ABOUT THE FEDERATION 

                                                      THE HISTORY OF THE FIFE FANCY FEDERATION 1984 to 2006

 The inaugural meeting of the Fife Fancy Federation took place in April 1984 with the Fife Fancy Canary Club, Southern England Fife Club, North of England Fife Fancy Canary Club, West of Scotland Fife Fancy Canary Club, Fife Fancy Canary Club of Wales, London and South Fife Fancy Canary Club and the International FFCA being represented.

The meeting was opened by Mr. Harry Jardine and officers elected included Mr. Peter Gray - Chairman and Mr. Anderson taking on the Secretary’s role from Mrs. Maureen James.


The `object` of the Fife Fancy Federation is to co-ordinate, advance, and encourage the culture, improvement and honorable exhibition of this special breed.

Rules and Regulations were drawn up and amended and the issue of a standard show cage for exhibition was debated. Upon the vote the “Dewar” show cage was approved and details were to be forwarded to Cage & Aviary Birds

.Each club was requested to submit to the Secretary a list of their judges so that a Panel Judge list could be established and issued by the  Federation, (operational from 1986 with 51 judges listed). The venue for future meetings was determined and Blackpool became venue for the Federation AGM.

Over 400 Fife Fancy were entered for the 1984 National Exhibition of Cage & Aviary Birds, a doubling in numbers over the last five years when 190 were entered for the last show at Alexandra Palace in 1979.

The National Exhibition of Cage & Aviary Birds moved to the NEC in 1984 following four years at Bingley Hall, Birmingham.

Mr. Terry Kelly became the Secretary in 1985 and the “show cage” debate continued. Twenty-six classes were established for open shows and club shows receiving full patronage.  Two judges were nominated for the National Exhibition of Cage and Aviary Birds, Mr. Harry Jardine and Mr. Tony Bell, (Mr. Roy Fox was nominated as reserve).

 The  Fife Section was now the third largest section at the National and was continuing to expand.

East Anglian Fife Fancy Canary Club was accepted into the Federation in 1986.  Shropshire, Salop and District FFCC joined in 1987.

Mr. Jim Kelly took on the Chairman’s role in 1988 with Mrs. Wanda Gawn accepting the Secretary’s position.  A Federation ‘Rule Book’ was in the process of being prepared for print, four judges were considered necessary for the National Exhibition and the Panel judge list now extended to 68 names.

Tyne Tees FFCC and Kent and Sussex FFCC apply for membership in 1989 and are duly welcomed to the Federation.

1990 - The Southern Counties FFCC and the Belgian Border and Fife Canary Club join the Federation.  Much discussion continued upon the classification particularly in relation to birds exhibited in the variegated classes.  For some years there had been discussion on the so-called “borderline” cases 50% dark or three parts dark.  Concern was also expressed about the large numbers in these classes and whether a separate variegated Cinnamon class should be introduced.  Consideration was also given to splitting the clear and ticked birds into separate classes.

East of Scotland FFCC and West Wales FFC join the Federation in 1991, bringing the total number of clubs to fifteen.

It was suggested that the Federation should become affiliated to the National Council for Aviculture, to be determined at next AGM.

Main items under discussion at this time included rules on panel judge status, training for judges, using judges from abroad, patronage rule, amendments to the classification and, of course the old chestnut “show cage floor covering”.  Mandates to change the use of oat husks were defeated by 6 votes to 5 votes.  The classification was increased to 30 classes, effective from 1992 and seven judges were nominated for the National Exhibition.

East Anglia FFCC called for a pictorial model for the Fife Fancy and tabled an example for further discussion at the 1992 AGM.

1992 - North West FFCC joins the Federation.

24 delegates representing 14 out of the 16 member clubs attend this year’s AGM.

A proposal to hold the meeting every three years was defeated and thus annual meetings would continue.

Proposals to change the show cage floor covering were again defeated.

North of England FFCC and West of Scotland FFCC call for a pictorial model for the Fife Fancy.

1993 - Lanarkshire and Lothian FFCC join the Federation.

A minute’s silence was held at the Annual General Meeting following the death of Bill Gawn.  He had not only supported Wanda in her role as secretary, but also helped her throughout with her hobby.

A motion to relax the criteria for panel judge status from 7 years to 5 years for exhibitors of other types of canaries was lost and proposed changes to the show cage floor covering were not accepted.

A proposal for “ticked birds” to return to the clear class was also defeated.

A call was made for “flighted classes” for the Fife Fancy at the National Exhibition.

From the pictorial models circulated the use of the original drawing No.7 was approved by  6 votes for to 2 against.

Proposals to divide the Federation into area zones, namely Scotland, North of England, Wales and South of England, were not supported.

Rings on birds being exhibited is giving some clubs concern and Federation rules that one ring only should be used.

Conditions to be imposed on FFF when nominating judges for the Scottish National are lifted.

1994 - AGM venue moves to St Annes on Sea. 

Durham FFCC accepted into membership of the Federation but only nine of out 18 specialist Fife Clubs are affiliated to the National Council for Aviculture.

Debate raised again on show cage floor covering - oats husks again receiving support.  Delegates vote against closed rings for current year birds.  Amendments to classification for ticked birds and foul birds into clear and self classes respectively was not supported.

Again proposals to divide the Federation were also lost by 11 votes to 4 votes.

East of Scotland FFCC  tabled a model of the Fife Fancy made by Fine Ceramic Trophies, and explained why it was not possible to raise this issue through the mandates due to illness.  Federation agrees to adopt the model in principle, subject to slight modifications.  

In his 1995 address to delegates the Chairman noted that there was some disquiet within the membership but he hoped the Federation would remain united. The Secretary reported that the secret meetings were being held to elect a new Fife Council, the previous year had been rather uneasy and unsettling.

The Belgium FFCC was withdrawn from the Federation as the club was no longer in existence.

Modifications to the model were awaited from the manufacturers.

Kent and Sussex call for a colour standard with better definitions for Green’s and Cinnamon’s.

The 1996 AGM noted that the Fife Fancy section is now out numbering Border and Gloster sections at some of the large open shows.                                              

Netherlands Border and Fife Fancy Canary Club become affiliated to the Federation and at home the Green, Cinnamon and White FFCC is formed and joins the Federation.

The Canary Council and the Federation give rosettes at the National Exhibition of Cage and Aviary Birds for the first time.

The Secretary calls for Club Secretary’s to forward dates of their open shows for publication in Cage and Aviary Birds diary of events.

The Canary Council delegate announces a new scheme from the National Council for Aviculture with special awards for the club of the year.

Correspondence received from Germany (AZ Club) expresses concern about colour-fed Fifes being exhibited and interbreeding with other varieties. The Federation responds with articles in Cage and Aviary Birds, interbred birds cannot be exhibited as Fife Fancy and colour feeding is prohibited.

The terms `ticked`, `three parts dark`, and foul are no longer used and so they should be taken out of the classification.

Chris Smith elected as Publicity Officer for the Federation.

Controversy revolves around some judges who are letting self birds with light feather bibs through for Specials.The Federation rules are clear and it is for the judge to use his discretion to wrong class these birds.

Kent and Sussex raise the issue of colour standards again, particularly with the Green’s and Cinnamon’s. It was agreed that a `Holly` leaf best describes the Green’s -yellow like the top of the leaf and buff like the underside.

East of Scotland FFCC and West of Scotland FFCC leave the Federation   

New officers elected at the 1997 AGM are Mr. Alex McEwan-Chairman,

Mr.Bill Bean-Vice Chairman, Mr. Chris Smith-Secretary/Treasurer and

Mr. Denzil Griffiths as Publicity Officer. Wanda Gawn retires as Secretary after nine years.

A show date co-ordinator  is appointed to help clubs arrange their shows and avoid clashing with other club shows.

Kent and Sussex FFCC cease activities and are in the hands of trustees.

Canary  Council report highlights the lack of Juniors coming into the Fancy as a whole and asks the Federation to consider ways of encouraging young people take enter the hobby.

Show Cage floor covering debate continues to rage :- 7 votes to 3 at the AGM to change to clipped oats for an experimental one year period, ie the 1997/98 show season.

Proposals to put the `ticked`birds back into the clear classes and `foul` birds into the self classes were defeated.

Rings- agreed one ring per bird when exhibiting, plain or numbered and where letters are used they should only denote the ring size,ie no personal initials allowed.

Requests to open up the Federation to individual members were defeated. The Federation is a governing body not a club.

Subscriptions for member clubs are raised from £10 to £20 per annum

1998 - AGM - West of Scotland rejoin the Federation.

Results of the 1997/98  experimental show cage floor covering are debated, oat husks v clipped oats, 11 delegates vote for a return to oat husks and two clubs want to retain clipped oats.

Drawings of the Fife Fancy Canary by Bill Everett (black & white) and Andy McEwan (colour) are distributed to member club Secretaries to consult the grass roots on a possible Pictorial model for the Fife Fancy.

Secretary suggests that the Federation produces a Yearbook for fanciers and hopes to table a draft at next year’s AGM.

West of Scotland are to start the `International` competition again between EnglandScotland and Wales.

Seven judges are called upon to place the awards at the National Exhibition as entries top the 1600 level. 

1999

AGM - Kent and Sussex FFCC welcomed back into the fold – hoping to promote a show in Jan 2000.

New FFF draft Yearbook approved and a Pictorial Model based on drawing by Bill Everett agreed by delegates.

2000

At the AGM in April Alex McEwan and Bill Bean stand down as Chairman and Vice Chairman and delegates thanked them for their efforts during their three year term.

Percy Jacobs and Willie McKay are elected Chairman and Vice Chairman.

Rule changes were discussed from proposals over the three previous years and the only one agreed was that prospective candidates for Panel Judge status must now be a member of an affiliated club for 7 years, five years of which must be at Champion level.

There are now 132 Panel Judges listed.

The application to join the Federation from the Irish FFCC was accepted

2001

Cornwall and Devon FFCC and Northants Border and Fife Fancy CC join the Federation.

Proposals to change the classification to put “ticked” birds in the Clear class and “foul” birds in the Self class were not approved, thus the classification remains unchanged.

137 Panel judges on approved list.

2002

A period of silence was observed at the start of the meeting in memory of Walter Lumsden, Bert Beeson, H Ball, and R Craig.

The meeting approved a change to the classification to include “ticked” birds in the Clear class and “Foul” in the Self class, and separate HV White classes were included in the classification.

Rule change for prospective candidates for Panel Judge status must be a member of an affiliated club for a minimum total of 5 years, with a minimum of 3 years as champion.

The Federation stand at the National was deemed a success and plans are being prepared for this year’s show. The NCA web site now contains the names and addresses of Club Secretaries.

FFCC of Wales has now disbanded due to lack of support.  

Now 142 Panel Judge’s on the approved list.

2003 AGM

Congratulations to Willie McKay and Kevin Gorman – World Champions at the World Show in France 2003

Eligibilty for Panel Judge status now 5 years as member of specialist club with 3 years as a Champion.

Classification changed as from April 2003 to March 2006 :-

            Clear and Ticked in same class

            Self or Foul in same class

            New classes for Heavily Varigated Whites.

New definition of “bone fide” club included in the rules with a list of requirements to comply with Federation rules.

Proposal to extend the Novice age to 21 years approved, becomes operational   in the Rules and Regulations in 2006.

Proposed changes to Standard defeated, 25 points for size to remain.

Five new panel judges elected to the Federation Panel, now 140 judges listed.

Green, Cinnamon and White FFCC  and London and South FFCC wound up.

Two new clubs accepted into the Federation North Wales FFCC and FFCC Italiano.

2004

Application for membership for Cleveland FFCC and Flemish Border and Fife Fancy CC approved.

Novice rule to remain as existing, last year’s change overturned.

Green, Cinnamon and White club reformed.

Irish FFCC no longer in existence.

Correspondence from DEFRA indicates possible new licensing regime for shows/pet fairs, consultation currently being carried out on the draft Animal Welfare bill.

2005

AGM dominated by the Animal Welfare Bill and the loss of the National Exhibition. The Government was, prior to the election, proposing a licensing regime for exhibitions where trade stands sold birds. A new bill is to be included in this session of Parliament and DEFRA are about to embark on a new consultation. All clubs urged to respond to the consultation.

The loss of the National Exhibition of Cage and Aviary Birds was much lamented, discussion on setting up a new show or holding a Fife National in conjunction with the North of England FFCC was discussed. 

Roger Godsell elected Chairman following Percy Jacobs resignation due to ill- health and Chris Smith voted in as delegate to the NCA and Canary Council.

A moment’s silence held in respect of members who had passed away during the last year:- Denise Shuker, Cliff Harris, Ernie Wilson, Keith Stretton, D Pickett and W Evans.

David Shelbourne congratulated on his points achievement at the 2004 World Show, coming fourth he just missed out on the medals.

Border and Fife Club Deutschland now affiliated to the Federation. Cleveland FFCC voted to change their name to Northumberland and Durham FFCC, Lanark and Lothian change their name to West Lothian FFCC. Late application from some members of Cleveland FFCC to retain that club was agreed subject to written application and affiliation fee being received.

A proposal that ticked birds be entered in variegated classes was not approved, however Clubs could have a separate Clear and Ticked class.

A mandate that all current year bred birds be closed rung was not approved.

A change of wording to the standard was approved, for Body it now reads :-

“well filled and nicely rounded from a gentle rise over the shoulders and back to the base of the tail”.

Nine new judges elected to the Federation judging panel.

2006

Delegates reflected on what had been a bad year for the Fancy, with the threat of Avian Influenza in Europe, the loss of many shows at the start of the season, the passage of the Animal Welfare Bill, debate on the need for Registration and closed rings. Bird Show UK had put on a valiant effort but was hit by the ban sales birds and the Foreign Section.

Application to join the Federation from the Republic of Ireland FFCC was approved.

The NCA and Canary Council continue to be represented at meetings with DEFRA and MP’s at Westminster. The Animal Welfare Bill has passed through the Commons and is now having its second reading in the House of Lords. The Government’s proposal for a licensing system remains in the Bill. A General License has now been issued for bird shows but clubs should check with the DEFRA helpline nearer the time of their show.

The Federation remains opposed to the compulsory closed ringing of the Fife Fancy

.

THIS SITE  IS FOR THE FIFE FANCY FEDERATION AND ALL THE PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO WANTED AN INFORMATION SITE ON WHAT SHOWS ARE CURRENTLY ON FOR EACH YEAR.THE RULES AND REGULATIONS.THE CLUB SECRETARIES.A LIST OF ALL THE PANEL JUDGES.AND OF COURSE SHOW RESULTS AS WE GET THEM FROM THE INDIVIDUAL CLUBS.THIS SITE WILL ONLY WORK IF THE CLUBS SEND TO US ALL THE INFORMATION ON THERE SHOW AND RESULTS OF THERE SHOWS ITS NOT DOWN TO US TO CHASE THEM IF THEY DO NOT SEND US ALL THE INFORMATION THEN IT WONT GET PUBLISHED ON HERE.THERE IS A CONTACT PAGE SO THERE IS KNOW EXCUSE.   

Make a free website with Yola