Pete Wightman of Stretton 1935-2024
WIGHTMAN, PETE: Also known as “Pigeon” and “Pop”, it is with great sadness and a very heavy heart that I inform the fancy of the passing of my dad, Pete, on Friday August 9th 2024 in Queens Hospital Burton, aged 89.
Pete was husband to the late Peggy, father to Pete, John and Cheryl, Step Dad to Sandra and Stuart, father in Law to Linda, Grandad to Craig & Faye, and Mark, and Great Grandad to Olivia.
I knew one day I’d have the difficult job of writing the obituary notice for my loving Dad.
My dad was born at Bass Cottages in Burton on June 11th 1935, son to Eughen and Florence, and the youngest of 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
My dad had been involved in this wonderful hobby for more than 70 years, he started out like me and many more did, helping his dad down the loft. His dad was a very successful fancier, my good friend Barry Odom told me on numerous occasions how he, his mates, and others, used to stand on the railway bridge near the Bass Cottages at Shobnall watching and waiting for Eughen to get a channel bird back, they used to say if Eughen Wightman hadn’t got one, it’s doubtful anybody would have one back in Burton?
My dad took their birds on the back of his scooter for a pre season training toss in April 1959, when he got back their was an ambulance outside the house. His dad had died whilst sitting in his chair listening to the Grand National on the radio, I never knew my Grandad, as I wasn’t born until May 1959.
Dad was one of the founder members of his beloved Stretton Flying club in the mid 1960’s; and also enjoyed racing at the Burton North End Club.
My dad carried on racing at his mum’s cottage until 1968, then he and his much loved wife Peggy purchased a house in Sydney Street Burton, he set up a new loft and flew there until he called it a day in 2019 due to mobility issues.
My dad was renowned for keeping his loft spotless and his birds in immaculate condition. Mum used to say to him “I’m sure you wait down that loft for the birds to poop, so you can scrape out”.
Dad also enjoyed showing his birds in the winter months, he even entered at the Blackpool show one year, and he also loved judging at shows, all over the midlands.
Dad was a very successful fancier, winning from every race point, ranging from Worcester 49 miles to Angouleme 501 miles, winning hundreds of first prizes at club level and many 1st federation prizes too, flying in the old Derby Burton fed and more recently in the Burton & South Derbyshire fed.
Dad used to love flying his birds from the channel, he would often be seen taking his Angouleme candidates for a training toss on the back of his scooter to Lichfield at 9 O’clock at night.
Then, one day he was talking to his good friends, Ron Green (of Breakaway fame) and Stan Walker of Bloxwich, they told him the way forward was widowhood, and from that day my dad was converted to sprint racing.
His favourite racing was from the coast flying into a headwind, he never did like blow homes much (only if he won). He would have told you, the best birds he had were the Delmotte Jurions and Sions for the channel, the all round VandenBroukes, and Soontjen and Vandenabeeles for inland racing. He would often say, I’ve never had a bad bird from the Rugeley lofts of Ken and Cath Lycett. Dad’s favourite pigeon in recent years was “George” a 2010 Vandenabeele x Soontjen that won 9 x 1st club and 2 x 1st fed. His last race was the final old bird inland race of the 2017 season, on basketing Dad said “Just make sure you come home George”, I said “if you want, leave him at home”. Dad said “No, he was born to race”. On race day we sat down the garden discussing what time to expect the birds, Dad said we’re alright for another 10 minutes yet; when 2 cocks arrived, and trapped like bullets. I went down to check the ETS, and to see what had arrived. Yes, you’ve guessed it; “George” was first in the clock. When I told my dad it was “George” he started crying, then went down the loft and gave “George” a kiss.
That sums up my Dad, not only a pigeon racer; but a pigeon lover too.
In my eyes; the best pigeon fancier I have known; and I’ve met plenty of great fanciers.
By the way “George” won the club that day; we were 1st & 2nd club, and 9th & 11th fed.
God Bless Dad, and Rest in peace, Mum will be waiting for you.
Your loving Son,
The Maltster