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


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”



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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”



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Breaking Dawn - Oil on Canvas, 31.5” x 20”



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Spring Pheasant - Oil on Canvas, 20” x 27”



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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.


14 MYSTERY EGGS

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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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MEGATRON THE MUSKET

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ATRONBY BEN CRANE


MEGATRON THE MUSKET

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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


MEGATRON THE MUSKET

18

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.


MEGATRON THE MUSKET

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Screaming imprints!Satisfi ed with a full crop

MARK UFALCONER


MARK UPTON FALCONER & ARTIST

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


WWW.MARKUPTON.COM

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UPTONR & ARTIST

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


MARK UPTON FALCONER & ARTIST

22

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


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

FalconVitamins

Suppliers of vitamin supplements for raptors

from leading Italian veterinarians GEAVET.

Products available• LeucaSpray • LeucaGel •• Falcon Top • Falcon M •

• Falcon B •Contact Wayne Spencer

07886 324 270Email: [email protected]

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The UK’s largest collection of Bird’s of Prey.Open 7 days a week from 10.30am to 5.30pm.

(Centre closed December & January)

• Over 300 birds on public display •• Daily Flying Displays • Conservation • • Captive Breeding • Falconry Courses •

• Photography • Schools & Groups Welcome •

The International Centre for Birds of PreyBoulsdon House, NewentGloucestershire GL18 1JJ

T: 01531 820286 or 01531 820286Email: [email protected]

www.icbp.org

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


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


TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF KITING FOR FALCONRY PART 2 EQUIPMENT

27

Winding reel Marnie pulls Helikite to Earth

‘O’ Rig Rolling Rig

Helikite


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


Th e World Hood Making Championships


“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 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


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.


EXHIBITING AT THE EVENT

the chase - the newsletter of the uk falconry club 31


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


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.



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.



31

CLUB NEWS


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:

[email protected]

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


UKFC FUND RAISING

35

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• Indoor & Outdoor Falcon Blocks • Bow Perches • Gloves •

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the chase - december 2010

Documents

uk falconry club forum

forum club members

wildlife artist paul

januaryfebruary edition

new exhibition pointer

snow ben craneth e chase

month ahead39 club fund

monthly newsletter