National Flying Club

John Archer, Arthur Gough & Roy Gough.

A few weeks ago I mentioned senior members of the sport with the point being who is the most senior existing member of the National Flying Club. I am of course referring to fanciers who have been with the club for the most consecutive years. A name that came up was Arthur Gough of Leigh who used to race at Lymm. This is what he had to say.

'I started racing pigeons in 1939 and joined Lymm Flying Club in that year. In those days we raced 12 pairs on the natural system and bred 20 youngsters. As the successes came I decided to join the National Flying Club in 1950 along with my friend the late Jack Wrigley, the first two members from Lymm Flying Club to do so.

Arthur Gough (centre).

'Minor success was achieved, however the breakthrough came in 1957 with 3rd section 12th open from Nantes, followed by Julie, winner of 1st section 25th open Nantes and 1st section 23rd open Pau. This great hen won the Queen's Coronation Trophy. Statham Pride 2nd section Pau to Lancashire Rose, 1st open Pau for J. O. Warren and Son. Ashley 2nd section 27th open Pau.  Richie 1st section 12th open Guernsey YB. Chesham Supreme 1st section by 6 hours, 19th open Pau - a fantastic performance.

Arthur with Brian Newson.

'These were very memorable and happy times in this great club. In the first years we sent the birds by rail from Warrington to be marked at Oxford the night before the race.  Once we obtained a decent car we travelled down to Oxford by road, no motorways then, down the A34 to be greeted by the secretary Bob Artringham, one of the best was Bob. The Annual Dinner was held at the impressive Randolph Hotel in Oxford, at this time it brought me into contact with some great members such as Ron Mitcheson, Ray Safe, Phil Love, Harold Hamphlett and Albert Bennett, the Nantes and Pau winner with Hermes. Albert's Northern Dancer is still the finest pigeon I have ever handled or seen. In my own section, members like Jack Roberts, George Stubbs, Dennis Gleave, Colin Brough, Bob Mayo, Roy Mundy, Brian Stansfield, Brian Newsome and fellow Lymm Flying Club member and winner of 1st open Pau, Eric Naylor became good friends. They were all great pigeon men and above all gentlemen. All due to being a member of the National Flying Club.

Arthur with Colin Brough and Jack Mulligan.

'It always gives me great pleasure to see Section L members doing well, in 2006 once again many great performances were achieved and especially by Gordon Rigg, winning 1st open from Sennen Cove and winning our trophy for best performance in Section L. Congratulations to everyone. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bill Ishmael, an old friend, for his splendid letter in the B.H.W. urging everyone to support President Fred, Roy Stretton, Paul Naum and their great committee. Recently I had the pleasure of meeting Nobby Henley, life vice president for 20 years, and a great friend of Jack Roberts. Nobby is a tireless worker for our club, well done Nobby. It is now 2007 and time to look forward to a full programme. I sincerely wish everyone well for the season!'

Arthur & Roy with Albert Bennet.

Arthur & Roy judging at Blackpool.

Arthur & Roy with Ray Safe.

We now continue with coverage of the very generous sponsors with the National FC who are very much appreciated and for those who have not yet sent information on themselves please do so.

A new name to many is that of Graham Sparkes who started life in the town of Beverly on the east side of Yorkshire. At the age of 15yrs his father had given him a few racing pigeons which is what developed the initial passion for the sport that would return to him decades later. Graham started his first company “Atlas Caravans” that manufactured holiday homes for parks across Europe. After 11yrs of superb success Graham decided to sell the company and try his hand at building from scratch a holiday home leisure park.

Graham Sparkes.

The leisure park known as “Patrington Haven Leisure Park” has been open for 22yrs and has won many awards including Yorkshires best leisure park three times, Yorkshire in bloom and many other wards. Graham ahs always been a keen country sportsman, he enjoys game shooting, horses and in general the countryside. Another favourite of Graham’s is the equestrian centre that his son Guy has developed in Patrington.

Graham in the office.

Graham's lofts.

The equestrian centre has been reported as being one of the best in Yorkshire. With the leisure park, the horses, the pigeons and some other fantastic attractions Graham has helped to turn the village of Patrington into a real countryside retreat. “Premier Pigeons” started at the leisure park completely by chance when a new holiday homeowner joined the park Mr Geoff Lazenby whom is a friend and pigeon fancier from over 40yrs ago. In the beginning a small Petron loft was constructed and a few racing pigeons were raced with amazing success. The passion for pigeon racing and breeding was truly reborn. The future for pigeons at Patrington is bright with the passion of Graham and his winning team of Brian Bolton, David and Les this really is something to keep an eye on in the future.

Report by Les Parkinson

1/6/07