The Chase - December 2010

THE CHASE THE NEWSLETTER FOR THE UK FALCONRY CLUB  DECEMBER 2010

WWW.UKFALCONRYFORUM.COM

contents

Editors note Welcome to the Christmas edition of ‘The CHASE’ as we reflect on the first 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 Upton for contributing to this edition and I am sure you will enjoy their magnificent 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 finishes 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 Neil_Davies@ukfalconryforum.com before the 20th December.

Neil Davies - Editor

Contents 4 10 14 20 24

Sporting Artist - Jonathan Pointer

25 38 39

The UK Falconry & Hawking Event

14 Mystery Eggs by Lee Featherstone Megatron the Musket by Ben Crane Mark Upton - Falconer & Artist Technical Aspects of Kiting for Falconry - Part 2

by Gerry Plant

Club News & Fieldmeets for the month ahead Club Fund Raising Auction Win an orginal Paul Hawkyard Painting

Cover picture: Redtail in the snow © Ben Crane The 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 The Chase.

Please contact the Editor, Neil Davies.

Email: Neil_Davies@ukfalconryforum.com

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SPORTING ARTIST  JONATHAN POINTER

The Blackcock Oil on canvas - 17” x 19”

JONATHAN POINTER GAMEBIRDS & OTHER ANIMALS 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 affinity 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 camouflage 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 field 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.

The bird’s habitat is also an integral part of Pointer’s work, every facet of nature is represented; flowers 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 first 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 finesse 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: 4 the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

SPORTING ARTIST  JONATHAN POINTER

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SPORTING ARTIST  JONATHAN POINTER

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 influences 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 Thorburn. This 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 The 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.uk

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Winter Roe Buck - Oil on Canvas, 14” x 9.5”

SPORTING ARTIST  JONATHAN POINTER Breaking Dawn - Oil on Canvas, 31.5” x 20”

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SPORTING ARTIST  JONATHAN POINTER Spring Pheasant - Oil on Canvas, 20” x 27”

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SPORTING ARTIST  JONATHAN POINTER

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14 MYSTERY EGGS

14 Mystery Eggs

by Lee Featherstone

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.

They 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 confirming what the eggs were and that would be that. Little did I know what was about to happen!

I quickly finished my curry and got dressed and I arrived at Birmingham airport and met

the Wildlife Crime Officer and was shown into the station. I was signed in and then led through to a room, to be briefed. After, all the official stuff was done, I was then taken through to the airport and into another office 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 filled with eggs. I opened the first 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 first in the ‘Egg Buddy’ and sure enough a heart beat was instantly detected along with some movement. I said to the Police officers, “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

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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.

That 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 finding 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 EGGS So, for the next week or so, sleeping on the settee with my mobile phone set to go off every 2 hours.

The 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. After 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 flow, 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.

There 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. Then, we needed to get them fostered while nests was investigated for suitability for chicks to be placed into.

This 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 after 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.

The first 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 offers 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. The brooder was a top of the range job, all singing all dancing, a fantastic piece of kit and it was a God send!

The first 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!’

The 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 first that came to my mind was Peter and Richard from Falcon Mews. So after 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.

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. This 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. The first 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.

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, after 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.

The 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.

After 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. After a couple of hours in the Hatcher, it had gone in all the way so I dabbed its belly button with some sterilising fluid and it seemed happy enough.

It took its first feed well enough and it did the same with the next couple of feeds.

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14 MYSTERY EGGS After Day Two, it was getting weaker and wasn’t keen on feeding, by Day Three 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. The good that come from such a bad situation was astounding, never had anything like this happened before and Animal Health, The 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.

The media also took over the whole situation and at one point my house was like a film 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.

The 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 efforts 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 confident 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.

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MEGATRON THE MUSKET

MEGAT 14 the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

MEGATRON THE MUSKET

TRON

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MEGATRON THE MUSKET

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MEGATRON THE MUSKET

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 fly 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 flying these little warriors.

There is not much written about muskets. There are plenty of people who have flown 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. This is understandable.

Their size is daunting and the legal quarry base is slight. These 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. The 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 confidence. However after a few days of constant interaction and the dogs sniffing him, he settled and then became a pretty straightforward prospect.

I personally find imprint lies difficult to read. Knowing what weights others have flown 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 flying to the fist and his recall was fine 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. This 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 flight and then hunting. Getting him entered was tricky purely because of his noise and heavy cover. The first major lesson came on his first 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 defined than with other hawks. The 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. This 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 fly 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 flying with the quarry and looping up onto a perch. This then is not carrying proper, but it is a behaviour trait that needs to be understood.

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MEGATRON THE MUSKET

Megatron hunting

What you will find 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 finish 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 lifts up and flies 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 different, but by far the trickiest situation is out in the open. Muskets seem to hate this with a passion and want to fly to any elevated position or area of cover.

When I fly 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 flights 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. The 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. The jinking and twisting is at such speed that the best flight 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 flights at Lark. Having caught Turdus the flights on Alauda arvensis outstrip them tenfold. In fact the pace of a Musket on

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Blackbirds is almost overkill, the saving grace of these fine 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 amplified, if further out the Lark heads skywards and is more often 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 fly one for a full season when the chance arises.

Overall, I would preferably fly a Spar as the quarry base is that much wider. However, we managed a healthy head count, avoided too much aggression, everyone finished 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 fly one of his offspring.

If they have half the amount of tenacity and speed I will be more than happy.

MEGATRON THE MUSKET

Satisfied with a full crop

Screaming imprints!

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MARK UPTON  FALCONER & ARTIST

MARK U

FALCONER

Cadge of Peregrines, 24x36in (60x90cm) Oil on Canvas

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WWW.MARKUPTON.COM

UPTON

R & ARTIST

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MARK UPTON  FALCONER & ARTIST The 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 flight and all that goes with that, provide an imagery which excites many with an artistic eye. Falconers themselves are often artistic people, and even if not practicing artists, are often great patrons of the arts. There 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 efforts. I was also influenced 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 photographic works we see so much of today.

I think a painting should be first 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 different 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.

Abbas With His Falcons, 10x14in (25x35cm) Watercolour

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. This 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 field 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.

Peregrine, 10x12in (25x30cm) Watercolour

Stephen Frank Picking Up Bragatha 20x24in (50x60cm) Oil on Canvas

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 flight. Much of the scenic value in falconry is the whole field 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.

This 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

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WWW.MARKUPTON.COM

Hawking at Nairnside, 24x36in (60x90cm) Oil on Canvas

Pursuing the High Flight, 30x48in (76x120cm) Oil on Canvas

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MARK UPTON ďšş FALCONER & ARTIST

Peregrine Falcon on Block, 10x8in (25x20cm) Pencil Drawing

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WWW.MARKUPTON.COM

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TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY  PART 2  EQUIPMENT

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY PART 2 BY GERRY PLANT EQUIPMENT When using kites in order to train hawks a certain amount of thought needs to be given over to the fact that different or modified equipment will be required over and above that equipment used by regular kiting enthusiasts.

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;

THE KITES

Clipper – Light Breezes (4-7mph) & Gentle Breezes (8-12mph)

Clipper GPX – Light Air (1-3mph) & Light Breezes (4-7mph)

Wildcard – Gentle Breezes (8-12mph) & Moderate Breezes (13-18mph) Trooper – Moderate Breezes (13-18mph) & Fresh Breezes (19-25mph)

Dan Leigh Kite There 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 fit 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 different kite models and in all likelihood, three or four. This is because most deltas are designed to cover only two wind-types on the Beaufort scale and flying in lighter winds than recommended will result in the kite stalling whilst flying in stronger winds

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 flying 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 riskfree choice of kite. For example, in a wind fluctuating between 10mph & 25mph or 4mph & 14mph you will be hard pushed to find 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 modifications 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).

There 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.

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The 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 flying a balloon this will mean that it gets blown further away from the anchor-point until the flying-angle becomes so shallow that most of the desired altitude is lost. The 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 fly 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 refill it!

LINE The line you use will be influenced by several factors;

• Kite-type • Wind strength • Downrigger-type • Line handling equipment techniques There are a number of falconers that believe that the use of a single kite in conjunction with several different lines of various breaking-strains is the answer to kiting in different 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 affect the aerodynamics of the kite in terms of the drag on the line caused by not only the weight of the line but the effect of the wind on the line itself. This will prevent the steep angles that are required when kite-training hawks and will significantly affect the outcome of the session – especially if the falconer is restricted to using the ‘slide-down-the-line’ method.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY  PART 2  EQUIPMENT

‘O’ Rig

Rolling Rig

Winding reel

Marnie pulls Helikite to Earth

Helikite

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THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT  HOOD MAKING COMPETITION

HOOD MAKING COMPETITION sponsored by american hoods & bells The 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.

The competition is open to all hood makers both novice and professional.

The competition will have four catagories: The British Hood Making Junior Championships (Under 16’s ONLY) - Entry fee: £5.00 The British Hood Making Senior Championships (16 and over) - Entry fee: £10.00 The European Hood Making Championships (16 and over) - Entry fee: £15.00 The 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, The UK Falconry Club and the Campaign of Falconry” Neil Davies, American Hoods & Falconry Bells

28 the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT

the uk falconry & hawking event

hood making entry form Name:

……………………………….................…………………………………………………………… 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 The 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 disqualified.

6. Canvassing the Judges will result in disqualification.

7. All winning competitors will be notified by post prior to the UK Falconry & Hawking Event.

8. The Judges decision is final and no discussion will be entered with any competitors.

9. The 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:……………..............................………….......……………….

Date: ……………………………………......

Name:……..................................………………………………....……

Please use block capitals

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EXHIBITING AT THE EVENT BOOKING A STAND Stands space is strictly limited and the UK Falconry & Hawking Event Committee aim is to offer competitive priced stands for all manner of quality falconry equipment makers and suppliers from leading British and International manufacturers.

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)

To book a stand please fill in the booking form on page 25.

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.

The International Falconry Club Marquee has been kindly sponsored by Gamehawker Ltd. TO

the uk falconry & hawking event

NEWENT

CARPARKING ENTRANCE & EXIT

CLUB CAMPING

CARPARKING STAND HOLDERS PARKING

WC

WC

WC

Shedding 3m x 3m

UK Clubs Marquee

RESTRICTED AREA

Space Only Stands

PUBLIC CAMPING Food Court E ICBP DISABLED ENTRANCE PARKING WC

ICBP CENTRE

Art Marquee Space Only Stands

FLYING ARENA

Headline Sponsors Children's Marquee Marquee & Play Area

Space Only Stands

WC

WC

LECTURE THEATRE

30 the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

Int. Clubs Marquee RESTRICTED AREA

Small Businesses Marquee

CARAVANS

TO CLIFFORDS MENSE

RESTRICTED AREA

RESTRICTED AREA

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 confirmation 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:……………..............................………….......……………….

Date: ……………………………………......

Name:……..................................………………………………....……

Please use block capitals

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THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT

the uk falconry & hawking event

TERMS & CONDITIONS SECTION 1 GENERAL 1.1 ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, BYE-LAWS AND REGULATIONS All 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 REGULATIONS The 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 CODE The 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 CHARGES All fines, 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 REGULATIONS The Event’s Officials 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 Officials 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 Officials 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.

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.

SECTION 2 APPLICATIONS FOR SPACE & ALLOCATION OF SITES 2.1 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.

3.6 EXHIBITORS STAFF, CONTRACTORS, CATERERS (ETC) BADGES & VEHICLE PASSES Exhibitors 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.

(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 SITES Although 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 SIZE Exhibitors booking open space must apply and pay for sufficient 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 BOUNDARIES Boundaries 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 CONDITIONS The 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 SUBLETTING No Exhibitor shall sublet any portion of the space allotted to him, or move to any site other than that allocated.

2.7 SALES TECHNIQUES Exhibitors staff must confine 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 RESERVED Where 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 FORMS Any additional notes or regulations printed on application forms, shall form part of these regulations.

SECTION 3 TICKETS, PASSES AND ACCESS TO THE SHOW GROUND 3.1 EXHIBITOR BADGES Two-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 PARKS Trade 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 PASSES These 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 DAYS Stock 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 Office will confirm whether there will be sufficient space behind the site booked to accommodate 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

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3.7 CONDITIONS OF SALE Tickets and passes cannot be supplied on a ‘Sale or Return’ basis.

3.8 REFUNDS Exhibitors, 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 Office during the Show to enable the refund to be processed. Refunds will not be processed until after the Show.

3.9 EXHIBITOR CARAVANS A limited number of sites are available and these will be allocated on a ‘first come - first served’ basis. A site fee is charged for these sites. Further details and application forms available on request.

SECTION 4 NATURE OF EXHIBITS 4.1 LIMITATIONS OF EXHIBITS Exhibitors are permitted to trade only in goods and/or services as described on their accepted application Form. The UK falconry & Hawking Event Officials 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 definition of what constitutes unsuitable articles shall rest entirely with the Event Committee whose decision on this matter is final and binding. Sales by auction are not permitted.

4.2 NUISANCE Exhibitors 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 final and binding on all Exhibitors.

4.3 OFFENSIVE PRODUCTS The 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 final and binding on all Exhibitors.

4.4 COLLECTIONS AND APPEALS Charitable or other institutions wishing to make appeals for contributing to their funds must first 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 TOBACCO Exhibitors shall not offer for direct sale any cigarettes, tobacco or cigars, 4.7 VETERINARY PRODUCTS, MEDICINES, ETC Exhibitors 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 SOCIETY Any 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 5 MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL EXHIBITS 5.1 IDENTIFICATION OF EXHIBITS Exhibitors are requested wherever practicable to affix their own transfers or stickers to all items on display to assist identification.

THE UK FALCONRY & HAWKING EVENT 5.2 SOLID FUEL Only smokeless fuel will be permitted during the times the Event is open to the public.

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.

5.3 PETROLEUM SPIRIT Whilst 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 fire. 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 fire.

7.12 KITES AND BALLOONS Exhibitors are not permitted to fly 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 Certificate 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.

5.4 SCAFFOLDING ETC All portable scaffolding or similar structures must be secured by stay wires firmly 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 VEHICLES Vehicles 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 EXHIBITS Exhibitors are not allowed to demonstrate or exhibit vehicles in the avenues during the Event.

5.7 PAVILIONS Exhibitors 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 & EQUIPMENT 1. 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 HYDRAULICS Any 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 & HOISTS If 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 qualified operator.

5.12 HIGH LIFT VEHICLES Although 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 6 EXHIBITION OF LIVESTOCK ON STANDS 6.1 PRIOR APPROVAL Exhibitors wishing to include livestock on their Stands must first obtain the UK Falconry & Hawking Event’s Committee approval in writing.

6.2 LICENCES ETC If livestock of any description are to form any part of any exhibit, it is the responsibility 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 7 ADMISSION AND REMOVAL OF EXHIBITS, ERECTION AND DISMANTLING OF STANDS 7.1 DELIVERY TO SHOW GROUND Delivery 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 Office if you are expecting a delivery on Show days.

7.2 ACCESS TO SITE Exhibitors 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 UNITS Exhibitors 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 BUILDINGS Exhibitors 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, ETC Exhibitors 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 MARKERS All 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 BOARDS All Exhibitors must provide a clear sign bearing the name of the firm or organisation. Trade Stand signs must not be erected in such a way that they overshadow a neighbouring stand.

7.8 SIGNS ON PAVILIONS Signs must be fixed so that no damage is caused to the pavilion. Under no circumstances must nails be driven through the canvas.

7.9 OBSTRUCTION OF SIGNS Exhibits must be so placed that they do not obscure the name signs of adjacent stands.

7.10 OVERHEAD WIRES, ETC FLAGPOLES 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 ADVERTISEMENTS No Exhibitor or other person shall be allowed to affix 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

7.13 AIRCRAFT No Exhibitor will be permitted to advertise by means of Aircraft loudspeakers.

7.14 AUDIO EQUIPMENT No Exhibitor shall be permitted to use Audio Equipment including Disco Music as a Sales Aid or Attraction without written permission from the Chief Executive Officer. 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 Officer’s decision shall be final as to the acceptable level of noise emitted. Should the volume be increased following the decision on an acceptable level, the Chief Executive Officer 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 VARNISHING Any paint or varnish used must be dry by 8.00 am on the first day of the Show.

7.16 DAMAGE TO PAVILIONS, STRUCTURES, TENTS OR MARQUEES An 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 Officials shall have the power to remove the exhibit from the Show ground.

7.17 EXCAVATIONS Any necessary excavations must be approved by the Event Committee before digging commences.

7.18 CLOSURE OF STANDS Exhibitors 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 require 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 STANDS STANDS 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 MARQUEES Exhibits 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 EXHIBITS The Event Committee reserves the right to remove any items remaining on Trade Stand sites after expiry of these time limits and accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage so caused. A storage fee will be charged on a daily basis.

7.22 REINSTATEMENT OF GROUND All Exhibitors not contracting with the UK Falconry & Hawking Event who break soil in the ground for the purpose of fixing 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 8 SERVICES 8.1 ELECTRICITY SUPPLY - SEE ALSO DETAILED REGULATIONS ON UTILITIES APPLICATION FORM Exhibitors requiring temporary installations within their stands should order their requirements through the Trade Stands Office or alternatively through an Electrical Contractor who is a member of the National Inspections Council 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 Official Contractors will test all installations not supplied by themselves including pre-wired and mobile systems before connection to the main supply and may refuse connection if the installation has not been installed correctly, the charge for any necessary retest will 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.)

(c) The Official 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 Official 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 EQUIPMENT The use of generating equipment by Exhibitors for the supply of electricity on stands on the Show ground is not permitted.

8.3 WATER SUPPLY Exhibitors 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 CATERING Exhibitors 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. Officers of the Environmental 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 Office 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 9 FIRE & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 9.1 HEATING AND COOKING APPLIANCES No heating or cooking appliance is permitted to be installed inside a tent or stand which is not specifically 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 fixed securely on a firm 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 inflammable 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 fire fighting equipment must always be readily available.

9.2 BOTTLED GAS All Exhibitors using bottled gas on their stand are required to have the installation checked by a qualified fitter to ensure that the apparatus is safely installed. Gas bottles should be stood on a firm base and be secured to prevent falling over and/or theft.

9.3 INSPECTIONS The 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 final.

9.4 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS All Exhibitors are required to supply the extinguisher(s) and fire fighting equipment.

9.5 CONTAINERS Potentially 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 filled with a harmless substance. All containers must be labelled as to their contents.

9.6 PUBLIC PROTECTION Adequate 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, ETC All 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 PROCEDURE Accidents 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 10 CANCELLATION OF EVENT 10.1 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 11 DOGS 11.1 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.

(b) Exhibitors employing Electrical Contractors other than the Official Contractor for the stand wiring must ensure that the work is completed at least 2 days prior to the Show otherwise the Official 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.

the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

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CLUB NEWS & MEMBERSHIP

CLUB NEWS 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 Officer - Mike Roberts, Events & Publicity - Charlie Heap Newsletter Editor - Neil Davies, Field Meet Officer - Kevin Massey Assistant Field Meet Officer - 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: Jan_Hart@ukfalconryforum.com

The UK Falconry Club & Forum would like to to wish all it’s members a Happy Christmas & Prosperous New Year DAVID RAMPLING WILDLIFE ARTIST

www.ramplingart.co.uk 34 the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

UKFC FUND RAISING

UKFC AUCTION

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 the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club

35

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