EAST DOWN COMBINE

Reports by Clifford Browne

NOT LONG NOW TO THE FIRST RACE OF 2014

The first race of the season is now just weeks away and most lofts are preparing their birds in readiness for the off. The weather has proved very changeable and many lofts are reporting problems with hawk attacks as birds take to the skies after being closed up for the winter. This is becoming an ever increasing problem at this time of the year, especially with hen sparrowhawks as they prepares to go to nest. Clubs have now held their pre-season meetings and can I remind everyone to check the closing dates for joining specialist clubs etc.

The East Down Combine committee have appointed Roy Irwin of Dundonald as Race Controller for the coming season and we wish Roy all the very best with what is arguably one of the most difficult tasks in the pigeon sport in the UK with its diverse and quickly changing weather patterns.

A few weeks back Sid Collins sent me some photos of some of the top birds of McCartan & Woodsides and also D & R Topping and this week I have another batch from Sid’s camera of six top birds from the lofts of Gordon Bros & Sons. Who will forget their outstanding performances in the 2013 Young Bird season when they had 5 open winners from 5 consecutive inland races and a sixth bird win the EDC YB of the year?

Finally this is a good opportunity to remind all club press officers that all they have to do in order promote their club and their members is to forward on their information to me.

---