I write this column on what was supposed to be ‘Freedom Day’, with the releasing of all Covid-related restrictions. In the event, it is not to be, with probably at least another month to go before such restrictions are eased. This in spite of the fact that a large percentage of vulnerable adults are now fully vaccinated, while hospital admissions and deaths due to Covid remain low. Thank goodness we did not attempt to go ahead with our July Summer Show. This month’s issue of the magazine normally would contain booking details and prices for our October National Exhibition. This time last year, I was writing to confirm that the 2020 Exhibition had been cancelled, but we are still as yet hopeful that both the National Exhibition in October and The December ‘Help the Birdkeepers’ show will go ahead. Our secretary Les Rance has more to say on the subject elsewhere in this magazine, but unfortunately, although hopeful, we still cannot give a definitive answer. At Stafford County Showground, two smaller events were scheduled for June, and showground staff are hopeful that by mid-July the social distancing restrictions will be removed and then their County Show on 25/26thAugust can take place. We have our first live face-to-face Council meeting on 4th July, so hopefully we will be able to make positive decisions then. The results will obviously be printed in next month’s magazine, but look out for earlier updates on our website or Facebook page.
Talking of the website: it is an ongoing and vexatious issue to many members who live in more distant or rural parts of the country, that the vagaries of our postal service mean that they receive their magazines some days later than the bulk of our UK subscribers. This puts them at a disadvantage if they are anxious to check out the adverts for new birds. A tiered postal rate, or staggered posting schedule, would be logistical and financial nightmares, and would inevitably lead to a substantial rise in annual subscription. Trustees have decided that the simplest practical solution will be to post the advertisements in the Members Only section of our website, two days after the mailing date, which is the day that most magazines arrive through your letterboxes. Whilst we realise that not all our members are computer-savvy, the majority now are, and this will be the most equitable way of reaching most of you in timely fashion. If you are not already signed up to the Members Only section, then follow the link from the Home Page of the website and register, then you will find a page within the Members Only entitled ‘Monthly Adverts’.
I can only apologise for the lack of information and decision about our shows in October and December, but we have to be guided by Government decisions and regulations, and the ongoing unfolding of this prolonged, nightmare coronavirus saga. We will do our best to keep you informed as quickly as possible.
Alan K Jones June 21, 2021