PRESS RELEASE
BTS 25 6 November 2017
THREE ON THE TROT
It’s not often that any fancier can claim to have won the same major race in a Federation for three years on the trot but when it does happen then all possible praise should be heaped on that fancier in order to recognise that achievement even more praise should be forthcoming when the race in question is a Breeder/Buyer race and therefore there is a partnership involved.
Yes, it’s the SMDF Breeder/Buyer race I am referring to and the fact that the all-conquering partnership is that of Liam Claughan, as the breeder and Anthony “Winkie” Whieldon, as the buyer/racer who have now completed the hat-trick by winning the 2017 season race. Such an achievement has, as far as I am aware, never been accomplished before in our Federation and I suspect not in many other Federations either.
To say “Well Done” to Liam and Winkie seems rather inadequate but, gentlemen, the whole of the membership are in awe of what you have done and are looking forward to locking horns with you in the 2018 event surely you can’t do it again for a fourth year running!
The last time I sat down at my computer to pen a new article the subject matter was dictated by the fact that we had just held a Management Committee meeting and therefore the content of my writing was designed to keep you all totally up to date with what was going on, in what is laughingly called the closed season. This time I am going to try and keep the content a little more varied and perhaps of more general interest so off we go.
I am sure that most of you, particularly those in the more Southern parts of our Federation, will know that Roy Jones, our Life Vice President and co-founder of the Federation, has not been enjoying the best of health during the last 18 months or so and therefore I thought you might like to see just how much better he now is, by including a recent photograph of Roy performing a civic duty on September 20 in his home town of Blythe Brldge. Roy was invited to release a pigeon as part of a tribute to a World War 1 soldier, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry, at the unveiling of a memorial in his honour. Roy was in good company as well, being joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and the leader of the Staffordshire Moorlands & District Council. I’m not sure whether the pigeon has now been named “Tesco Express” (see photo), but it is good to see Roy looking so well.
Roy releasing ‘Tesco Express’
The rings for the 2018 season Gold Ring Spectacular have now been ordered from the RPRA and will be available for distribution soon after December 1 and orders are coming in thick and fast, so if you want to get yours in good time, before putting them on your champions, give Jeff Roberts a ring fast (Tel:01782 777930) and order them because once the initial order of 600 rings have gone that will be it no more will be ordered!
The arrangements for the 2017 Season Prize Presentation, Show and Auction of 2018 Young Birds are now all in place and the Bonanza, including a FREE buffet will take place at the Kidsgrove Working Men’s Club on Saturday 2 December starting at 1.00pm (penning for Show birds at 12 noon) and, as previously announced, that “star of stage, screen and radio” Gerry Clements will be coming along to present the Prizes and no doubt give us a few pearls of wisdom from his repertoire, so get the breakfast over nice and early and come along for a good afternoon out, that isn’t just all about pigeons!
A list of all members who have won trophies is now available to view on the Federation website (www.moorlandsfedpigeons.co.uk) below this article, so if you’ve won one please try and come along and collect it.
Liam and Winkie receiving their just deserts in 2016
The final reminder is about the Federation AGM which we have had to rearrange because the original date we chose and announced to the wide wide world, clashed with another event, the Blackpool Show. So the organisers of that event asked us to change our date so that they could ensure a good attendance at the seaside venue. We were happy to oblige and so our AGM will now be on Sunday 28 January 2018, again at the Kidsgrove Working Men’s Club, kicking off at 2.00pm. Propositions for amendments to existing Federation Rules or the inclusion of new Rules must be in the hands of the Federation Secretary by 31 December 2017 at the latest.
Whilst talking about Rule changes, one Rule has been causing some confusion amongst members for some time now, and that is the one about the Federation Boundaries & Clubs within them. I have no doubt that when the Federation was originally formed there were very good reasons why there was an East, a West and a North boundary but times have changed and I have been asked on several occasions recently, why can’t we just divide the Federation into two Sections, South and North? On the surface this would seem to be sensible but I would like to hear your opinions and maybe a Proposition could be put in to that effect for the AGM. Why not discuss it at your Club and let me know what YOU think.
That’s just about all for now as I’ve got to go and chase solicitors about moving house!
See you soon
Brian T Smith Press - Officer SMDF