Lanarkshire Social Circle - Presentation Night

The definition of to "socialise "is to spend time when not working with friends or with people in order to enjoy yourself.  This definitely describes the Lanarkshire Social Circle.

Sometimes you have to go with the right appetite for a good night.

The top table had assembled a great panel for plenty of banter.

President Ronnie Reid and  Vice President Jim Cullen were at their devastating best with plenty of  banter and stories about our guests Gareth Rankin and Frank Welsh.These guys are past members of the club and are well aware of the need for a crash helmet when sitting at the top table at this night .But they loved every minute of it.

Our guests Gareth Rankin and Frank Welsh (R)

The atmosphere was set and the members and friends enjoyed a great night of food and entertainment,the end of night comedian John McKelvie must of thought he was being up staged as he didn't get on till 11am.

On this evidence I dont think we will need a turn for next year,I think we will just enjoy the banter of the top table and the hall.

Big Gareth and Frank were brilliant with their  accolades about our two National winners in 2017 This being GWP Macaloney and John Alston(Unfortunately John couldn't attend due to illness).Both guests have great friendships with both these fanciers and have great knowledge of what makes them all time greats in the sport and I personally thought they done an outstanding job.And the icing on the cake was Gareth bred GWP Macaloneys National winner and Frank provided John Alston with the dam of his winner(A pigeon that John had previously bred Frank).

Andy Eadie of Eadie & Kelly had a fine season,winning the inland average and this was recognised .Andy couldn't attend due to illness.

President Dave McCaig presented the specials.

Well Jim Cullen had big Tam Richardson in his sights and the story he had for big Tam had everyone in stitches.The big man loved every minute of it and gave as good as he got and enjoyed coming  up for his award,

Frank Welsh the professional to the end had researched some of the history of the club and had provided a copy of an article from 1933 about the club

Motherwell Times September 29th 1933

The Social Circle Club have now finished the 1933 programme in great fashion.No fewer than 21 members birds were clocked in the Rennes race in good time.For the fourth year in succession the club have won the honour of club champions of Scotland.A record for a club only formed four years ago.The McLaughlin championship cup which also carries a miniature silver and £5 was won by Thomson Bros of Wishaw.The handsome Morgan Memorial Trophy presented by Mr Tom Morgan was won by Mr George D Chambers a prominent Motherwell fancier.The Old Bird Average cup gifted by Mr McInnes of  Darvel was won by Thomson Bros ,Wishaw .The Tennant Rose Bowl presented by Mr Douglas Tennant .Ratho for the hardest race during the season was won by Messrs Heffernan Bros of Glenburn,Carfin,who also won Mr Tom Loudons (The Fruiterer Clyde St) splendid special for first bird home in the Rennes race 545 miles .Mr Ted Bradshaw of Manchester   beautiful special was won by Thomson Bros .Five handsome specials were gifted by Dr Wm Anderson Armadale .

Thomson Bros won three and Brown Bros Symington winning the other two.

The presentation will take place shortly and Scotland's leading fanciers will attend this function ,now considered the leading social event of the year.

There result of the Lanarkshire Social Circle  for Rennes 1933 flown in conjunction with SNFC   30th June was Heffernan Bros of Carfin vel 764 ,C D Chambers  of Motherwellvel756 ,George Stewart of Larkhall vel 700 ,Shearer Bros of Strathaven vel 691 ,Thomson Bros of Wishaw vel 672 George Stewart  of Larkhall vel 668 ,Jim Lewis of Holytown vel 668 William Boreland of Lesmahagow vel 625 ,Archie Miller of Overtown vel 616

Heffernan Bros win Mr Tom Loudons special prize.Thomson Bros win Old Bird Average and Combine Average Cups.

This was a night to remembered by those for many a year.

Special award for Billy Billsland ,who has been a loyal friend of the social circle and was presented with a framed artists drawing of him with his bicycle(Which Billy was a professional ) with the number eight .This symbolises the eight Nationals he has won to date.Thanks Billy for your friendship and sponsorship over the years,

Billy Billsland receives his special award

Trophies presented

1 GWP Macaloney winner of highest points .Ypres and  Best pigeon

Gareth Rankin presents Wullie Macaloney

2 Jim Cullen winner of club Blue Ribbon race

Gareth Rankin presents Jim Cullen

3 Tam Richardson wins the young bird average

Jim Cullen presents Tam Richardson

4 Eadie & Kelly win the inland average

5  J & I Alston wins the longest race

The Gold Cup unfortunately wasn't won this year

The committee would like to thank Gareth and Frank for attending and also members and friends who made it a great night.

Well done to club secretary Dave McCaig for organising a great night.