Update from WDA President

3 Avian Influenza cases around Stanhope.

Yesterday April 29th the last 2 of the 3KM Controlled Zones were revoked and replaced with 3KM Protection Zones.

These will remain in place until DEFRA have completed all necessary tests, once complete and subject to no more cases occurring within those 10KM Surveillance Zones each 3KM Protection Zone will be merged into the relevant 10KM Surveillance Zone.

Update from WDA President Ian McIntosh

The 10KM Surveillance Zones around Burnopfield have been lifted tonight. Details shown in the message posted below.

Members of the WDA who were in the 2 affected zones can train tomorrow morning and will be able to race this coming weekend.

Please note the restrictions around Stanhope remain in place.

Ian McIntosh

Weather committee voted 3 - 0 to basket Saturday for Sunday

Update Thursday afternoon 17th April

The weather committee have voted 3 - 0 to postpone 24 hours and basket Saturday to race Sunday the 20th.
Subject to weather committee review Friday afternoon.

WDA President Ian McIntosh received confirmation from AHPA this morning that racing is allowed in Co Durham, Northumberland and Tyne & Wear under the General License for Bird Gatherings (as it has been in North Yorkshire who have been in a Prevention Zone with Mandatory Housing measures for months).

Only those members who are located in the 10KM & 3KM zones around confirmed cases of Avian Influenza are unable to train or race until those zones are lifted.

So, to be brief and to the point:

To clarify:

Latest update from AHPA just puts us in same level of restrictions as North Yorkshire, York Unitary Authority, Lincolnshire, Norfolk etc. have been for couple of months.

East Cleveland, North Yorks Feds both were picked up tonight for Selby by the UNC.

Brompton HS in Durham Combine were picked up for Ackworth and the East Coast Fed which is Guisborough, Whitby etc. were picked up for tomorrow.

Following was agreed at tonight's Special Meeting.

Usually 30 days before 10KM surveillance zone is lifted.
So will be at least 28th April before surveillance zone lifted as long as no more cases, if so the first possible race for top end will be Saturday 3rd of May (bottom end be at Huntingdon Jubilee Park).

So top end go Ackworth and bottom end go Huntingdon Jubilee Park as booked.

After 16 years dedicated service as Secretary and Treasurer to the West Durham Amalgamation and over 50 years active membership competing in the Amalgamation Brian Ford is stepping down at the upcoming AGM on the 11th of December.

His notice to stand down at the end of the 2024 season was communicated to the 9 Fed Secretaries and Amalgamation officials on the 26th of October.

Anyone wishing to be considered for either or both of the roles should initially inform their Fed Secretary.

Please can the club secretary's email me with any claims for the 2024 best performance YB to macgre69@gmail.com thanks Ian McIntosh Richmond HS Secretary.