Download - The Chase - December 2010
THE CHASETHE NEWSLETTER FOR THE UK FALCONRY CLUB DECEMBER 2010
WWW.UKFALCONRYFORUM.COM
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
contents
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Editors noteWelcome to the Christmas edition of ‘Th e CHASE’ as we refl ect
on the fi rst year of the UK Falconry Club & Forum and what we
have achieved in so short a time, is testomy to the committment
of the committee, and the forum & club members. So please
enjoy this Christmas edition.
I would personally like to that Jonathan Pointer and Mark Up-
ton for contributing to this edition and I am sure you will enjoy
their magnifi cent paintings.
Also, wildlife artist Paul Hawkyard has kindly donated one of
his paintings ‘Sky God’ to raise funds for the UK Falconry Club,
see page 35. If you wish to bid for this painting you will have to
register online at www.ukfalconryforum.com - Please note the
auction fi nishes 10th December 2010 and I am sure it would be
a fantastic present for someone for Christmas.
So please enjoy this edition and if you have any articles you
wish to submit for the January/February edition, please send
your articles to [email protected] before the
20th December.
Neil Davies - Editor
Contents4 Sporting Artist - Jonathan Pointer
10 14 Mystery Eggs by Lee Featherstone
14 Megatron the Musket by Ben Crane
20 Mark Upton - Falconer & Artist 24 Technical Aspects of Kiting for Falconry - Part 2
by Gerry Plant
25 Th e UK Falconry & Hawking Event
38 Club News & Fieldmeets for the month ahead
39 Club Fund Raising Auction
Win an orginal Paul Hawkyard Painting
Cover picture: Redtail in the snow © Ben Crane
Th e Chase is the monthly newsletter of the UK Falconry Club.
Articles written by contributors are not necessarily those of the
UKFC, publishers or the Editor.
If you wish to advertise or submit an article for Th e Chase.
Please contact the Editor, Neil Davies.
Email: [email protected]
JONATHAN POINTER
GAMEBIRDS & OTHER ANIMALS
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
SPORTING ARTIST JONATHAN POINTER
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Jonathan Cooper, Park Walk Gallery is pleased to announce ‘Game Birds’, a
new exhibition of oil paintings by award winning Wildlife & Sporting Artist
Jonathan Pointer. In his new exhibition Pointer depicts a broad range of
British game birds including grouse, woodcock and pheasant.
Pointer’s inspiration for the exhibition comes from a lifetime spent in
the countryside and a strong affi nity with it’s wildlife, land and sporting
traditions. For him game birds are amongst the most interesting of wild
subjects. No other animal has played such a role in shaping the wild places
of the British Isles; from the man-made heather moors in the uplands of
northern England, Scotland and Wales, to the keepered woods and coverts
of the lowlands. As an artist he is similarly drawn to the technical challenge
represented in capturing the varied plumage and shapes of theses birds, be
it the vibrant reds and ochre’s of a cock pheasant, the blue/black of the male
black grouse or the cryptic leaf-litter camoufl age of the woodcock.
His subjects have been researched from a great variety of sources; with the
pheasant and partridge are familiar visitors to his rural Berkshire home.
Researching the red grouse required fi eld trips to Yorkshire, Northumbria
and Cumbria, whilst the rare black grouse necessitated dawn vigils on their
northern England lekking sites and a trip to Bavaria.
Th e bird’s habitat is also an integral part of Pointer’s work, every facet of
nature is represented; fl owers and plants depict the changing season in
intimate study, whilst dramatic landscapes place the bird within the broader
environment.
Pointer has a traditional approach to art. Rich oil paints are applied fi rst
in thick strokes followed by thinner glazes of increasing intricacy. Small
brushes are used to create the painterly details of leaf litter, tangled grasses
and luxurious vegetation that is becoming a trademark of his style. Due to the
fi nesse of his process, his larger works can take up to four months of labour
to create. Pointer’s work, however, is infused with more than a desire simply
to accurately recreate his subject:
Th e Blackcock
Oil on canvas - 17” x 19”
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
SPORTING ARTIST JONATHAN POINTER
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the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
SPORTING ARTIST JONATHAN POINTER
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Winter Hare - Oil on Canvas, 15” x 21”
“Whilst I try to work as faithfully as
possible to nature, I still remember I
am an artist and try hard to include
elements of subtle narratives; gems
of natural history truths that lift a
painting from becoming more than
just a well-rendered portrait.”
Pointer’s artistic infl uences stem
largely from Pre Raphaelites such as
Millais and Holman Hunt, with their
Ruskinian dedication to nature, as
well as the great Victorian Sporting
artists Landseer and Th orburn. Th is
is his 2nd solo exhibition since his
inaugural sell-out exhibition “British
Wildlife” in 2005.
Jonathan pointer was born in 1974
and spent his formative years in the
Middle East where he developed an
early interest in nature. He now lives
in the shadow of the South Downs on
the Berkshire/Hampshire border. He
studied Natural History Illustration at
Bournemouth & Poole College of Art
& Design.
His work has been shown widely
both nationally and internationally:
exhibitions include Th e Society of
Wildlife Artists, the Royal West
of England academy, Olympia
Fine Art and Antiques fair, BADA
(British Antique and Art Fair) and
the prestigious Birds in Art (Leigh
Yawkey Woodson Art Museum,
USA). His work has been auctioned
with leading auction houses such as
Christies. He has been represented by
Jonathan Cooper for eight years.
www.pointer-wildlife-art.co.ukWinter Roe Buck - Oil on Canvas, 14” x 9.5”
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
SPORTING ARTIST JONATHAN POINTER
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Breaking Dawn - Oil on Canvas, 31.5” x 20”
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
SPORTING ARTIST JONATHAN POINTER
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Spring Pheasant - Oil on Canvas, 20” x 27”
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
SPORTING ARTIST JONATHAN POINTER
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the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
14 MYSTERY EGGS
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I had arrived home from a long weekend at
the Falconers Fair where I had helped with the
launch the UK Falconers Club to the public.
We were kindly given space on Ben Crane
stand at the fair. Whilst driving home, I had
ordered a take away curry, timing it to arrive
at home when I did. I was looking forward to
a hot dinner and hot shower and I sat down
in my dressing gown and was enjoying my
meal, the phone rang and it was the National
Wildlife Crime Unit.
Th ey had been given my number by Neil from
the IBR, who I had only been speaking to at
the Falconers Fair a couple of hours ago.
I was asked how far I was from Birmingham
airport? I replied ‘about 10 minutes’. I was
asked if I could attend the Police Head
Quarters there to identify some suspect eggs
and assist with the handling of them. I was
also asked if I could tell whether the eggs are
possibly live or dead?
So, taken my ‘Egg Buddy’ with me, I really
thought it would be a case of confi rming what
the eggs were and that would be that. Little
did I know what was about to happen!
I quickly fi nished my curry and got dressed
and I arrived at Birmingham airport and met
the Wildlife Crime Offi cer and was shown
into the station. I was signed in and then led
through to a room, to be briefed. Aft er, all
the offi cial stuff was done, I was then taken
through to the airport and into another
offi ce where what was presented to me was
staggering to say the least! Laying on the top
of an old style computer monitor was 3 socks
fi lled with eggs. I opened the fi rst sock and
sure enough they was Peregrine Falcon eggs.
I said we need to move quickly with these
and get them weighed, measured and
photographed. I then checked them in the
‘Egg Buddy’ to see if there was any life in
them. Placing the fi rst in the ‘Egg Buddy’
and sure enough a heart beat was instantly
detected along with some movement. I said
to the Police offi cers, “this one is live and must
be over half way through incubation from the
strength of the readings”.
Checking all the eggs and apart from the one
dummy egg, all were showing signs of life.
A couple was just movement registering on
the ‘Egg Buddy’, but the rest had good strong
heart beat readings. We needed to get these
into incubators very quickly, fortunately, I had
my incubators running at home and despite
having goshawk eggs in them. So, it was
agreed that I would take the eggs home to be
placed within my incubators.
However, I needed to make room and get one
of the incubators emptied and cleaned out in
readiness for the peregrine eggs. Forteen eggs
was a squeeze in a Octagon 20, but fortunately
they went in.
Th at night, I started a graph for some kind
of weight loss chart, but quickly realised that
these eggs could be any age and I had very
little way’s of fi nding out how old they were.
Also, because of the case being ongoing I
couldn’t tell too many people the location of
the eggs and they had to remain secret. So,
I spoke with a couple of experienced falcon
breeders, one being the other side of the world
and he gave me a lot of advice. I gave him
individual measurements and weights of each
egg and in which he came back with a rough
guide to the age of each of the eggs. Actually,
he wasn’t far off with them either.
My next problems I had borrowed the cradles
to my octagons as I don’t use them except for
hatching out my goshawks eggs, so I had to
turn these by hand every 2 hours! which what
I was advised would be best for the eggs.
14 Mystery Eggsby Lee Featherstone
So, for the next week or so, sleeping on the
settee with my mobile phone set to go off
every 2 hours.
Th e next morning with the eggs safe in my
incubator the RSPB visited and they inturn
weighed and measured the eggs, videoing
them and then left . I was told not to expect too
much and maybe a couple may make it!
I replied with 14 live eggs, I expect a few more
than that! so we will see, I don’t think anyone
expected the result I got!
I next had to get a general licence issued by
Animal Health, to cover me whilst I had the
eggs in my possession. Aft er all, I needed
everything to be above board and legal
throughout all of this. So, Animal Health
was contacted and they issued the nessasary
licences immediately.
Next thing was to contact the Hawk Board
and then everything started to fl ow, we was
in a position that none of the authorities
had been in before. With recent history of a
poor working relationship between falconers,
Animal Health and the RSPB I saw this as a
good excuse to get everyone working together
and a starting point to rebuilding bridges
upon where trust between the various bodies
could be built upon and maybe some good
could come from it all and showing what good
work falconers do and the need for our skills
in cases like this.
Th ere was now a email circluating between all
involved and everyone was doing their best,
listening to each other’s request’s and thoughts
on how we get these Peregrines back to where
they belong, in the wild.
Many ideas were suggested, and eventually
we all agreed upon a plan, I was to rear these
birds to 8 days old. Th en, we needed to get
them fostered while nests was investigated
for suitability for chicks to be placed into.
Th is was the RSPB’s job and they located
enough nests for this to happen, although I
didn’t want to place all of them into nests. I
felt that we needed to try a wild hack with
some and aft er a few emails of pros and cons
it was agreed that 4 would go into a wild hack
programme and the rest would be placed
back into nests.
It was now 5 days of them being incubated, I
had lost 2 eggs, which at the airport had the
lowest readings from the heart beat monitor.
Th e fi rst had stopped the next morning and
the second stopped later that night, (Bummer!
I thought!) as these two hadn’t survived the
ordeal I checked the remaining twelve eggs
and they was all still going strong, on Day 6
I went to turn the eggs and on opening the
incubator, I could hear the chirping from 2
eggs, both of them had internally piped.
I wasn’t expecting this and in between Day
1 and Day 6, I had requested help with
incubators from the UKFC forum, many of
the members helped me out with off ers of
sending me incubators, which considering
it was breeding season I didn’t think I had
much hope of getting any. Fortunately, the
morning of the two eggs internally piping, an
Octagon 20 had arrived special delivery, good
job as I had Goshawks piping at the same
time! I couldn’t have put these together in the
Hatcher. So it was quite lucky and well timed,
I was going to need extra brooders too! So
again I put the word out but alas nothing
came back from this request. So I decided to
contact Interhatch. I explained the situation
to Tony on the phone and without hesitation,
he would send me a brooder down by courier.
But, I decided to drive up to his factory and
collected the brooder myself. Th e brooder was
a top of the range job, all singing all dancing,
a fantastic piece of kit and it was a God send!
Th e fi rst egg hatched that night and the work
started on feeding and cleaning the chicks.
‘Boy could they eat! If only Goshawks would eat
as readily as these Peregrine’s!’
Th e next stage I needed to arrange the
fostering of the chicks to avoid imprinting, a
few quick emails to the authorities gave me
authority to do the best I could to get this
sorted and they went with my advice.
I needed a fairly big breeder, who may have
a spare parent that would take these birds
on. Several people were suggested, but the
fi rst that came to my mind was Peter and
Richard from Falcon Mews. So aft er a quick
call to Richard and everything was sorted,
they would take 2 clutches of 4 from me and
had adult Peregrines ready, that would foster
them.
Whilst, we planned the chicks future, at the
same time, I also needed to do some digging
on who would wild hack the remaining four
Peregrines? So a quick call to Neil Hunter and
he knew of a chap that had a superb set up
capable of hacking back these Peregrines and
had a proven history of doing so.
Eight of the eggs had now hatched and I
was nonstop feeding and cleaning them out,
my children and wife all got involved with
the process morning ,noon and night. We
all sat down and fed the chicks between us,
aft er cleaning them and feeding them I was
preparing the next meal. I also had a few
goshawk chicks amongst the mayhem as well,
so it was all fun.
I was advised that the four Peregrines selected
to go back to wild hack had to be approx 35
days to get the best results from the tower.
So this was arranged, but I had a problem!
I was unable to make the journey to get
them up to Scotland to where the tower was
situated. So a quick call to the Hawk Board
and the word was put out that we needed
someone to take these chicks upto Scotland.
Fortunately, Dale Johnson volunteered to take
them from Peter and Richard’s in Yorkshire
to the Scottish borders where they would
be met and taken the rest of the journey by
another volunteer. Th is was showing everyone
the good the falconry world was capable of,
when it came down to the protection of our
beloved birds. It was a great achievement by
all involved in the way it was coordinated. Th e
fi rst four Peregrines to hatch were collected
by RSPB volunteers and taken to their chosen
nest site to be placed into nests and hopefully
continue their lives in as much a normal way
as could be.
I was also given the web address of the web
camera’s watching the nests. It was amazing to
watch the foster parents return and feed the
new arrivals as if they where their own.
Th e remaining four eggs were progressing
well and they soon hatched. All was going well
up to egg number twelve, the chick however,
pipped the wrong end and I thought about
helping it out but resisted the temptation.
I left it, but monitored it’s progress closely.
Aft er 2 days was nearly out, but suddenly it
seemed to run out of steam and I assisted
it out of the shell. It’s yolk sack wasn’t quite
retracted by a few millimetres. Aft er a couple
of hours in the Hatcher, it had gone in all the
way so I dabbed its belly button with some
sterilising fl uid and it seemed happy enough.
It took its fi rst feed well enough and it did the
same with the next couple of feeds.
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
14 MYSTERY EGGS
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the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
14 MYSTERY EGGS
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Aft er Day Two, it was getting weaker and
wasn’t keen on feeding, by Day Th ree the
chick had sadly died, I was gutted to say the
least. But, didn’t have that much time to dwell
on it with all the other chicks to attend.
Eleven out of fourteen was a good result
and a result that no one quite expected to be
achieved. Th e good that come from such a bad
situation was astounding, never had anything
like this happened before and Animal Health,
Th e National Wildlife Crime Unit, the Hawk
Board and the RSPB had no idea how to sort
this out, there was no prcedures in place to
cater for a situation like this. As a result of this
case, a new protocol has now been set up and
a guidance on a procedure is now in place.
Which for falconers, includes our input to
assure the best outcome for any bird of prey or
egg ending up in similar circumstances.
By everyone working together, foundations
have been laid and I feel a bit of trust between
us all is now in place something to build on
for sure.
Th e media also took over the whole situation
and at one point my house was like a fi lm
studio, they got footage of a Peregrine egg
hatching from pip to out the shell, they had
never got footage quite like it before although
it was not shown on any of the news channels,
they will hopefully use it at some point in the
future.
Th e Hawk Board dealt with the media and
Nick Kester did a superb job of sorting them
out, even though the coverage at the end of
the case with the RSPB claiming all the glory.
However, the true story got out to the media
via the great eff orts of Nick.
To me the people who matter know exactly
what happened! and that many falconers from
around the world were involved in rescuing
and securing the future of these Peregrine
chicks. If the phone call to Neil at the IBR
hadn’t been made, these chicks only had one
ending and that was dead in shell!
Hopefully, all the Peregrines will all go on and
lead a good life back where they belong - in
the wild, somewhere in the UK.
I hope that this situation doesn’t occur again
and I wish that I could say that I was confi dent
that it won’t, but we all know what devious
people are out there.
What I will say is this, if it does happen and
your services are called upon, then don’t
hesitate to get involved. As the backing you
need is there in place and it is down to true
falconers to help protect and put right any
attempted damage that scum bags do under
the name of falconry.
MEGATthe chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MEGATRON THE MUSKET
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the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MEGATRON THE MUSKET
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ATRONBY BEN CRANE
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MEGATRON THE MUSKET
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the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MEGATRON THE MUSKET
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It originally started as wanting a Musket for breeding. But what actually
happened was a new beginning and a wider approach to my falconry.
If you set your standards low then anything gained is highly regarded.
I am by no means an expert on these little hawks; ‘One Swallow does not
make a Summer’ as they say. But I hope this article may go some way
to helping those who are thinking about them or just have an interest
in what happens when you try to fl y them. I cannot stress enough that
this is a very personal piece, many may agree, but many more may also
disagree. I hope that they do and can add their own personal take on
fl ying these little warriors.
Th ere is not much written about muskets. Th ere are plenty of people
who have fl own them and there is lots of literature about similar species
from hotter climates. However the European Musket seems to have been
left out of many of the key texts on the subject. Th is is understandable.
Th eir size is daunting and the legal quarry base is slight. Th ese two
factors alone make them a fussy prospect.
But from personal experience, the falconry is of the highest order.
If you’re into speed and tenacity and your thrills come from an absolute
balance between a human trained hawk and adept pure natural quarry,
then a Musket may be the hawk for you.
So what does a Musketeer require and what should they expect?
It goes without saying the potential austringer needs to have all the basics
in place. Th e imprinting process can be as simple or as complex
as required. Megatron was a swap imprint at a relatively late stage.
His behaviour was a bit ‘weird’ and he showed a lot of fear, twittering
and not feeding with confi dence. However aft er a few days of constant
interaction and the dogs sniffi ng him, he settled and then became a
pretty straightforward prospect.
I personally fi nd imprint lies diffi cult to read. Knowing what weights
others have fl own their hawk’s helps as a rough guide. But having to
rely on how an imprint behaves in the ‘traditional’ way always causes
me concern. Megatron was hunting best at between 120grams and
130grams. However he was fl ying to the fi st and his recall was fi ne at
140grams to 150grams. So you can see there is an ounce between what
the hawk wants and what the human desires. For such a tiny little hawk,
this is a huge weight range.
My only piece of advice is to trust your instincts, keep a good diary and
not to rush. With Megatron I found his ‘absolute’ bottom weight range
early on. Th is gave me a better indication as to where he should be for
hunting, but more importantly when not to push him hard and to give
him a good feed and keep him in the house and rest.
Training was basic, lots of carriage in strange and disturbing locations,
the creance, free fl ight and then hunting. Getting him entered was tricky
purely because of his noise and heavy cover. Th e fi rst major lesson
came on his fi rst kill. Like most sparviters I am deeply paranoid about
carrying. Carrying is seen as perhaps one of the worst vices for the
smaller hawks and falcons. When it happens it is very annoying, it can
be cured, but prevention is always best before it happens.
With Muskets however, the problem of carrying becomes slightly less
defi ned than with other hawks. Th e speed of Muskets has to be seen to
be believed. When fully committed a Musket closes down any quarry
far faster than anything I have had the pleasure to watch. As a result
most kills occur mid-air. Th is in and of itself is not a problem if your on
nice open ground and picture perfect Sparrowhawk terrain. But either
over cover or on ground with perches, then I guarantee a Musket will,
at some point fl y with the kill into a tree or bush if it is given the chance.
No matter how much ‘anti-carrying’ training is instilled at the imprinting
and penning stage, the sheer velocity and size of the quarry means a
Musket has no real option but to continue fl ying with the quarry and
looping up onto a perch. Th is then is not carrying proper, but it is a
behaviour trait that needs to be understood.
Megatron hunting
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MEGATRON THE MUSKET
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What you will fi nd is that the Musket will
either feed and return to the glove or plume
the kill a little and then return to the glove.
To maximise the pluming and to get the
Musket out of the habit of breaking in, never
feed from a carcass during the imprinting
process. Always feed minced or sliced quail
breast and always feed from the glove or
fi nish a session on the lure. Again try to avoid
feed that is in anyway shaped or whole food.
On more than one occasion, the Muskets
disregard or plain disgust at the taste of
wild quarry made him drop it and return to
the glove instantly. I am sure this is in part
of a natural response, but amplifying it by
not feeding from the kill and not feeding
from whole quail has got me out of a sticky
situation several times.
Carrying proper is of course when the hawk
has made contact and landed on the ground
but lift s up and fl ies off on the falconers
approach. Again, this may or may not happen
depending on how your approach the kill and
how high in weight he is. I have found getting
in as fast as possible is preferable to walking
up slowly. But rushing in fast, disturbing
the Musket off the kill will annoy it. Every
kill situation will be diff erent, but by far the
trickiest situation is out in the open. Muskets
seem to hate this with a passion and want to
fl y to any elevated position or area of cover.
When I fl y another Musket I will seriously
consider using the lure on a regular basis
in much the same way as a Sparviter would
practise recall with a Spar. Approaching a
musket with a full lure and tossing it out near
it will re-direct the aggression and generally
the Musket is less likely to lift .
If I am labouring the point regarding carrying
then I apologise. I would estimate that about
20% of the fl ights in deep cover ended up in
trees, most of the time Megatron was lodged
in a hedge, along the base of a hedge or near
fencing. Th e only single thing I would change
would be to feed on the lure at the end of the
session in order to keep the anti-carrying
up throughout the course of the season. Of
course there is no way to stop carrying if you
have a very fat hawk or you have consistently
upset it on the kill.
For me the falconry is as much about speed
(as a Musket out guns everything) as it is
the intelligence of the quarry. Th e jinking
and twisting is at such speed that the best
fl ight I witnessed probably lasted no more
than 5 or 6 seconds. However it is without
doubt the fastest and captivating 5 seconds
I have witnessed. Of particular note were
Megatron’s fl ights at Lark. Having caught
Turdus the fl ights on Alauda arvensis outstrip
them tenfold. In fact the pace of a Musket on
Blackbirds is almost overkill, the saving grace
of these fi ne quarry being the deep cover and
the ability slip through and evaporate while
the Musket vents spleen on a branch or the
nearest dog.
With the Lark the initial slip is generally
out in the open. But just as the Musket gets
close they drop, feign and slip through in
a way that beggars belief. If they are near
hedges then this is amplifi ed, if further out
the Lark heads skywards and is more oft en
than not followed by the Musket, only for
the Lark to drop quickly and in most cases
(towards late September) burn the Musket off .
I never managed to catch one but the looping,
dropping and general display was more than
adequate to make me want to fl y one for a full
season when the chance arises.
Overall, I would preferably fl y a Spar as the
quarry base is that much wider. However, we
managed a healthy head count, avoided too
much aggression, everyone fi nished the half
season happy, healthy and alive. Megatron is
now as fat as butter and resting in an aviary
with a re-habilitated Spar.
I hope one day to fl y one of his off spring.
If they have half the amount of tenacity and
speed I will be more than happy.
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MEGATRON THE MUSKET
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Screaming imprints!Satisfi ed with a full crop
MARK UFALCONER
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MARK UPTON FALCONER & ARTIST
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Cadge of Peregrines, 24x36in (60x90cm) Oil on Canvas
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
WWW.MARKUPTON.COM
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UPTONR & ARTIST
Abbas With His Falcons, 10x14in (25x35cm) Watercolour
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
MARK UPTON FALCONER & ARTIST
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Th e practice of falconry has long attracted
artists to its folds. Of course falconry in its self is
an art form and the hawks and falcons, their
fl ight and all that goes with that, provide an
imagery which excites many with an artistic
eye. Falconers themselves are oft en artistic
people, and even if not practicing artists, are
oft en great patrons of the arts. Th ere is a long
history in the falconry world of falconers
putting together great collections of paintings,
books and sculptures.
In my case, I started falconry at an early age
being encouraged by a falconer father. I also
started drawing and painting early on, as I
came from a family of artists, and naturally
the two came together as the falcons on the
lawn at home became early subjects for my
childish eff orts. I was also infl uenced by
falconry paintings around my parents house
and those of falconry friends. I was brought
up amongst Lodges, Wolfes, Reid Henry’s and
many others. Lodge quickly became my
favourite as I liked his looser more artistic
style rather than the very detailed photo-
graphic works we see so much of today.
I think a painting should be fi rst and foremost
a work of art, rather than a photographic study
of every feather. While saying this I still think
it important that it represents correctly the
subject of the painting, and George Lodge
managed this admirably. He knew his diff erent
species and always had the right body shape
and wing length etc. While still producing
a work of art which could be admired by
falconers and non falconers together.
Where he surpassed many other artists from
the falconry world was his ability to paint a
picture rather than just a study of a bird of
prey. If you look at the scenes he places his
subjects in, he shows great artistic ability
in his backgrounds, rocks and trees. Th is I
believe makes him a real artist compared to
many today who can only do a good picture
of a bird of prey, which is greatly admired
by falconers, but when shown to an artist
or gallery owner from another fi eld of art
wouldn’t stand up to criticism.
I have tried and am still trying to live up
to Lodge’s standards by painting falconry
pictures which not only show the hawks I
am depicting in a correct fashion but are also
works of art in their own right.
Whilst not copying the style of Lodge, I also
painted in a looser style, attempting to depict
the falcons correctly while not producing a
map of every feather on the bird. I also try to
paint scenes of falconry rather than just the
falcons and their fl ight. Much of the scenic
value in falconry is the whole fi eld art of the
falconry day, including the falconers, their
equipment, dogs and followers.
I am lucky enough to have some good patrons
both here and abroad who have been kind
enough to commission me to paint them at
their sport and scenes around the days hawking.
Th is has an added advantage for me as I have
been able to enjoy many great days of sport
with some of the best falconers in the world.Peregrines on Screen, 20x40in (50x100cm) Oil on Canvas
Peregrine, 10x12in (25x30cm) WatercolourStephen Frank Picking Up Bragatha
20x24in (50x60cm) Oil on Canvas
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
WWW.MARKUPTON.COM
23
Hawking at Nairnside, 24x36in (60x90cm) Oil on Canvas
Pursuing the High Flight, 30x48in (76x120cm) Oil on Canvas
Peregrine Falcon on Block, 10x8in (25x20cm) Pencil Drawing
MARK UPTON FALCONER & ARTIST WWW.MARKUPTON.COM
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club24
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club 25
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T: 01531 820286 or 01531 820286Email: [email protected]
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Ian Vance Falconry Furniture
Suppliers of quality falconry equipment
Large stocks available for immediate despatch
Tel: 0115 920 3682www.falconryequipment.com
DECEMBER 2010
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY
PART 2 BY GERRY PLANT
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY PART 2 EQUIPMENT
26
EQUIPMENTWhen using kites in order to train hawks a
certain amount of thought needs to be given
over to the fact that diff erent or modifi ed
equipment will be required over and above that
equipment used by regular kiting enthusiasts.
THE KITES
Th ere are numerous types of kites available
for all sorts of kiting activities but what is
required for falconry training is a single-line
kite that will hold steady and maintain as
steep an angle as possible in the sky whilst also
carrying a certain amount of weight in the
form of baits, rigging and, of course, the line.
Whilst other kites have been experimented
with from time to time with varying degrees
of success there can be little doubt that delta
kites and their derivatives fi t the bill almost
perfectly when used for training hawks.
Delta kites are designed to operate within a
certain range of wind only and there isn’t a
single model of kite that will cover all of the
wind conditions that a falconer will be likely
to train a hawk in. For this reason a falconer
hoping to utilise the kite to train a falcon to
achieve pitch in a variety of wind speeds will
require at least two diff erent kite models and
in all likelihood, three or four. Th is is because
most deltas are designed to cover only two
wind-types on the Beaufort scale and fl ying in
lighter winds than recommended will result in
the kite stalling whilst fl ying in stronger winds
may result in damage to kite or line.
For example, I use the following Dan Leigh
kites to cover wind speeds from 1mph up to
25mph;
Clipper GPX – Light Air (1-3mph) & Light
Breezes (4-7mph)
Clipper – Light Breezes (4-7mph) & Gentle
Breezes (8-12mph)
Wildcard – Gentle Breezes (8-12mph) &
Moderate Breezes (13-18mph)
Trooper – Moderate Breezes (13-18mph) &
Fresh Breezes (19-25mph)
You will notice that there is a certain amount
of overlap between the kite models I use and
there is good reason for this. Wind is akin to
a living thing that has a great deal of variation
in terms of speed and direction and seems to
have a ‘mind’ of its own at times. Every wind
will have both a ‘gust’ speed (highest speed
reached at a particular altitude and within a
certain area & time frame) and a ‘lull’ speed
(lowest speed) together with a great deal of
variation in between. What the falconer will
need to do is match the most appropriate kite
to the situation (whilst remembering that no
two winds are exactly the same) if he is to
enjoy a successful training-session and avoid
potential damage/loss to both kite, line and
other equipment attached to the kite or line.
If he is successful he will have a kite fl ying in
a wind that will neither be too light nor too
strong for that particular model but under
certain conditions even using four kites as I
do won’t enable the falconer to make a risk-
free choice of kite. For example, in a wind
fl uctuating between 10mph & 25mph or 4mph
& 14mph you will be hard pushed to fi nd a
kite able to cope and will almost certainly be
taking risks if you choose to put a kite aloft .
When used for falconry your typical delta
will need to have modifi cations made that
allow for attachments at the front (for
attaching line), back (for attaching 40ft tail
& transmitter) and an extra ‘D’ ring about 6”
behind the normal towing-point on the ‘keel’
of the kite (for attaching certain rigs that hang
bait directly from the kite itself).
Th ere will be occasions when there is simply
not enough wind for even the best of light wind
kites and these occasions can be extremely
frustrating for the falconer to say the least.
Th e balloon might seem to be the answer
and, indeed, in some parts of the world
local conditions dictate that the balloon gets
more use than the kites. However, generally
speaking and particularly in the UK, when
there is no wind at or near ground-level there
is frequently a decent breeze high aloft .
In terms of fl ying a balloon this will mean
that it gets blown further away from the
anchor-point until the fl ying-angle becomes
so shallow that most of the desired altitude
is lost. Th e answer is a hybrid between kite &
balloon called a Kytoon which was invented
over 60 years ago by Domina Jalbert – the
modern version of which is called a Helikite
and will fl y in no wind but also in moderate
breezes so that at least a 45 degree angle is
always maintained whenever the wind blows.
Unfortunately this is a very expensive option
since not only is the Helikite’s purchase price
high but so is the cost of helium to refi ll it!
LINETh e line you use will be infl uenced by several
factors;
• Kite-type
• Wind strength
• Downrigger-type
• Line handling equipment
techniques
Th ere are a number of falconers that believe
that the use of a single kite in conjunction
with several diff erent lines of various
breaking-strains is the answer to kiting in
diff erent wind conditions and avoiding
damage to the equipment. Whilst using heavy
duty line in strong winds will probably ensure
that the line doesn’t snap it is the kite that will
be taking the brunt of excessive wind speeds
and damage to a very expensive item will be
the likely result.
Also the use of overly heavy line will aff ect the
aerodynamics of the kite in terms of the drag
on the line caused by not only the weight of
the line but the eff ect of the wind on the line
itself. Th is will prevent the steep angles that
are required when kite-training hawks and
will signifi cantly aff ect the outcome of the
session – especially if the falconer is restricted
to using the ‘slide-down-the-line’ method.
Dan Leigh Kite
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY PART 2 EQUIPMENT
27
Winding reel Marnie pulls Helikite to Earth
‘O’ Rig Rolling Rig
Helikite
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT HOOD MAKING COMPETITION
28
Th e UK Falconry & Hawking Event Committee would
to like to thank Neil Davies of American Hoods and
Falconry Bells for their generous sponsorship in this
new competition.
Th e competition is open to all hood makers both novice
and professional.
Th e competition will have four catagories:
Th e British Hood Making Junior Championships
(Under 16’s ONLY) - Entry fee: £5.00
Th e British Hood Making Senior Championships
(16 and over) - Entry fee: £10.00
Th e European Hood Making Championships
(16 and over) - Entry fee: £15.00
Th e World Hood Making Championships
(16 and over) - Entry fee: £15.00
“I hope that this event will help launch a new generation
of hoodmakers to the attention of falconers across the UK
and the World and in turn raise money for the ICBP,
Th e UK Falconry Club and the Campaign of Falconry”
Neil Davies, American Hoods & Falconry Bells
HOOD MAKING COMPETITION
sponsored by american hoods & bells
the uk falconry & hawking event
hood making entry formName: ……………………………….................…………………………………………………………… Please use block capitals
Address: …………………………………………..................……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………..................……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………............…. Post Code: ………………….....…………………………………..
Tel. No: …………………...............……………………….. Mobile: ……………………….....……………………………….
e-mail: ………………..............………………………….. Web Site: ………………………………….......................................
I wish to enter the following: Entry Fee Prize
The British Hood Making Championships (Under 16’s) £5.00 £50 & Trophy
The British Hood Making Championships (16 and over) £10.00 £150 & Trophy
The European Hood Making Championships - £15.00 £250 & Trophy
The World Hood Making Championships £20.00 $500 & Trophy
Please make cheques payable to The UK Falconry Club & return with this form to: The UK Falconry & Hawking Event - Neil Davies, The Studio @ Ffarm fach, Horeb, Five Roads, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 5AJ.
Terms & Conditions.
1. Only one entry per person in each catergory.
2. Winners of British (Over 16’s-ONLY) & European Championships will get free entry to World Championships.
3. All hoods will become the property of the UK Falconry & Hawking Event and will be auctioned for fund raising for
the ICBP, UK Falconry Club and Th e Campaign of Falconry.
4. Hoods must not be signed or have any trademarks.
5. All hoods must be made by the entrant. Any entries not made by the entrant will be disqualifi ed.
6. Canvassing the Judges will result in disqualifi cation.
7. All winning competitors will be notifi ed by post prior to the UK Falconry & Hawking Event.
8. Th e Judges decision is fi nal and no discussion will be entered with any competitors.
9. Th e competition is open to amateur and professional hoodmakers.
10. All materials used must come from legal sources.
I have read the attached Hood Making Terms & Conditions and agree to abide by them. Please tick the box:
Signed:……………..............................………….......………………. Name:……..................................………………………………....……
Date: ……………………………………...... Please use block capitals
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT
29
Space OnlyStands
Space OnlyStands
Space OnlyStands
RESTRICTED AREA
RESTRICTED AREA
RESTRICTED AREAWC
WC
WC
WC
E
CARPARKINGCARPARKINGCARPARKING
CARAVANSCARAVANSCARAVANS
DISABLED DISABLED PARKINGPARKINGDISABLEDPARKING
PUBLIC PUBLIC CAMPINGCAMPING
PUBLIC CAMPING
CLUBCLUB CAMPINGCAMPING
CLUBCAMPING
STAND STAND HOLDERS HOLDERS PARKINGPARKING
STAND HOLDERS PARKING
CARPARKING CARPARKING ENTRANCE ENTRANCE
& EXIT& EXIT
CARPARKING ENTRANCE
& EXIT
FLYING FLYING ARENAARENAFLYING ARENA
LECTURE LECTURE THEATRETHEATRELECTURE THEATRE
ICBPICBPENTRANCEENTRANCE
ICBP ENTRANCE
ICBP CENTRE
WC
WC
Food Food CourtCourtFood Court
SheddingShedding3m x 3m3m x 3m
Shedding 3m x 3m
UK Clubs UK Clubs MarqueeMarqueeUK Clubs Marquee
Art Art MarqueeMarquee
Art Marquee
Children's Children's Marquee Marquee
& Play Area& Play Area
Children's Marquee
& Play Area
Small Businesses Small Businesses MarqueeMarquee
Small Businesses Marquee
Int. Clubs Int. Clubs MarqueeMarqueeInt. Clubs Marquee
HeadlineHeadlineSponsorsSponsorsMarqueeMarquee
HeadlineSponsors Marquee
RESTRICTED AREARESTRICTED AREARESTRICTED AREA
TONEWENT
TOCLIFFORDS
MENSE
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club30
BOOKING A STANDStands space is strictly limited and the UK Falconry & Hawking
Event Committee aim is to off er competitive priced stands for all
manner of quality falconry equipment makers and suppliers from
leading British and International manufacturers.
To book a stand please fi ll in the booking form on page 25.
STAND PRICES
3m x 3m Shedding Stands is £125 +VAT
(Limited to 30 stands 3m x 3m)
2m x 1.5m SME’s Marquee Stand (Space Only) is £65 +VAT
(Limited to 36 stands at 2m wide x 1.5m depth)
2m x 1m Art Marquee (Shell Scheme Only) stand is £100 +VAT
(Limited to 12 exhibitors at 2m wide x 1m depth)
2m x 1m UK Falconry Club Marquee (Space Only) £45 +VAT
(Restricted to Hawkboard registered clubs 2m wide x 1m depth)
2m x 1m International Falconry Club Marquee - FREE
(Limited to 12 exhibitors at 2m wide x 1m depth - Space Only)
Please note: Exhibiting within the International Clubs Marquee
is restricted to IAF recognised International Falconry Clubs.
Th e International Falconry Club Marquee has been kindly
sponsored by Gamehawker Ltd.
the uk falconry & hawking event
EXHIBITING AT THE EVENT
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club 31
the uk falconry & hawking event
exhibitors booking form
Name: ……………………………….................…………………………………………………………… Please use block capitals
Address: …………………………………………..................……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………..................……………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………............…. Post Code: ………………….....…………………………………..
Tel. No: …………………...............……………………….. Mobile: ……………………….....……………………………….
e-mail: ………………..............………………………….. Web Site: ………………………………….......................................
Brief description of items or services for sale:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................……
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................……
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................……
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................……
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………................……
Please note: All stands will be subject to approval by the Organisers.
I/We wish to book the following: Cost
SH1 3m wide x 3m deep Shedding Stand @ £125.00 exc VAT ………………
FCM 2m wide x 1.5m deep space only within UK Falconry Club Marquee @ £45.00 exc VAT ………………
SME1 2m wide x 1.5m deep space only within SME Marquee @ £60.00 exc VAT ………………
AM-17 2m wide x 1m deep Shell Scheme within the Art Marquee @ £100.00 exc VAT ………………
TAB Trestle Tables 6’ x 2’ 3” @ £10 each exc VAT - Number required …………. ………………
Please make cheques payable to “The UK Falconry Club” & return with this form to: The UK Falconry & Hawking Event - Neil Davies, The Studio @ Ffarm fach, Horeb, Five Roads, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA15 5AJ.
No bookings can be accepted without a 25% deposit. To take advantage of the pre VAT increase in January full payment must be paid before 20th December 2010.
A receipt will be sent for the deposit as confi rmation of your booking, together with an invoice for the balance which will be payable by 1st April 2011.
I have read the attached Terms & Conditions and agree to abide by them. Please tick the box:
Signed:……………..............................………….......………………. Name:……..................................………………………………....……
Date: ……………………………………...... Please use block capitals
the uk falconry & hawking event
TERMS & CONDITIONSSECTION 1GENERAL1.1 ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, BYE-LAWS AND REGULATIONSAll Exhibitors, their contractors and employees shall be bound by and subject to the Regulations of the UK Falconry & Hawking Event Committee. Exhibitors attention is particularly drawn to the following extract: -
(a) COMPLIANCE WITH THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT RULES AND REGULATIONSThe Event’s Regulations and any conditions or any other rules, regulations and schedules in any document published by the Event Committee shall be binding on all Exhibitors. All persons, animals, vehicles, equipment and articles of whatsoever kind entering the Show ground or any land used by the Event Committee shall be bound by and comply with the Rules and Regulations of the Event Committee and to the lawful directions of any servant or agent appointed by it.
(b) Should any member or Exhibitor conduct himself in an improper or offensive manner on the Show ground or if it be proven to the satisfaction, of the Event Committee that any Exhibitor has attempted to mislead the Event Committee by any form of misrepresentation, or has violated any of the Rules or Regulations of the Committee, then and in any such case the Committee may decline to allow the trader to exhibit at any future Events.
(c) The Event Committee reserves the right to refuse any person admission to the UK Falconry & Hawking Event or entry and participation in any event promoted or organised by the Event Committee or to withdraw permission at any time to remain on the Show ground or to participate in an event, and the Society shall not be required to give any reason for such action.
(d) COMPLIANCE WITH GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL AUTHORITY REGULATIONS AND ALL CODES OF PRACTICE.All Shows, Exhibitions and Events organised by the Event Committee on the Show ground or elsewhere are subject to any relevant Orders issued by Government Departments and Local Authorities, and all Codes of Practice with which all Exhibitors and others attending such Shows, Exhibitions or Events must comply.
1.2 LIABILITY(a) In this Bye-Law the term Exhibitor shall include persons taking part in any event, competition or display promoted or arranged by the Society and the owner of any exhibit, animal, plant, vehicle, equipment, machinery, article or other thing of whatever nature involved in any such event, competition or display or otherwise exhibited or used on the Show ground or elsewhere.
(b) Save for death or personal injury caused by the negligence of the Event Committee, its servants or agents, the Event Committee will not be responsible for death, injury, disease, damage or loss caused to any Exhibitor or his or her servants or agents to any exhibit, animal, vehicle, equipment, plant, machinery, articles or thing of whatever nature brought onto the Show ground by the Exhibitor or involved in any said event, competition or display.
(c) Save as aforesaid, the Exhibitor shall indemnify the Event Committee against all claims, losses, damages and expenses whatsoever in any way arising out of the presence of or taking part of the Exhibitor or his or her servants, agents, exhibits, animals, plant, vehicle, equipment, machinery, articles, or other things, of whatever nature on the Show ground or elsewhere and shall assume full responsibility thereof.
(d) Acceptance of this Bye-Law shall be a condition of entry or participation in any event, competition or display promoted or arranged by the Event Committee.
(e) The Event Committee accepts no responsibility or liability whatsoever for any statement or information in any document published by the Event Committee or the Show.
(f) The Event Committee will not under any circumstances accept liability for any loss or damage (whether direct or indirect) arising from or caused by the abandonment or cancellation, whether total or partial, or the postponement of any show, display, event, meeting or other happening on the Show ground or elsewhere for whatever reason.
1.3 SAFETY CODEThe Code of Practice for Safety and Accident Prevention, published separately by the Society forms part of these Trade Stand Regulations.
1.4 RECOVERY OF FINES, FEES AND CHARGESAll fi nes, fees and charges shall be recoverable by the Society and until payment is made persons owing them will be barred from exhibiting.
1.5 NON-COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATIONSThe Event’s Offi cials have power to order the removal of any article from the ground, or to close the stand of any Exhibitor who does not conform to the Regulations of the Society or the directions of the Stewards or Offi cials and, if necessary, to expel such an Exhibitor or his Representatives from the Show ground. The Event Committee reserve the right to use whatever means may be necessary to eject any Exhibitor who refuses to leave the Show ground when required to do so by Offi cials in consequence of infringement of regulations.
1.6 INSURANCE(a) It is the responsibility of the Exhibitor to insure all property and livestock on the Show ground or elsewhere which is his own, or for which he is responsible.(b) The Event Committee requires Exhibitors to effect Employers Liability insurance where this is required by statute.(c) The Event Committeealso requires Exhibitors to effect Public Liability and Products Liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of £2,000,000 to protect their liability under paragraph 1.2 (b) and (c). The application form
for stand space contains a declaration that the cover required under (b) and (c) above will be in place.
SECTION 2APPLICATIONS FOR SPACE & ALLOCATION OF SITES2.1 APPLICATION FOR SPACE & CHARGES(a) All applications must be submitted on the appropriate entry form, which must be signed by the Exhibitor or his representative, such signature indicating acceptance of the Regulations. For payment terms refer to page 2.
(b) The Event Committee reserves the right to refuse any application whatsoever and to cancel any application without giving a reason.
(c) The completion of a Trade Stand application form and the receipt of a cheque does not constitute a contract with the UK Falconry & Hawking Event.
2.2 ALLOCATION OF SITESAlthough every endeavour will be made to meet any request by an Exhibitor regarding the position of his Stand, the allocation of sites and positioning of Trade Stand space will be entirely at the discretion of the Event Committee.
2.3 SITE SIZEExhibitors booking open space must apply and pay for suffi cient space for all stays or guy ropes required for any building or tent or caravan (including tow bar of caravan) to be erected or stood on the space.
2.4 SITE BOUNDARIESBoundaries of sites will be marked and in no circumstances will Exhibitors be allowed to occupy a space larger than that allocated and paid for.
2.5 GROUND CONDITIONSThe Society will not be held responsible for damage caused to sites during the pre-show period, and will not undertake to make good such damage.
2.6 SUBLETTINGNo Exhibitor shall sublet any portion of the space allotted to him, or move to any site other than that allocated.
2.7 SALES TECHNIQUESExhibitors staff must confi ne their sales activities to the area of their stand and must not use the avenues, open areas or car parks to solicit business.
2.8 WITHDRAWAL OR CANCELLATION OF SPACE RESERVEDWhere an Exhibitor withdraws from the Show or cancels the space reserved for any reason, all fees paid shall be forfeited, whether the site is re-let by the UK Falconry & Hawking Event or not.
2.9 APPLICATION FORMSAny additional notes or regulations printed on application forms, shall form part of these regulations.
SECTION 3TICKETS, PASSES AND ACCESS TO THE SHOW GROUND3.1 EXHIBITOR BADGESTwo-day Exhibitor Badges will be issued for the sole use of the Exhibitor, or his Show Staff, as per the Trade Stands Application Form. These badges are not transferable or for resale. Refunds will not be given on unused Exhibitor Badges. Exhibitors requiring Badges above their allocation may purchase 2-Day or Single Day Exhibitor Badges at the Trade Exhibitors’ Rates published on the Trade Stand Application.
3.2 CAR PARKSTrade Stand exhibitors use the normal Show Car parks at the UK Falconry & Hawking Event, which are free of charge.
3.3 PRE-SHOW/POST-SHOW PASSESThese are required to gain admission to the Show ground by the Exhibitor or their appointed contractor for the purpose of erecting stands prior to the Show and dismantling stands after the Show. One Pass is allocated per stand. An additional pass maybe ordered (Free of Charge) when completing the Trade Stand Application Form.These passes give the Gate Number through which Exhibitors or Contractors vehicles should enter the Trade Stand Area. Passes should be visible at all times. Vehicles parked without passes will clamped and subjected to a £50.00 release fee.Note: - Vehicle Passes may also be used for Pre-Show entry to the Show ground in addition to Show days.
3.4 VEHICLE PASSES FOR USE ON SHOW DAYSStock Vehicle / Caravan Passes give access to the Show ground for caravans parking behind trade stands and for vehicles forming part of a stand (car, trailer etc) that need to be brought in on a daily basis on Show days. Allocation is one per stand as per the Trade Stand application form. These must be applied for when booking stand space. The Trade Stand Offi ce will confi rm whether there will be suffi cient space behind the site booked toaccommodate these vehicles. Without these passes, a £40 fee will be required at the Entry Gate on each day of the Show.
Restocking Vehicle Passes give access to the Show ground on Show days. Vehicles can enter the Show ground up until 8.00am and after 6.00pm. A £20 cash deposit is payable at the Entry Gate which is refunded upon exit before 10.00am. This system is in place to ensure the Show ground is not littered with vehicles during the time the Show is open to the public. 1 available per Stand (free of charge), which must be ordered when booking stand space.Vehicles still on the Show ground after 10am will have to pay £40.The Event Committee reserves the right to remove any vehicles contravening these regulations and accepts no responsibility for any damage caused.
3.5 ACCESS TO SHOW GROUND IN EVENINGS
Exhibitor’s vehicles with the appropriate pass will be allowed onto the Show ground after 6.00pm on each day and all occupants must possess the relevant badge.
3.6 EXHIBITORS STAFF, CONTRACTORS, CATERERS (ETC) BADGES & VEHICLE PASSESExhibitors are responsible for obtaining tickets and vehicle passes etc for their staff, contractors, caterers, cleaners, and any demonstrators on their stand.Any tickets and passes purchased by the Exhibitor’s personnel direct will be charged to the purchaser at the normal public prices. It is regretted that refunds cannot be made.
3.7 CONDITIONS OF SALETickets and passes cannot be supplied on a ‘Sale or Return’ basis.
3.8 REFUNDSExhibitors, their staff or representatives arriving at the Car Parks or Entrances without tickets must pay public prices to gain admission and obtain a Receipt from the Gate Supervisor. The Receipt and unused Ticket stub(s) should be brought to the Trade Stands Offi ce during the Show to enable the refund to be processed. Refunds will not be processed until after the Show.
3.9 EXHIBITOR CARAVANSA limited number of sites are available and these will be allocated on a ‘fi rst come - fi rst served’ basis. A site fee is charged for these sites. Further details and application forms available on request.
SECTION 4NATURE OF EXHIBITS4.1 LIMITATIONS OF EXHIBITSExhibitors are permitted to trade only in goods and/or services as described on their accepted application Form. The UK falconry & Hawking Event Offi cials have power to remove from the Show ground any Exhibitor whose articles and/or Trade are not in accordance with the description given on the Application Form, or any Vendor of unsuitable articles or any itinerant vendor who may have gained admission to the Show ground. The defi nition of what constitutes unsuitable articles shall rest entirely with the Event Committee whose decision on this matter is fi nal and binding. Sales by auction are not permitted.
4.2 NUISANCEExhibitors may not use any loudspeaker apparatus, engines, generators, or other equipment, participate in any activity or practice, or sell, display or offer for sale any toxic, noxious or offensive substance, article or thing, so as to cause nuisance, annoyance or distress to other Exhibitors or to the public. The use of generating equipment for the supply of electricity by Exhibitors on the Show ground is not permitted. The Event Committee’s decision on such matters shall be fi nal and binding on all Exhibitors.
4.3 OFFENSIVE PRODUCTSThe sale of Stink Bombs, BB Guns, Catapults, Silly String, Snap Guns and any other items likely to offend persons visiting the Show is strictly forbidden. The Event Committee’s decision on such matters shall be fi nal and binding on all Exhibitors.
4.4 COLLECTIONS AND APPEALSCharitable or other institutions wishing to make appeals for contributing to their funds must fi rst obtain permission in writing from the UK Falconry & Hawking Event. If permission is granted, collections must not be made outside the limits of the allocated stand.
4.5 FOOD, SWEETS AND DRINKS (Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic)Exhibitors shall not offer for direct sale any food, confectionery, foodstuffs, or drink unless with the express permission of the UK Falconry & Hawking Event. Small samples may be given away free of charge for promotional purposes. The supply of Alcohol and late night refreshment is now governed by the Licensing Act 2003 and must be adhered to. Any trader wishing to supply alcohol must apply to the Event Committee who is also the Designated Premises Supervisor for permission to supply alcohol under the Premises Licence for the Show ground. There will be acharge for this permission. Any trader supplying alcohol without permission will be requested to leave the Show ground.
4.6 CIGARETTES AND TOBACCOExhibitors shall not offer for direct sale any cigarettes, tobacco or cigars,
4.7 VETERINARY PRODUCTS, MEDICINES, ETCExhibitors are reminded that the Medicines Act 1968 and the Poisons Act 1972 apply to the display and sale of veterinary products, medicines etc. All displays and sales must comply with the provision of these Acts, and any other relevant Acts, and the Rules and Regulations of the Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain.
4.8 PERFORMING RIGHTS SOCIETYAny Exhibitor wishing to play music on their Stand must liaise with the Performing Rights Society for advice, Tel: 01733) 312712. They must also get written permission from the Event Committee prior to the Show. (See Regulation 7.14).
SECTION 5MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL EXHIBITS5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF EXHIBITSExhibitors are requested wherever practicable to affi x their own transfers or stickers to all items on display to assist identifi cation.
THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT
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5.2 SOLID FUELOnly smokeless fuel will be permitted during the times the Event is open to the public.
5.3 PETROLEUM SPIRITWhilst the Society reserves to itself the right of excluding any petroleum or spirit deemed unsafe, it in no way relieves the Exhibitor from responsibility in the event of accident or fi re. Exhibitors must conform to the Regulations of the Local Authority & any statutory regulations in all that relates to the transport of petroleum and precautions to be taken against fi re.
5.4 SCAFFOLDING ETCAll portable scaffolding or similar structures must be secured by stay wires fi rmly anchored to the ground. Any stay wires must be marked to make them clearly visible. Scaffolding must be checked by a competent person prior to use.
5.5 TRACKED VEHICLESVehicles on tracks or spud-wheels will not be allowed to move about the Show ground but must be brought on trailers or other pneumatic-tyred vehicles and unloaded direct onto the Exhibitors Stand.
5.6 VEHICLE EXHIBITSExhibitors are not allowed to demonstrate or exhibit vehicles in the avenues during the Event.
5.7 PAVILIONSExhibitors are not allowed to park any vehicle within Pavilions at any time. Any Stand in Pavilions may not be constructed using a vehicle as part of the display unless permission in writing is obtained from the UK Falconry & Hawking Event prior to the Show. Beware of underground power lines.
5.9 MACHINERY PLANT & EQUIPMENT1. Sharp points, spikes and sharp edges must be protected to prevent accidents.
2. Adequate support must be given to prevent moving or tipping up.
3. Cutter bars, knives or other cutters must have blades removed or approved guards in position.
4. Belts, gearing and other moving parts must be guarded to statutory regulations.
5. Hydraulics must be immobilised (see also section on hydraulics).
5.10 HYDRAULICSAny equipment operated by hydraulics i.e. trailers, tractor buckets, forklifts, beams, chutes, conveyors, etc. if demonstrated in an extended position, must be suitably propped with steel props and at separate stages if in multi-stage rams.
5.11 TOWER CRANES & HOISTSIf propping is impossible, the area over which the crane is exhibited must be protected in case of collapse. Remember propping can be dangerous in high windy conditions and special watch must be kept for overhead power lines. All such equipment must be under the supervision of an authorised qualifi ed operator.
5.12 HIGH LIFT VEHICLESAlthough it may be necessary to demonstrate these to potential customers they must not be used for joy riding and under no circumstances are children to be allowed to ride on them. BEWARE OF OVERHEAD POWER LINES.
SECTION 6EXHIBITION OF LIVESTOCK ON STANDS6.1 PRIOR APPROVALExhibitors wishing to include livestock on their Stands must fi rst obtain the UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s Committee approval in writing.
6.2 LICENCES ETCIf livestock of any description are to form any part of any exhibit, it is the re-sponsibility of the Exhibitor to obtain any necessary paperwork from Animal Health i.e: Article 10’s or and to comply with any regulations which may be in force at the time of departure to or during the Show. It is an offence for an Exhibitor to bring livestock to the Show when restrictions are in force.
SECTION 7ADMISSION AND REMOVAL OF EXHIBITS, ERECTION ANDDISMANTLING OF STANDS7.1 DELIVERY TO SHOW GROUNDDelivery vehicles arriving at the Show ground during Show days are not permitted to drive onto the Show ground. Entry Gate Staff will advise drivers to deliver goods to a secure area near Gate 3. Goods will then be delivered to Trade Stands by Show ground Staff as soon as is convenient. Please notify the Trade Stands Offi ce if you are expecting a delivery on Show days.
7.2 ACCESS TO SITEExhibitors with open space may commence work on their stand from the Tuesday of Show week, or earlier by arrangement with the Society. Pavilions, marquees and covered shopping areas will not be available to Exhibitors until the Thursday of Show week.
7.3 MOBILE UNITSExhibitors using large mobile units should arrange to have these in position several days before the Show. This is especially important when it is necessary to encroach on adjoining stand space to manoeuvre the unit into position.
7.4 TEMPORARY BUILDINGSExhibitors intending to erect temporary buildings must inform the Event Committee and comply with Planning and Bye-Law Regulations. These buildings should not be sited closer than two metres from the front line of the Trade Stand so as not to obscure the public’s view of adjacent Trade Stands. Should this not be possible, Exhibitors are requested to contact the Trade Stand to discuss the problems involved.
7.5 TENTS, MARQUEES, FLAGPOLES, ETCExhibitors intending to erect tents, marquees and other structures are requested to check the proposed siting with the UK Falconry & Hawking Event.’s Health & Safety Advisor before commencing erection to establish the location of any underground or over head power lines.
7.6 STAND MARKERSAll Stands and/or sites allotted to Exhibitors will be clearly numbered on the front left corner peg by the UK Falconry & Hawking Event. Stand number plates must not be removed, disturbed or obscured.
7.7 SIGN BOARDSAll Exhibitors must provide a clear sign bearing the name of the fi rm or organisation. Trade Stand signs must not be erected in such a way that they overshadow a neighbouring stand.
7.8 SIGNS ON PAVILIONSSigns must be fi xed so that no damage is caused to the pavilion. Under no circumstances must nails be driven through the canvas.
7.9 OBSTRUCTION OF SIGNSExhibits must be so placed that they do not obscure the name signs of adjacent stands.
7.10 OVERHEAD WIRES, ETCFLAGPOLES AND OTHER STRUCTURES MUST BE ERECTED NOT LESS THAN 5M FROM ANY ELECTRICITY OR TELEGRAPH POLE AND AT LEAST 5M CLEAR FROM ANY ELECTRICITY OR TELEPHONE WIRES.7.11 ADVERTISEMENTSNo Exhibitor or other person shall be allowed to affi x any placard or advertisement to any part of the UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s plant or premises unless permission to do so has been obtained in writing from the
Event Committee nor will any person be allowed to distribute handbills or display advertisement except on his own stand. Adhesive labels may not be distributed as sales promotion material.
7.12 KITES AND BALLOONSExhibitors are not permitted to fl y kites or balloons (tethered or otherwise) without the express permission in writing of the Event Committee. Such permission will only be given on a limited basis, and will also be subject to any overhead cables in the immediate vicinity or other safety considerations in connection with the Exhibitors stand space. Following this, Exhibitors must obtain the required Civil Aviation Authority Certifi cate and the Local Authority Planning Permission.THE DISTRIBUTION, OR SALE, OF TOY BALLOONS, INFLATED OR OTHERWISE, FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER IS NOT PERMITTED, NEITHER MAY EXHIBITORS ORGANISE BALLOON RACES.
7.13 AIRCRAFTNo Exhibitor will be permitted to advertise by means of Aircraft loudspeakers.
7.14 AUDIO EQUIPMENTNo Exhibitor shall be permitted to use Audio Equipment including Disco Music as a Sales Aid or Attraction without written permission from the Chief Executive Offi cer. Subject to such written permission the volume of sound equipment must be controlled so as to avoid annoyance to other Exhibitors or to the public. The UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s Chief Executive Offi cer’s decision shall be fi nal as to the acceptable level of noise emitted. Should the volume be increased following the decision on an acceptable level, the Chief Executive Offi cer is empowered to ban the use of said equipment for the remainder of the Show or the removal of the Exhibitor and Stand from the Show ground.
7.15 PAINTING AND VARNISHINGAny paint or varnish used must be dry by 8.00 am on the fi rst day of the Show.
7.16 DAMAGE TO PAVILIONS, STRUCTURES, TENTS OR MARQUEESAn Exhibitor damaging the pavilions, tents or marquees, provided by the UK Falconry & Hawking Event, or canvas thereto in any way will incur a penalty of £250, plus the net cost of the repair of the damage. UK Falconry & Hawking Event Offi cials shall have the power to remove the exhibit from the Show ground.
7.17 EXCAVATIONSAny necessary excavations must be approved by the Event Committee before digging commences.
7.18 CLOSURE OF STANDSExhibitors or their Contractors may not close or dismantle any part of their stands before 5.30 pm on the last day of the Show. Vehicles for the removal of stands will not be allowed to enter the Show ground under any circumstances until 5.30 pm on the last evening, or such later time as circumstances may re-quire VEHICLES ALREADY ON STANDS OR FORMING PART OF STANDS MUST NOT MOVE OFF THE STAND SPACE UNTIL AFTER 6.00 PM ON THE LAST EVENING OF THE SHOW.
7.19 CLEARANCE OF STANDSSTANDS AND ALL EXHIBITS ON OPEN GROUND, MUST BE CLEARED FROM THE SHOW GROUND BY 5PM ON THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE SHOW, BY WHICH TIME THE SITE OF THE STAND MUST ALSO BE CLEARED OF ALL MATERIALS, RUBBISH ETC. THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT COMMITTEE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHARGE ON ANY COSTS INCURRED IN REMOVING SUCH RUBBISH OR MATERIALS.
7.20 EXHIBITS IN UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT’S MARQUEESExhibits in marquees, tents and/or pavilions, provided or hired from the UK Falconry & Hawking Event, must be removed at close of the event to allow the UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s Tenting contractor to dismantle the marquee, tent and/or pavilion.
7.21 LATE REMOVAL OF EXHIBITSThe Event Committee reserves the right to remove any items remaining on Trade Stand sites after expiry of these time limits and accepts no responsibil-ity for any loss or damage so caused. A storage fee will be charged on a daily basis.
7.22 REINSTATEMENT OF GROUNDAll Exhibitors not contracting with the UK Falconry & Hawking Event who break soil in the ground for the purpose of fi xing their exhibits must restore it by 5pm on the Monday following the Show. Failing this, the Event Committee will undertake the work and charge the expense to the Exhibitor.
7.23 Exhibitors must remove all posts and pegs (particularly tent pegs) dug into the ground by themselves. Should any Exhibitor fail to do this the Event Committee will undertake the work and charge the expense (including the cost of repairing the damage to Show ground equipment) to the Exhibitor.
SECTION 8SERVICES8.1 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY - SEE ALSO DETAILED REGULATIONS ON UTILITIES APPLICATION FORMExhibitors requiring temporary installations within their stands should order their requirements through the Trade Stands Offi ce or alternatively through an Electrical Contractor who is a member of the National Inspections Coun-cil of Electrical Installation Contracting. All installations must be wired to the standards laid down in the latest Edition of the I.E.E. Wiring Regulations.The UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s Offi cial Contractors will test all instal-lations not supplied by themselves including pre-wired and mobile systems before connection to the main supply and may refuse connection if the instal-lation has not been installed correctly, the charge for any necessary retestwill be payable in advance.ALL STAND SUPPLIES The single phase electricity supplies to all stands will be via a miniature circuit breaker and up to six stands to be controlled by one 30 milli-amp residual current device terminating in a 13 amp switch socket or switch fuse depending on the load declared (i.e. kilowatts) on the electricity application form. All three phase supplies will be made direct through a 3 phase 30 milli-amp residual current device sized acordingly to the load declared i.e. kilowatts, terminating in a switch fuse. The supply of the above includes cable to stand, connection and disconnection of the supply and removal of the cables and electricity consumed.N.B. On no account must the connected load exceed the size of the supply requested.IMPORTANT NOTES TO ALL EXHIBITORS: -(a) The Exhibitor is required to inform Event Committee via the Utilities Application Form that a connection to the mains network supply will be required together with the payment in full for the supply and services required. (See Utilities form for application closing date.)
(b) Exhibitors employing Electrical Contractors other than the Offi cial Contractor for the stand wiring must ensure that the work is completed at least 2 days prior to the Show otherwise the Offi cial Contractor cannot give any guarantee that the installation can be tested and the connection made to the electricity supply prior to the opening of the Show.N.B. The Exhibitor to inform the Society that the work is complete and ready for connection.
(c) The Offi cial Contractor will provide an extended hours service on the Show ground during the Show. Repairs to Exhibitor’s appliances and wiring which has been installed by Electrical Contractors will be quoted for by the Offi cial Contractor prior to the commencement of work and agreed in writing by the Exhibitor.
(d) All portable appliances must possess a current P.A.T Label, which should be adhered to the appliance in accordance with current Health & Safety Regulations.
(e) The Society reserves the right to remove from the Show ground any exhibitor who wilfully interferes with any part of any electrical supply or equipment. A charge to the exhibitor will be made for any damage to any electrical equipment.
8.2 GENERATING EQUIPMENTThe use of generating equipment by Exhibitors for the supply of electricity on stands on the Show ground is not permitted.
8.3 WATER SUPPLYExhibitors should apply for water by completing the Utilities Application Form before the application closing date (The requirement for a water supply will determine the location of the stand). Improper disposal of waste water and liquids may in serious cases result in the Exhibitor being removed from the site. A Charge will be imposed for any reparation required.
8.4 CATERINGExhibitors may make their own arrangements for catering on their own stands, provided that no Exhibitor sells or offers for sale any foodstuffs or beverages. Exhibitors catering on their stands are reminded that they must comply with all relevant Food Hygiene Regulations. Offi cers of the Environ-mental Health Department of the Local Authority have right of access to all stands during the Show.
8.5 LITTER ETC.(a) Exhibitors are required to have their stands and the portions of the avenues fronting their stands cleared up each evening during the Show before 7.00 pm and the litter refuse placed in the containers provided in each avenue ready for collection by the Event’s Contractors.
(b) Refuse in bags or boxes should be placed in the containers provided throughout the Show ground. Refuse will be collected from containers at frequent intervals daily. If rubbish is not removed satisfactorily, please inform the Trade Stands Offi ce immediately. Kitchen waste will be collected each evening. It is essential that Exhibitors and their Caterers provide their own containers, with lids, for kitchen waste.
SECTION 9FIRE & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS9.1 HEATING AND COOKING APPLIANCESNo heating or cooking appliance is permitted to be installed inside a tent or stand which is not specifi cally laid out for the purpose. Exhibitors wishing to use heating or cooking appliances for serving refreshments or other purposes in their stands or tents must have these appliances installed outside the tent at a safe distance from combustible materials. Heating appliances must be fi xed securely on a fi rm non-combustible heat-insulating base, and surrounded on three sides by shielded materials. The shields of non-combustible material should be at least 1m away from combustible fabrics or other materials, and care must be taken to ensure that no combustible materials can be blown against heaters. Heating appliances, gas piping and gas cylinders must be kept out of reach of the public and stocks of infl ammable liquids and spare gas cylinders must be kept in a safe position outside the tents or stand, and care taken to avoid leaking or spilling. Fire extinguishers and fi re fi ghting equipment must always be readily available.
9.2 BOTTLED GASAll Exhibitors using bottled gas on their stand are required to have the installation checked by a qualifi ed fi tter to ensure that the apparatus is safely installed. Gas bottles should be stood on a fi rm base and be secured to prevent falling over and/or theft.
9.3 INSPECTIONSThe Society reserves the right of inspection by the Event Committee’s Safety Adviser or a Representative of the Fire and Rescue Service of all tents or stands. These persons shall have full authority to order the immediate disconnection of any appliance(s) or equipment if in their opinion they constitute a danger. The decision of the UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s Safety Advisor in this matter is fi nal.
9.4 FIRE EXTINGUISHERSAll Exhibitors are required to supply the extinguisher(s) and fi re fi ghting equipment.
9.5 CONTAINERSPotentially dangerous substances (chemicals, fuels, oils etc.) may not be used in static display or exhibits. Containers for such substances may be exhibited subject to their being empty or fi lled with a harmless substance. All containers must be labelled as to their contents.
9.6 PUBLIC PROTECTIONAdequate precautions (in the form of barriers etc) must be taken to avoid crowd congestion in the entrance to tents, marquees and stands. Clearly signed Emergency Exits, Fire Exits etc.must be provided in all structures to which the public are admitted.
9.7 WIRES, CABLES, ETCAll wires, cables, ropes, etc., at ground level should be buried under turf or covered by clearly marked cable protectors. Other wires, cables, ropes, etc., should be clearly marked to prevent people walking into or tripping over them.
9.8 ACCIDENT PROCEDUREAccidents or incidents which result in injury or are alarming or likely to affect the health and safety of persons on the site must be reported to the Organisers as soon as possible. The Show ground emergency number is 07779 223 993.
SECTION 10CANCELLATION OF EVENT10.1 The Event Committee reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason.Any monies paid to the Event’s Committee will be reimbursed in full, less a 5% surcharge for adminstration charges.
SECTION 11DOGS11.1 The Event Committee cannot allow any dogs with the exception of Guide Dogs (and these by prior notice ONLY) access to the ICBP grounds. PLEASE DO NOT BRING DOGS TO THE EVENT.Any dogs found locked in cars will be reported to the relevant authorities.
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THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT
31
CLUB NEWS
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
CLUB NEWS & MEMBERSHIP
34
UK Falconry Club Committee
President - Ben Crane
Vice-President - Neil Hunter
Chairman - Lee Featherstone,
Vice-Chairman - Martin Whitley
Secretary - Steven Lambert
Treasurer - Tommy Miles,
Membership Secretary - Jan Hart
Legal Offi cer - Mike Roberts,
Events & Publicity - Charlie Heap
Newsletter Editor - Neil Davies,
Field Meet Offi cer - Kevin Massey
Assistant Field Meet Offi cer - Joe Hatton
Membership is now available online
If you wish to join the UK Falconry Club you can
now apply and pay online at the clubs forum
www.ukfalconryforum.com
Membership fees are per year and includes Public
Liability Insurance for Full and Associate Members:
Full Members £32
Associate Members £32
Supporter Member £17
If you wish to join the UK Falconry Club,
please contact Jan Hart, Membership Secretary:
DAVID RAMPLING WILDLIFE ARTIST
www.ramplingart.co.uk
The UK Falconry Club & Forum would like to to wish all it’s members a Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year
Paul Hawkyard has kindly donated the above painting to raise funds for the UK Falconry Club.
The UKFC Committee has decided to auction this painting on the UK Falconry Forum.
If you wish to bid for the painting log on to:
www.ukfalconryforum.com
UKFC AUCTION
the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club
UKFC FUND RAISING
35
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