Blue-eared Pheasant - photo by Jonathan Beilby taken at Blackbrook in October 2010.

The organisation was originally founded in the 1980s, but was dormant (except for producing the annual Register of Birds Bred in Captivity in the UK) for a long period until about two years ago. One of its objectives is to represent our interests to government, providing a larger voice than individual birdkeepers and societies would have, and this is one of the main benefits of being affiliated to the FBF.

The Foreign Bird Federation recently held an EGM which was largely successful in electing officials to fill vacant committee positions. Peter Collins of the Foreign Bird Association is the new Chairman, with David Paine of the Zebra Finch Society as Vice-Chairman. Philip Schofield of the Avicultural Society was confirmed as the new Breeding Registrar. Dennis Webster (NBFA) agreed to continue as Acting Secretary (in addition to his duties as Treasurer), so the Federation can now move forward with a functioning committee.

The eight member organisations are all very keen to see the Federation continue, but are aware that it is unlikely to have a long term future without wider support. All foreign bird clubs are invited to join the Federation and help redefine its role and aims so that it can best serve the interests of the foreign bird fancy as a whole. If some clubs feel that the FBF presently does not offer them what they need, now is the time to join and change it for the better. There are vacancies for a secretary and NCA representatives, so there are real opportunities for new members to have a strong voice within the organisation. Affiliation is open to foreign bird clubs of any kind, £25 to Honorary Secretary Dennis Webster, 89 Melbourn Rd, Royston, Herts, SG8 7DG.

The next AGM will be held on Sunday 18th March 2012.

The Foreign Bird Federation held its AGM on March 14th at Wednesbury (see summary). All the clubs which have renewed their affiliation for 2010 were represented, and all made clear their continuing support for the Federation. Thanks were expressed to Treasurer Dennis Webster for his help with secretarial duties, to Bryan Reed for his continued support in difficult personal circumstances, and particularly to Reuben Girling for his valuable work over many years in collating the Breeding Register, a task which he has now decided to hand on to someone new. A well-known aviculturist has declared an interest in taking on this role, and it is anticipated that the appointment of a new Breeding Registrar will be confirmed in the very near future, assuring the continuation of this important aspect of the Federation's work.

The treasurer's report showed the finances to be well-managed and relatively healthy. It was agreed unanimously to renew the Federation's affiliation to the NCA.

Affiliation fees remain at £25 and are now due from member clubs which have yet to renew for 2010. Please send to Dennis Webster, 89 Melbourne Rd, Royston, Herts SG8 7DG. New members are very welcome and affiliation is open to national, regional or local foreign bird clubs of any kind.

Support from clubs remains strong (only one member club has indicated that it will not be re-affiliating this year). What is now needed is for more individuals from those clubs to take on a role in running and developing the Federation. There are vacancies on the council, and member organisations will shortly receive notice of an EGM so that remaining key positions can be filled.

Publicity officer Nigel Hewston said, "The AGM was very positive, but some Federation officers are unable to continue in post for various reasons. This is a great opportunity for some new faces to come in and move the Federation forward."

Publicity Officer: Nigel Hewston
E-mail: nigelhewston@middlehall.myzen.co.uk
Phone: 01453 826944
Middle Hall Farmhouse, Middle Street, Eastington, Stonehouse, Glos GL10 3BD.

Download and print Word version of this press release.