LANCASHIRE NEWS

Hi everyone, welcome to Lancashire Life. From what I can make out it was a mixed bag of racing last weekend. Last Saturday we had all sorts of weather, from pouring rain to mist followed by a dull overcast sky with very humid conditions. I pitied the poor birds making their way home from Swainswick in those conditions, a distance of around 144 miles to me. The widowhood cocks were given their bowls and hens for a couple of minutes on the Friday and I must admit they did look fine to me and I thought they would do better than the previous week.

Having spoken to different people in Bolton and Salford I was reliably informed that they had seen no rain, so it seems it was mainly on Manchester yet again! For the second week in a row the leaders returned in good time but this week they seemed desperate for a drink and promptly sat in the gutter guzzling the rain water. So all my hard work and preparation the week before went out of the window and I was back to square one. They obviously wanted a drink more than their hen, despite giving them glucose in the water on Friday. The second cock home, some four minutes behind the first didn’t hesitate and went straight in, but by that time the race was lost and I was deflated yet again. It’s obviously a motivation issue and one which I will gladly receive tips on if any are forthcoming. If I had a cat it would have received a size four but luckily I don’t and I couldn’t really take it out on poor Pip could I? She still thinks it’s a game going in and out of the lofts and eating the corn out of the bucket, I’m sure she will sprout wings soon.

I’ve finally managed to move the hens out of the young bird loft and into their own section after having some stock birds in there for a while. I don’t think the hens liked it very much as the young bird section is quite large and airy with an aviary on the side; it looks funny now though because there are only a few youngsters in a very large section. They don’t seem to mind though and have their pick of two or three perches each. I decided not to add any extra ones once the main batch were weaned so they are now all around the same age with the exception of a couple and this will be my team for 2008. I’ve given away loads of youngsters off my stock birds and the last ones will be going out this week, then that’s it the shutters are up and the stock birds will be parted, breeding over for another year.

If you are a member of Pigeon Chat we are running an addition to the Make A Wish Charity Auction. For the price of a £1 for a strip of raffle tickets you could win a Unikon ETS system, the choice of two matched pairs of youngsters from Formula 1 Lofts, a pair of Roland Janssens from me or a pair off Lee Madgin from Rugeley off his best racer Linford. This cock has been in the stock loft since 2004 and had bred 1st prize winners for Lee and other people. All proceeds will be going to the Make A Wish in addition to any other monies raised in the recent auction. Where else could you get an ETS for £1 or a pair of great youngsters?

Accrington & DHS/David Stuttard – In the club race from Mangotsfield 12 members sent 176 birds with another fast race on the cards a 6yo Haslingden Special Cheq hen belonging to Billy Bentley & Son takes this one on 1709. Lawrence “The Quiet Man” Eddisford is in second spot with a 2yo Blue Busschaert cock doing 1699. It was a tight do for third and fourth places with Joe “The Jolly Geordie” Slattery just pinching third with a yearling Blue Flor Engels cock on 1695.243 and in fourth Billy Bentley & Son with a 3yo Blue cock on 1695.063.

Ashton-under-Lyne Flying Club/Harry Kenyon – On the 10th May, 2008 the club raced from Swainswick when 10 members sent 132 birds liberated at 8am in a light East wind. 1st, 2nd and 3rd J & S Ward with three Wall, Lunt & Green x Peter Van Der Merwe pigeons on 1490, 1489 and 1482. 4th R Clarke on 1478 with a Hartog x Herman which has won twice and been 2nd and 4th in four weeks. R Clarke also takes the pools and nom.

Atherton & District Fed/Chris Ainscough – On Saturday 3rd May, 2008 the Fed saw 17 members sent 262 birds liberated at 930 into a South East wind. 1st & 2nd Terry Pike’s two hens on 1940 & 1937 Deane & Dist. 3rd P & P Hacking with a Blue cock on 1781 Deane & Dist. 4th Franco Ponti with a Mealy Cock on 1777 keeping Darwen in the running.

Atherton HS/Brian Vout – The Club was racing from Mangotsfield on the 3rd May, 2008 and the birds were liberated at 930 in a South East wind. Mr & Mrs Dickens were 1st on 1762 with a yearling Blue Pied Staf Van Reet hen. Gary Grundy was 2nd on 1691 with a 3yo Dark Cheq hen, a “Heinz 57” according to Gary. Brian Vout was 3rd and 4th on 1625 and 1622 with a 6yo Cheq cock followed by a 6yo Blue Pied cock, both from his old family of Busschaert x Janssens.

Border Amalgamation/Jeanette Taylor – 205 members sent 3,086 birds to Swainswick on the 3rd May, 2008 liberated at 10am in a South East wind. 1st G & G Bennett/South East Lancs Fed 1778. 2nd J Skelton/North East Lancs Fed 1759. 3rd & 4th R & L Whitworth/SEL 1750, 1747. 5th A Walker & Son/NEL 1745. 6th & 17th N & G Buckley/SEL 1743 & 1731.66. 7th T Gill/SEL 1740.28. 8th P Williams/SEL 1740.21. 9th & 15th A & S Hughes/SEL 1738.70 & 1732.73. 10th WJ Holland/Oldham Fed 1738.51. 11th & 14th Mr & Mrs Pennington/NEL 1736 & 1734. 12th & 18th S Gilbert/NEL 1735.25 & 1731.42. 13th L Brennan/SEL 1735.19. 16th M Porter/NEL 1732.13. 19th H Gray/SEL 1730. 20th Mr & Mrs P McGuigan/NEL 1729. Federation winners – South East Lancs – G & G Bennett/Rochdale. North East Lancs – J Skelton/Barnoldswick. Oldham – WJ Holland/Dane Bank.

Castleton FC/Michael Fleming – In the Castleton race from Swainswick, 6 members sent 84 pigeons in a strong South East wind. Taking first lace on 1692 was Brandon & Culshaw with a Soontjen cock. In a very close race this cock team wins at short and long distance races and the members at Castleton are trying very to beat these superstars. Brandon & Culshaw have had a good race in the national from Falaise with the BICC, I think they are 3rd Section and 16th in the race. In second place on 1691 was yours truly with a Camphuis Janssen hen flying roundabout. I got her parents off Terry Eves of Blackpool, it was very close between first and second but good flying by Brandon & Culshaw. In third place on 1687 was Joe Whelan with a Staf Van Reet, Joe is flying consistently this year being in the first four every week. He is due a Red card so watch out for Joe. In fourth place on 1681 was Malcolm & Janet Campbell with a Busschaert cock. Malc has just built a new loft, it’s a tremendous loft and the pigeons will perform this season in this new environment.

Darwen HS/Chris Ainscough - Hi flyers. Sorry about missing last weeks result lads, laptop out of action. So here it is. Saturday 3rd May, 2008 racing from Mangotsfield when 10 members sent 163 birds liberated at 930 into a South East wind. 1st Franco Ponti with a Mealy Cock flying 153mls on 1777. 2nd Keith Nuttall’s Chequer cock flying 153mls on 1771. 3rd was Bruce Peacock’s Pied cock flying 153mls on 1769. Bruce also won the Sports Council Trophy and collected 1st prize money. Well done Bruce. 4th Keith Nuttall with a Blue cock flying on 1768. Thornley & Kennedy might not have won their first race yet but they do keep grabbing the PM. This week they had both lots of noms and 2nd prize money. Good pickings, keep up the good work. My birds are not doing too well this season the birds are in good condition, so it must be me. Plenty to go at yet though. Till next week Ta Ra.

It’s Friday again and I’m just having a brew with my son Wayne before leaving for the club, and tomorrow’s weather is on. I innocently said "I don’t know where all these East winds are coming from" Wayne’s reply was "from the East Mother" I just carried on and finished my brew, didn’t say a word. What a stupid phrase to come out with where else could they be coming from. The skies are Black now over Waterside, when all the youngsters round here are let out there must be at least 300 birds between the four lofts down here, and I’m glad to say I only had one that went for tea at Stephen & Janice’s loft, I’ve had no guests yet. Had two young uns came back in the week, both of them were skimmed underneath, sadly one had a broken leg, and as I can’t do the dirty deed, I took it to my neighbour Maurice, who kindly sent it to bird heaven. Other than that all has been well. Chris Mather had the hawk in his young uns this week and a few of them were injured, some having to join mine in heaven. I believe another box has been put in place for Percy, (PEREGRINE) on top of the clock tower in Bolton Town Centre. After Judy and the Bolton Council had made Preservations for Percy and his mate and driven off the pair of ravens that have been there for quite a time, have they erected a box for this pair, or just sent them packing back to The Tower of London. We at Darwen have had a pair of Falcons on top of the India Mill Chimney for many years now and they have forced three of our top flyers to pack the game in because of constant attacks from these menaces, but the council doesn’t care about all the time, effort and the expense that goes into pigeon racing. Would they be willing to compensate for all the top class birds that have been killed and injured by the hawks, I don’t think so, and it’s usually the good ones they get. So you Bolton flyers beware and be ready. Keep them in your sights. Now for the result.

Saturday 10th May, 2008 racing from Yeovil 10 members sent 164 birds liberated at 1030 into a Light East wind. 1st Keith Nuttall with a Cheq cock flying 192 mls on 1452. Keith picked up 1st PM & 1st Nom and even scabbed the weekly lotto. Well done. 2nd Franco Ponti flying 192mls on 1428. 3rd Chris Mather flying 188mls on 1422. 4th Franco Ponti 1418 and picking up 2nd PM. Well done to you all.

Deane & DFC/Chris Ainscough – On Saturday 3rd May, 2008 racing from Mangotsfield. 7 members sent 99 birds liberated at 930 into a South East wind. 1st and storming home is Terry Pike’s Blue Hen flying 148mls on 1940. 2nd and another breaking the sound barrier is Terry Pikes Chequer Hen on 1937. 3rd P & P Hacking’s Blue Cock flying 145mls on 1781. 4th Mr & Mrs Lomax flying 146mls on 1770. Well done to you all and never mind what they said about the birds escaping Terry, they were two good birds on the day, well done.

Saturday 10th May, 2008 saw 6 members sending 67 Birds flying from Mangotsfield and liberated at 930 into a light East wind. 1st Mr & Mrs. Lomax flying 185mls on 1442. 2nd O Hassan flying 182mls on 1426. 3rd T Pike flying 187mls on 1418, 4th Mr & Lomax on 1415. Well done to you all, that’s it till next week. Tara..

Droylsden Flying Club/John Bancroft – The Club were at Swainswick with 10 members sending 117 birds liberated at 8am in a light East wind. The winner doing 1457 is Chris Delahunt & Son with a 2yo Grondelaer cock a winner of 5x1st and a Fed topper without the aid of the ETS. 2nd with a 3yo Gaby Vandenabeele doing 1451 is Mr & Mrs Bancroft. This pigeon was the bird of the year last year; this is his first card of the season. He made a mistake a couple of weeks ago in a very fast race and was given a break the following week so it did him no harm. 3rd Chris Delahunt & Son on 1444 with a 2yo Red Coppenolle cock, a winner of 4x1st. In 4th position Norman Johnson with his consistent yearling Robbie Byford Blue cock; he has had 2x4th and a 3rd in the last three races. Chris Delahunt & Son win the nom.

Eccles Wednesday HS/G Thomas – 5 members sent 79 birds to Kempsey on the 7th May, 2008 liberated at 4pm in a light South East wind. This turned out to be a good race with 1st & 2nd S O’Sullivan on 1515 with a Blue W/F Janssen cock followed on 1512 by another Blue W/F Janssen cock. 3rd A Vickers on 1501 with a Red Janssen hen and 4th E Newton & Son on 1500 with a Blue Janssen cock.

Failsworth Flying Club/Jeanette Taylor – 10 members turned out to send 153 birds to Swainswick with Oldham Fed and the Border Amal. The birds were liberated at 8am in a light East wind and this decision was taken to avoid both clashing with the large Welsh contingent and the Up North Combine, added to that the very warm afternoon weather which was predicted. We had no candidates for the North Cheshire race so marking was an easy process. Taking the Red card yet again on 1439 is that Maltese Taxi Driver, Tony Balzan with his ace team of Janssens. Tony has won every week in either North Cheshire Fed or this week with Oldham Fed, so we are going to ban him next week or handicap his pigeons to give us all a chance, and he doesn’t even use ETS! Well done Tony top flying. Taking 2nd and 3rd this week is Phil Murray; his first bird home on 1429 is a 2yo Dark Cheq Busschaert cross widowhood cock. Second bird in the clock on 1425 is a yearling Chequer Pied widowhood cock bred from a Louella Staf Van Reet and a Tony Mardon Staf Van Reet hen. Tony Balzan also takes 4th place on 1418, no bird details to hand. Well done to both fanciers.

Farnworth DHS/Mary Green – The Club raced from Yeovil where 22 members sent a total of 343 birds. Liberation was at 945 into a light East wind. First and fourth was Wicker & Hardman with a Pied hen on 1407 and a Blue hen on 1385. Second was the in form loft of John Allen on 1393 and third was Graham McKay with a Chequer cock on 1388. Once again top pools went to JD Hamilton.

Garstang HS/Isobel Billington – The 3rd May, 2008 saw 12 members sending 180 birds to Mangotsfield, the birds were up at 930 in a South East wind. Congratulations go to the partnership of Ian & John Noblet enjoying their first win of the season, their bird recording 1896. They were also 7th Fed from 1,212 birds. 2nd and 4th places went to Ken Galt, his birds doing 1879 and 1819. 3rd positions to Stan Woods on 1851, fantastic these new clocks and finally 5th place to our Treasurer Mr Dennis Horn one of Garstang’s longest serving members.

Heywood Flying Club/David Buckley – On the 10th May, 2008 racing from Swainswick 13 members sent 175 birds, liberated at 8am in a light East wind. 1st P Hart on 1437 (hen). 2nd RJ Smethurst on 1428 (cock). 3rd P Hart on 1425 (hen). 4th Bridge & Kay 1423 (cock). 5th RJ Smethurst 1421 (cock).

Hindley & District Mid Week/Barrie Rhoden – 8 members sent 117 birds to Kempsey on the 7th May, 2008 liberated at 815 in a South East wind. 1st Barton Bros on 1497 Blue hen. 2nd and 3rd C Crompton on 1494 Blue hen and 1492 Blue hen. 4th Barton Bros on 1490 Cheq hen. Pools payout was Barton Bros £15.60. H Johnson £4 and C Crompton £3.

Hindley Green Homing Society/Barrie Rhoden – 8 members sent 112 birds to Yeovil on the 10th May, 2008 liberated at 1030 in a light East wind. 1st F Chadwick on 1470 with a Blue Vandenabeele widow cock. 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th K Smith on 1464 Blue Cheq cock, 1455 Blue cock, 1453 Blue cock and 1452 Pencil Blue cock, all Staf Van Reet natural cocks sitting eggs. Pools payout was K Smith £28, F Chadwick £6 and C Crompton £4.

Hindley Homing Society/Powder Blue – The birds were liberated at 1045 from Mangotsfield on the 3rd May, 2008. 1st Shaun Wills on 1770.74 with a Blue cock. 2nd Barton Brothers on 1770.57 with a Blue cock. 3rd Kevin Flatley on 1762 Pied cock and 4th Colin Crompton on 1761 Pied cock. Well done Shaun on a fine win flying to a back yard loft. Also to Barton Bros pooled all through and Kev “The Ace” Flatley in 3rd place also pooled all through. My old friend Syd Robinson taking 1st S/N, well done Syd.

Kersal Vale HS/John Crehan – The Club were at Yeovil on the 10th May, 2008 where a good turn out of 15 members sent 348 birds, liberated at 1030 into a light East wind. This week sees Ray Lunt come to the fore with a yearling hen on 1493 that also won as a young bird last year. Ray is just getting his birds ready at the right time as he has his mind on the distance races this year and will certainly be the man to beat around here, well done Raymond. 2nd & 3rd is Crehan & O'Connor with two yearling hens on 1481 & 1479. 4th this week is Bonnici, Psaila & Curtis timing a yearling Cheq cock, also well done to this partnership as the lads also won the Middleton Open race on Bank Holiday Monday, I would also like to say a big well done to Tony & Simon Hughes who in a fantastic performance took the first 8 positions in the NWCC Portland race last Monday.

Leigh Mid Week/Joe Barton – Racing from Kempsey on the 7th May, 2008, 6 members sent 105 birds liberated at 930 into a South East wind. Taking the first two was R Parry & Son, their first a Chequer cock on 1526 followed by a Chequer hen on 1512. Third was A Outram with a Cheq hen on 1495 and fourth Mr & Mrs Hilton &Son with a Chequer Pied hen on 1491. Just out of the frame but taking the pools was J & S Barton.

Leigh HS/Joe Barton – The Club were at Yeovil on the 10th May, 2008 when 6 members sent 73 birds liberated at 1030 in a light South East wind. Taking the Red card was Mr & Mrs Dickens with a Cheq cock on 1433, Second and third went to A Edwards, his first a Cheq cock on 1400 followed by a Blue hen on 1395. Fourth was R Parry & Son on 1377 with a Cheq hen. A Outram took the pools.

Lostock FC/Ken Burke – Swainswick I – 11 members sent 185 birds. 1st K Riley & Son on 1960 with a 2yo Cheq Pied cock. 2nd S Herbert & Son on 1921 with a yearling Blue Pied cock. 3rd & 4th J Smith on 1920 with a 5yo Red cock and 1918 with a 3yo Blue cock.

Lymm FC/Derek Woodward – In the race from Mangotsfield on the 3rd May, 2008 the birds were liberated at 930 in a South East wind. 1st Alan Richardson on 1736 with a Blue Leen Boers cock flying natural between eggs. Alan is the Club’s Clock Setter and keeps the clocks ticking over nicely. 2nd & 3rd Jess Bradbury on 1716 and 1712 with a Blue Janssen widow cock which won last week for Jess and his second bird home was also a Janssen. 4th D Woodward on 1692 with a Blue widow cock from Peter Fox stock.

Manchester Flying Club/Phil Murray – The birds were liberated at 9am from Kempsey on the 7th May, 2008 with 17 members sending 255. 1st, 2nd and 3rd were A & G Phillips on 1479.46, 1479.01 and 1477. 4th place went to Barnie & Chrimes on 1476. Well done to the winners and all the members that sent birds.

Marton Village HS/Frank Fleming – 14 Members sent 368 Birds to Cheltenham.2 on the 3rd May, 2008. Anne & Steve Nicholls are certainly champions this week, their Dark Chequer cock absolutely destroyed the opposition in the club, the bonus being a fantastic 1st Fed for afters. Club Secretary Anne with husband Steve deserves their success, both of them being heavily involved with the running of the club. They beat the next loft by a 9 minute margin which is sprinting at its best (2152 ypm) of course the “knockers” came up with all sorts of reasons to spoil their race, however the 2nd Fed was only 2 yards behind, followed by a few more in good time, so the invisible” experts” can eat the humble pie free of charge and crawl back into their holes. Roy & Mark Acton taking the 2nd prize once again, a Blue cock, an “Acton Special” out of their good “66” Cock. This cock won many club prizes and also scored in the Midlands National, they followed up with a very good 4th (same way bred as the Blue cock) and 5th prize plus all pools and 10 points in the “League”. Roy was the first to give full credit to Anne & Steve’s performance, that is sportsmanship. Our fisherman David Morrison (a former Amal/Combine winner) is getting his act together and will be pleased with his 3rd prize plus some pools.

Marton members

Middleton & DHS/Budgie Crathorne - Mangotsfield 3rd May, 2008 - 1st Brian Edwards on 1790. 2nd & 3rd Dave Heaphy on 1765 and 1756. 4th Frank Cregan & Son on 1741. On to Yeovil on the 10th May 2008 - 1st T Chorlton & Son 1447. 2nd D Roberts 1434. 3rd AS Yates 1428. 4th AS Yates 1427. Tommy Chorlton won the race with a Camiel Cardon cross White Cock called Snowball.

Brian Edwards

Tommy Chorlton with Snowball

Open race - We are pleased to report that 38 flyers sent 494 Birds to Wollaston on the 5th May, 2008. Bonnici, Psaila & Curtis were the winners of £100 prize money. We would like to send our thanks to all participants in the race and all the people that helped us with the marking and transportation. 1st Bonnici, Psaila & Curtis on 1375 Cheq cock. 2nd & 5th Gavin Buckley 1362 Blue cock and 1350 Blue cock. 3rd & 4th H Gray 1359 & 1356 two Blue cocks. 6th Dave Heaphy 1350 Blue cock. 7th & 9th J & S Ward 1349 Cheq cock, 1347 Cheq hen. 8th & 10th Robert Allen 1349 Blue Pied hen, 1344 Blue hen.

Minshull Mid Week/Ken Burke – Kempsey I – 10 members sent 199 birds. 1st & 2nd K Riley & Son on 1421 with a 2yo Cheq Pied cock and 1414 with a 3yo Dark hen. 3rd Aspin & Curbishley on 1408.75 with a yearling Blue cock and 4th ND Bloor on 1408.19 with a yearling Cheq cock. On to Cheltenham I when 9 members sent 165 birds. 1st & 2nd J Smith on 1480 with a 4yo Blue hen followed on 1476 by a 2yo Mealy hen. 3rd and 4th K Burke on 1474 with a 3yo Cheq cock and 1464 with a yearling Cheq cock.

Moorclose Flying Club/Dave Sykes – Racing from Wollaston on the 5th April, 2008 the birds were liberated at 1130 in a North West wind, with 8 members sending 157 birds. 1st AS Yates on 1161 with a Blue hen, a Stan Special which was also 5th Greater Manchester Amal. 2nd Mr & Mrs D Crosdale on 1133 with a Blue cock, a gift bird and another Stan Special, finishing 9th Greater Manchester Amal. 3rd D Sykes on 1128 with a Blue Janssen which was 10th Greater Manchester Amal. 4th AS Yates on 1115 with a Blue Stan Special hen. On to Kempsey on the 12th April, 2008 when 9 members sent 195 birds liberated at 1015. 1st D Sykes on 1570 with a Blue pure Janssen cock that was 3rd Club last week winning the pools, this is the third win for this cock. 2nd, 3rd and 4th AS Yates on 1568 with a Red Pied cock, 1549 Blue hen and 1538 Blue hen, all Stan Specials. At Cheltenham on the 19th April, 2008 the birds were liberated at 1015 in a South East wind with 7 members sending 144. 1st Mr & Mrs D Crosdale on 1332 with a Chequer Pied cock, a Camphuis Janssen which was a gift bird from Anderson & Wragg. 2nd D Sykes on 1319 with a Blue pure Janssen cock, a brother to the previous weeks winner. 3rd and 4th AS Yates on 1275 with a Blue Stan Special hen and 1262 with a Red Pied Stan Special cock.

On the 26th April, 2008 the birds were liberated from Cheltenham at 1010 with 8 members sending 170. 1st D Sykes on 1998 with a Chequer Pied Jan Aarden which was also 4th Fed. 2nd, 3rd and 4th AS Yates on 1993 Blue Pied hen, 1972 Blue hen and 1968 Blue hen, all Stan Specials. Finally on the 3rd May, 2008, 9 members sent 330 birds to Mangotsfield liberated at 1030. 1st S & T Hall on 1788 with a White Busschaert cock off Barry Nutt, RIP, also finishing 2nd Fed. 2nd and 3rd AS Yates on 1740 with a Chequer hen and 1727 Blue hen, both Stan Specials. 4th D Sykes on 1715 with a Blue Janssen cock, the same pigeon won 4 out of 5 pools in races. Well done Tony, although it has to be said that as it was one of Barry’s White cocks we think you had some divine intervention.

Newhey/Milnrow – John & Liam Hughes - Flying from Swainswick, liberated at 8am in a Light East Wind, 4 members sent 71 birds. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th all go to Dave Farrall, first bird home was a Marion Delbar on 1455, 2nd a Van Reet x Berendonk on 1442, 3rd a Berendonk x Hartog on 1439 and 4th a Van Reet x Berendonk with a velocity of 1438.

North Cheshire Fed/Eileen Yates – 99 members sent 1835 birds to Mangotsfield on the 3rd May, 2008 liberated at 1030 in a South East wind. 1st B Edwards/Middleton 1790. 2nd Hall Bros/Moorclose 1788. 3rd & 4th D Heaphy/Middleton 1765 & 1756. 5th D Tobias/Phoenix 1751. 6th & 9th Duggan, Hines & Latham/Hazel Grove 1750 & 1748.50. 7th P Hart/Phoenix 1749. 8th Brandon, Culshaw & Brandon/Norden 1748.89. 10th Stott Bros/Stockport 1747.93.

North East Lancs Fed/David Lockwood – The Federation raced from Swainswick on the 3rd May, 2008 when 55 members sent 820 birds liberated at 10am in a South East wind. 1st & 9th J Skelton (Barnoldswick) 1759 & 1728. 2nd A Walker & Son (Earby) 1745. 3rd & 5th Mr & Mrs Pennington (Barnoldswick) 1736 & 1734. 4th, 7th and 10th S Gilbert (Barnoldswick) 1735, 1731 and 1727. 6th M Porter (Colne) 1732. 8th Mr & Mrs P McGuigan (Colne) 1729.

North East Lancs Wednesday Club/David Stuttard – The Club were at Cheltenham with 9 members sending 142 birds. Harry Lofthouse finishes in pole position with a yearling light Cheq cock doing 1543. Harry Chatburn is in second place with a 2yo Cheq Pied cock on 1541. Harry Lofthouse takes third with another yearling Blue cock with a velocity of 1540 and Harry Chatburn is in fourth with a 2yo Blue cock on 1535.

Oldham Federation/Phil Murray – 10 Clubs, 88 members sent 1270 birds to Swainswick with the Border Amal on Saturday 3rd May, 2008. The birds were liberated at 10am in a South East wind and taking 1st & 7th WJ Holland/Dane Bank on 1738 and 1718.05. 2nd D Whitehead/Hollinwood on 1727. 3rd & 9th G Appleton/Denton 1726 and 1716. 4th R Clarke/Ashton 1724. 5th J & S Ward/Ashton 1722. 6th Mr & Mrs J Bancroft/Droylsden 1720. 8th E & H Worsley/Dane Bank 1718.01. 10th Read & Gant/Dane Bank 1715. Club winners – Ashton R Clarke, Dane Bank WJ Holland, Denton G Appleton, Droylsden Mr & Mrs J Bancroft, Failsworth Tilley & Tyborczyk, Hartshead D Kilbride, Hollinwood D Whitehead, Oldham K Donnellan, Shaw S Whitehead, Sunny Brow PJ McGrory & Sons.

Oldham Flying Club/Sam Whitworth – 10 members sent 105 birds to Cheltenham on the 26th April, 2008 liberated at 1030 in a South West wind. Taking the first four is Kevin Donnellan on 2006, 2004, 2001 and 1999. Well done to Kevin. On to the 3rd May when 8 members sent 70 birds to Swainswick, liberated at 10am in a South East wind. 1st K Donnellan on 1695.12. 2nd Threlfall & Harris on 1695.03. 3rd J Blackman Son & Marshall on 1694 and 4th K Donnellan on 1690. Congratulations to J Blackman Son & Marshall for their performance in the difficult Kempsey race taking the first two positions. Congratulations also to K Donnellan on his performances in the Cheltenham race, taking the first four positions and secondly taking 1st place from Swainswick. These I think are related to the Bradley Bros. Last but not least, young Jordon was full of himself on marking night for Swainswick and bet Jimmy Swaine that he would kick his xxxx and bet him £20 pigeon for pigeon, actually winning the bet. So I think he used the money to send in the open race at Dane Bank. Well done to all of you.

Park Flying Club/Stephen Gough – The birds were liberated from Yeovil at 1030 on the 10th May, 2008 when 10 members sent 162 birds in a light South East wind. 1st R Davies & Son on 1437. 2nd R Davies & Son on 1424. 3rd S Gough on 1424. 4th H Hamilton on 1422.

Phoenix Flying Club/Ivan Byrne – Phoenix were at Mangotsfield with a strong South East wind a fast race was the order of the day. After 2hr 27min a bird dropped on the trap of the in form loft of Daniel Tobias to take the Red card. This bird is bred by Andy Harrison which was gifted to Daniel with a few others which have all flown well; they are of the Rene Neuwelaert strain. In the clock just 17 seconds behind is the loft of Paul hart, Paul clocked another to take 2nd and 3rd, both Grondelaer widowhood cocks. 11 members sent 172 birds.

Prestwich DHS/Chris Carter –Racing from Mangotsfield 1 the birds were liberated at 1030 in a South East wind. 1st F Cregan & Son on 1741. 2nd S & G Thompson on 1706. 3rd F Cregan & Son on 1705. 4th J Beaumont on 1699.

Radcliffe DHS/Steve Green – 12 members sent 272 birds to Yeovil on the 10th May, 2008 liberated at 1030 in a South East wind. In 1st place and carrying on with his good start to the season is Steve Hamer with a Cheq Deschact/Denduyver widowhood cock on 1480. 2nd T & K Ramsden with a 6yo Blue Staf Van Reet widow cock on 1458. These Staf Van Reets have served Trevor very well indeed. 3rd Steve Hamer with a Blue Deschact/Denduyver widow cock on 1456. 4th B Mills with a Blue Ponderosa Van Loon widow cock on 1451. 1st Pools went to T & K Ramsden with Jolly Dennis Jefferson taking 1st League Cup and the Nom. The winning bird was verified by S Green and M Speakman.

Rawson Midweek Flying Club/Mary Green – The Club raced from Kempsey (2) when 10 members sent a total of 125 birds. Liberation was at 1530hrs into an easterly wind. Taking the Red card was Bryan Clarkson with a Blue hen on 1547 (also £1 pools bird). Second was Mr & Mrs E Hodgson with a Chequer hen in 1544, third and fourth was Paul Riley with a Chequer Pied hen and a Chequer hen on velocities of 1541 and 1538. Good race with good returns.

Rochdale & DHS/Simon Hughes – 14 Members sent 345 birds to Swainswick. The birds were away at 10am into a South East wind. Taking the red card on 1778 is G & G Bennett with a Galaxy Rietvink Hen flown on the roundabout and looks a good un to top the Fed. Well done lads. In 2nd and 3rd are the top partnership of R & L Whitworth, Ron & Lee timed two VDB/Van Reet widow cocks on 1750 and 1747. In 4th is N & G Buckley with a bird bred by Ron & Lee Whitworth, a VDB/Van Reet/Van Loon on 1743. Neil & Glyn have had a bit of form of late and took the top two in the South East Lancs Fed last week in a hard race from Kempsey.

Rudheath WMFC/Derek Woodward – In the race from Mangotsfield on the 3rd May, 2008 the birds were liberated at 9am in a South East wind. 1st B & G Mainwaring with a yearling Blue widow cock on 1714, one of their own breed. 2nd & 3rd C & IL Cooper with a yearling Blue Busschaert widow cock on 1712 and a 2yo Blue Busschaert cock on 1704. 4th D Woodward on 1689 with a 2yo Blue widow cock off Peter Fox stock.

Shaw & DHS/John & Liam Hughes – Flying from Swainswick, liberated at 8am in a Light East Wind, 12 members sent 121 birds. 1st place after a weeks rest goes to Slicker/Croston/Slicker with a Lambrecht widowhood cock on 1446. 2nd place and flying well again goes to Bert Burbidge with a Kirkpatrick x Huskyn Van Reil widowhood cock on 1443 bred by big brother Bill Burbidge. 3rd place goes to the ever consistent Peter Holt with a yearling Van Loon cock on 1429. 4th place is again Peter Holt with another Van Loon on 1428 which also takes the pools - it'll help pay for his birthday bash I suppose.

South East Lancs Fed/Janet Campbell – 62 members sent 996 birds to Swainswick on the 3rd May, 2008 liberated at 10am in a South East wind. 1st G & G Bennett/Rochdale 1778. 2nd & 3rd R & L Whitworth/Rochdale 1750, 1747. 4th & 10th N & G Buckley/Rochdale 1743 & 1731. 5th T Gill/Heywood 1740.28. 6th P Williams/Todmorden 1740.21. 7th & 9th A & S Hughes/Rochdale 1738 & 1732. 8th L Brennan/Todmorden 1735. Club winners – Todmorden 9/172 P Williams. Spotland 5/49 Brandon, Culshaw & Brandon. Heywood 13/179 T Gill.

Littleborough 7/98 H Gray. Whitworth 6/65 T Whitworth & Son. Rochdale 14/345 G & G Bennett. Newhey/Milnrow 2/22 J Dawson. Castleton 6/86 Brandon, Culshaw & Brandon.

St Annes Homing Society/Frank Fleming – 13 Members sent 137 Birds to Cheltenham 2 on the 3rd May. 2008. Winning the Red card this week is the ever popular Terry Smith from Lytham. He also wins the “R Ainscough” Trophy. His bird was a 2yo Dark hen from his Gerry Clements Busschaert stock. 2nd Les Barrow with another 2yo Dark Busschaert cock bred by Jim Foster of St Helens and flown natural. 3rd prize to Les Barrow with a yearling Dark cock home bred from Ron Williamson Stock and flown on widowhood. Barnes & Burrow win the £2 Nom and Dave Bretherton wins £13.70 Loft Prize.

Tyldesley Invitation Club/Joe Barton – The club were at Yeovil on the 10th May, 2008 when 11 members sent 116 birds liberated at 1030 into a light East wind. Taking the Red card and also second was R & D Gaskell. Their first a Blue Pied hen on 1440 followed by a Blue hen on 1436. Third was N Mulraney with a Blue cock on 1427 and fourth R & D Gaskell again with a Chequer cock on 1426. Eric Whittle took the Fed nom.

Whitworth HS/John Martindale – We were racing from Swainswick for the second time, with the birds up in a South East wind. Taking the Red card this week is Vaun Barker with a yearling hen which also took the pools, so well done to him. In second spot is “Mr Consistency” Terry Whitworth & Son with a Van Reet/Van Loon which has carded several times without winning. Third is John Martindale with a 2yo Janssen/Van Riel which performs well week in, week out. Taking fourth place is Dennis Earnshaw with a 3yo Wildemeersch cock.
Wigan Oak Leaf Club/Eddie Touhey – Wigan Oak Leaf report on our race from Yeovil on 10th May, 2008 when 4 members sent 94 birds. The pigeons were away at 1230 into a light Easterly wind. John Hankey won his 5th consecutive race with a Dark 2yo cock doing 1428 and winning for the first time. John also had 2nd & 3rd on 1426 & 1423 with a yearling Blue Pied hen and a 2yo Blue white flighted cock. All three of John's birds are Van Reet x Nachtegael with plenty of cards to their names. Eddie Touhey had 4th with a Bert Hession x Eddie Wright 2yo cock doing 1419.
Denton Homing Society will be holding a Gold Ring race on the 10th September, 2008 from Portland. Open to anybody flying 190 miles and over, the rings are £5 each with a maximum of 15 rings per loft. The race is on a Wednesday and the birds to arrive in the Denton area at approximately 5pm. Last years race was won by A & S Hughes who picked up £1,700, not bad racing against just 230 birds. To obtain an entry form please ring Alan Partridge on 0161-336-7755 or contact any member of Denton HS.

Training – Bob Casey will be commencing training on Monday 31st March, 2008 from Cricket Corn Shop 9.15am-10am, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Also picking up at the Pyramid, Stockport at 10.15am then on to Congleton and Talke Pits. For further information please contact Bob on 0161-336-4365.
Graham Ward will also be commencing training as from Monday 10th March, 2008 from Middleton DHS headquarters at the Junction Inn, Middleton. Graham will be there from 8.45am-9.45am Monday to Thursday and will be going to Alderley Edge and then on to Congleton. If you are working you can drop the birds off at Graham’s by prior arrangement, please ring him on 0161-653-0613.

As usual, news, views and anything else to me, Jeanette Taylor, 20 Warwick Road, Failsworth, Manchester M35 0QQ. Thanks to everyone for the photographs you have been sending in, keep them coming. Don’t forget to let me have your club results/write ups the deadline is Sunday night for the following week’s column; I can include the first four for a Club, ten for a Fed and 20 for an Amal or Combine. Thank you for your continued support. My email address is jeanette@oasislofts.freeserve.co.uk or phone/fax to 0161-684-8889.