The Chas e

the on-line newsletter of the UK Falconry Club - August 2010

www.ukfalconryforum.com
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK
FALCONRY CLUB - JULY 2010
Brithawk Braided
Falconry equipment
order from Zoe Jones
07743 573 755
Quality, hand braided falconry
furniture made in Britain
Falcon fitted with Brithawk braided furniture
Editors note
Welcome to the latest version of THE CHASE.
I have been busy making plans for with my new
Goshawk Loki. He is coming on well and I hope that
I will be able to report next month his rst kill.
Meanwhile, whilst the lucky few are heading north to
the Grouse Moors many others are preparing their
new charges for the season ahead.
The UK Falconry Club will be represented at the
Blair Drummond Falconry & Hawking Festival and
I hope to see some reader there.
Meanwhile, the club goes on from strength to
strength with the membership of the club and forum
growing steadily.
I hope all the members of the UK Falconry Club &
Forum who are on the hill on the Glorious 12th the
very best of luck.
And congratulations to Jakk Tennant on winning his
set of Brithawk Falconry Equipment in last months
edition of THE CHASE.
Good hawking for all
Neil Davies - Editor
Features
4 A Brush with Nature - David Rampling
10 Bell Making by Larry Counce
14 Deaddog Vest Product Review
16 Competition Page - Win Memoirs of a Hunter
18 Club News
The Chase is the online newsletter of the UK
Falconry Club. No article, photograph, or part
of this publication maybe reproduced without
written consent.
The Editor and the UKFC Committee reserves
the right to approve or refuse any advertisement
or contribution for any reason.
Cover photo - Loki Goshawk Neil Davies
CONTENTS
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010 3
4 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
DAVID RAMPLING - WILDLIFE ARTIST
A brush wi
DAVID RAMPLING - WILDLIFE ARTIST
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK
FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
ith nature
by David Rampling
5
Born in 1963, I grew up in rural Suffolk and have
been obsessed with wildlife and hunting since being
a child. I reared jackdaws, crows and magpies, I kept
rats, frogs and toads and caught grass snakes on the
broads and lizards on the heath as a boy. I was
bought 'As the falcon her bells' for my fourteenth
birthday and became interested in falconry from the
very rst page.
I ew my rst kestrel at sixteen and have own one
bird or another ever since. Much of my youth was
spent hunting Coypus with Terriers on the Suffolk
broads, my mother cooked them for my family to
eat, and I sold the skins. I was passionate about
lamping with longdogs, and ying spars, which have
always been my favourite bird. After studying at
Agricultural college I went on to manage farms, rst
on the inner Hebrides and later the east coast of
Scotland, but to be honest I spent more time
hawking than farming, and with so much game
around it seemed criminal not too!
In 1991, I was offered the job of running a Deer and
y shing trout farm in Scotland which surrounded
a falconry centre, and it was at this centre i learned
about running a team of birds and doing
demonstrations for the public in what spare time I
had. I eventually gave up managing the farm and
went on to run the centre, which was where my
heart realy lay.
In 1993, I took a year out and left Scotland to run
the farm on Lundy Island off the North Devon
coast, Having read about 'Lundy' peregrines as a lad
I wanted to see the legendary Island, with all its
pirate and falconry history. And it was here, with no
television, at the age of 29, that I rst started to
paint. My rst painting took four weeks, but I was
amazed that I could do it. I have painted pretty
much non stop ever since.
After leaving Lundy I ran a team of birds doing
demonstrations at centres and fairs in North
Devon, eventually taking over the North Devon
bird of prey centre in 2001. It is a small centre,
attached to a large adventure park. I have just
fteen birds, all of which y free every day, and
thats just the way I like it. I have a small gallery
attached to the centre from which I sell my
artwork, and it all sells...which is a good job, as a
display falconers wages are pretty poor!
I tend to paint and repaint my fteen birds through
the summer months for the visitors to my centre,
and in the winter I hunt, (these days with my
display Harris's, as I gure they work so hard for me
in the summer its the least I can do for them.) and in
the winter I also paint commissions, which is nice
for a change.
6 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
DAVID RAMPLING - WILDLIFE ARTIST
DAVID RAMPLING - WILDLIFE ARTIST
7 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
We will be at the
Blair Drummond
Falconry Fair on
the UKFC Stand
10 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
BELL MAKING
11
Bell
Making
by Larry Counce
When starting into falconry in 1988, I ordered my first pair of bells
from the late Pete Asborno of Denver, Colorado. When the bells
arrived, I studied them for hours and concluded that I could make
them. I decided to get started the very next day.
Early next morning I set out to the public library and began digging
into TheThomas Register for suppliers of tools and materials. (This
was before the days of having everything online!) I found suppliers
and ordered the block, shears, and nickel-silver sheet metal needed
for my first attempt at bell making.
Within a few days, I produced an almost-perfect hemisphere. The next
step was to figure out how to join two hemispheres with a clapper
inside. Realizing the hemispheres didnt fit flush, I found a metal
file and smoothed them to fit. Something was still not quite right -
my new bell was not round. It took two years - after countless trials
and errors - and, finally, Eureka! I produced a bell that would ring!
Over the next two years, I broke three 3-ton arbor presses while
trying to perfect my bell making process.
Over the years I have acquired a wee bit more knowledge, resulting
in faster research and development. Variables such as size and shape
of the bell, type and thickness of the metal, temperature of the solder,
use of annealing vs. non-annealing, and altering the dimensions of
the clapper have an impact on the sound of the finished bell. Also,
selecting the right alloy from the array of metals available can be a
difficult task. I have produced bells made of nickel silver, sterling
silver, brass, bronze, and beryllium copper.
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
BELL MAKING
12 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
HEADING
In the past I would custom-make bells, usually out
of bronze, to suit a particular falconers hearing.
Nowadays falconers try the bells by ringing and
ringing until they find a pair that fits their hearing.
I am now able to change the pitch and volume by
making adjustments to the equator band, thickness
of the alloy, shape and weight of the clapper, and
the placement of the sound slit and holes. For my
hearing and for durability, sterling silver bells win
by a mile.
For the last 20 years, I have used a hydraulic press
and a lathe to produce bells. The process I have
developed consists of 26 steps from start to finish.
It still requires more than 30 minutes to make one
bell. My bells are used by thousands of falconers
in 31 countries.
In addition to falconers, other people have
approached me to supply bells for them. I once
created camel bells for an Arabian camel owner.
A Celtic storytelling troupe once asked for bells
for a storytelling stick. Hobbyists wanting to find
just the right bell for intricate crafting projects
have contacted me to supply bells to fulfill their
custom orders. My bells have also adorned
dancers (both Native American and erotic), bird
dogs, and cats. Recently I have had numerous
requests for bells for womens jewelry. And every
holiday season I have many queries about sleigh
bells and ornamental displays.
My bell shop is located inside my traveling
caravan in a space measuring 8 x 10, which
includes a space for a small freezer stocked with
hawk food. An air filtration system mounted
inside the bell shop has proven to be a necessary
innovation to assure that interior air quality is
maintained.
All in all, bell making is a hobby for an ever-so-
small profit. Mostly it is therapeutic, and a glass
of whisky or a pint on the workbench makes life
good!
Larry Counce is a master falconer, bell maker, and
traveling medical technologist. His email address
is larry@councebells.com, and his web page can
be found at www.councebells.com .
Cutting Bench
Anealing Bench
Finished bells
14 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
PRODUCT REVIEWS
For years when hawking I have always used a
waistcoat for hawking,
The type with the poachers pouch in the back and
a multitude of pockets. Having seen so many
hawking vests on the market and in the field none
of them really appealed to me, being a larger bloke
doesnt help the matter either. When I looked at
some being worn I didnt fancy the idea of having
a pocket sit almost under the armpit or have a vest
that fitted best undone flapping about either as I
have seen so many times in the field with others.
One day I was advised about Keiths Dead Dogs
hawking vest, each one is hand made and can be
adjusted to suite all. I spoke to Keith who I must
say is a real nice chap, and he needed my waist
and chest size along with the measurement from
Deaddog Hawking Vest Reviewed by Kevun Massey
As recomme
PRODUCT REVIEWS
my shoulder to my waist and also what colour I
wanted. Keith also mentioned that he does
accessories for the vest like the telemetry bag etc.
A couple of days later my vest arrived, first thing
that struck me was the quality of workmanship, it
really was a quality bit of work. Trying it on it
soon became apparent just how adjustable it is. I
set the shoulder straps first, so the pockets sat
where I wanted them. I could see that both
shoulder straps would un-clip, a brilliant idea if
you want to take the vest off when you have your
bird on the glove for instance.
Next I adjusted the side straps so the pockets
would sit exactly where I wanted them around my
waist. Having the pockets where I wanted them all
that I needed to do then was do up the front and
pull the draw straps in so the vest fitted when done
up properly and that was it.
The vest has a large quarry compartment that sits
on your back; this is vented allowing air to flow so
that the heat from the dispatched quarry doesnt
cause them to sweat. On the front there are two
main big pockets Attached to the front of these
pockets is another pocket both pockets both of
which (because I requested them) had removable
washable liners for putting cut meat etc, these are
held in place by a Velcro strip. Both pockets are
closed with a flap that comes over with a fastener
system that can be closed and secured with 1 hand
these also have eyelets for Jesses to pull through.
There are also clips on the front for putting
swivels, leash etc.
Now last season I really put the vest to the test, I
found my self going through dense hedges, woods
and all sorts of under growth. To begin with I was
checking all the time to see if I had ripped the vest
but it got to the end of the season unscathed.
Overall impression, Not the cheapest Hawking
vest on the market but with this quality and finish
I personally believe its great value. The vest will
fit every shape and size and adjust to just how you
want it.
Price: 75.00 plus P&P
www.eldandfalcon.co.uk
Coming up next month:
Pineo Pendleton Glove
by Neil Davies
Dave Noble Falconry Bells
ended...
THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010 15
16 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB -AUGUST 2010
The UK Falconry Club & Forum and Martin Hollinshead
offers one forum/club member the opportunity of winning a
signed book by simply answering the following question.
When was Martin Hollinsheads book The Complete
Rabbit & Hare Hawk rst published?
Send your answers to neil_davies@ukfalconryforum.com
The Winner* will be drawn from the entries received before
the 25th August 2010 and will be notied by email and the
results of the draw will feature in next months issue of
THE CHASE.
*T&Cs - The editors decision is nal and the draw is only open to the UK Falconry Club
and forum members. No other alternative prize will be offered to the winner.
Only one entry per member. Competition closes midnight 25th August 2010.
WIN
a signed copy of
Martin Hollinsheads book
Memoirs of a Hunter
COMPETITION
NEW REPRINT
First published 10 years ago and re-printed twice, this best-selling manual
continues to be indispensable

A compelling and enduringly
fascinating read lives up to its
boastful title. IBR

Everyone could benefit from this book.
BFC Newsletter

This book should be compulsory
reading for anyone flying or
contemplating flying a Harris hawk
International Falconer

Every stage of the birds training is
carefully thought out.
The Falconers Magazine

This is probably one of the most
descriptive accounts of ferreting [to
hawks] ever written. Hawk Chalk

All novice falconers should be made to
read this chapter [Dealing With Kills]
Countrymans Weekly

This book is a must for all rabbit and
hare hawking enthusiasts.
Scottish Hawking Club
Available August
Hard Covers 240 pages 25.00 + 3.00 p&p
SIGNED COPIES STRAIGHT FROM THE AUTHOR
Telephone 01902 561075 or
Email m.s.hollinshead@blueyonder.co.uk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also available from The Fernhill Press




Martin Hollinshead, The Fernhill Press, PO Box 1682, Wolverhampton, WV1 4GQ
Website: http://business.virgin.net/fernhill.press/index.htm
18 THE CHASE - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE UK FALCONRY CLUB - AUGUST 2010
CLUB NEWS
Club News
BBQ
The UK Falconry Club will be holding a Summer BBQ in September 10th - 11th at
Rhosllefain, Tywyn, Gwynedd LL36 9ND.
If any members wish to attend, please contact Ben Crane for further details
ben_crane@ukfalconryforum.com
We hope you can come along and meet the committee.
Blair Drummond Falconry Festival 2010
Blair Drummond Safari & Adventure Park , Blair Drummond by Stirling, FK9 4UR
Tel: 01786 841 456 - www.blairdrummond.com
UK Falconry Club Committee
President - Ben Crane, Vice-President - Neil Hunter, Chairman - Lee Featherstone,
Vice-Chairman - Martin Whitley, Secretary - Steven Lambert, Treasurer - Tommy Miles,
Membership Secretary - Jan Hart, Legal Officer - Mike Roberts,
Events & Publicity - Charlie Heap, Newsletter Editor - Neil Davies,
Field Meet Officer - Kevin Massey, Assistant Field Meet Officer - Joe Hatton,
Membership is now available online
If you wish to join the UK Falconry Club you can now apply and pay online at the
clubs forum www.ukfalconryforum.com
Membership fees are per year and include Public Liability Insurance for Full &
Associate Members:
Full Members 32, Associate Members 32 and Supporter member 17
Winner of last month competition - Jakk Tennant
the uk falconry club supports
the campaign for falconry