THE LANCASHIRE ROSE

Hi everyone, welcome to Lancashire Life. There have been some strange races taking place over the last couple of weeks with a lot of misty, muggy days in my neck of the woods. Even on sunny days you can see the mist on the hills and I don’t think we’ve had many clear days for the birds to enjoy care free racing. The widowhood cocks are enjoying their freedom though, having had two weeks off whilst the channel races were on. Well I managed to move up the result a bit last week in the race from Mangotsfield with the North Cheshire Fed, even managing to win a card for 5th place. Can’t be bad, although I didn’t make the cards in the Oldham Fed race from Cheltenham but not to worry, all the birds returned home from both races and came back well so I wasn’t too disappointed. There’s another two week break now to the next inland race as my Club and Federation are racing on the channel this week which is not my cup of tea so it’s a choice of whether to keep them at home or send the birds to Portland with the North West Classic Club. It’s Sunday as I’m writing this so I will decide in a couple of days I think.

I’ve got two youngsters who are currently playing up big style. One of them has been sat on the stock loft for four days without food or water and will not come in. Even when the young birds are let out for their exercise or are milling about on the garden and jumping in the bath it won’t come in with them, talk about stubborn. I’ve even tried to catch it in the dark and it just runs along the loft out of arm’s reach, of course having short arms doesn’t help! I think the next step is a big net to catch it in; it’s crafty though and waits until I’m out of sight before coming down on to the garden to try and get in the stock loft aviary. Well it’s a battle of wills this one and I’m determined not to give in and feed or water it until it comes back into the young bird loft. It must be pretty stupid if it’s that hungry and won’t follow the other babies back into their loft, or else it’s just a loner who likes its own company. So be it.

It was a busy week last week (again) and we had a visit from Ray Knight to the Liberal Club when he delivered the new Unikon ETS Systems to the members of Ashton Flying Club (see photo). I had somehow got involved with this venture as an agent and managed to get a good deal for the members on their ETS rings so they eagerly turned up to have a demonstration of how it should be used and ask questions, with Club Secretary Harry Kenyon being shown how the free Club system works. In total nine members have now purchased the system and are planning to have a dummy run to test how everything works and get to grips with the technology. Hopefully there will be no major hiccups (she says fingers crossed) and everything should run smoothly. Watch this space!

Ashton Flying Club members taking delivery of their Unikon ETS systems.

I had another message Arthur Smith regarding the recent passing of Warren Robertson who I mentioned recently. Arthur now resides in Germany and tells me that he brings around 50 birds in from the continent which are sold for Charity at Blackpool, but rang to say how sad he was at the loss of Warren who was a good friend, whom he remembers fondly. Arthur has memories of many good times in Blackpool especially at the Show when they were involved in the 400/500 mile show class and talked of a very good bird called the Dark Conqueror which had won many national prizes.

Mick Fleming of Rochdale sent me this report of a recent visit to the loft of Steve Maylett of Ancoats – I was invited to Steve Maylett’s racing loft for he visit of Paul Spencer a fancier from Dublin. Paul has in his loft on loan from Steve “Big Black” and his hen, both proven breeders of big winners. Paul had the son of Big Black but it escaped from the stock loft, so as a great gesture by Steve he lent Paul the above pair to breed off. Paul visited Steve to thank him for this gesture and to see his loft. Paul flies in the Irish South Road Federation, the Fed is 30 Club strong and up to 10,000 birds per week are sent. Over the years Paul has come close but never won the Fed, having had 2nd Open Sennen Cove three times, Third Fed, just hoping birds off Steve Maylett will get his number one. He’s had his share of success though having started in 1985. His glory was the French Gold Medal, this hen was 40th Open, 74th Open and he also won 1st Club, 7th Open and again 74th Open. He also won 1st Club, 7th Open from 925 birds clocking the winner after 134 hours on the wing, the only bird in the club in race time with the race open for three days, also winning Lamballe by 7 hours sending one bird. His best season was winning nineteen firsts. Paul would like to thank Marie, Steve’s wife and all the family who made him and young Sean Woods very welcome. Not forgetting Archie, young Steve and Joey Crack. Paul will be keeping in touch with me and letting me know when he tops the Federation.

Left to right, Sean Woods, Steve Maylett, Paul Spencer and Archie Maylett.

Accrington DHS - News from Dave Stuttard – 11 members sent 81 birds to Lessay liberated at 10am in a light South/South West wind. After 5hrs 39mins 41secs a yearling Dark Cheq cock hit the loft of “The Shootist” himself, Brian Tattersall on a velocity of 1622. The breeding of this good cock is from direct Janssen Bros 019 line and the dam is from Brian’s own family started in 1982. In second spot is Billy Bentley & Son with a 3yo Blue w/f cock on 1619 also taking the nom. The line of this bird is a Billy Bentley Haslingden special. Third place goes to Graham Entwistle with a yearling Mealy cock on 1615. No other information on this bird. In fourth place on 1609 is Brian Tattersall with a 2yo Blue cock bred from his Nantes cock, 3rd Combine Nantes, 10th Combine Plymouth as a young bird.

Ashton-U-Lyne Flying Club – Harry Kenyon writes – 9 members sent 66 birds to Cheltenham on the 9th June, 2007 liberated at 1115 with no wind. 1st J Bardsley & Son on 1422 with a Camphuis cock of Wall, Lunt, Green & Galley lines. 2nd and 3rd H Kenyon on 1408 with a Gaby Vandenabeele hen bred by S Knowles of Widnes and on 1402 with another Gaby Vandenabeele hen bred by W Riding of Fleetwood. 4th J & S Ward on 1398 with a Camphuis cock off WLGG. J Bardsley & Son win all pools of £13.30 and H Kenyon takes the nom of £2.85. Congratulations to Jim and Jimmy.

Atherton & District Federation – Chris Ainscough reports – The first channel race of the season was on the 2nd June when 21 members sent 208 birds. The birds were liberated quite late at 10am into a light South West wind but overall good returns were reported and a good result for Terry Pike. 1st Terry Pike (Deane) flying 306 miles with a velocity 1648. 2nd K Nuttall (Darwen) flying 311 miles on 1644. 3rd Mr & Mrs Lomax (Deane) flying 305 miles on 1643. 4th Terry Pike (Deane) velocity 1643. Keith 'The Master' keeps Darwen in the result once again. Where would we be without him? Well done lads.

Atherton HS – Brian Vout writes – The Club was at Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 racing with the Three Counties Combine. The birds were liberated at 10.00am in a light South wind. In 1st place was Brian Vout on 1612 with a 3yo Cheq Lefebre Dhaenen hen. Kevin O’Connor then had three close together to take 2nd, 3rd and 4th on 1577, 1576 and 1561 with a yearling Dark Cheq hen followed by a yearling Cheq cock and a 2yo Cheq cock.

Blackburn & District Federation – Diane Slattery sends this result – Hi all I hope you had a good weekend. Unusual race this week, well done to Pete and family - hope this cheers you up and makes the treatment easier. We all look forward to you returning home. Didn't get breakfast again!!!! Someone talk to the lollipop man, please!!! On to the result for Mangotsfield OB2 flown on the 9th June, 2007 when 52 members sent 542 birds liberated at 1130 into a light North West wind. 1st, 4th and 7th P Robinson & Son/Padiham HS on 1359 Cheq C, 1333 Blue C, and 1324 Blue C. 2nd Dawson Bros & Son/Oswaldtwistle HS on 1340 Blue Cheq C. 3rd TA Slattery & Son/Accrington & Dist on 1337 BWF H. 5th M Sanderson/Padiham HS on 1332 Blue C. 6th Mr & Mrs A Johnson/Accrington & Dist on 1327 Red C. 8th and 10th H Lofthouse/Clitheroe HS on 1322.98 Blue C and 1320.76 DCQ C. 9th H Chatburn/Clitheroe HS on 1322.63. Club winners Accrington 13 sent 133 – TA Slattery & Son 1337.83. Chatburn HS 6/69 - R Vallance 1281. Clitheroe HS 7/89 – H Lofthouse 1322.98. Great Harwood HS 13/124 – M Leaver 1302. Oswaldtwistle HS 7/51 – Dawson Bros & Son 1340. Padiham HS 6/76 – P Robinson & Son 1359.

Burnley Premier HS – News from Ricky Bernard – This week Burnley Premier were at Lessay in France with the Lancashire Combine. As usual the members who sent made the short trip down the motorway to the headquarters of Colne to basket the birds, and as usual the guys at Colne did a great job of getting the birds sorted. 11 members sent 97 birds for the race which was a distance of between 315 and 317 miles for the members of Burnley Premier. The birds were liberated at 10am into a South West wind and taking 1st place this week is Norman Berry with a Busschaert cock doing a velocity of 1592. This bird was gifted to him by his friend A Pounder and its nest mate topped the fed as a young bird. 2nd place goes to Eddy Fisher with a Wildemeersch x Staf van Reet with a velocity of 1590, this is a self bred bird and up to this race hadn't done anything. 3rd place goes Frank Heseldon on 1590 this hen won the race last year so Frank pooled it up and won a tidy little sum. 4th place goes to Frank again with a velocity of 1583 this bird hadn't done anything up to this race. Well that's it for this week I think everyone had good returns, I sent five and got them all back anyway all the best for your next race and well done Norman

Cadishead Flying Club – News from Joe Barton – The Club was at Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 when 7 members sent 64 birds liberated at 10am in a light South West wind. Taking 1st and 2nd W Haslam & Son, the first bird was a Cheq hen on 1626 followed by another Cheq hen on 1612. 3rd went to P Duffy with a Cheq cock on 1598. 4th went to F Lloyd with a Blue cock on 1589. A & B Pools went to W Haslam & Son. First Bonus Ball W Haslam & Son, second Bonus Ball F Lloyd and third Bonus Ball B Lonie. On the 9th June, 2007 the Club were at Mangotsfield when 7 members sent 73 birds liberated at 1130 in a light North wind. Taking 1st and 4th was W Haslam & Son with a Blue cock on 1387 followed by a Pied cock on 1371. 2nd and 3rd went to F Lloyd with a Blue cock on 1372 and a Cheq cock on 1371. A & B Pools won by P Duffy. First Bonus Ball P Duffy, second Bonus Ball F Lloyd, third Bonus Ball none timed in.

Castleton Inv FC – Janet Campbell writes - The Club raced from Cheltenham on the 9th June when 6 members sent 64 club birds liberated at 1115. Taking 1st and 2nd Brandon & Culshaw doing 1384 and 1360.7. In 3rd and beaten for second on a decimal was Chris Cullen doing 1360.4. Pools were shared by Brandon & Culshaw and Joe Whelan. Thanks to Tony Ashton for donating his football card winnings back to club funds. On 2nd June 5 members sent 85 birds to Lessay competing with the Lancashire Combine. Taking 1st with a winning velocity of 1611 was Brandon & Culshaw taking 5hr and 31 mins for the 303miles 1639yards. Taking 2nd and 3rd was Chris Cullen with velocities of 1606 and 1600. Pools were shared by Joe Whelan and Brandon & Culshaw.

Cheadle Cheshire Flying Club – News from Glenn Moore - On the 2nd June, 2007 12 members sent 103 club birds to Lessay. At 10am the strings were cut and the race was on into a South West wind. What a glorious day this turned out to be with the sun burning down on the backs of the pigeons as they travel hundreds of miles and the glare of the sea as they fly over the channel, then they climb up and over the cliffs as they enter in to Britain still they fly their hearts out through obstacles such as wires, pylons, shotguns, hawks, homeward bound. They keep going till they focus on their beloved home, then down they go with excitement and tired wing beats that have pushed them along for hours none stop, true spirits of the sky (and they say its only a pigeon !!!!!!). Now with the club results - Taking 1st in the Club is Billy Ellis with a John Crowder x JD Smith Blue bar widowhood cock timed in at 15:20:00 with a velocity of 1600:075. Taking 2nd is the Dave Thornley & John Gill partnership with an Andre Roodhoft Blue widowhood cock on 1575. The half brother to this bird was 1st Club from Lessay in 2006. The Jack Thornley & John Ferguson partnership also have a half brother to Dave & John’s bird and in 2005 it scored 1st Club, 1st Fed and 2nd Three Counties Combine. This year 2007 in the Middlewich 2 Bird Club it was 2nd from Fougeres. Taking 3rd Club is the David Bowler & Gerry Toms partnership with a Red Cheq hen a Luc Gerinx x Jan Aardens on 1575. The Sire is Luc Gerinx and the Dam is Jan Aardens self bred out of their very good stock, as a yearling she flew Saintes on the day. Taking 4th Club is Barry Gordon with a Blue widowhood cock which is a Janssen x Staf Van Reet on 1568. The Sire the 76 Mealy cock of Steve Brookdale from Birkdale, Southport bred from a combination of Stamvater Janssens and the Dam is a Staf Van Reet from club member George Smith bred down from his Dog lines. Mark Smith & Son won the club pools of £33.75p, well done all in club.

The smart aviaries of Dave Bowler & Jerry Toms.

Here is some information about Billy Ellis and his wining pigeon from Lessay. Bill has only been flying pigeons for two seasons starting back in 2006, he used to fly in the Wythenshawe Club going back 30 years ago when members were averaging 50 and every week there was around 500 pigeons competing in the race. In those days Billy was a very competitive flyer with Red cards under his belt. Bill had no intention of racing pigeons again but in 2006 he was sat in his kitchen one day having a cup of tea with the back door open when all of a sudden a young pigeon flew straight in on to the floor then hopped on to the table top. Billy picked the bird up with great surprise and checked it out the bird had a rubber on his leg so was racing but looked tired out and needed a rest. With his knowledge of pigeons he put it in a plastic box gave him some water and wild bird food as that was all he had at the time and Billy took care of his little companion for three days so he could pick some strength up for the rest of his journey home. He was given a final check over before Billy released him in his back garden watching him flying round till he got his bearings then went out of sight. Bill went back in the house feeling happy that he had done a good deed for his little feathered friend. The next day Bill was pottering around in his kitchen when he noticed that he could hear a faint tapping on the back door, as he opened the door to investigate, to his amazement the young pigeon was back and walked over his feet and went straight back in to the plastic box and settled down. Well this left Billy scratching his head with disbelief as never before in his life had anything like this happened. Bill once again checked the bird over everything ok but he could not make out the phone number that was stamped on the wing so reported it to the RPRA and found out that the bird belonged to a Mr Jim Smith aged 86 years from Tillicoultry, Clackshire, Scotland. After a good friendly chat they bonded a friendship over the phone about the young pigeon and it’s B & B at Billy’s house so Jim asked Bill if he would he like to keep it and with no hesitation Bill said yes.

Mr Jim Smith being an old pigeon fancier offered Bill ten youngsters as a goodwill gesture and that is how Bill started off with pigeons again after a gap of 30 years. Bill with Mr Jim Smiths own blood lines crossed some of them with John Crowder’s blood lines and in 2006, Bills very first young bird race he was 1st in the Club from Kempsey and has positions in club. Well done Billy from all in club.

Dane Bank 20 Bird Club – Stu Malone writes – results for Dane Bank to bring you up to date. In the Dane Bank Open from Cheltenham on the 28th May, 2007 Wignall, Malone & Wragg took first place winning £344.85. 2nd D Holden & Son winning £187.80. 3rd R Casey winning £98.20. 4th J Newall. 5th Malone Bros. 6th AG Phillips winning £277. 8th G Taylor.

9th R Anderson. 10th Hazell & Taylor. Congratulations to all winners and all who took part. On to Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 when 9 members sent 97 club birds. 1st R Casey on 1632. 2nd S O’Neill on 1622. 3rd R Casey on 1606. 4th AG Phillips 1584. At Cheltenham on the 9th June, 2007 – 1st E & H Worsley 1433. 2nd Read & Gant 1425. 3rd E & H Worsley 1410. 4th Wignall, Malone & Wragg 1404. Also well done to Dylan on getting ''Whitenose'' back and clocking him himself to finish 18th Club.

Darwen HS – News from Chris Ainscough – On Saturday 9th June flying from Mangotsfield, 12 members sent 150 birds, liberated at 1130 in a light North wind. Once again Keith 'The Master' Nuttall tops the result. Taking 1st and 2nd K Nuttall & Son flying 153 miles with a winning velocity of 1368 and his second bird on 1347. 3rd Bernard Clark flying 152 miles on 1344. 4th Kennedy & Thornley flying 153 miles on 1344. Newcomers Kennedy & Thornley also picked up the weekly accumulator. Well done J & S. good pick up and well done Keith and Bernard.

Deane & District FC - Chris Ainscough reports –On Saturday 9th June flying from Mangotsfield 11 members sent 96 birds liberated at 1130 into a light North wind. 1st Mr & Mrs Lomax on 1399. 2nd, 3rd and 4th Haslam & Son on 1387, 1371 and 1360. Happy 80th birthday Mrs Haslam from Darwen members. XXX.

Droylsden Flying Club – news from John Bancroft – 8 members sent 96 birds to Cheltenham on the 9th June, 2007 liberated at 1115 with no wind. The first four were all yearlings and leading the way is Chris Delahunt & Son with 1st, 3rd and 4th. Splitting them up is Brian Jackson in second place. Brian is having a lean season so far compared to what he normally does. Chris Delahunt’s first bird on 1419 was a Blue Cheq Grondelaer cock that won the Portland race and was 10th Oldham Fed, 16th Border Amal. Their second bird which was third club won the young bird gold ring in 2006 and is the nest mate to the winner. The 3rd pigeon 4th club is a Coppenolle Red cock that was the Bird of the Year in 2006 winning 2x 1st and a 2nd. Billy Owen wins the nom. Our own favourite that has been doing well for us went wrong somewhere, he got home at 6pm but I was glad to see him return.

Failsworth Flying Club – News from me – The club raced from Cheltenham with Oldham Federation on the 9th June, 2007 when 12 members sent 135 birds, liberated at 1115 in no wind. Taking her first Red card of the season is Margaret Wood on 1384 followed by Phil Murray in second on 1381. The partnership of Smith, Bennison & Smith were close behind taking 3rd and 4th places on 1374 and 1371 respectively with only 20 seconds splitting these two birds up. The Club also raced from Mangotsfield on the same day with North Cheshire Fed when 7 members sent 79 birds, liberated at 1130 in a light North West wind. Taking the Red card in his first race of the season is Ian Marigold McWhite on 1373 knocking Dave Beaumont off the winner’s podium with one of his Marigold specials; Ian also takes 4th place on 1343. Everyone watches out when Ian sends to his first race because he doesn’t put them in until they’re ready. 2nd Dave Beaumont with one of his Beaumont specials on 1365 and 3rd Frank Wright on 1347. I will have to stop letting these club members escape before I get their bird details in future.

Garstang Homing Society – Isobel Billington reports – 2nd June saw 8 members sending 52 birds to Lessay, the birds were up at 10am in a light South West wind. Taking 1st position is Ken Galt from Bleasdale, his bird doing 1605. 2nd and 3rd places went to Mr & Mrs Peter Billington on 1587 and 1582. 4th place going to Terry Swarbrick on 1551. Garstang’s nom bird is a Rollover, watch this space. Also Stan has not ordered his clock.

Hartshead Flying Club – Jimmy Bardsley writes – 8 members sent 85 birds to Cheltenham on the 2nd June 2007. Taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd is Jimmy Newall on 1405 with a yearling Wildy x Staf Van Reet widowhood cock which has won five prize cards so far, followed by another Wildy x SVR bred by O’Hare & Woodward and raced by Danny Kilbride last season which was then broken off by Jimmy and won second club. Jimmy’s third bird home on 1387.2 was a Wal Zoontjen bred by Harry Kenyon of Ashton which has won 5th club this season and is a yearling widowhood cock. 4th J Bardsley & Son on 1387.0 with a yearling Camphuis cock which has scored five times this season and won at Worcester this year.

Heywood Flying Club – News from David Buckley – The Club raced from Cheltenham on the 9th June, 2007 when 12 members sent 69 birds liberated at 1115 in a very light North wind. Taking the Red card once again was G Foran with a Blue Van Loon cock on 1392, this bird won at Worcester the other week. 2nd B Hatherley with a Cheq Janssen cock on 1378. 3rd P Hart with a Blue cock on 1370. 4th D Buckley with a Dark Cheq cock on 1368 which is a Grondelaer/Van Geel.

Hindley Green Homing Society – more news from Barrie Rhoden – On the 9th June, 2007 the Club raced from Mangotsfield when 10 members sent 126 birds which were liberated at 1130 in a light North wind. Taking 1st and 3rd position is Chadwick Bros on 1381 with a Cheq Antonissen hen which was previously 3rd Club Kempsey and on 1372 with a Pencil Blue Staf Van Reet cock which was previously 2nd Club Cheltenham. 2nd K Smith on 1377 with a Blue Cheq cock and 4th Barton Bros on 1363.58 with a Cheq hen. Pools payout was £30 Chadwick Bros, £7 K Smith and £5 Barton Bros.

Hindley Homing Society – Powder Blue reports – 8 members sent 114 birds to Mangotsfield on the 9th June, 2007 liberated at 1100 in a North West wind. 1st K Smith on 1399 with a Mealy cock. 2nd and 4th K Flatley on 1365 with a Blue cock and 1361 with a Cheq cock. 3rd Barton Bros on 1364 with a Red Cheq cock. Congratulations to Kevan Smith on his second win of the season with the same pigeon, a Mealy cock. S/Noms K Smith £9, S Wills £7, K Flatley £6, Barton Bros £4, S Robinson £2. Spot £1 K Flatley.

Intex Homing Society – Brian Holland writes – Intex HS raced from Mangotsfield on Saturday 9th June, 2007 when 10 members sent 145 birds, liberated at 1100 in a light North wind turning variable en route. 1st Smith Bros on 1438. 2nd and 4th Brian Holland on 1422 and 1418. 3rd A Smallman & Son on 1419.

Kersal Vale HS – News from John Crehan – here’s the last two results to get us up to date. On the 2nd June from Lessay 15 members sent 171 birds, Winning his first race of the season in emphatic style is Dave "bongo" Hulmes with a 2yo Dk Cock, this bird also tops Altrincham & Dist Fed, well done Dave from all KVHS members. Having a great race is Ray Lunt taking 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club and 2nd, 4th and 8th Fed, a brilliant team performance and this will be the loft to beat in further channel races this year. 4th is Alan & Christine Boon with 5th Fed, well done all. On the 9th June, 2007 the birds were at Mangotsfield with the Central Lancs Combine liberated at 11.30 in a north wind. 1st and 4th is Ellison & Sherliker with a yearling cock on 1411 and a 2yo cock on 1399. This is a deserving win for two of the hardest workers for the club well done lads, the beers on you Harold. 2nd is Crehan & O'Connor with a Blue hen on 1405.7 and 3rd is Bonnici, Psaila & Curtis on 1405.0 with the same pigeon that was 3rd section North West Classic Club Portland last week.

Leigh HS – News from Joe Barton – The Club raced from Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 when 5 members sent 35 birds, liberated at 10am in a light South West wind. Taking the Red card was Mr & Mrs Dickens with a Blue Pied hen on 1568. Second and fifth A Outram on 1567 with a Cheq hen followed by another Cheq hen on 1541. Third place went to Mr & Mrs Hilton & Son with a Cheq cock on 1555 and fourth A Edward on 1550. Mr & Mrs Dickens take all pools.
Lostock FC – Ken Burke reports – 11 members sent 179 birds to Kingsdown. Taking 1st and 2nd WA Gough & Son on 1222 with a Cheq cock and 1186 with a Cheq hen. 3rd and 4th K Burke on 1182 with a Cheq Pied hen and 1180 with another Cheq Pied hen. On to Lessay when 10 members sent 88 birds. 1st R Kent with a Cheq cock on 1627 which was 1st Fed. 2nd K Riley & Son on 1598 with a Dark Cheq hen, 2nd Fed. 3rd J Smith on 1590.97 with a Blue cock 3rd Fed. 4th BT Howarth on 1590.30 with a Cheq hen 4th Fed.

Lymm FC – News from Derek Woodward – The birds were liberated from Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 at 10.00am in a light South West wind. 1st Jess Bradbury with a Janssen widowhood cock on 1597, also 3rd with a Janssen cock on 1572. 2nd Jeff Hanaghan doing 1595 with a widowhood cock from John Kirk of Warrington. Taking 4th place was A Gough & Son on 1566 with one of their own widowhood cocks.

Old Lodge HS – Janet Hull writes – The Club were at Yeovil for the second time on the 19th May 2007 when 15 members sent 239 birds. After knocking on the door for a number of races Tommy of Huddleston & Cuthbertson has at long last perfected his clocking in technique and won the Red card. Tommy timed a 4yo Blue widowhood cock to finish 1st Club and 17th Fed. The second prize and 27th Fed went to Tommy Jackson with a 3yo Blue cock flown on the roundabout. Mr & Mrs Jimmy Pritchard timed in a yearling Cheq Pied hen and took 3rd Club and 29th Fed. The Harrison & Hull partnership were 4th Club and 30th Fed after timing The Pencil Cock, a 2yo Louis Cooreman bred from Dakota a grandson off Tap and Benita and The Spotted Headed Hen. The Pencil Cock was in the clock weekly as a yearling with his best performance being 1st Club, Fed and Combine. This year he has won 1st Club, 4th Fed and 8th Combine Kempsey, 3rd Club, 7th Fed and 12th Combine Cheltenham and 7th Club, 7th Fed and 8th Combine Mangotsfield. Roy Latham won 1st Division free nom and Harrison & Hull won the 2nd prize, over in Division 2 Billy Parker took the 1st prize with Huddleston & Cuthbertson as runners up. Tommy Jackson won the 1st Jackpot and Harrison & Hull the 2nd, the partnership also won the Xmas nom.

Oldham Federation – News from Secretary Phil Murray – On the 2nd June, 2007 the Federation raced from Lessay when 70 members sent 666 birds. 1st and 6th R Casey/Sunny Brow 1632 and 1606. 2nd W & F Helliwell/Shaw 1628. 3rd Wolfenden & O’Neill/Denton 1622. 4th Frost & McGrory/Sunny Brow 1621. 5th and 10th A Partridge/Denton 1618 and 1593. 7th H Kenyon/Ashton 1604. 8th C O’Conner/Ashton 1596. 9th H Jones & Son/Failsworth 1595.

Park Flying Club – Steve Gough writes – The birds were liberated from Lessay o the 2nd June, 2007 at 10am into a South wind with 8 members sending 64 birds. 1st, 2nd and 4th H Hamilton on 1600 with a Red cock, 1564 with a Blue Pied cock and 1543 Blue hen. 3rd Mr & Mrs W German on 1556 with a Blue cock.

Phoenix Flying Club – This report from Ivan Byrne – Phoenix had their first channel race from Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 when 7 members sent 72 birds with a strong South West wind ensuring a fast pace. Putting a Gaby x Van Elsacker in the clock after 5hrs 25mins 19secs from 303 miles on a velocity of 1642 is Ivan Byrne who takes the Red card. Paul Hart who is always about gets 2nd spot also picking up the pools. Paul’s first bird was a Soontjen hen on 1633. 3rd spot is the Horse Man David Thompson with a Braspenning widowhood cock on 1614. Well doe to Daniel Tobias for winning up at Heywood.

Prestwich DHS – Paul Marsland reports –In the Club race from Lessay 8 members sent 53 birds let up in a light South West wind. 1st place went to Moran & Goodall with a Van Der Merwe. 2nd P Marsland with a Staf Van Reet and 3rd & 4th places went to S Gibbins with mother and daughter Busschaerts. Coming back to Mangotsfield 2 where 8 members sent 84 birds let up in a light North wind. 1st & 2nd places went to F Cregan & Son with two Staf Van Reets x Van Berendonk, and 3rd & 4th went to S & G Thompson with a Wildemeersch and Staf Van Reet. I have heard this week that Stan is not so well so I think I speak for all the club members and wish him a speedy recovery. Get well soon Stan.

Radcliffe & DHS – News from Steve Green – Mangotsfield 2 saw 14 members send 237 birds which were quite a few down due to the 7 day rule after the channel race last week, which will be noticed all around I should imagine. The birds were liberated at 1130 into a Northerly wind. 1st was Albert Lomax with his first victory since returning back to the sport after a long break with a Cheq w/f widow cock that was gifted to him by myself from Moore, Ogden & Godwin stock on 1373. 2nd Headley & Holbrook with a Deschact/Denduyver widow cock on 1368. 3rd were A & C Fielding with a self bred Janssen widow cock on 1367. 4th Headley & Holbrook with a Blue Deschact/Denduyver hen on 1366. 1st pools went to T & K Ramsden, 1st League Cup went to P & M Browning and they also took the nom. The winning bird was verified by S Green and S Hamer.

Rochdale & DHS – Neil Buckley reports – 16 members sent 293 birds to Portland and liberated at 0900 in a North West wind. Two pigeons got away and were some five minutes before the third place. In 1st place was Gavin Buckley clocking a Braspenning widowhood cock and is a brother to his 2x1st Fed winner this year. In 2nd and 3rd place is A & S Hughes clocking two Vandenabeele widowhood hens. In 4th place was N & G Buckley clocking an R & L Whitworth widow cock. 14 members sent 191 birds to Lessay for the first Combine race and clocking two widow cocks was A & S Hughes, these two pigeons were give minutes clear of the third place pigeon. The first two pigeons are both Vandenabeeles and both brothers which also won 1st and 2nd Fed. In 3rd place was R & L Whitworth with a Delbar from Mr & Mrs Fisher lines. Lee was happy with his pigeons as the birds normally don’t like the Channel. In 4th place once again was A & S Hughes clocking a Hartog widow hen.

Shaw & District HS – This result from Zig and Zag – the results for the Cheltenham race on the 9th June, 2007 are as follows. 1st, 2nd and 4th Slicker, Croston & Slicker. 3rd E & A Royle with a Cheq Lefebre bred by Holt Bros.

South East Lancs Fed – Janet Campbell reports – Lessay 2nd June, 2007 – 56 members sent 584 birds - Congratulations to A & S Hughes winning the ETS Nom for a Bricon ETS system. The raffle raised £46.00 for Fed funds and Gavin Buckley won the bottle of 12year old Malt. Thanks to all members for their support. 1st, 2nd 6th, 7th, 8th and 10th A & S Hughes (Rochdale) 1641.96, 1641.62, 1617, 1615, 1614 and 1609. 3rd Winterbottom & Pomfret (Todmorden) 1631. 4th S Barnes (Heywood) 1621. 5th R & L Whitworth (Rochdale) 1620. 9th Brandon & Culshaw (Castleton) 1611.

South Lancashire Combine – This result from Lenny Owen – 75 members sent 679 birds to Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 liberated at 10am in a South West wind. 1st, 8th and 15th TC Smith/Warrington Fed on 1656 Blue C, 1623 Blue cock and 1607 Blue C. 2nd, 6th, 13th and 18th T Pike/Atherton Fed on 1648 Cheq H, 1629 Blue H, 1610 Cheq C and 1603 Pied C. 3rd K Nuttall/Atherton on 1644 Blue C. 4th Mr & Mrs Lomax/Atherton 1643 Blue H. 5th E Whittle/Warrington 1632 Cheq C. 7th W Haslam & Son/Atherton 1626 Cheq H. 9th Mr Pickup/Atherton 1622 Pied. 10th , 11th and 19th Mr Mather/Atherton on 1620 Blue, 1616 Cheq H and 1600.99 Cheq H. 12th B Vout/New Lancs Fed on 1612 Cheq H. 14th R King/Warrington on 1609 Mealy H. 16th R Morris & Son/New Lancs 1605 BWF H. 17th Mr Peacock/Atherton 1604 Blue C. 20th Mr Clarke/Atherton 1600.04 Pied H. Federation winners – Atherton 21/208 – T Pike 1648, K Nuttall 1644, Mr & Mrs Lomax 1643. New Lancs – 25/205 – B Vout 1612, R Morris & Son 1605, K Smith 1590. Warrington 29/266 – TC Smith 1656, E Whittle 1632, TC Smith 1623.

South Manchester Flying Club – News from Kevin Dickens – 5 members sent 50 birds to Mangotsfield on the 9th June, 2007. The birds were liberated at 1130 in a light North Westerly winds. Taking 1st, 2nd and 4th was Ray Davies & Son on 1373, 1363, and 1353 for the 135 miles home. In 3rd, 5th and 6th was Barney Denman on 1360, 1352 and 1346 for the 134 miles home.

Todmorden HS – Jason Waters writes - Phil Williams won last weeks race from Cheltenham, when 7 members sent 80 birds. Phil’s winning bird was a 2004 Lefebre Dhaenen which has now had 8 x 1st prizes for Phil, his winning velocity was 1399 ypm. Fleming & Son took 2nd & 3rd on 1395 & 1388 ypm. I would also like to add, to anyone following the progress of the Carrhouse lofts one-loft birds, our computer has been down (it’s fixed now) so updates will be added through the week you can catch up at www.pigeonbasics.com and www.carrhouselofts.piczo.com

Tyldesley Invitation Club – News from Joe Barton – The Club were at Lessay on the 2nd June, 2007 when 12 members sent 101 birds liberated at 10am in a light South West wind. Taking 1st, 3rd and 5th was TC Smith with the first bird a Blue cock on 1656 followed by a Blue cock on 1623 and a Blue cock on 1607. 2nd went to Eric Whittle with a Cheq cock on 1632. 4th R King with a Mealy cock on 1609. TC Smith takes the £15 special and Eric Whittle takes £10. On the 9th June, 2007 the Club raced from Mangotsfield when 8 members sent 61 birds liberated at 1130 in a light North wind. Taking 1st, 2nd and 3rd was R & D Gaskell, their first bird home a Blue Pied hen on 1360 followed by a Cheq hen on 1355 and another Cheq hen on 1351. 4th went to A Wicker on 1336 with a Cheq hen, also taking the pools.

Wigan Oak Leaf Club – News from Eddie Touhey – Club report for our race from Mangotsfield on Saturday 9th June, 2007 when 7 members sent 84 birds which were liberated with the Two Counties Combine at 1100 into a light North wind. In 1st place was Eddie Touhey on 1406 with a yearling Schallie Pied cock bred from Bert Hession stock and a hen that won 2 x 1sts as a young bird from Harry Andrews stock. In 2nd on 1404 was Derek Sumner with his "Chimney Cock" which topped the Two Counties Combine from Portland. John Hankey was 3rd & 4th on 1397 and 1391. In 3rd with a yearling Van Reet that has won this year and also as a youngster and in 4th with another yearling closely related to the pigeon in 3rd. Derek won the £5 pool of £25 and 1st £3 pool of £9. John won the 2nd pool of £6.

Wythenshawe Flying Club – Mike Brennan writes – race result from the Mangotsfield (2) race where top spot this week went to Frank Beck and Royal Oak Lofts with a self bred Koopman on 1335, also taking second spot on 1325 with a Blue Pied Vandenabeele bred by Albert Langslow from Kearsley. In third place was Mike Brennan on 1301 with a Cheq Koopman cock bred by Frank Beck at Royal Oak Lofts.

The North West Classic Club now has a marking station at Failsworth Liberal Club, new members welcome. The race programme for old birds will be – 26th May/Fougeres. 2nd June/Portland. 9th June/Messac. 16th June/Portland. 23rd June/St Nazaire. 30th June/Portland. 14th July/Niort. Young Birds – 1st September/Swainswick. 8th September/Portland Open Race. 15th September/Picauville incorporating the Gold Ring Race. Marking for all races will be from 6.30pm with the channel marking on Thursdays (except for Niort, to be advised) with inland marking on Fridays.

Manchester Flying Club – this mid week club will also have a marking station at Failsworth Liberal Club, so if you’re a member on this side of Manchester this will be easy to get to with access right off the M60, junction 22. This is in addition to the marking station at the New Inn at Hattersley so members now have a choice of where to mark. You can join on the night just bring your distances and the race programme is as follows – Old Birds - 11th April /Wollaston. 18th April/Wollaston. 25th April/Kempsey. 2nd May/Cheltenham. 9th May/Kempsey. 16th May/Kempsey. 23rd May/Kempsey. Young Birds – 25th July/Penkridge. 1st August/Penkridge. 8th August/Wollaston. 15th August/Kempsey. 22nd August/Cheltenham. 29th August/Kempsey. 5th September/Kempsey. Marking for all races commences at 7pm. Contact Andy Galley on 07983-361691 for any further information.

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, I will continue to print as many as possible each week. If you’ve got a Breeder/Buyer sale or Gold Ring Race organised let me know and I will print the details in here or any other information you would like published regarding your Club, Fed, Amal or Combine. Club results should contain the first four places, ten places for a Fed and twenty for a Combine or Amalgamation, due to space restrictions I can’t publish anymore than these during the season. Thank you for your continued support.

My email address is jeanette@oasislofts.freeserve.co.uk or phone/fax to 0161-684-8889 and the Border Amal website address is http://borderamal.mysite.orange.co.uk The new website is up and running under http://borderamal.com although it still requires some tweaking you can have a look and make any suggestions for items to be included or improvements if you like.

11/6/07