AROUND THE UP NORTH COMBINE

by Keith Simpson

Alan & David Wright Top Loft For Second Consecutive Year

Once again I was invited along to the Skelton Green 2011 presentation evening on Friday November 11th at their normal venue the North Skelton Workingmens Club; I took my sister Shirley and grandson Hayden with me. On arrival the room was buzzing with fanciers, family and friends, and we soon got to our seats to await the start of the Club's big night. There had been a few changes in the Club in 2011 with the main one seeing Jackie Wynn taking over as the new secretary, and looking at the Club on a whole the lass has done a fantastic job in her very first season in her new post. Jackie received an annual salarly and also got 50p from each member every time they sent to a race, and as Jackie was happy with her wage she put the 50p money to good use by buying each of the members wives a box of chololates. As Mick Bowden refused to take his transport money it was used to purchase photographs of the bird of the year winning pigeons which where taken by top photographer Peter Bennett. This went down very well with the members appreciating that Jackie & Mick had put their money to such a good use.

Jackie’s husband Andrew took to the floor to welcome everyone to the Clubs payout night and then went onto welcome the guests, former members Bob Taylor and his wife Doreen and Rod Tomlinson and his wife Joan. Bill & Sheila Dowey were invited but were unable to attend as they had made prior arrangements, so were due to visit family on that weekend. Other guests were Terry Callan and his partner Cath and myself, I would like to thank the mebmers for the invite and wish them all the best for the 2012 racing season. Andrew gave a overview of the 2011 season where the Club had their fair share of up’s and down’s with Bill Dowey and his great help wife Shiela stepping down as Club secretary, with Andrew thanking them for all the hard work they had put into the Club over the years. The Club had run a very successful tote for a number of years which was first introduced in the days of the late Tommy Swinburne, the members had raised a very vast amount of money in that time but felt it was past its sell by date so that is no longer in operation.

Andrew did mention the very testing channel racing where once again Clermont hit a sticky wicket with it taking an hour and a half to fill the first 40 East Cleveland Federation positions. Bourges also took its toll with only one bird making it home on the first day in the Up North Combine and only 17 birds being recorded in the Fed in race time, then there was the new race point Fontenay where the Fed winner recorded a vel of 1352 and 40th position doing 703ypm. The ever changing weather throughout the young bird season saw a number of races being put back 24 hours with Sunday racing cancelling out any young bird hold-overs that must have given the UNC a healther bank balance. Despite all this the Club sent a total of 7,613 birds throughout the racing season with a pay out of £3,343 in prize money. Andrew thought long and hard on how to make it a good pay-out night “what makes a good presentation”? Looking back at memorable presentation highlights from the past, Banno and his fantastic table dancing that always had everyone in stitches and more so him if he ever came a cropper. Then there was Steve Chapman joyfully taking to the floor everytime the disco played Earth Wind & Fire. Talking of the old characters which we will never see the likes of again, who can forget founder member Tony Calvert one of the nicest gentlemen I have ever met and one I held the upmost respect for, cracking jokes and picking Sheila up as a raffle prize. What about Sye Thompson puffing on his pipe in that bloo*y wooly hat, moaning about the loud music (Benno’s resemblance).

The Club lost another member in 2011 in the form of Ron “Bonzo” Bowden who was a very dry and totaly calm lad: Ron was one of the most laidback lads I have ever met. Andrew then called for a few moments silence then asked to raise glasses to remember absent friends, friends we were proud to have know and will always rember them for what they were. Andrew went onto give a list of the seasons highlights and good performances from certain members, then mentioned what made a good Club, on how everyone had pulled together throughout the racing season and at race marking and Audrey & Banno for their efforts in the running of the tote over the years. Des & Jackie obtaining the stationary and Tommy for continual hard graft with basket cleaning, Mick, Terry and assistant secretary Jackie for all the help at Combine race marking. The good crack in the Clubhouse with members telling stories of events past and present, not forgetting Mick losing it and going off like a bottle of pop and throwing the Club toilet seat in the field. The excitement of the £10 floating prize, the members want to hope they never loose that, because that’s what makes Skelton Green Club different. I have to add that I have enjoyed many good nights with the Skelton Green members over the years with it always being a great night, you know somethings going to happen and equally know who it is coming from but left wondering what they are going to do next. After Bob & Rod had presented the silverware, prize money, lady members gifts and quests gifts the entertainment followed with the solo male artist providing two great singing spots, the buffet and raffle came in between. Before I go onto the prize list I did say you know something is going to happen and who it is going to come from and yes it was Banno, dressed up to the nines as Tina Turner in high-heels, stockings and wig to receive his channel bird of the year award. Had it being at the end of the night Im sure someone would have offered to walk him home, there is more than one reason why they call him “Simply The Best” and yes he is better than all the rest..

Top loft for the second consecutive season was the partnership of Alan & David Wright who were the winners of 5 x 1st, 8 x 2nd, 5 x 3rd, 8 x 4th, 6 x 5th, 8 x 6th and a total of 134pts, winning the old bird inland average, winners of the old bird combined average and winners of the combined average, a fantastic achievment. The duo started their top class season by timing a couple of birds in the space of 9 seconds at Worksop to lift 3rd and 4th Club with their green card potter going onto notch up 37th Fed. The lads hit winning form a week later at Melton Mowbray (1) when two birds were on the clock to win 1st and 2nd Club, 6th and 26th Fed out of an entry of 2,820 birds. The following week when the birds were at Huntingdon (1) no less than five birds were timed to score a notable 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Club, 4th, 5th, 25th, 26th and 28th Fed. Alan & David’s birds were in very good form and that continued at Rivenhall (1) when they clocked three birds to win an awesome 1st, 2nd and 6th Club, 8th, 11th and 27th Fed when there were 2,221 birds competing. Then 2nd Club, 12th Fed was netted at the Folkestone National with a second bird being clocked to notch up 32nd Fed. Four birds were on the clock at Rivenhall (2) to pocket a useful 2nd, 3rd and 6th Club, 17th, 19th, 33rd and 39th Fed, and this was followed up by taken 5th Club at Clermont. The lads were still plugging away when another breathtaking loft performance was achieved at Huntingdon (2) after eight birds were timed to chalk up 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Club, 22nd, 27th and 37th Fed. The inform Alan & David timed two birds inside 2 seconds at Melton Mowbray (3) to notch up 6th and 7th Club, 29th and 30th Fed. The boys returned to the winner’s enclosure at the Maidstone National in place of ther Folkestone (2) National, with the duo clocking a couple of birds to win 1st and 6th Club with their chart-topper going onto score 26th Fed.

Alan & David recorded their second win on the trot and fourth win of the 2011 old bird season in fantastice style at the yearling Eastbourne National when no fewer than ten birds were timed to win a brillient 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th Club, 2nd, 17th, 20th, 24th, 26th, 28th, 32nd, 33rd, 34th and 37th Fed when there were 480 birds competing, with their red card winner going onto score 107th Up North Combine from a convoy of 5,598 birds. That was an outstanding loft performance that will take some matching, a top class performance that will withstand the test of time. After returning down to earth Alan & David continued their averge winning run by timing a couple of birds at Fontenay to pocket 4th and 5th Club, 25th and 39th Fed; and this was followed up a week later by potting 2nd Club, 24th Fed Melton Mowbray (4). Alan & David have flown their young bird natural the past few years and I believe they did the same in 2011 with them potting the yellow card at Worksop (1) and taking 5th Club a week later when the birds were at Worksop (2). The duo won pole position the following week at Melton Mowbray with their red card winning youngster going onto chalk up 33rd Fed out of an entry of 2,805 birds. Alan & David are always near the top of the pile at the end of the season with them flying a consistent channel bird in the past that has raked up a great number of points for them, but that was not so in 2011 which could well see the lads buttle down for the coming season and see them return to their best from the distance races. As for their young bird performances, they have lacked the impact due to not flying their babies on the darkness system and on saying that it was their natural young bird points that helped them win the combined average.   

Top prizewinner David Wright of A & D Wright receiving silverware from Bob.

Bowden Bros enjoyed a fantastic season with Mick & Boss being the winners of 7 x 1st, 5 x 2nd, 7 x 3rd, 5 x 4th, 5 x 5th, 3 x 6th scoring 123pts, the happy duo were also r/u old bird inland average, r/u channel average, r/u old bird combined average, winners of the young bird average, young bird of the year and r/u combined average. Mick & Boss had a very good run with the old birds after timing a couple of birds at Selby to pocket 3rd and 5th Club with their green card scorer going onto net 12th Fed. The two brothers timed a single bird at Worksop to take 5th Club, and then the boys hit the winners’ enclosure at Huntingdon (1) where their pole position winner went onto chalk up a very impressive 2nd Fed from a convoy of 2,487 birds. The following week when the birds were at Rivenhall (1) 4th Club, 18th Fed was notched up and this was followed up a week later by timing two of their entries to pot 3rd and 5th Club, 14th and 23rd Fed. Mick & Boss recorded their second old bird win of the season at Lillers (1) the first channel race of the season after timing three birds to win 1st, 3rd and 6th Club, with the lads chart-topper going onto score 17th Fed when there were 1,563 birds competing. A week later at Rivenhall (2) the duo potted 4th Club, 24th Fed and this was followed up by taking 3rd Club, 33rd Fed Clermont. Win number three of the season was achieved at Huntingdon (2) when their red card winner chalked up 16th Fed when there were 1,807 birds away. The brothers were flying a very consistent Pigeon, so everything was going to plan and that plan worked even better a week later when the birds were at Melton Mowbray (3) for no fewer than five birds were timed in just over a minute to win an outstanding 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, 8th, 19th, 23rd, 24th and 27th Fed out of 1,413 birds. The week after the boys first class performance they had a couple of birds on the clock at the Maidstone National to chalk up 2nd and 3rd Club, 28th and 40th Fed.

Young bird average winner Boss Bowden of Bowden Bros with Bob & Hayden.

Mick & Boss the race horse owner had a cracking young bird season with them getting stuck in from the start after winning 1st Club Selby (1) and following that winning performance up by timing a couple of birds at Selby (2) to win 1st and 6th Club with their chart-topper going onto score 34th Fed when there were 2,678 birds away. The boys were out of the points at Worksop (1) but netted 2nd Club at Worksop (2), Melton Mowbray saw them time no fewer than three birds to pocket 2nd, 4th and 6th Club. The inform duo missed out on Peterborough but were in amoungst them again at Rivenhall to lift 2nd Club with their blue card scoring youngsters netting 32nd Fed. Mick & Boss rounded off their great season by timing three birds at Selby (3) to win a well-earned 1st, 3rd and 4th Club, 13th, 24th and 30th Fed when there were 1,153 birds competing. I have to say that Mick & Boss flew a very impressive Pigeon in 2011 with them returning to their winning ways, Mick has flown a very good Pigeon for a number of years be it flying as Bowden Bros with his late brother Stan or flying as Bowden Bros & Dave Drinkhall winners of 2 x 1st UNC and also flying as Bowden Bros & Weldon. The lad is a very hard task master who can get a bit excited at times but he is a winner and Im sure him and Boss will be well up for it in 2012.

Bill Chapman, Sons Steve & Colin and the late Tommy Swinburne, the most successful Skelton Green Club members were the winners of 2 x 1st, 3 x 2nd, 3 x 3rd, 3 x 4th, 5 x 5th, 4 x 6th netting a total of 70pts and also being r/u young bird average. The lads took 6th Club out of Selby before chalking up 2nd Club, 31st Fed Worksop and then 5th Club, 20th Fed was taken at Rivenhall (1). The boys recorded their first win of the season at the Folkestone National after timing a couple of birds to win 1st and 6th Club, 11th and 24th Fed when there were 1,937 birds competing, with Bill, Colin & Steve’s red card winner going onto lift 185th UNC from a convoy of 23,325 birds. Moving onto Lillers (1) where a couple of birds were timed to pocket 4th and 5th Club and then a single bird was on the clock at Rivenhall (2) to notch up 5th Club, 26th Fed. Melton Mowbray (4) brought 3rd Club, 25th Fed before Bill, Steve & Colin recorded their second win of 2011 at Lillers (2) the final old bird race of the season in great style, for their well out in front winner went onto score a most impressive 1st Fed out of a entry of 886 birds, 1st Section and 12th UNC from a convoy of 10,352 birds. The boys started their young bird campaign by timing three birds at Selby (1) to lift 2nd, 3rd and 6th Club, and then the green was potted at Selby (2). A couple of youngsters were timed Worksop (2) to chalk up a useful 3rd and 4th Club; a single bird was on the clock at Melton Mowbray to lift 3rd Club; and 5th Club was notched up at Peterborough. Bill, Colin & Steve were flying a consistent young bird with them taking 4th and 5th Club, 19th and 25th Fed from the Maidstone National and following that up by timing another two birds at Selby (3) only this time chalking up 2nd and 6th Club, 33rd and 42nd Fed. It will be well over a decade since these lads were so far down the winners list for they have being top prizewinners many times over the years, with them also being previous Fed combined average winners and the winners of 2 x 1st UNC.

Steve Chapman receiving the r/u young bird average trophy from Rod Tomlinson.

Ian Everington and loft helper Franky were the winners of 4 x 1st, 3 x 2nd, 2 x 3rd, 2 x 4th, 4 x 5th, 5 x 6th pocketing 66pts,  they were also the winners of the channel average and overall old bird of the year with a total of 12pts. The two lads who are former Marske & New Marske members were in the clock at Selby to lift a useful 2nd Club, 11th Fed and followed that up a week later by winning 1st Club, 28th Fed Worksop when there were 3,243 birds competing. The duo were in the frame for the third consecutive race at Melton Mowbray (1) when another single bird was clocked to chalk up 3rd Club, 29th Fed. Ian and nephew Franky notched up 29th Fed out of Huntingdon (1) and took 31st Fed from Rivenhall (1), moving onto Lillers (1) where 2nd Club, 31st Fed was netted and this was followed by notching up 6th Club Clermont. Ian & Franky returned to the winners’ enclosure at Fontenay when their red card winner went onto score 17th Fed when there were 276 birds away. Win number two on the trot and their third win of the season was recorded at Melton Mowbray (4), the final old bird inland race of the season when no less than five birds were clocked to win an impressive 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Club, 19th, 26th and 27th Fed out of an entry of 1,162 birds. Ian & Franky were in the frame for the third consecutive race at Lillers (2) after timing a couple of birds to lift 4th and 5th Club. Ian & Frankey enjoyed a win with the young birds after they timed three birds at Worksop (1) to win 1st, 2nd and 6th Club, with the red card winner going onto score 15th Fed and the blue card potter chalking up 33rd Fed when there were 2,273 birds away. Three more youngsters were on the clock at Rivenhall to pocket a notable 3rd, 5th and 6th Club, with the green card scoring baby netting 33rd Fed.    

Rod presenting the “Angie Thompson Channel Average Shield” to Ian Everington’s loft helper Franky.

Jack Weldon & Son John have done well in winning 2 x 1st, 3 x 2nd, 1 x 3rd, 3 x 4th, 3 x 5th, 2 x 6th chalking up 48pts. The duo took 33rd Fed out of the Folkestone National before potting 2nd Club, 25th Fed Melton Mowbray (2) the following week. And then a fantastic loft performance was achieved at Clermont after timing no fewer than three yearlings to win 1st, 2nd and 4th Club, 14th, 30th and 39th Fed out of an entry of 793 birds. The father and son partnership enjoyed a steady run with the young birds with them timing two birds at Selby (1) to pot 4th and 5th Club and followed this up by netting 5th Club Worksop (1) a week later, 5th Club was notched up again at Melton Mowbray. Jack & John’s best performance of the season was achieved at Peterborough when no fewer than six youngsters were timed to win a awesome 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th Club. The lads were in the points for the third consecutive race at Rivenhall where a single bird was clocked to pocket 4th Club.

John Weldon receiving the young bird Peterborough shield from Bob.

Mr Tony “Simply The Best” Bannister but you can call him Banno was the winner of 3 x 1st, 1 x 2nd, 1 x 3rd, 1 x 4th, 1 x 5th, 1 x 6th scoring 33pts. The retired bricklayer who has spent a lifetime in the sport set the skies alight at Bourges when he timed the only bird in the Club in race time to win an outstanding 1st Club, 10th Fed when there were 122 birds competing. The lad timed another single bird at the Maidstone National to lift 5th Club and this was quickly followed up by potting 3rd Club, 21st Fed out of Fontenay with his Bourges winner, with these two performances by the 4yo winning the channel bird of the year with 10pts, a fantastic achievement for Tony and his birds which was well deserved. Next stop is the young birds where Banno kicked off by chalking up 2nd Club, 35th Fed Selby (2), then the lad had a couple of babies on the clock at Worksop (2) to win 1st and 6th Club. After being out of the frame at Melton Mowbray Tony potted the yellow at Peterborough, then he returned to the winner’s enclosure a week later when the birds were at Rivenhall when his red card winning youngster went onto score a notable 12th Fed when there were 2,140 birds competing. How can you not like this man? How can you not laugh at his dancing around? A man who will raise a laugh wherever he goes and a man with a heart of gold, a must for every Club.  

Banno receiving the channle bird of the year photo from Jackie Wynn scorer of 9pts.

The newformed partnership of Jackie Bowden & Terry Treloar who took over the loft of the late Ron Bowden & Slater were the winners of 1 x 1st, 2 x 2nd, 1 x 6th and 17pts. It’s never easy to come straight off the street and make an impact from the off but Jackie & Treloar did well for themselfs, with the duo taken 6th Club out of Fontenay with their timer going onto net 40th Fed. Jackie & Terry were in the clock again at Lillers (2) where this time they chalked up a useful 2nd Club, 47th Fed, not a bad effort from birds they had looked after while the late Ron was ill and took over the reigns after his passing. Jackie the daughter of Ron and Terry were just out of the points at young bird Rivenhall after timing two birds to pocket 7th and 8th Club. But things took a turn for the better at the Maidstone National when a couple of birds were timed to win a very impressive 1st and 2nd Club, 3rd and 15th Fed when there were 1,657 birds competing. Jackie & Terry’s pole position winner went on to win a well-earned 62nd UNC and their blue card scorer netted a useful 132nd Combine from a convoy of 15,874 birds.

Jackie Bowden (Bowden & Treloar) & Son receiving the young bird Maidstone National cup from Bob.

Eion Richardson enjoyed winning 2 x 1st, 1 x 4th and 15pts; the lad hit the winners’ enclosure from day one after timing a couple of birds to win 1st and 4th Club, 7th and 31st Fed Selby from a convoy of 2,213 birds. Eion recorded his second win of the season at Rivenhall (2) when his chart-topper went onto score a notable 13th Fed when there were 1,905 birds competing. Eion has being in the Pigeon racing game for many years with him enjoying much success in that time, I know him better for his consistent channel racing performances in the 1980s. I was chatting to Eion and his wife Margaret who was in partnership with Eion when they were churning some top channel performances, in the middle of the season when they informed me this was Eion’s last season in the sport. It’s always sad when someone leaves the spot and more so when it’s one of the old school.  

Bob presenting the old bird Selby trophy to Eion Richardson and his apprentice.

“This time next year” Tank Commander Des Williams was the scorer of 2 x 3rd, 2 x 4th netting 14pts, with the lad timing a 3yo in at the Maidstone National to lift 4th Club, 41st Fed. Des gave his all with the young birds with him starting off by potting the yellow at Selby (2) and following that up a week later by netting 3rd Club, 37th Fed. The lads third young bird chalk was achieved at the Maidstone National when he chalked up a useful 3rd Club, 18th Fed. Des suffered a major set back a few seasons ago when his loft was set fire too, it was a very diffecult decision for Des to carry on with the birds but the lad did start to rebuild his team. Des received a lot of help from his Clubmates in which he was very greatful for, it’s good to Des back enjoying his racing.

Des Williams scorer of 2x 3rd and 2 x 4th Clubs.

The husband and wife partnership of Andrew & Jackie Wynn potted 2 x 3rd, 1 x 6th and 9pts, with the duo’s first green card being chalked up at Rivenhall (1) where a useful 12th Fed was taken and then they took 3rd Club again at Melton Mowbray. Andrew & Jackie potted 6th Club from the young bird Maidstone National, not the best of seasons from the partnership after a torred time but they have changed things around in the hope of returning to better times.

Tommy Welford & Son who have flown a notable channel bird in the past notched up 1x 2nd, 1 x 5th, 1 x 6th and 8pts, with their best position being scored at Fontenary when 2nd Club, 18th Fed was taken and this was followd up by pocketing 6th Club Lillers (2). Moving on to the young birds where tommy notched up 5th Club, 37th Fed Selby (3).

Pat Welford wife of Tommy the scorer of 2nd, 5th and 6th Club.

Roach, Bennison & Crame headed by Terry “Benno” & Daniel Bennison were the winners of 1 x 1st, 1 x 5th and 8pts, with Benno & Daniel’s winning performance coming at MeltonMowbray (2) when their chart-topper went onto score a most impressive 2nd Fed. The duo’s other chalk was achieved at young bird Selby (2), Benno & Daniel have done a lot better than this in the past and will be hoping to get back on track in 2012.

Daniel Bennison of Roach, Bennison & Crame winners of 1st Club old bird MeltonMowbray (2).

Alan Beverley notched up 4pts with them being netted at Lillers (2) by a 3yo that chalked up 3rd Club. Alan feels he should be doing a lot better but he knows more than anyone that, it’s no good crying over spilt milk.

Alan Beverly the potter of 3rd Club Lillers (2).

The loft of Col Robinson was the scorer of 3pts with them being achieved at the Folkestone National where 4th Club, 16th Fed was chalked up. Col has flown pigeons for a long time and Im almost certain that he has flown solo for the majority of that time, but this season he has gone into partnership with Banno.

Col Robinson netting 4th Club, 16th Fed Folkestone National.

Hayden got in on the act by receiving £240.00 for B & K Simpson winning 1st & 2nd in the supper night race. Once again I wish to thank the members for inviting us long for what was yet another great night; Carole also sends her thanks for her gift.

Hayden receiving the £240.00 supper night race prize money.

Before I sign off I received two phone calls from a couple of very concerned fanciers about the photo of Hayden that appeared in the Eaglescliffe presentation evening report, as Hayden had red eye I edited the photo which resulted in him having a glare in his right eye. Both fanciers believed there was something wrong with Hayden’s eye, with both of them saying they did not want to worry me but they had heared of people reconising cancer in the eyes of kids from photos they had seen. So to put my mind at rest I made an appointent for Hayden to have his eyes tested, after a 40 minute test I was told that Hayden had healthy eyes, which was very welcoming news. I would like to thank the two fanciers who phoned me and showing their concern about the lad, it’s very pleasing to know that there are fanciers out there that do care of others welfare. Thank you once again. I have just heard that George Berry of Liverton Mines fame is going to be racing again this season, his son is now in partnership with him. George flew for 70 years before deciding to leave the sport due to him being more badly on his legs due to his old war wound but with his son now helping out at the loft George is racing again. I did a report on George a couple of years ago and I have to say it was the most enjoyable report I have ever done, listerning to George talk about his school days, going through to his army years and onto the present day was very intresting. Welcome back George, I wish you all the best mate.

Any news to Good Corn at 6 Boulby Drive Loftus Saltburn Cleveland TS13 4JN. Tel; 01287 643624 or Email; goodcorn@btinternet.com.