VP & FPA Profile

Membership information

The Vancouver Poultry & Fancy Pigeon Association  was established in 1898 with the purpose of promoting the raising and showing of poultry and pigeons. The association has evolved over time to where its focus is now the breeding and exhibition of fancy pigeons. Our association is affiliated with both the Canadian Pigeon Fanciers Association (CPFA) and the National Pigeon Association (NPA) and supports both national organizations in their promotion of the pigeon fancy.

The pigeon fancy is a hobby that recognizes 300+ breeds of pigeon and can be taken up as a casual pastime or with serious dedication. Our association is therefore an all breeds club which welcomes fanciers of all levels of interest.

The fact that the pigeon fancy knows no gender, age, cultural or social economic bounds is reflected in our membership who come from all walks of life, but are joined in their common interest. While club members’ pigeon lofts range from small backyard coops to extensive dedicated buildings, all are equal at the regular monthly meetings where veteran fanciers freely support and share their knowledge and experience with beginners.

In addition to the regular meetings our association provides a monthly newsletter and hosts a summer Lawn Show and picnic and annual Winter Show in November. The association also participates in local fairs throughout the year and facilitates members attending other pigeon shows in Canada and the United States.

Annual Memberships

Four categories of annual memberships are available in our association:

Any member may serve on the Board of Directors of our association by election at the Annual General Meeting held each February.

Click here for Membership Application Form

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History

The original club was: Vancouver Poultry & Pet Stock Association, incorporated in 1898.

From this came: The Vancouver Fancy Pigeon Association, established in 1921. Then in 1947 the members decided upon a name change: Vancouver Poultry & Fancy Pigeon Association. The Association owes a debt of gratitude to those who kept the organization alive. The names and contributions they made are still remembered by some current long time members.

The following are some of the past caretakers and a brief outline of their involvement.

Art Hortin joined the club in 1909 and was still active in 1971. Art served the Association as Secretary-Treasurer for 29 years. He was a member of the Poultry & Pet Stock Committee of the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) for an unbelievable 60 years. If you ever walked through the Poultry & Pigeon building at the PNE during the summer fair, prior to 1974, then you met Art. He bred Pigmy Pouters, Fantails and Birmingham Rollers.

Martin Billings was a member in 1930 and remained active past 1971. A review of the club minutes indicate that Martin had a lot to say and seldom missed an opportunity to propose a motion. In his senior years Martin would volunteer his services to act as night watchman at the winter show. His birds of choice were Fantails and Birmingham Rollers.

J.E. Fawdrey was the first life member of the Association, as is mentioned in the 1935 minutes book. Pigmy Pouters and Tipplers were his breeds.

Cy Horrobin found the club in 1947, and in 48 and 49 severed as Vice-President. In 1950-54 Cy was President and again in 1969. Oriental Frills was his breed of choice. In 1973 he was honoured with the Master Breeders Certificate from the Canadian Frill Club. Cy and his wife Gerti were friends to many pigeon fanciers across Canada and the USA.

Monty Neibel was a world-class breeder, flyer and judge of Birmingham Rollers. Monty was a recipient of the Master Flyer Award from the National Birmingham Roller Club in 1999. He was two times the winner of the World Cup Roller Fly and managed five “Top Ten” finishes in eight years. In 1968 and 1970 he was the club President.

Odds and Ends from the past as recorded in the minute books.

This look back at the past would not have been possible if Shirley Anderson, the club Secretary had not had the foresight and dedication to record and print a club history in 1971.