moreBFBA PRESIDENT'S PIECE

BFBA PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

A message from your new President - Gary Burton

Every BFBA President I have known has included at some point in his address the fact that time flies during the two years in office; it seems that I have only just written the first address and here I am writing the second one.

Within three weeks of taking office I received my first letter of complaint from a member pointing out my failings and those of other members of the Executive Committee, past and present. While I have no issue with correspondence – in fact the more the merrier – the real shame about the letter was that the complainant offered nothing by way of a solution to the problems he felt strongly enough to write to me on. I am only too happy to receive your thoughts – praise or criticism – but if you want something acted upon, please be constructive while writing too.
I am a little disappointed that despite my pointing out the desperate need that BFBA has for new members, only a handful of new farriers came forward to join. It would have been naive of me to assume the phone would ring constantly with Farriers, credit card in hand, wishing to join up to do their bit to help the Association, but I am running out of ways to express the urgency of becoming a member to the Farriery community. The bigger the membership, the bigger our voice and without that voice we are all at the mercy of bureaucrats, whether they be in this country or in Europe. As much as I hate to admit it, it is becoming more and more obvious that the British farrier cares not about his or her destiny.
Moving on, it's not all doom and gloom as things are really busy at the moment with far too much being done by far too few. An EC diary will be included in future editions of Forge to show just what is being done by your Association on your behalf (see page 40).
Probably the most important piece of news that I have to offer is that following the FRC’s announcement to set up a working group headed by Professor R Jones, Chairman of Council, to look into the future of farriery training, and prompted by months of concern voiced by ATF’s and others involved with apprentice training, the BFBA organised a meeting at The Forge, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire on May 16. I believe this was a major achievement for BFBA. For far too long we have attended meetings as guests and I intend that this should change. On this occasion, we led the initiative, chaired the meeting and pushed for an outcome.
Our remit was, 'To agree a common proposal for the future of farriery apprenticeships taking into account the views of key players and above all the interests of apprentices.'
At the meeting were representatives of the following organisations: BFBA, including experienced ATFs (all of the EC); the WCF, including the Registrar and the Chairman of the Examination Board, Myerscough College, Warwickshire College, Herefordshire College and Lantra. In addition, Miles Williamson-Noble attended to offer advice based on his experience as a past Registrar and Training Director.
The meeting got under way with a lengthy but comprehensive Powerpoint presentation on all aspects of apprentice training. During the ensuing discussion several different models of managing and funding the Farriery Apprenticeship scheme were examined. The group felt that it has a suitable proposal for a way forward. We have requested a meeting with the FRC's Working Group at which we hope to present our ideas.
I will keep you up to date with progress as and when things develop. In the meantime, it is a matter for every farrier in the country to give this some thought and to take an interest as it is our opportunity to radically modernise apprentice training and shape the future of the profession. We must have your input or we will have to live with the consequences of our complacency.
Preparations are well under way for the National Championship Shoeing Competition run over four days, August 11 to 14. Our Chief Steward Wilf Ford assures me that he has things well under control (except for the last minute failing of the extractor fan and the ducting elbow before it. That means one more lost Sunday for the two of us and it will be fixed in time for the event.)
This year for the first time, facilitated by the sale of the showground and the demise of the Royal Show, we have more freedom to use the space around the Forge meaning that the opportunity for a more open, casual event alongside the competition has arisen. For some, the competition is the most important aspect of the event; however others, non-competitors like myself, see it as a time to catch up with friends, talk shoeing and have a few beers in good company. I would urge those of you who have never been to this event to come along to see what takes place. With the loss of the Royal Show we have no restriction on entry, and ample parking is available at the forge. The grass area behind the forge is free to use too. With this large area at our disposal BFBA is trying to make the event something that can be enjoyed by Farriers and their families alike. Camping is allowed, and although it is something I have not done much of, I am keen to enter into the spirit of the occasion and give it a try. It is an opportunity for all of us to make this a minibreak. If camping is your bag, bring a tent, if not, hotel accommodation is always available. Bring your wife and children and let them have an insight into a farriers' world. Lets get together - you can stay for a night or all four - its up to you, but please let us know that you are coming. For further details contact Amanda Hill at BFBA. The more who attend the more we can organise.
The Focus Day, which forms part of the International competition, is really starting to take shape. In the past we have had to limit entries to 14 teams and struggled to fill the spaces. This year, however, we have 16 teams who are interested in competing, and at Wilf's insistence we are now looking at making arrangements to accommodate everyone. This is a remarkable feat considering the costs involved for some of the teams and state of the world’s economy. The American Team were the first to pay up, and they did so in full! Their enthusiasm can only be a reflection of the quality and kudos associated with this event and the BFBA. Running concurrently will be the Farriery Focus day, similar to last years, but better. Be prepared though, there will be an entry fee charged for non-members. Members enter free! There will be lectures, demos and of course a market place for all to see, hear, touch and buy.
Shortly after the AGM, BFBA ran its fifth Pre-Dip examination day. Despite his current workload, Cliff Barnes has volunteered to be responsible for putting these days on. Chris Linssner and I from the EC were also in attendance along with Amanda our National Secretary and her horse DD; they both stood patiently for long periods over the two days while the candidates practised their live horse observation with the vet. This time, because of such a large demand for places, we had to run the event over two days. I cannot begin to tell you how rewarding it is to be a part of the team organising and running this. While it is extremely hard work for everybody involved, it is made worthwhile by the feedback from the Apprentices who attend and I honestly cannot recall one incidence where an apprentice has had anything detrimental to say about the day - it really is that much of a success. The WCF recently contacted us about when we would be running the next mock exam suggesting dates; obviously they are starting to see the value of them too. It is a pity that the NFTA chose not to get involved and helping us when we initially approached them.
I know that in past editions of Forge, it was mentioned that BFBA would run an AWCF support course, and although it was over subscribed before we organised it, I feel that due to the workload required along with a lack of people to organise and run the course, it may be put on a back burner. I will let you know more as the year goes on.
I have mentioned on several occasions that BFBA struggles to put events on because there are too few of us trying to do too much. The solution is obvious and simple, if you the members want more from your Association, then all you have to do is to volunteer your services. I would like to think that there are many of you out there who would be only too happy to give up some of your time, but who perhaps feel your help is not needed. Not so, we are always looking for people to lend a hand, you can give as much or as little of your time as you can manage - all help would be gratefully accepted, and who knows where we could take BFBA if enough of you come forward.
Until next time!