MIDLANDS NATIONAL FLYING CLUB
MIKE LAKIN
ANCENIS - JULY 2013
‘Countrywide Corns’ Ancenis Another National win for Mick
The reception received for the MNFC’s inaugural race from Ancenis was very warm in two ways. First of all in the wonderful way the convoyers and the drivers were received by the locals who reside in this beautiful location situated in the Loire Valley. Included in the reception, I’m told by Ian French our chief convoyer, was the Mayor of Ancenis and both local radio and TV crews. To mark the occasion Ian presented the main dignitaries with gifts including Midlands National ties in gratitude of the way that they worked with the Club to get this ‘precious’ new liberation site. It took a fair bit of planning but our thanks to all who played a part in obtaining a very suitable release point.
The welcoming party at Ancenis
The second warm reception was afforded by the weather with wall to wall sun and a very light North Easterly wind. Ian in fact got the birds away early at 5.50am into a no wind situation, this having an impacting effect on the heat as there was next to no breeze to cool the pigeons on their flight back home. For a few days the Committee had been looking with concern at the hot weather forecasted for the race. In truth there was very little that could be done other than provide plenty of liquid refreshment and get them away early. Both of these actions were taken with no fewer than 5 water stops on the journey down to the racepoint. I think that it is fair to say that Ian, his team and our small fleet of Geraldy transporters did everything to ensure that the birds got A1 attention whilst in their care. This was borne out by the comments made regarding the excellent condition of the early arrivals.
Ian French feeding the birds with the corn supplied by our sponsors 'Countrywide Feeds'
On to the race now and the forecast was for sunshine all the way with any mist pockets burning away in the course of the morning sunshine. Unfortunately the mist on the west side of the Cherbourg peninsula coastline failed to clear which forced the birds onto the eastern side of the peninsula which resulted in the birds crossing more centrally on the English coast, which of course tended to favour the lofts located on the more central and eastern side of the country. These are the hard facts of National pigeon racing. It is the weather that often dictates where the winners will be located.
The transporters ready for 'lift off'
I suppose that the above statement over simplifies the issue because in an organisation such as the MNFC where the competition is so keen, to stand the slightest chance of success a fancier and his birds must be prepared and ready. This was certainly the case with our latest national winner Mick Betts of Scawsby, which is situated on the western outskirts of Doncaster, which everyone knows is a veritable ‘hotbed’ for pigeon racing. Mick’s first bird is a two year old blue hen flown on the widowhood system and she was literally ‘in the pink’ of condition with transparent breast skin and superb muscle tone. This it was explained was due to one thing hardwork. The Betts pigeons, especially the fairer sex, get plenty of it. The motto at Mick’s is if they are healthy they race. This is why not only the race winner but the entire team coped so well with the heat on the day because they were so fit. I was told that by the end of the day 17 of the 20 sent to the race were back in the loft. Exceptional flying. Looking at the arrival times on all of the MNFC races I must say I haven’t seen better team performances than Mick’s and the first two races didn’t suit his location.
Let’s look a little closer at the race winner herself because she was in truth a clear winner recording a velocity of 1374. I was told that she is a previous performer in both club and national levels and is a crossing of what I suppose is one of the loft’s base families from F & J Vandenaheede. Mick has been a friend of the brothers for a long time and has had their pigeons for many years now. The hen is bred from a grandson of the Vandenheede’s ‘Francis’. This was paired to a bird originating from Jespers-Van der Wegen who are flying on the middle distance superbly in Holland at the moment. I feel that I must explain that I believe that Mick Betts is one of the best ‘talent spotters’ in the pigeon game. He is always watching out for the rising stars and goes there before the price of the fancier’s pigeons goes through the roof as his fame increases. This has served Mick with great dividends because this was his third National win in the 12 years that he has been a member of the Midlands National. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and intend to use the information gathered from our conversations at a later date.
Micky Betts with the race winner
On now to another name that is well known in pigeon circles and this is Womersley’s Nigel Laycock. Nigel has been enjoying a golden or should that read silver season with the MNFC because he has now been 2nd North section in all three of our races. Wonderful flying. Nigel though has finally struck gold because his 2nd Open national winner is winner of 1st MNFC National for yearling and will receive the beautiful crystal decanter jointly sponsored by the RP and Belgica De Weerdt. Nigel has always been a very ambitious fancier who has never been frightened to put his hand in his pocket to obtain what he feels are the best bloodlines and he has reaped a rich reward not only for himself but a lot of other fanciers who have got hold of his birds. Looking at the breeding of latest star will explain things very clearly. The sire of this hen is a Eric Limbourg ‘Slimmen’ line pigeon which is a son of Nigel’s 1st Northern Classic winner from Messac a distance of 404 miles and his mother is winner of 1st North section Tours in 2011 which is a 442 miles race. She is predominantly bred down from Nigel’s Soontjen family. This family he has cultivated for many years with fantastic success for not only himself but a few other household names. On the dam’s side she is a crossing of another ‘Slimmen’ cock once again with a De Rauw Sablon hen. The observant reader will notice that Nigel likes to keep his base pigeons on the sire’s side. I feel it is a principle well worth following. Once again this was another memorable visit because believe me Nigel Laycock has some impressive pigeons on his loft which I will cover in the future. The big question is will Nigel maintain the fine run of form into the final old bird races because it is a big ask but he certainly has 'the right tackle'.
Nigel Laycock with the 2nd Open and 1st yearling race winner
Right behind Nigel is the South West loft of a legendary partnership of Rugeley’s Leadbeater and Sons. It couldn’t have been any closer with their yearling chequer w/f cock recording 1350.42 a mere .01 of a yard behind the 2nd Open winner. Originally the partners were provisionally 2nd open which highlights the wisdom of my refusal to cover races too deeply until the result is finalised. The2nd and 3rd placings were turned around due to the Lebbies’ ETS having a 2 second slow variation. The Leadbeaters’ yearling bird was well fancied and as well as 1st SW section wins in excess of a thousand pounds which includes the Massarella sponsored £500 nom. I did notice that in fact that the leading 5 pigeons won in excess of 3 ½ grand in prizes and pools. Not bad rewards eh?
4th Open and 3rd N section was filled by S Gill and Son of Castleford who clocked a 2 year old chequer cock on 1339.4. I had a nice chat with one of the partners Andy who told me that the official team is a four pronged attack with dad Sidney and sons Andy and Kev with their ‘secret weapon’ silent partner Mick Stones. The bird is what Andy describes as a ‘Heinz 57’ with a ‘bit of everything in it’. The birds are flown on the popular roundabout system and this particular cock has been quite consistent with a few minor ‘touches’ and scored from Le Mans as a yearling proving he was up to the 400 miles plus races. Nice one lads and I hope I didn’t cause you to burn your tea Andy.
The next pigeon is in my opinion is a cracker flying up into the Scarborough loft of Mr & Mrs Pete Chapman. Once again a two year old cock this time a blue does the damage. The bird is a Jos Thone x John Harwood Pobor pigeon and in the last race he was 18th East section for Pete and his wife. The Chapmans are very knowledgeable fanciers as highlighted by this latest fine result and the heavy pooling which has brought nearly a grand for the ‘Chapman piggy bank’! I always enjoy a chat with Pete and find him a very ingenious fancier. Mum’s the word Peter!
Pete Chapman
In 4th N section and 6th Open position is the very successful loft of Dave & John Hawkins & Evans. It was explained to me that the bird a gay pied hen is a result of a Myrtle Loft cock coupled to a Jack Walker hen and that she contains the lines of TC, Amber Loise, Bouncer and Super Girl 413 in her pedigree. As can be seen from her photo, ‘Diamond White’ has a very impressive racing record with many more performances to come I’m sure.
D & J Hawkins' good hen
7th Open on 1318 goes back down into the South West section where Steve Palin clocked his good 3 year old blue cock I say good because this mainly Luc Geerinckx based bird which is bred I’m told off direct stock that Steve bought from Luc in 2003-04 crossed with a little Marcel Aelbrecht blood on his father’s side. He now has several excellent passed results to his credit including 2nd Fed Kingsdown, 8th Fed Newton Abbott and a host of placings in the Midlands National obviously the type of bird that you must expect to come up with the goods.
Steve Palin
8th Open and 3rd SW section is filled by Dave Aldred from Hednesford who also clocked a 3 year old widower cock on 1311. Dave tells me that this Peter Van der Merwe Janssen was bred by his brother Brian and in 2012 this cock was 3rd section J in the NFC. Obviously a good present from your brother Dave. All my brothers ever give me is a pain in the neck!
Dave Aldred's 3rd SW section winner
Rounding up the South West section we have another ‘topper’ raced by Farlow fanciers R. Stokes and Sons. I say ‘topper’ because this Busschaert based cock has serious previous which includes performances like 5th Open Tours and 14th Open Vire in 2012 both with the MNFC, though I am informed that the bird has other top 100 positions in both the MNFC and NFC. This fine chequer cock which is a grandson of the loft’s best breeder himself a fed topper who has shown his all round ability with 1st fed from Wincanton with the Shropshire Fed.
Dave & Ian Stokes
It’s back up to the North East now where we find the father and son team of Pete & Chris Lee who had a really good day with not only 1st North East section but the greedy beggars also claimed 3rd section as well! The lads did the damage with two homebred 2 year old hens which are sampling the channel for the first time this year. Their first bird a van Loon Staf Van Reet was also 31st section from Fougeres a few weeks earlier. The second timer is a Van Reet. It looks like they are finding the MNFC to their liking lads!
Pete & Chris Lee - 1st NE section
Squeezed in between the Lee pigeons are the Nottingham team of Betts Topham and Son. Unfortunately my spy failed to make contact with the partners for more info other than it is once again a 2 year old chequer hen which wins 11th Open with a velocity of 1304. In 4th spot in the NE is Cuckney’s ‘Mr Bolsover Travel’ himself Derek Wilson recording 1295. In the past Derek’s company have supplied us with some wonderful cruise holidays. So if it’s a nice holiday that you are looking for he’s the man. I am told that the bird is a Staf Van Reet from stock obtained from Dave Allen who is a friend of Derek’s. The bird is a double grandson of one of the loft’s best racer/breeders Concorde’. This 3 year old pied cock has scored previously and was going back across the channel after enduring a 5 day holdover from Falaise. Obviously it did him no great harm.
Laying claim to 1st South Centre section and 10th Open is a committee man in the form of John ‘Giblet’ Gilbert. I always get pleasure from seeing one of the Club’s workers gaining success. The bird in question being a yearling blue hen which records a velocity of 1304. I am told that the bird is now named Ava after his granddaughter. She is a Vandenabeele and was 8th section in the previous MNFC race showing her intent. Both her parents have won federation prizes with the Warwickshire Fed. She is raced on the natural system and fed on Gem corn. John asked me to thank his wife Diane for her help (and putting up with him) and the convoyers Ian and co for the excellent condition of the birds.
John Gilbert
In 2nd SC section just 2 yards behind is Bill Marbrow of Whitwick. Farmer Bill is enjoying a good season with the MNFC. It is a yearling Chequer w/f cock keeping the Marbrow flag flying. In 3rd section is the partnership of Evans & Woods who make it three yearlings in a row in the South Centre section. This one is off Bob Fenech’s Cooreman based pigeons and is a chequer pied cock. I hear that it the pigeon’s third channel race and up to date he has won minor prizes in his club. Pat Frisby of Hinckley takes 4th SC placing with yet another yearling this time a roundabout pied hen which is bred from stock acquired from Ian Cameron who also features highly in the East section result. The bird has had every race so far with the MNFC in 2013. My spy tells me that Pat’s birds exercise twice daily but have not had a single training toss since the first race of the season. With fuel prices as high as at the present time it is obviously a big bonus.
The 2nd East section winning bird belongs to S, M & A Cook who sound like a firm of solicitors. The bird responsible for this result is a three year old Staf Van Reet and was only having its fourth race of the season following a hawk attack earlier in the year obviously the pigeon has made a full recovery to record a speed of 1272. In 3rd East section is the man that I was just writing about Ian Cameron of Broadholme his yearling chequer cock clocks 1268. The bird bred by G, W & P macaloney of Coatbridge and he is a grandson of their super Vandenabeele breeding pair ‘Young Bandit’ and ‘Shady Lady’. This cock was also 3rd section in the last race and over all he has beaten over 12,000 other pigeons. He looks like one to watch out for. Humberston’s Smith & Smith take 4th East section with a bird called ‘Woodlea Pocket Rocket’ due to his small stature but it hasn’t prevented him from winning prizes in previous MNFC and Lincs Specialist Club races. He is a 3 year old dark bred from Clive Yates Wildemeersch stock, which are flying well for the Smiths. The previous week the loft was 1st 2nd 4th 5th and 6th from Bourges when only six day birds were recorded.
Tim Smith
Around the sections now and where better to begin than the South East section where we see a Cattrysse bred five year old cock not only win the section but prove to be a massive tonic to the father and the senior partner Ron of the R & S Gubbins team. Ron’s granddaughter Katie tells me that grandpa has been unwell lately and has only recently come out of hospital. This great result has left Ron with a huge smile. How great is that? The bird which recorded 1235 is bred from stock supplied by the late Joe Me Enna who the partners say was a true gentleman. The bird was nearly put to stock last year to maintain the Cattrysse blood so it was lucky that he remained in the race team. Tell you what folks he will look much nicer now sitting in the stock loft with a 1st Section MNFC win to his name.
The 1st SE section winners Ron & Steve Gubbins with Katie their press officer
2nd SE section is won by Graham Caple who is just a decimal behind the section winner. The bird being a three year old Vandenabeele hen, the sire acquired from Skinningrove fanciers Ian & Liz Purver. While the dam being from M & D Evans and she was sent sitting a 4 day old baby. The bird is now called ‘Patience’ because she was missing for 6 months lost as a baby but she returned the following spring in a poor state but her owner persevered and she was rested as a yearling then slowly returned to the race team as a two year old. This season she was sent to four races then this was her first cross channel race. Truly patience rewarded.
Graham Caple's hen 'Patience'
In 3rd section we see Lee Andy Smith whose bird is bred from stock off Matt Rakes being of Steven Van Breeman origins the bird clocked a velocity of 1220. Lee has been a stalwart of the MNFC for many years now and sends his congratulations to Steve and Ron Gubbins who are good friends of Lee’s. Nice one mate.
Lee Smith with his 3rd section winner
In 4th section we see Mr & Mrs Taylor who clocked a Steve Sutton of Rawcliffe Bridge Pouw Bros x Van Loon for a velocity of 1219. I’m told that the bird also flew well from fougeres so maybe they have a champion on their hands!
Let’s go West now to the loft of a wizard! The wizard in question being Derrick Jones who was dubbed as the ‘Woodfield Wizard’ many years ago. This adds another section win to Derrick’s exceptional record. Derrick was very candid when he described his 2 year old bird as consistent but nothing special but take a look at his pedigree and it’s quality all the way. His sire winning umpteen MNFC prizes while his father in turn is Derrick’s legendary Vandenabeele based ‘Niort Cock’. The bird’s mother is a cross being a Heesters Brothers hen which is mother already to no less than 5 x1st prize winners. I won’t be in the least surprised if we hear more of this young cock in the future especially when the going gets tough.
Derrick Jones - 1st West section again
2nd West section is filled by J & B Oakley of Whitchurch on 1225. Their bird is a two year old ‘roundabout’ hen once again which won the Market Drayton 2 bird race from Messac just 12 days previously showing that she was clearly ‘on bob’. Her breeding is surprise, surprise . from one Derrick Jones this time from his Wildemeersch colony. John wished me to pass on his thanks to the MNFC convoying team for the excellent condition of their birds especially on such a hot day. Thanks John but you played your part by getting her in excellent shape.
J & B Oakley's 2nd W section bird
In 3rd slot are Bateman Brothers and Son of Birkenhead. They clocked a good one a 2 year old blue cock to record 1215. 4th place goes to another Welsh loft this time Lloyd & Bagnall who timed a 3 year old Dark Cock of Busschaert and Flor Engels bloodlines. Like the Jones bird the lads tell me that their bird had been consistent but nothing special until he won 14th Fed from Fougeres when the loft also won 1st and 9th placings. I feel that this highlights that many good channel performers lie dormant until the going gets tough.
Lloyd & Bagnall's 4th W section winner
North North West now and victorious here is the Todmorden loft of D Cullinane and Son who were delighted to both win and see their hen home so fresh on a really testing day. Her breeding is a cross from a Vandenabeele (once again) off Ralph Thirkell and a hen acquired from Jeff Ingham. The lads are really ‘buzzing’ having only been in the sport for a short time and the lads say that they are already looking forward to the young bird season with the MNFC. ‘Bring it on’ is their war cry.
Ryan Cullinane with the 1st NNW section winner
2nd section is a name that is becoming very familiar which is Mr & Mrs Brian Fisher. I am told that the Fishers are delighted with their yearling cock as it was his first race from France after suffering a ‘knock’ earlier in the year. Could be another Champ there folks.
Mr & Mrs Brian Fisher who are enjoying a good season
3rd section is taken by Mr & Mrs Sarre of Thornton Cleveleys. Their bird is another yearling a pied cock which was also handily placed in the recent Caretan race. The bird is crossing of Kiln Lofts ‘Warrior’ lines with a hen from Dave Impett’s famed long distance ‘Gold mine’/Bruggeman birds. The partners tell me that after success in the shorter races the long distance races are beckoning and they are building a loft to face up to the challenge. More power to your elbows folks. Remember the harder the task the bigger the prize.
Mr & Mrs Sarre
In 4th section is Bowerham’s Stephen Foxcroft whose bird claims his prize after an arduous 466 mile fly. Well Done.
Sliding down a little to the North West and we see the ‘Wonder boys’ themselves the partnership of Anthony & Simon Hughes. These lads are quite simply flying amazingly. The only surprise on this occasion is the fact that their bird is a cock this time. He is a 2 year old guess what?.... Vandenabeele which was one of three which dropped together from the NFC Messac race to win 5th 6th and 7th section a couple of weeks previously. He was well fancied by the lads and is now their third section winner in the MNFC in as many years. The cock’s sister the previous season won 4th section 17th Open from Vire and 1st in the clubs Elite race. Yet another sister was 2nd section and 5th Open Vire last season. The loft has won countless other prizes and awards with their tight knit Vandenabeele/Janssen family.
NW section winners Anthony & Simon Hughes having a celebratory drink
In 2nd and 3rd NW section we see the legend that is Mr & Mrs Geoff Kirkland. Geoff is ‘on the mend’ after a short stay in hospital and results like this one will boost his recovery no doubt and the never boastful Geoff said ‘’we had quite a good race really with 5 birds in the top 12 section places’’. Oh yes ‘quite good Geoff!!’ The couple’s first two birds were both bred from their Willy Thas ‘Snake’ lines.
Geoff Kirkland with his 2nd & 3rd NW section winners and his travelling 'head lad' Alan
4th section goes to the nearby loft of the Fowler Family these guys are never far away especially when the going gets tough and they also had a good team race. The family have been 5 times NW section average winner over the past 7 years and on the other two occasions runners up. Absolutely brilliant lads. Their first bird is a three year old Jim Biss based bird. He is a direct son off the Fowlers 1st section 7th Open NFC Pau winner. The photo accompanying this report shows the ‘new generation’ James (Harry) Fowler holding the Pau Cock.
Anthony & Harry Fowler
Next on the NW list are A & S Rushton who clocked a great hen which will now be retired after lifting £800 plus in prizemoney on her last flight. She is from stock bought from Hulse & Son a few years ago and this Engels x Lambrecht hen has twice flown Saintes (500 miles +) on the day winning 9th and 11th North Staffs fed which isn’t one of your ‘micky mouse’ feds. The partners tell me she has won loads of prizes from all distances. ‘’The best bird we have ever owned’’ was father Steve’s comment.
Ant & Steve Rushton with their good hen
After another marathon report I end the latest race in the East South East which sees Willy Beckett claim the winner’s trophy and also 2nd & 4th spots the greedy beggar. The first bird is a Van Loon off Alec Neilson of Lincoln and has a 2nd fed and 6th fed already to her credit she was sitting 10 day old eggs. His 2nd placed bird is a Beckett Gevaert which has won several places already she was sent sitting 14 days. Nice one William.
Willy Beckett
3rd section is Terry Roughton who like Willy comes from Wisbech. Terry’s bird is another hen this time a 2 year old blue and is of the ‘De Vos’ strain which Terry bought a few years ago. She is a converted North road pigeon and was raced on the roundabout system once again. Fed on Gerry plus with the last few days put on a widowhood mix.
Terry Roughton
Steve Surrey is the next ESE member Steve clocked a Van Bruane off Willy Beckett (him again) x Jan Aarden from the House of Aarden stud. Steve has been in the game for some time starting as a lad with his dad. He uses a widowhood mixture and adds depurative as a break down feed.
Steve Surrey
Vire & Bordeaux birdage figures
The Club’s secretary Ann Covington tells me that the birdages for the two races this weekend are as follows: Vire 4300+ & Bordeaux 1330. These figures once again highlight the popularity of the Midlands National’s ‘Double Header’ races. The club is delighted and it rounds off a very successful year for the club emphasising the Club’s standing.
Rest In Peace George. It is with great sadness that I must report on the death of one of the Midlands greatest ever fanciers, George Litherland. George passed away on Saturday the 20th July. He will always be remembered as a wonderful icon of the sport not just in his native North Staffordshire but all over the country. Our deepest condolences are extended to his wife Brenda and his family.
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