THE HOUSE OF COMMONS - PDSA

PIGEON FANCY DINNER

by Gareth Watkins

A cheque being presented to members of the Mercian Regiment

This annual function, sponsored this year by the PDSA and Merlin Entertainment, took place at the House of Commons in Westminster on Saturday 8th November and was attended by many dignitaries and others prominent in the fields of entertainment, the military and sport, including ex-England football captain and pigeon fancier Gerry Francis, along with Gloria Hunniford and husband Stephen Way.

The evening began with pre-dinner drinks in the terrace room followed by a short speech by Derek Partridge on behalf of the Sport of Racing Pigeons in which Derek outlined the background history of the event and mentioned that this year's dinner coincided with the 100th anniversary of the start of World War 1 and also the 70th anniversary of the D Day landings in the Second World War. Derek also pointed out that of the 65 Dickin Medals presented to date, 32 had been won by racing pigeons in recognition of their outstanding service in times of conflict.

This year also saw the 10th anniversary of the unveiling of the Animals in War Monument and Derek was pleased to announce that the monument's sculptor, David Backhouse was also present.

Derek then introduced Jan McLoughlin the Director General of the PDSA. Jan gave a short speech which included an introduction to a short video which highlighted the Dickin Medal winners and the work carried out in the present day by the PDSA.

Following the sumptuous four-course dinner a number of cheques were presented and these included a cheque for £1000 generously gifted by Stephen Way to the winners of the BICC Poitiers race. This was accepted by Gerry Francis on behalf of the winners Gareth and Stuart Treharne of Nantyglo in Wales, who unfortunately, were unable to attend in person as they were in the USA at the time of the dinner.

A number of other cheques were presented and these included cheques for The Caron Keating Foundation, The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, CRY and The Mercian Regiment. A grand total of £11,000 was presented to these worthy causes with a further £1,500 raised on the night via an envelope raffle and auction.

Among the other guests present at the dinner were representatives of the Mercian Regiment, the much admired and respected Gurkhas and of course Mike and Lyndsey Armitage, Gerry and Julie Francis, along with Lady Stratford, Lyn Brown MP, Kate Adie, David Backhouse and the Royal Loft Manager Peter Farrow plus representatives of the PDSA.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening enjoyed by everyone present with all proceeds donated to a number of very worthy causes.

All involved, especially Derek Partridge, the organiser of the dinner, can be proud of their efforts, which I'm sure will be appreciated by those recipients concerned in the various charities. 

Gloria Hunniford, Kate Adie and Mike Armitage.

Stephen Way and Gloria Hunniford

A happy group at the dinner including members of the Gurkha and Mercian regiments

Gloria and Mike along with event organiser Derek Partridge

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Elimar - January 2015