)
The chairman continued with some statistics from recent years. Statistics clearly showing that pigeon sport is in a negative spiral in terms of the number of members and associations in West Flanders, with a PowerPoint illustration highlighting this considerably.
Next followed the discussion about the decisions from the national general meeting held last October.
It was evident that people in West Flanders are far from happy with the national calendar, a sentiment fully acknowledged by those present in the room. By proposing their own national calendar for discussion to the national sports committee, they in West Flanders hoped for a more balanced calendar. However, this was not well received, with the known consequences. A few years ago, the monument Brive was already removed from the calendar, and now Libourne has also been erased. Regarding the long distance, we see the races clearly shifting eastward, the chairman stated. The GHF calendar also raises many questions. It’s a missed opportunity to create something beautiful. Hopefully, at the next general meeting, they will realize that it could be much better, says the chairman, supported by his deputies and the many attendees.
Another incomprehensible decision is the expansion of the national championships to include the small speed category. While I respect those who can participate, several provinces are being sidelined. Equal opportunities for everyone are far from being met.
The two-night basket for the KHF races, something they are used to in West Flanders for a long time, was again up for discussion. Here too, previous decisions have been reversed, and Hainaut was again allowed to return to one-night baskets for the KHF races, albeit with the closing of their borders for those races. For the sake of equality for everyone, this decision raises many questions.
The next item concerned: the presentation of the provincial sports program 2024
Click here for the Overview Approved provincial flight calendar 2024 W Vl. (.pdf-document)
a) For the sprint and KHF races, there are no major changes on the program. The lines from last season were, to everyone’s satisfaction, continued. Only for the first two weeks of September, there will be a change in the sprint. Instead of organizing 2 sprint races (Arras and Clermont) on the same day, it is now opted to reduce this to one race from Roye, which is nicely situated in between. Given the sharply declining number of pigeons at this time, we believe this is a logical decision.
b) The races with release points Arras and Lens were reviewed. There is currently a request pending with the French union to possibly move both races to Douai. This would result in a shorter distance for the first French races, which is particularly important for the northern part of the province. The release point in Douai (Vitry - en - Artois) is a gem in terms of location and surroundings (see photo in the PowerPoint). A win-win situation for both feeders and enthusiasts. The delegates from the associations unanimously agreed with this proposal. Now they just hope the necessary permits will be obtained.
c) The program of the provincial GHF races has been seriously shortened, but this is solely due to the busy national program that leaves no room for those provincial GHF races.
d) Regarding the training flights on Wednesdays, they will look to work with about four central registration points starting from June. With this intervention, the provincial administration hopes to accommodate the feeders, in the hope that these training flights can be sustained longer.
e) Additionally, it was announced that there will be another information evening for the associations to become better acquainted with the “cloud clocks.” On that evening, a short first aid course would also be given. This is in response to the incident in Vlamertinge where an enthusiast had to be resuscitated. It is extremely important to react adequately in such moments, hence this initiative.
f) Another information evening is planned for all enthusiasts regarding the issue of Lung Fibrosis (pigeon lung). A professor has reportedly agreed to give a lecture on this disease, which should not be underestimated in pigeon enthusiast circles.
EXPLANATION
Each association can organize a training flight from Arras for young pigeons on Wednesday, 1/05/2024.
From 18/05/2024, racing flights for young pigeons can be organized.
Young pigeons can only participate in the Small Half Fond races starting from 29/06/2024.
Releases of Sprint races:
- April: provincial release (without East Flemish locals)
- May June: Arras zonal releases A1 - A2 (without East Flemish locals)
- From 1/06 to 8/06: Clermont zonal releases A1 - A2 (without O.Vl. locals)
- From 15/06: provincial release at Clermont (without East Flemish locals)
Releases Small Half Fond Provincial (without East Flemish locals)
Release points for the round of Belgium will be determined by lottery
Next provincial champion day on Sunday, November 3, 2024
After an announcement that the next provincial champion day will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2024, in the familiar “salons De Vrede” in Ichtegem, the chairman closed the meeting to applause.
West Flanders can face the 2024 season with a peaceful heart. Chairman D. Vandenberghe and his deputies Paul Haesaert & Wim Logie, assisted by provincial secretary Nico, can now proudly reflect on a particularly successful provincial meeting after a splendid Provincial Day.
The applause at the close of the session testified to the fact that the PC has the wind in its sails!
To the provincial committee, as well as the responsible persons of the associations, we say, thank you friends for your commitment to the benefit of the West Flemish pigeon sport.