EAST CLEVELAND FEDERATION

by Keith Simpson

Loftus H/S and Championship Club Payout

Loftus H/S and the Loftus West Road Championship Club held their 2006 prize presentation evening at Loftus West Road Social Club on Saturday 18th November. The joint presentation night attracted a good turn out from members, family and friends; the event has always resulted in a great night for all. Keith Arkless was the M.C. for the night with the lad starting off by asking for a minutes silence in respect for Stan Clements of Skelton Green who had suddenly passed away aged 79 years old. Stan who had been invited to present the trophies for Loftus H/S had flown Pigeons for a great number of years, flying in different partnerships along the way. Stan a very quite and popular man was a onetime partner of former Federation secretary Trevor Parmley. The duo when flying as Clements & Parmley won 3rd Up North Combine young bird Folkestone National in 1985 from a convoy of 14,654 birds. Stan also won 1st UNC young bird Wednesday National in 1989, he was flying as Mr & Mrs Clements & Son up until his death. Keith thanked everyone for attending the payout night and also welcomed the Championship Club guests Peter Dalrympole the Loftus West Road Social Club secretary and the Coors Brewery Reps. Keith who tries his best to get sponsors each year also welcomed Carole & myself who was invited to present the trophies for Loftus H/S. Peter said some very hopeful words of support for the Championship Club sponsors which has received great support over the years, and long may it continue. Peter then presented the trophies, prize money and pools to the following Championship Club members, which paid out approx £4,500.00. Thanks go out to Coors Brewery for their support towards the club in 2006. Membership for the Loftus West Road Championship is open to East Cleveland Federation members who are members of Loftus West Road Social Club, with membership being open until 1st March 2007. As the breeder/buyer will show anyone can donate a youngster for the annual event but only UNC members can purchase the youngsters for the money raised and is flown from the UNC young bird National. 10% of the proceeds go to a local charity with Brotton Hospital benefiting in 2006, Brotton Hospital reprehensive Barbara Todd received the cheque for £100.00.

Barbara Todd receiving a cheque for £100.00 for Brotton Hospital.

   The breeder/buyer paid out three prizes with Fred Suckling & Daughter Karen, Guisborough (North Yorkshire Fed) winning 1st breeder and Graham, Gilchrist & Brennan, Boldon (Mid Tyne Fed) 1st buyer. Craggs, Son & Grandson, Washington Celtic (Houghton Fed) were 2nd breeder and the loft of Arkless, Son & Mead 2nd buyer. Jan Bailes & Family pocket 3rd breeder & buyer prize money. The £10.00 Special Ring Scheme that is open to all members of the UNC is a 3-ring limit and is flown from the UNC young bird Maidstone National. The 2006 event that sold more rings than in 2005 was won by Ian Fewsdale of Marske & New Marske, who gave his support even though he is not a Championship Club member.

Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners were 2nd and new members for the 2007-racing season, Bowers, Son & Wilson were 3rd. The remaining 8 events were flown for by Championship Club members only, where 3 birds have to be nominated on the appropriate forms for each event on clock setting night for the race. Chisman, Hopper & Hopper of Lingdale were the winners of the old bird T3 Clock and Keith Arkless, Son & Mead won the young bird T3 Clock event. Wattis & Son of Lingdale won 1st old bird Brooklands (1) sponsorship, Sayers Bros of Skinningrove was 2nd and Merv Pearson & Son of Brotton pocketed 3rd. Merv who let his Daughter Ann receive his prize money also took 2nd at Bourges.

Reg Wilson & Ray Mole winning 4x1st Loftus Championship Club events.

Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners of Brotton were the top earners winning 1st old bird Brooklands (2), (3) and (4), 1st young bird Maidstone National, 2nd Clermont and 3rd Bourges. Reg & Ray are the first loft to win four events in the same season; this fantastic achievement will take some topping. Each of the Sponsorship race winners receives a trophy that is retained in the West Road Social Club. Only one prize can be won by each loft in the Brewery Sponsorship events, but all three prizes in the Championship Club nominated races can be won by the same loft. Sayers Bros were also the winners of Bourges, 2nd Brooklands (2) and (3); and chalked up 3rd at Brooklands (4) and Lillers. Bill Heslop and loft helper Les Rigg of Brotton won 1st Clermont and 2nd Brooklands (4). Keith Arkless, Son & Mead were the winners of 1st Lillers and 3rd young bird Maidstone National. Mr & Mrs Harry & Audrey Garbutt of Liverton Mines the previous winners of 2nd UNC Lillers (1) in 2000 out of 19,357 birds, netted 3rd.Brooklands (2) and (3).

The Young Bird Average winning Keith & Matthew Arkless & John Mead.

While Ces Rawson of Brotton pocketed 3rd Bourges and White Bros of Skinningrove collected 2nd Lillers, while Clubmates B & K Simpson chalked up 2nd young bird Maidstone National.

   After Peter had presented the silverware and prize money, I took to the floor to say a few words before presenting the trophies and prize money that amounted to around £3,500.00. Out of the 24 flying lofts 16 of them scored throughout the 26-race programme, in reverse order are the list of winners for 2006. The loft of Ray Pasco & Graham Marlow were the scorers of 1x3rd and 4pts, with the duo’s green card being potted at Lillers by a 2y dark Soontjen x Busschaert hen that won a very impressive 1st Club, 5th East Cleveland Federation (1,384 birds) and 9th North Yorkshire & East Cleveland Section Melton Mowbray (3) from a convoy of 2,601 birds. Ray was a late starter with Pigeons; he only took up the sport after he retired from work. Ray’s other sport interest is darts where he has played for a few local trophy winning pub and club teams over the years. Graham flew in partnership with his late Father a number of years ago but with him mainly working abroad he had to leave the sport. Obviously the urge to return to Pigeons came back for Graham to team up with Ray.

Ray Pasco the scorer of 3rd Club Lillers.

Robin & Dulcie Hood were the scorers of 1x2nd and 5pts, winning the Loftus Silver Trophy. The duo’s blue card being achieved at young bird Newark (1) when 15th Fed and 20th Section was also notched up. John Spedding & Son Ian were the winners of 1x1st and 6pts, receiving the Richard Smithies Memorial Trophy for winning 1st Club Clermont on the final day of the old bird programme. With John’s chart-topper that won the Club by a awesome 13 minutes being a yearling hen bred by Alan Beverly of Skelton Green. The hen put up a fantastic performance to go onto score a most impressive 2nd East Cleveland Federation out of an entry of 1,055 birds, 3rd North Yorkshire & East Cleveland Section when there were 1,849 birds competing. The loft of Steve & Sheila Trattles also had 1x1st and 6pts to their credit, the Brother & Sister partnership were the winners of old bird Melton Mowbray (1) Trophy where their red card winner went onto chalk up 3rd Fed when there were 2,964 birds away. Steve & Sheila the previous winners of 1st UNC young bird Folkestone National in 1984 out of 18,232 birds and 1st UNC young bird Maidstone National in 1992 from an entry of 26,697 birds, also had their birds in fettle throughout the winter months to win the Show Shield.

Tony Trattles the scorer of 1x2nd, 2x3rd, 1x4th and 1x6th.

Danny McConnell, Derek ‘Seaweed’ Breckon & John Pearson chalked up 7pts with them coming from their 1x3rd and 1x4th, the lads’ first chalk came at Bourges when 3rd Club and 15th Fed was notched up. The boys other prize card was achieved at young bird Selby (3) when their yellow card potter picked up 24th Fed and Section.

John Pearson receiving prize money from Good Corn.

Danny Seaweed & John were also the winners of 1x1st and 3x2nd in the 2-Bird Club. Jim Kelly & Son Robert scored twice with their 8pts being netted at Bourges, the longest race of the season from a distance of 538 miles. The Father & Son partnership filled a couple of chambers to win 1st and 5th with their pole position winner going onto score a most impressive 6th Fed, 16th North Yorkshire & East Cleveland Section from 321 birds and 146th UNC from a convoy of 2,828 birds. Jim & Robert’s second timer notched up 24th Fed out of an entry of 165 birds. Smilingly Jim took to the floor to the sound of a large roar to receive the Bourges Trophy, Henry Hadfield Memorial Trophy, the Harry Easton Memorial Trophy and the Lowest Winning Velocity Trophy and almost putting his back out in the process. Removing his wallet would have certenly have lightened his load and eased his backache.

Jim Kelly winning 1st Club Bourges.

   Alan ‘Doddler’ Bright & Craig Leach netted six times throughout the 26-race programme with the two lads’ scoring 1x3rd, 1x4th, 2x5th, 2x6th and 13pts. All of Doddler & Craig’s positions were potted with the old birds with their first couple of chalks being achieved at the Brooklands (1) National when 5th and 6th were taken. A single bird was in the clock at Lillers to pocket 5th and another single cell was filled at Bourges that they have previously won, to lift 4th Club and 19th Fed. Moving onto Tony Trattles who had a season tally of 1x2nd, 2x3rd, 1x4th and 16pts, Tony also scored 2x2nd in the 2-Bird Club. The lad’s first chalk of 2006 was pocketed at old bird Melton Mowbray (3) when 2nd Club, 21st Fed and 35th Section was taken. Tony had two birds in he frame at Clermont where 3rd and 4th was notched up, the green was potted at young bird Selby (1) and 6th Club, 35th Fed and Section was notched up at Selby (3). Jan Bailes & Family the previous winners of 1st UNC young bird Maidstone National in 2003 with Whistler from a convoy of 19,002 birds were the scorers of 1x2nd, 1x3rd, 1x4th, 3x5th and 18pts. The partnership were the winners of the Whitby Farmers Shield for most points without a win. The forever trying Jan’s first points were chalked up at old bird Melton Mowbray (2) when 2nd Club and 26th Fed was collected. The lass returned to the frame at young bird Newark (1) when a couple of her babies were timed to lift 3rd and 5th Club, 16th and 20th Fed, 21st and 25th Section. Jan was running around like a young Zola Budd a week later at Newark (2) for she clocked two youngsters within 2 seconds to score a well-earned 4th and 5th Club, 14th and 15th Section.

Jan Bailes receiving the Whitby Farmers Shield from Good Corn.

Alan Tose & Daughter Debbie the previous winners of 1st UNC Lillers (1) in 1986 from a convoy of 14,521 birds when flying as Tose, Dtr & Danny McConnell, were the winners of 1x1st, 1x2nd, 1x3rd, 1x4th, 1x5th and 19pts. Alan timed a couple of birds at old bird Melton Mowbray (2) to win 1st and 3rd Club, 12th and 27th Fed when there were 1,360 birds away. The red card winner who won the Club by 4 minutes also went onto pocket 28th Section; Alan received the Melton Mowbray (2) Trophy for this winning performance. The partnerships next points were scored at Bourges where 2nd Club and 10th Fed was taken, Alan was in the clock again at Clermont when 6th was notched up. Alan who has enjoyed some good channel racing in the past scored once with the young birds with that coming at Selby (1) when the yellow was potted.

Alan Tose with the OB Melton Mowbray (2) Trophy.

   The loft of Nev Wheatley & ‘Rocket’ Ron Scott the Clubs secretary showed improvement this season winning 1x1st, 2x2nd, 1x4th, 1x5th, 1x6th and 23pts. The duo were also the winners of the Old Bird Mansfield Trophy and the Old Bird K.O. Trophy. Nev & Ron were in the points from the start after filling a couple of cells at old bird Selby to lift 2nd and 4th, with their blue and yellow card scorers going onto chalk up 11th and 22nd Fed. The lads’ zoomed into the winners’ enclosure a week later at Mansfield where their pole position winner went onto pocket 13th Fed when their were 3,513 birds competing. 6th was taken at both Melton Mowbray (2) and Lillers, before 5th was notched up at Melton Mowbray (3). The laid back and pie baking Nev & Ron chalked once with the young birds with that being achieved at Melton Mowbray (1) when a notable 2nd Club, 8th Fed and Section was taken.

Ron Scott & Nev Wheatley with the Old Bird Mansfield and Old Bird K.O. Trophies.

Next we have Eric ‘Green Grass’ Maynard who took over the loft of the late Harry Easton, who I have to say enjoyed some good flying days at the very same loft. Eric was the winner of 1x1st, 3x2nd, 2x4th, 2x6th and 25pts, winning the Brooklands (2) Trophy and 1x1st in the 2-Bird Club. Eric accumulated all his points with the old birds, with 2nd Club and 25th Fed Brooklands (1) getting him off the mark. The lad went one better at Brooklands (2) by topping the Club charts, and he had a couple of birds in the clock at Newark a week later to lift 2nd and 6th with his blue card potter going onto lift 9th Fed and 13th Section. Eric was in the frame for the third consecutive race at Huntingdon (2) when another two thimbles were filled to pocket 4th and 6th. After missing out at Lillers the lad was back in the points at Brooklands (3) when a single bird was timed to chalk up 4th position. Eric rounded off his much improved old bird campaign by scoring 2nd Club, 17th Fed and 23rd Section Clermont.

Eric Maynard the winner of Brooklands (2).

Steve Steyert & Son Eden showed some clout this season with them moving up the prize-winning charts to fourth highest prizewinners. The Clubs most improved loft were the winners of 3x1st, 1x2nd, 1x4th, 1x5th, 1x6th and 31pts winning silverware for winning old bird Selby, Brooklands (1) and young bird Selby (2). Eden was rewarded by winning the Jimmy Arkless Trophy for most promising young member; I knew there was a good reason for the lofts turnaround season. Steve & Eden got off to a winning start when their Selby chart-topper going onto score a notable 9th Fed, the duo were in the frame again at Melton Mowbray (1) when a couple of chambers were filled to lift 2nd and 5th with their blue card scoring netting 10th Fed. The boys were back in town at Brooklands (1) when another two birds were timed to win 1st and 4th, they had the first 2 in the clock but their second timer was beaten on over-fly. The red card winner who won the Club by a good 11 minutes chalked up a very impressive 5th Fed when there were 1,977 birds competing and the yellow card scorer went onto notch up 28th Fed. Steve & Eden were next in the clock at Bourges when 6th place was notched up. Steve & Eden recorded their third win of the season at young bird Selby (2) when their pole position winning youngster went onto score 15th Fed out of 3,418 birds and 20th Section from an entry of 5,781 birds. It was good to see Steve & Eden get something extra out of their birds in 2006, Steve who enjoyed a great night had to book a chauffer to box his silverware up, carry them to the car and then drive him home. All he needs now; is for someone to keep the cups clean for a year. Some guys have what it takes in life, while the rest of us have to struggle along.

Steve Steyert with the OB Selby, Brooklands (1), YB Selby (2) and the Jimmy Arkless Trophies.

   Keith Arkless, Son Matthew & John ‘The Cat’ Mead were third highest prize winners after winning 2x1st, 4x2nd, 5x3rd, 5x4th, 5x5th, 4x6th and 81pts, the lads’ who were r/u young bird Fed Average in 2005 were the winners of the Club young bird Average and also received the young bird Newark (1) and (2) Trophies. Keith, Matthew & John the Clubs previous top loft were also the winners of 1x1st and 2x2nd in the 2-Bird Club. The boys were in the points from day one when a single bird was timed at Selby to lift 3rd Club and 15th Fed. A couple of thimbles were filled a week later at Mansfield when 3rd and 4th was chalked up. 5th was notched up at North Weald and two birds were in the clock at Melton Mowbray (2) to pocket 4th and 5th, when their yellow card potter went onto net 37th Fed. The partnership was in the frame for the third consecutive race at North Weald to chalk up 4th Club, 22nd Fed and 32nd Section; another single bird was timed at Huntingdon (2) to take 5th position. Lillers saw the lads’ score a very impressive 2nd Club, 5th Fed, 8th Section and UNC, winning 1st North of England Championship Club and £202.91 in pools and prizes. Keith, Matthew & John chalked up their ninth prize-card of the campaign at Clermont when 5th was notched up. The boys young birds flew very consistent again this season with them being in the frame from 7 of the 9 races, chalking up 13 positions in all. Selby (1) brought 6th spot, a couple of youngsters were timed at Newark (1) to win a most impressive 1st and 4th Club, 1st and 17th Fed out of 2,115 birds, 1st and 22nd Section from a convoy of 3,775 birds, with their pole position winner topping the Club charts by 5 minutes. Keith, Matthew & John were hell bent on retaining the Club young bird average they won in 2005 by enjoying an outstanding clocking day at Newark (2) by winning 1st, 2nd and 3rd Club, 4th, 8th and 13th Fed when there were 1,796 birds competing. After missing out at Melton Mowbray (1) for the second time in five races, the inform trio were back on track at Huntingdon after filling a couple of chambers to lift 3rd and 5th Club, 15th and 26th Fed, 23rd and 37th Section. Melton Mowbray (2) saw the loft take 3rd with their green card potter going onto chalk up 23rd Fed and 29th Section. Two thimbles were filled at the Maidstone National to net 2nd and 6th Club, 18th and 36th Fed, with their blue card scorer going onto notch up 22nd Section. Another couple of youngsters were in the clock at Selby (3) to pocket 2nd and 25th Club, 16th and 26th Fed. Keith has being amoungst Pigeons all his life through his late Father Jim of Brotton H/S fame, along with his Brother Stuart who still flies at Brotton the family have enjoyed great success over the years winning 2x1st UNC etc. Stuart won 1st UNC young bird Ashford National in 1970 when there were 11,957 birds competing. Jim Arkless & Son Keith achieved the same fete in 1971 from a young bird Ashford National convoy of 11,099 birds. The partnership of Arkless & Son won 2nd, 3rd and 5th UNC young bird Ashford in1966 from 8,394 birds, with the ‘Magnificent Trio’ also winning 1st, 2nd and 4th North of England Championship Club (3-bird limit) winning approx £400.00. Mr & Mrs Jim Arkless & Sons also won 3rd UNC Eastbourne Classic in 1991 when there were 19,580 birds. As you can see the Arkless family have been very successful at Combine level, no matter which member of the family was in the partnership. John Mead flew with Derek ‘Tecca’ Howard at Liverton Mines before the two lads’ teamed up with Keith & Matthew, Tecca left the partnership after the 2005-racing season to move to Scarborough. Both John & Tecca had flown in partnership with their late Father’s prior to them teaming up together. John and his Father Tommy enjoyed some good times together at Liverton Mines, while Derek and his Father Arthur enjoyed their success at Skinningrove. John & Tecca enjoyed some top class performances at Liverton Mines with the duo winning many races in the Club. The two lads’ also enjoyed a couple of outstanding results in the Combine in 1998, with the duo winning 3rd UNC Beauvais from an entry of 6,614 birds, this was followed by winning 2nd UNC Folkestone (2) National from a convoy of 20,292 birds.

   Kev Locker & Kev Breckon have flown together the past few years, with Kev Locker being the previous winner of 1st UNC old bird Folkestone (1) National in 1998 with ‘Just A Kid’ from a convoy of 26,159 birds. One time Staithes fancier Kev Breckon won 1st UNC young bird Wednesday Peterborough National in 1990 and 1st UNC old bird Wednesday Folkestone National in 1991. Since the two lads’ joined forces they have flown a notable Pigeon, with them topping the Fed three times in 2005 from old bird Melton Mowbray (1), Huntingdon and young bird Newark. This season they added Chris Vasey to the partnership but things never worked out with Chris living in Whitby, so the two lads’ flew as a two-man team. Locker, Breckon & Vasey were the Clubs second highest prize winners with a season tally of 7x1st, 7x2nd, 7x3rd, 5x4th, 5x5th, 6x6th and 135pts. Kev Locker’s good lady Gillian received the old bird Newark, Brooklands (3), Melton Mowbray (2) and (3) Trophies, the lass was also presented with the young bird Melton Mowbray (1), Maidstone National and Selby (3) Trophies.

Good Corn presenting the Jack Hume Memorial Trophy to Gillian Locker.

The two big lads’ got off the mark by notching up 6th Club and 32nd Fed Selby, the blue was chalked up at Mansfield and the green was netted at Melton Mowbray (1). The loft was in the frame for the fourth consecutive race at Huntingdon (1) when a couple of chambers were filled to lift 2nd and 3rd Club, 18th and 27th Fed. After three races out of the points the boys returned to the frame at North Weald to pocket 2nd Club, 6th Fed and Section, this was followed up by timing two birds at Brooklands (2) to score 2nd and 5th. The partnership recorded their first win of the season in great style a week later at Newark when no fewer than four thimbles were filled to win a notable 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, 8th, 13th and 38th Fed from an entry of 1,119 birds. The red and green card winners went onto chalk up a well-earned 12th and 19th Section when there were 1,900 birds competing. The two big fellows were in the points for the fourth race running at Huntingdon (2) to pocket 2nd Club, 19th Fed and 24th Section. The boys returned to the winners’ enclosure with a vengeance at Brooklands (3) when no less that five birds were timed to win an impressive 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th Club, 11th, 22nd and 29th Fed when there were 1,357 birds competing. The duo’s chart-topper went even further to chalk up 21st Section from a convoy of 2,252 birds. It was a good job Kev Locker was not waiting at the loft for the birds while Kev Breckon was till at home in Skelton with the clock like he was from one of the previous races. The inform duo recorded their third win of the season a week later at Melton Mowbray (3) after three birds were clocked to win 1st, 4th and 6th Club, 4th and 32nd Fed when there were 1,667 birds competing, with the pole position winner going onto pocket a notable 5th Section from 2,600 birds. The partnership had their birds on song again at Melton Mowbray (4) when another three chambers were filled to win 1st, 5th and 6th Club, with the red card winner also netting 16th Fed when there were 1,905 birds away. The boys had enjoyed the end of the old bird season form with them winning four of the last five races; it’s usually good runs like this that wins averages. Points were scored from 6 of the young bird races, with them first chalking at Selby (2) when 2nd Club, 19th Fed and 25th Section was netted. Another single cell was filled at Newark (2) no notch up 6th Club and 16th Fed. Melton Mowbray (1) brought the first of 3 young bird wins after a couple of youngsters were timed to win 1st and 3rd Club, 4th and 14th Fed (1,673 birds) and 4th and 17th Section from a convoy of 2,850 birds. Two more chambers were filled at Melton Mowbray (2) to pot 4th and 6th Club, 24th and 32nd Fed, 31st and 39th Section. The two Kev’s had their birds in top form at the Maidstone National when no fewer than four babies were timed to win 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, 6th, 23rd, 26th and 27th Fed (1,401 birds), 8th, 29th and 39th Section when there were 2,317 birds competing. The partnership ended the season in the winners’ enclosure when two birds were clocked to win 1st and 3rd Club, 13th and 21st Fed (896 birds) 13th and 21st Section when there was 1,570 birds away.

   Top loft for 2006 was the partnership of Geoff Bowers, Son Nicky & Mark ‘Sparky’ Wilson, with the trio receiving the old bird Huntingdon (1) & (2), North Weald (1), & (2), Brooklands (3), Lillers (1), young bird Selby (1), Huntingdon & Melton Mowbray Trophies. The top lofts 8x1st, 5x2nd, 7x3rd, 8x4th, 7x5th, 9x6th and 147pts also won them the Highest Combine Position Trophy (2x1st), Highest Winning Velocity Trophy, Old Bird Inland Average, Channel Average, Old Bird Combined Average and the Combined Average. The boys were also the winners of 4x1st and 2x2nd in the 2-Bird Club to round off a fantastic season. Geoff & Nicky are the previous winners of 1st UNC old bird Wednesday Folkestone National in 1999 and 3rd UNC young bird Maidstone National in 2004 from a convoy of 14,753 birds. Both these achievements were won when flying as Bowers & Son but Sparky had being helping at the loft a long time before the two winning performances. It was only this season that Sparky’s name was added onto the partnership, and what a memorable season the lads’ had flying under the new partnerships name. The boys were in the points from the first race when a single bird was timed to lift 5th Club and 23rd Fed, it turned out to be a pointless Mansfield but the loft returned to the frame at Melton Mowbray (1) when a couple of chambers were filled to lift 4th and 5th. The partnership may well have got off to a slower start than they thought they would but that was forgotten about at Huntingdon (1) when no fewer than four thimbles were filled to win 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th Club, 16th and 30th Fed out of an entry of 3,256 birds. Brooklands (1) National saw the trio take 3rd Club and 27th Fed, a bit of a disappointment after the previous weeks loft performance but if the lads’ had looked into the crystal ball for the following week they would have not being disappointed at all. The birds were due to go to Brooklands in place of the Lillers (1) race that could not be flown due to the Bird Flu, as there was no way the transporters would have got onto the site Chief Convoyer Steve Proffit took the birds to North Weald. Geoff, Nicky & Sparky had a fantastic days racing after timing no less than five birds to win 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Club, with the red and blue card winners going onto win 1st and 2nd East Cleveland Federation out of 1,853 birds. The chart topping duo also went onto win 1st and 3rd North Yorkshire & East Cleveland Section, winning a special UNC prize for 1st Section 7 out of a entry of 3,103 birds. A brillient performance by anyone’s standards but it did not stop there, for this was only the start of it. The two birds a 2y Huybregt with 3x1st Clubs to her credit and a 4y De-Klak hen with 6x1st Clubs to her name came together, but as the old hen performed a lap of honour the younger hen beat her to win 1st Up North Combine from a convoy of 20,721 birds, winning a UNC Gold Medal. The old hen who was timed just over a minute after her Gold Medal winning loftmate went onto win 3rd UNC winning a Bronze Medal to end a fantastic days racing. After the carnival was over it was back to Melton Mowbray (2) where the lads’ failed to score, no doubt the boys would not be too upset and it proves one thing, that Pigeons are very unpredictable. The loft returned to their winning ways in great style at North Weald after filling four cells to win 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th Club, 3rd, 8th and 36th Fed when there were 2,212 birds competing, the red and blue card winners went onto score a notable 3rd and 9th Section when there were 3,800 birds away. The inform trio clocked three more birds at Brooklands to notch up 3rd, 4th and 6th; this was followed up by filling a couple of chambers at Huntingdon to win 1st and 3rd Club, 5th and 33rd Fed out of 1,769 birds, their red card winner also netted 5th Section when there were 2,845 birds competing.

Nicky Bowers from the top loft of Bowers, Son & Wilson receiving silverware from Good Corn.

   Geoff, Nicky & Sparky should have been as happy as Larry, with 4x1st Clubs, leading the Club old bird inland average and a 1st and 3rd UNC to their credit, but there was some sadness for the lads’ as their Gold Medal winner had not returned after one of her daily loft exercise. The hen never returned leaving thoughts that she had been knocked down and killed by the Hawks that are a constant menace to Pigeons and other birds. It had taken Geoff all his racing life to win 1st UNC, although it had taken Nicky & Sparky a lot less time to achieve their dream of dreams the heartbreak felt the same. 1st UNC winning performances don’t come very often no matter how good you or your Pigeons are, the same goes for loft location. But on very few occasions top class birds and performances can be replaced, and low and behold that’s what happened to Geoff, Nicky & Sparky from Lillers when they filled a couple of thimbles to win 1st and 4th Club. With their red card winner going onto win 1st Fed out of 911 birds and 1st Section winning a UNC special prize for winning 1st Section 7 from an entry of 1,623 birds. Geoff, Nicky & Sparky’s pole position Section winner answered their prayers by winning 1st UNC from a convoy of 13,804 birds, to win them their second Gold Medal of 2006. They are only the third loft in the history of the UNC to win 1st UNC twice in the same season since the UNC was formed. The first loft to achieve the double in the same season was Alan Hicks & Partners of Staithes in 1961 when they won 1st UNC Cormeilles and Lille. Bernard Watson & Ian Clayton of Lingdale achieved their double in 1982 when 1st UNC Bourges (5,392 birds) and Melun (9,918 birds) were won. Still being on a high after a once in a lifetime few weeks, the lads’ returned to the frame at Melton Mowbray (3) to pocket 3rd Club, 23rd Fed and 38th Section. Geoff, Nicky & Sparky rounded off their brillient 2006 old bird season by filling three thimbles at Melton Mowbray (4) to chalk up 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club, 29th and 37th Fed. All Sparky’s training paid off at young bird Selby (1) when three babies were timed to win 1st, 2nd and 5th Club, with the red card winning youngster going onto score 29th Fed from an entry of 3,022 birds. He must have overdone it for the next three races only brought a 8th Club and 18th Fed Newark (2); the loft was back on track at Melton Mowbray (1) after timing three birds to lift 4th, 5th and 6th Fed, 19th, 21st and 23rd Fed, 24th, 26th and 40th Section. Young bird win number two was enjoyed at Huntingdon when no less than four chambers were filled to win 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th Club, 5th, 13th, 19th and 35th Fed (1,869 birds), 8th, 21st and 28th Section when there were 3,103 birds competing. Win number two on the trot was achieved at Melton Mowbray (2) when three birds were clocked to win a most impressive 1st, 2nd and 5th Club, 1st, 21st and 26th Fed (1,392 birds), 1st, 24th and 33rd section from a convoy of 2,417 birds. No positions were taken at the Maidstone National or Selby (3), with 2 Gold Medals and a Bronze Medal winning season; that would be the least of Geoff, Nicky & Sparky’s worries.

   With the presentation of silverware and gifts to the guests over the Buffet followed, what a fantastic spread Jan Pearson put on. This lass is a credit to any kitchen, Jane is Chief cook for the West Road Social Club with many meals being booked throughout the year. Jane prepares meals on certain evenings through the week and on some afternoons; Jan is also on the go cooking up her weekly Sunday Carvery which is very popular indeed. I always order my Friday night meals through the racing season, it’s a lot easier than doing it myself when time is limited. Jane has also being a great help to me in donating a 3-Course Sunday Carvery for 4 people a number of times for my Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre Charity Races. After the Buffet came the raffle with Jan & Stephanie Bailes doing a great job in selling the tickets, with the room now buzzing the entertainment by the group Insomnia came next. The two Girls and one Boy band performed two class sessions, with a combination of dance hits which had a number of the large crowd up on the dance floor. Club D. J. Colin kept the dance floor momentum going to the early hours of the morning; long after Steve Steyert was tucked up warm in bed. I wish to thank the Loftus members for inviting Carole & myself along to a brillient night of food, entertainment and company; Carole also thanks the members for her gift. If any East Cleveland Federation members are interesting in joining the Championship Club they can contact Jan Bailes on 07813102197 for the details, Jan is also there to take orders for the 2007 £10.00 special ring scheme and names for the breeder/buyer that will take place in early April. Before I forget Bill Dowey is also taking orders for the Fed ring schemes, some good money for flown for in 2006 and it could well be more in 2007 with the support of the East Cleveland Federation members. 

   News on the Castletown (Sunderland) show races that are to be held at The Mickey Mouse (Billy Hardy Sports Centre); with all shows open to the Up North Combine. The old bird inland 1 & 2 Nationals are to be held on Saturday 6th January 2007, at £2.25 per bird. The Clermont show race held at the same time is £4.25 per bird; Elliott & Watson will be judging the entries. On Saturday 13th January 2007 it is show time for Lillers (1) at £2.15 per bird and Bourges at £4.25 per bird, with P Coils & J Showler being the judges for the day. Penning for the above shows starts at 12 o’clock with judging taking place around 1 o’clock, there is no limit on birds for the shows. 10% will be taken out for Club costs, any inquiries to Dave Rose on 0191 5492311 or Jeff Leighton on 07837670346. With the right support there will be some very good money to fly for, Albert Woodroffe eased his corn bill from the young bird Maidstone National event this season by pocketing the £400.00 1st prize.

   I’m laid up at the moment with a bad back; the pain is unbearable at times. I just hope it clears up quickly, I was hoping to get away on holiday for a couple of weeks before xmas but there’s no chance of that happening now.    

   With that I will close for another week, any news to Good Corn at 139 Zetland Row Skinningrove Saltburn Cleveland TS13 4BN. Tel; 01287 643624 or Email; goodcorn@ic24.net

11/12/06