AROUND THE UP NORTH COMBINE
by Keith Simpson
Up North Combine Presentation Evening 2010
Mr & Mrs P Crosby, the winners of 1st UNC Bourges.
The Mighty Up North Combine held their 2010 prize presentation evening at the ‘Lancastrian Suite’ Federation Brewery, Gateshead on Saturday 23rd October, once again there was a very big turnout for the Combine’s big night. The UNC president Fred McCluskey took to the floor to welcome everyone to the Combine’s prize presentation evening; Fred then gave an account of the racing season. Chief guests for the evening were Mr & Mrs George Hilson and Mr & Mrs Derek Towers the previous long serving UNC secretary. George took to the floor to present the first set of silverware, in his speech he did say how much an honour it was to present the prizes especially the Gold Medals. The very hard working UNC Secretary Pam Grange then took centre stage to get the presentation underway, I have to say that Pam has done a fantastic job in her time as secretary. It’s not always easy to please everyone but the lass gets on with her job, a job that only the love for the job or madness keeps them going. Pam was brought up with Pigeons through her Father Derek and his Father Bill before him, years and years of dedicated service to the UNC and yes we know it’s a paying job but not all jobs are worth the hassle and heartache at times. Pam always provides a first class speech and her knowledge of the winning fanciers is incredible, nothing seems to slip past her.
First up to the prize table was the Great Ayton loft of Myers Bros who were the winners of 1st UNC Folkestone (1) National with “Roseberry Queen” from a convoy of 20,270 birds and 3rd NEHU Classic out of 28,134 birds with the race being flown on Monday 10th May and the birds liberated in a East wind. The Brothers received the ‘R. Rowntree Memorial Trophy’ the ‘Hilton Thomas Trophy’, a Combine Gold Medal and £213.31 prize money for 1st Section 5. These lads have not being in the sport very long but they know how to make an impact with a Gold Medal in their trophy cabinet.
Myers Bros the winners of 1st UNC Folkestone (2) National with George Hilson.
Clubmates Stephen Moore & Richie Stephenson were the winners of 2nd UNC and 5th NEHU Classic with “Dotty”, with Stephen taking to the floor to receive the duo’s Silver Medal. Stephen took Richie the previous winner of 1st UNC Bourges in 1997 out of 2,980 birds when flying as Stephenson & Son, on board in the hope of bettering his performances and here they have a Silver Medal to their name.
Mr & Mrs Steven Wheatley, Family & Williams of Middlesbrough were the third Teesside Federation members up to the prize table, with the up and coming partnership getting to their feet to receive a Combine Bronze Medal for their 3rd UNC and 7th NEHU Classic performance with “Jean Anne”. Make no mistake this young partnership is swiftly making a name for themselves; this loft will go from strength to strength as they have a lot to offer. The Steven Wheatley & Family partnership topped the Fed from old bird Huntingdon (2) last season with his new partner helping out at the loft, the loft also had 6 birds in the first 54 from last seasons Eastbourne Yearling National race, which was a fantastic achievement in itself. Steven is the Son of Steve Wheatley who flies in the partnership of Cole & Wheatley in the Beechwood & Easterside Club, Wynn & Steve have enjoyed some fantastic times together including 1st UNC Andrezel in 2008 with “Ivy” from a convoy of 4,687 birds. The 2 lads were also 4th Combine and 8th NEHU Classic with “Evie” from the Folkestone (1) National this season, Steve’s Father Stan who was there at the presentation made his name in show Pigeons and learnt Steve & Steven the tricks of the trade by taking the show scene by storm over the years and they are also reaping their rewards in the race basket now. It was really great to have a chat with Stan who I met 30 years ago when we were both working for I.C.I. on the Wilton site. I have probably said before that Stan is one of the nicest men you can ever wish to meet, a true Gentleman who I have a lot of respect for. Morpeth & Scott of Dunston were the winners of the ‘Ian McDonald Memorial Trophy’ and £25.00 prize money for the best two bird performance for winning 12th and 20th UNC, the Gateshead partnership were also the winners of £100.70 for 1st Section 2. The loft topped the Fed 3 times in 2009 winning from old bird Melton Mowbray (1), Rivenhall (2) and Melton Mowbray (3). The Bensham loft of Quinn, Son, Smith & Noble who are also part of the Gateshead Federation were the winners of 57th UNC and 1st North Of England Championship Club winning the ‘J. Rollo Memorial Trophy’ and £269.53 in pools and prizes. The Quinn Son & Smith partnership won 1st UNC Clermont in 2002 from a convoy of 11,657 with a pole position winning vel of 1506. The very same partnership won the UNC channel average in 1987 and 1988 which takes some doing against the very best of the UNC. There was a total of £1,406.04 up for grabs in the NECC Folkestone (1) race, where 3 birds are entered by each of its Club members where there has been some very good money flown for over the years. Wild Bros of Horden E.E., South East Durham Fed were the winners of 1st Section 6 and 5th UNC winning £99.51 for topping their Section. Keith & Kenny Homer & Dave Williams of Grangetown, North Yorks Fed the previous winners of 1st UNC Lillers (1) in 2008 with “Flo” out of an entry 17,066 birds were 1st Section 7 and 6th UNC pocketing £179.44. These three lads have enjoyed another fantastic season: they are there at the top year after year producing a number of top loft performances. Robinson, Son, Johnson & Moon of Plains Farm, Sunderland Premier Fed won 1st Section 4 and 8th UNC receiving £177.73 Section prize money. E. Stanley of Penshaw, Houghton Fed was the winner of 1st Section 3 and 14th UNC netting £105.83. With the loft of the late Norman Stark & Son Norman of Walker, Tynemouth North Fed being the winners of 1st Section 1 and 24th UNC banking £173.47 for topping the Section. I had the pleasure of knowing the late Norman as he had visited our loft over the past couple of years, a true Gentleman who was very well liked wherever he went. I got talking to young Norman as I arrived at the payout; he said he had seen my article where I wrote about reporting on the first 3 Section winners of each Section next season. His thoughts were very positive and was hoping he could help me get it off the ground, like Norman said; I will need the support of everyone involved to make it a success. We agreed the hardest thing will be getting the info together, I’m going to give it a go in 2011 in the hope of it being successful and then I will go on from there. I would like to see the support of others long before racing gets underway, that way I’ll know where I stand.
The Harkers Lillers National was flown on Saturday 22nd May when the convoy of 18,368 birds were liberated in an East wind, with there being a total of £1,701.72 to fly for in the NECC. Ian Stafford of Skinningrove, East Cleveland Federation the previous winner of 2nd UNC young bird Maidstone National in 2009 winning the ‘Mr & Mrs Crooks Chronicle Cup’ the ‘Harkers Hormoform Trophy’ and £250.00 prize money, the ‘Captain George Wright Trophy’ and £25.00 for the first yearling. Ian in his first full season in his new Club was also the winner of the ‘Yearling Derby Trophy’ and £113.50 prize money, a Combine Gold Medal and £150.00 for winning Section 7. Mr & Mrs John & Shelagh Groom of Stranton, Hartlepool Fed were the winners of 1st Section 6 lifting £115.00 and 2nd UNC with “Sam” winning the ‘Joe Hunter Memorial Trophy’ and £25.00 for the best two bird performance and a Combine Silver Medal. John & Shelagh topped the fed twice in 2009 from the back-to-back old bird Rivenhall (1) and the Folkestone (1) National when 24th UNC was chalked up out of an entry of 25,466 birds. The loft of D & P Lawrie & Ransome of Dormanstown, North Yorks Fed were the winners of 3rd UNC and a Combine Bronze Medal, they had a Fed win in 2009 with that being won at old bird Huntingdon (1). The Whiteleas, South Shields partnership of Moore & Cleghorn the previous winners of 1st UNC old bird Maidstone in 2007 from a convoy of 15,188 birds were the winners of 7th UNC and 1st NECC winning the ‘Amiens Trophy’ and £464.07 in pools and prizes. Jaffray Bros of Ormesby Progressive, Teesside Fed were the winners of 1st Section 5 pocketing £225.00 and 4th UNC. The winners of Section 4 and £164.00 was the Sportsmans Arms, Sunderland Premier Fed loft of Kevin Armstrong & Paul Shergold who have flown a very good channel bird in the past. Section 1 and 12th UNC was won by B Taylor & J Sweet of Hirst Northern, Wansbeck Fed with the duo winning £179.00 for topping their Section, the lads won 1st Fed and 33rd UNC from this race in 2009 out of an entry of 18,088 birds. The loft of Dyson & Nichols of Washington Celtic, Houghton Fed were the winners of 1st Section netting £95.00 and 15th UNC. These lads had four Fed wins in 2009 with them topping the charts at old bird Selby (1), Lillers (1) when 12th UNC was scored, Fed win number 3 was achieved at the Folkestone (2) National when 3rd UNC was won from a convoy of 19,392 birds. The lads started the 2009 racing season winning 1st Fed and they ended it on the final race of the year by winning 1st Fed young bird Selby (3). Scott, Son & Hardy of Springwell, Gateshead Fed were the winners of 1st Section 2 picking up £122.00 and 16th UNC.
Ian Stafford receiving silverware for 1st UNC Lillers (1).
The Clermont race was flown on Saturday 5th July when 9,095 birds were liberated in a light variable wind, with there being a NECC total prize money of £1,673.25 in the pot. For the second time in three races the Teesside Fed won top Combine honours when the Ormesby Progressive partnership of Donnelly, Son & Hudson’s “Lindsay’s Delight” won 1st Section 5 receiving £233.44 and 1st UNC, the overjoyed lads were also the winners of the ‘Northcliffe Trophy’, the ‘Heron Memorial Trophy’, the ‘Stranton Silver Pigeon’ and a Combine Gold Medal. The partnership were also the winners of the ‘Queens Cup’, with the boys proudly having the record of being the only Teesside Fed members to win the ‘Queens Cup’, an absolutely fantastic achievement. Stuart Watson & Son and not forgetting Stu’s loft helping Wife Claire of South Bank, North Yorks who have enjoyed a great season being top loft in their Club were the winners of 1st Section 7 banking £150.20 and 2nd UNC winning a Combine Silver Medal and also winning 2nd ‘Queens Cup’. Gibbon, Son & Kirkbride of Westside 6 Bird Club, Sunderland Premier Fed were the winners of 3rd and 22nd UNC, winners of the ‘Danish Cup of Friendship’ for the best two bird performance, 1st Section 4 lifting £160.58 and a Combine Bronze Medal. This loft have flown a very good channel Pigeon for a great number of years, when flying in the South Hylton Club as Gibbon & Haswell they won the UNC channel average in 1978 and they won it again in 1984, 1998 and 2000 when flying in the partnership of Gibbon, Son & Kirkbride. The partnership had 2 Fed wins in 2009 topping the charts in the South Hylton Club from the Folkestone (2) National when 32nd UNC was potted, they topped the Fed for the second time a week later in the Westside 6 Bird Club from the Eastbourne Yearling National where this time 7th UNC was taken. The Gray Brothers of Bensham who won 1st and 2nd Fed, 70th and 74th UNC Folkestone (1) National in 2009 were the winners of 11th UNC and 1st NECC winning the ‘Gofton Cup’ and £446.82 in pools and prizes. Mr & Mrs Bailey & Son of Penshaw were the winners of 1st Section 3 grabbing £73.45 and 4th UNC. The loft of Lauderdale, Son & Miller of Horden E.E. were the winners of 1st Section 6 and 5th UNC, lifting £116.70. This loft has withstood the test of time, a very big name in the UNC for many, many years, when flying as Wood, Miller & Lauderdale they won 1st UNC Beauvais (1) in 1971 when there were 8,906 birds competing, and they also won the UNC channel average that year. The Miller Bros & Lauderdale partnership won 1st UNC Bourges in 1981 from a convoy of 7,181 birds. The loft of A & M Wharton & Porter of British Legion, Newcastle West Fed were the winners of 1st Section 2 with the lads lifting £116.03 in Section prize money and 9th UNC. The boys were the winners of 1st Fed old bird Selby in 2009 when there were 1,663 birds competing. W Common & J Patterson of Hirst Industrial, Wansbeck Fed were the winners of 1st Section 1 pocketing £199.60 and 24th UNC. The loft enjoyed 2 young bird Fed wins in 2009 with their first win coming at Sandhutton (2) out of 1,362 birds, and then Fed win number two was achieved at Rivenhall when there were 835 birds competing.
George Hilson presenting silverware to Donnelly, Son & Hudson the 1st UNC Clermont winners.
After a 2 day holdover the Bourges convoy of 1,988 birds were liberated on Sunday 20th June at 0530hrs in a Northeast wind, competing for a UNC total prize money of £2,100.00 and a total of £1,121.77 in NECC pools and prizes. Within an hour of liberation the birds hit a weather front of low cloud which also consisted of a strong North wind. The birds that were flying between 540 and 600 miles could have well done without this very poor start to their long journey home. After a long hard day on the wing from the longest race of the UNC programme there was no birds timed home on the day, you have to feel for the birds that have given their all to make it home by nightfall. I’m not a channel flyer but I admire and respect the long distance flyers, where some of the birds have been schooled for 2 – 3 years for this race, one early setback in a fanciers programme sets them back those 2 – 3 years. As there were no birds timed in the Combine on the day, it would be wrong to say that they failed to home on the day. Good and I mean good experienced birds don’t fail, the strong winds, often fog or rain might get the better of them on the day but by hell the strong hearted birds will bed-down and rest for the night and be on their way at first light. There was reports of the first arrivals the next morning and it was later confirmed that the loft of Mr & Mrs Paul & Karen Crosby of Bedlington, Northumberland Premier Fed were the winners of 1st UNC winning the ‘Brian Long Friendship Trophy’ , the ‘Hindhaugh Cup’ the ‘Le Puy Cup’ the ‘J W Towers Memorial Trophy’ and a Combine Gold Medal. The Husband & Wife Partnership were also the winners of 1st Section 1 winning £500.00 prize money. What a fantastic performance from the 3yo cock who was timed at 7.42am after flying the distance of 586 miles, the Gold Medal winner ‘Crosby’s Dream’ has certainly earned his rights in the record books. Paul is well known in the Northumberland and Wansbeck Premier Federation for as he drives the transporter for the UNC he picks up their birds on race marking night. Because of this job he has to rely on his good lady Wife Karen to see to the birds on a race day and on this result alone the lass is doing a brilliant job. The new formed partnership of the late Ronnie “Simply Te Best” Evans, Son Ronnie, Partner & Dixon of High Southwick, Sunderland & District Fed were the winners of 2nd UNC winning the ‘McSween & Sexton Lanarkshire Social Circle Cup of Friendship’ and £25.00 for the best two bird performance from Clermont and Bourges. The 1st Section 2 winners were also the winners of a Combine Silver Medal and £500.00 prize money, the Silver Medal winning ‘Ronnie’ who flew the distance of 569 miles scored 132nd UNC Andrezel in 2009 out of 3,849 birds from a distance of 473 birds. What can I say about this loft that’s not being said before time and time again? The late Ronnie and his Son Ronnie have come close on topping the Combine a few times over the years, and everyone is waiting for the day when 1st UNC is won and it will come. The loft won 11 x 1st Feds in 2009 with their Clermont Fed winner going onto score 14th UNC, another three early birds were timed to chalk up 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Fed, 18th, 29th and 31st Combine from a convoy of 11,505 birds. The partnerships Bourges Fed winner netted 28th UNC and their 2nd Club and 2nd Fed scorer potted 37th Combine, the loft win from any distance on any wind direction. 3rd UNC was won by A Durham & Son of Alnmouth, Coquetdale Fed who received the new trophy, the ‘Dr R Iley Memorial Trophy’ for the best opposite sex. The Bronze Medal winning hen who covered the 607 miles home also won 2nd Section 1 and £200.00 prize money. This has to be said that once again this is a brilliant performance from over 600 miles, credit where credit’s due the UNC boasts a host of the top class fanciers and Pigeons from the distance races.
A Durham & Son the winners of the ‘R Iley Memorial Trophy’ from Bourges.
The loft of Mrs Teresa Marshall & Son Terry of Seaton Sluice, Tynemouth North Fed were the winners of 4th UNC winning the NECC and £340.06 in pools and prizes, the Mother & Son partnership who won 2nd UNC Bourges in 2009 received the ‘Nevers Cup’ and the ‘Tot Brison Memorial Trophy’. This loft has won a lot of respect over the years going back to the late Ayton Marshall days; Ayton churned out a great number of top performances including 1st UNC Orleans in 1959. Teresa and Terry have done her late Husband proud with their first class performances over the years at Club, Fed, Section and UNC level. I’ll just note their 2009 Lillers (2) performance where they won an outstanding 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Club, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 11th, 12th, 15th and 18th Fed, 44th, 46th, 60th, 100th, 108th, 121st and 140th UNC. This is another loft that I believe will win 1st UNC in the very near future, an achievement they thoroughly deserve. D & P Lawrie & Ransome were the winners of 5th UNC and 1st Section 3 banking £500.00 in prize money, this loft is certainly making a name for themselves. Powton & Armstrong of Belle Vue, Hartlepool Fed who won 1st Fed and 57th UNC Clermont out of 11,505 birds and 1st Fed young bird Selby (2) in 2009 were the winners of 6th UNC with them netting £200.00 for 2nd Section 3. While the loft of Embleton Bros of Croft, Hetton Fed were the winners of 7th and 35th UNC winning the ‘Vodaphone Trophy’ and £25.00 prize money for the best two bird performance. Hughie Jackson & Son Colin of Dubmire, Houghton Fed were the winners of 20th UNC, with the duo lifting £200.00 for 2nd Section 2. Hughie & Colin have proved a class act over the years with them being the previous winners of 1st UNC Lillers (2) in 1997 from a convoy of 18,615 birds when flying in the Fencehouses Club, the 2 lads also won the UNC channel average in 1997. The Father & Son Partnership topped the Combine for a second time from Lillers (2) flying in the Dubmire in 2003 with a 1st UNC winning vel of 2035 when there were 17,538 birds competing. Hughie & Colin won their third UNC Gold Medal in 2004 when their 1st UNC Le Ferte Bernard winner saw off the entry of 5,427 birds. Numerous Club and Federation wins have come from this partnership; an out and out performing loft that has won at all levels. The Bourges Section prize money is split into 3 Sections, instead of flying for the normal 7 Sections. It’s really good to see the first 2 Section winners receiving some excellent prize money, especially after flying all those miles. I’ll give the other Federations winners a quick mention, Wansbeck – B Taylor & J Sweet. Gateshead – T Gray & Son. Newcastle West – J Davidson. Mid Tyne – W & L Curry. North East Counties – G Godfrey. Sunderland Premier – Brown & Stubbs. South Shields – Mr & Mrs Davison 1st UNC Bourges in 2000 out of 2,541 birds. Trimdon – Frost & Son 1st UNC Lillers (1) in 1977 when there were 17,195 birds competing. Shotton – Darby, Son & G/Son. Tees Valley – Moore Bros 1st UNC old bird Folkestone National in 1990 from a convoy of 25,191 birds. Teesside – Cole & Wheatley. East Cleveland - Bowden Bros & Weldon of Skelton Green.
Moving onto the Folkestone (2) National race that was flown on Saturday 26th June when the convoy of 17,366 birds were liberated in a Southeast wind; there was a total of £1,505.40 in pools and prizes up for grabs in the NECC. Brian Atkinson & Keith Perkins of Billingham TU were the third Teesside Fed loft to win 1st UNC in 2010 with “Ollie”; the two lads who have flown a very notable Pigeon in their time together were the winners of the ‘Classic Trophy’, a Combine Gold Medal and £241.28 for 1st Section 5. Brian & Keith had a couple of old bird Fed wins in 2009 with their first coming at Melton Mowbray (1) out of 2,548 birds and their second Fed win last season came at Rivenhall (2) when there were 1,549 birds competing. Keith is the previous winner of 1st UNC old bird Folkestone National in 1991 from a convoy of 22,375 birds when in the partnership of Ali McLeod & Keith Perkins. Basley & Roberts of Horden E.E. the previous winners of 1st UNC Melun in 1981 from a convoy of 10,920 birds, 1st UNC Bourges in 2007 with “Something Special” out of 3,137 birds and 1st UNC Lillers (1) in 2009 when there were 18,088 birds competing were the winners of 2nd UNC with ‘Keith Girl’. The duo received a Combine Silver Medal, the ‘G.W.T. Brison Trophy’ and £194.78 in pools and prizes for 1st NECC and £116.25 for 1st Section 6. Harris & Richardson also of Horden E.E. who were the winners of 1st UNC Eastbourne Yearling National in 2008 with “Victor” from a convoy of 5,886 birds and 2nd UNC Folkestone (2) National in 2009 were the winners of 3rd & 10th UNC with the partnership being the winners of the ‘B. P. Trophy’ for the best two bird performance and also receiving a Combine Bronze Medal. The Plains Farm partnership of Robinson, Son, Johnson & Moon were the winners of 6th UNC, with the lads receiving the ‘Maurice and Agnes Simpson Memorial Trophy’ for the best performance from the two inland Nationals. The Robinson & Son partnership won 1st Fed and 30th UNC Lillers (1) and then won 1st Fed and 2nd UNC Andrezel in 2009. Joe Barnes, Son & Grandson of Silksworth, North East Counties Fed were the winners of 1st Section 4 and 4th UNC pocketing £142, 82. The partnership had four Fed wins in 2009 from old bird Folkestone (1) National when 11th UNC was chalked up, they also topped the Fed charts from Bourges where 30th Combine was netted. Fed win number three of 2009 was notched up at Melton Mowbray (4) and their fourth Fed win was won at young bird Peterborough. E Stanley of Penshaw makes it two Folkestone Section 3 wins of the season by netting 11th UNC and 394.24 in prize money; almost forgot to mention the lad winning 1st and 2nd Club, 1st and 2nd Fed, 2nd and 9th UNC Eastbourne Yearling National in 2009 from a convoy of 3,750 birds. Alan Kelly of Whitley Bay, Tynemouth North Fed who is another fancier who has flown a very good Pigeon for some time was the winner of 1st Section 1 lifting £174.90 and 17th UNC. Alan won 1st Fed, 1st Section and 76th UNC young bird Maidstone National in 2009 from a convoy of 19,646 birds in a Northeast wind flying 270 miles, this was a brilliant performance on the day with the youngster deserving more than its 76th Combine. The Gray Bros of Bensham were the winners of 1st Section 2 and 18th UNC with them netting £118.12 in prize money. Steve Hobson & Son Jono of Redcar, North Yorks Fed were the winners of 1st Section 7 banking £162.39 and 75th UNC. Steve & Jono had a Fed win in 2009 with that being won at young bird Peterborough out of an entry of 2,049 birds.
Brian Atkinson of Atkinson & Perkins receiving the ‘Classic Trophy’ and a Combine Gold Medal.
The Eastbourne Yearling National was held on Saturday 3rd July when the convoy of 7,030 birds were up and away in a West wind, with there being a total of £5,583.04 to fly for in prize money and there was also another £1,121.77 on offer in the NECC. The loft of B Mason of the Washington Celtic Club who won 1st Fed and 24th UNC Bourges in 2009 was the winner of 1st UNC with “Jimmy W” with the lad receiving the ‘Mr & Mrs Brian Long Trophy’, the 1st UNC winner was also awarded a Combine Gold Medal and £633.36 for 1st Open and Section 3. G Coulson of Cornhill, Sunderland and District Fed was the winner of 2nd UNC winning a Combine Silver Medal and £606.01 for 2nd Open and 1st Section 4. The partnership of Lithgow, Teasdale & Son of Hetton were the winners of 3rd UNC receiving a Combine Bronze Medal and £783.41 prize money for 3rd Open, 1st Section 5 and 1st nom. Mr & Mrs Baxter of Haswell, Shotton & District Fed who won 1st Fed and 19th UNC Andrezel in 2009 from a convoy of 3,849 birds were the winners of 9th UNC and 1st NECC receiving the ‘J E Brown Memorial Trophy’ and £216.62 in pools and prizes. This partnership won 1st UNC old bird Folkestone (1) National in 2008 with “Wyncroft Girl” from a convoy of 31,088 birds. Other Federation winners are as follows, Northumberland Premier - M Murray 1st UNC Brooklands in 2006 out of 20,221 birds. Wansbeck – W Common & J Patterson. Coquetdale – Mr & Mrs Stewart. Border – George Hastie 5 x 1st Feds in 2009. Newcastle West – Little, Son & Southgate. Chester-Le-Street – Mr & Mrs Weldon, Son & Beadle. Mid Tyne – Walker & Davidson. South Shields – Mr & Mrs Mills, Hughes & Crabtree. Sunderland & District – Ronnie Evans, Son, Ptnr & Dixon. Trimdon & District – Dennis Blakey 2 x 1st UNC in 2009. Tees Valley – Hayes Bros. Hetton – B Archbold. Shotton & District – Cockcroft, Son & G/Son. Hartlepool – I & D Maddison. East Cleveland – Chris Harris of Liverton Mines.
Next stop is the Andrezel race, the second longest and the fourth channel race of the season also took place on Saturday 3rd July when the strings were cut in a West wind for the entry of 4,106 birds, there was £1,177.02 in pools and prizes to fly for in the NECC. Topping the 1st UNC charts was the Whiteleas loft of A Giles & Son with “Little Legs” who were the winners of the ‘Alderman Walker Cup’ the ‘Jack Tinkler Memorial Trophy’ the ‘Vetrepharm Trophy’, a Combine Gold Medal and £159.90 for 1st Section 4. The partnership had 2 old bird Fed wins in 2009 with them topping the charts at Rivenhall (2) and Melton Mowbray (3). 2nd UNC was won by Hulme & Larvin of Mount Pleasant, Gateshead Fed who were the winners of a Combine Silver Medal and £94.64 prize money for 1st Section 2. In 2009 the loft won 1st Club, 4th Fed and 35th UNC Folkestone (2) National. 1st Club, 3rd Fed and 36th UNC Eastbourne and then they won 1st Club, 2nd Fed and 4th UNC Andrezel, who can argue with performances like that? Norman Stark & Son Norman of Walker were the winners of 3rd UNC winning a Combine Bronze Medal and £240.84 for 1st Section 1, I’m pleased to say another top performance from young Norman, your Dad would have being proud of you. Ronnie Evans, Son Ronnie, Ptnr & Dixon were the winners of 9th and 12th UNC winning the ‘Lowcocks Trophy’ and £25.00 for the best two bird performance and the ‘F & I Watson Trophy’ and £25.00 for the highest velocity from the three longest races. The very hard to beat partnership were also the winners of the ‘W B (Billy) Napper Memorial Trophy’ and £25.00 for the best performance from the two longest races. The R Evans & Son partnership was the winners of the UNC channel average in 2009. S Freak of Horden H/S was the winner of 16th UNC and 1st NECC winning the ‘Melun Cup’ and £343.35 in pools and prizes. J Hart of Supporters, Hartlepool Fed was the winner of 1st Section 6 and 4th UNC winning £125.92, while W Bird & Sons of Ormesby Progressive the winners of 1st Fed old bird Melton Mowbray (2) and young bird Mansfield (2), Peterborough and 1st Fed and 23rd UNC Maidstone National in 2009 were the winners of 1st Section receiving £211.32 in prize money and 5th UNC. The loft of A Wheeler of Redcar was the winner of 1st Section 7 netting £143.26 and 6th UNC, while the late Gordon Braban & Son Gordon of Washington Celtic were the winners of 1st Section 3 pocketing £74.10 and 33rd UNC. The loft is the previous winners of 1st UNC Liege in 2001 out of 9,062 birds and 1st UNC Clermont (1) in 2005 from a convoy of 11,444 birds. The partnership are also the previous winners of the UNC channel average in 1982, 1992 and 2004, a fantastic performance by anyones standards.
The triumph A Giles & Son winners of 1st UNC Andrezel.
Lillers (2) the fifth and final channel race of 2010 was flown on Saturday 17th July when the convoy of 11,706 birds were liberated in a West wind, there was £1,238.50 to fly for in NECC pools and prizes. 1st UNC was won by Tony Trattles of Loftus, East Cleveland Fed with Tony’s winner being a blue cock named “Lecter”. Tony not always being in the best of health and a fancier for over 50 years took the centre stage with his good lady Wife to receive the ‘Fred Potts Memorial Trophy’, the ‘J W Towers Memorial Trophy’, a Combine Gold Medal and £152.00 prize money for 1st Section 7. It’s good to see the likes of Tony winning 1st UNC, the lad has being through a lot over the years but has battled on through it all and reached his goal. 2nd UNC for the second time in 2010 was won by the loft of Mr & Mr John & Shelagh Groom of Hartlepool, their blue cock “Tom” won them a Combine Silver Medal and £120.00 prize money for 1st Section 6. The Horden H/S loft of Graveson & Ptnrs were the winners of 3rd and 26th UNC with the lads winning the ‘L.N.R.C. Friendship Trophy’ and £25.00 prize money for the best two bird performance and a Combine Bronze Medal. I & D Maddison of Hartlepool Works the winners of 1st Fed Rivenhall (2) and Huntingdon (2) in 2009 were the winners of 8th UNC and 1st NECC receiving the ‘Birmingham Cup’ and £183.72 in pools and prizes. Mr & Mrs Mills, Hughes & Crabtree of Raglan & West Park, South Shields Fed were the winners of 1st Section 4 netting £152.00 and 5th UNC. While D Robinson & G/Son of Meadowell, Tynemouth North Fed the winners of 1st Fed young bird Selby (2) in 2009 out of 2,227 birds, were the winners of 1st Section 1 and 7th UNC netting £209.00. Brian Atkinson & Keith Perkins of Billingham were the winners of 1st Section 5 and 12th UNC, pocketing £232.00. Bensham’s Gray Bros were there again to win 1st Section 2 and 29th UNC to lift £106.00. The Penshaw partnership of Steve Wilson, Son & Dtr were the winners of 1st Section 3 and 37th UNC to lift £79.00 in Section prize money. The family topped the Fed three times in 2009 starting at old bird Selby (2) out of 2,088 birds and then Melton Mowbray (2) when there were 1,328 birds competing. Fed win number three of 2009 was achieved at the young bird Maidstone National when 87th UNC was chalked up. Other Fed winners from the Lillers (2) race were, Coquetdale – Spears & McCaig. North Yorks – Trevor Maltby of Redcar the winner of 1st Fed old bird Selby (2) and 1st Fed young bird Rivenhall in 2009. North East Counties – Chapman & Sons the winners of 1st Fed Rivenhall (2), Huntingdon (2), Melton Mowbray (3), young bird Mansfield (2) and 1st Fed, 38th UNC Maidstone National in 2009. Sunderland Premier – Summers Bros & Rose. Mid Tyne – Graham, Gilchrist & Brennan the previous winners of 1st UNC Clermont in 2003, 1st UNC Folkestone (1) National in 2005 and 1st UNC Eastbourne Yearling National in 2009. Sunderland & District – A Shepherd. Northumberland Premier – Shields & Haley 1st UNC young bird Maidstone National winners in 2008 from a convoy of 17,849 birds. Newcastle West – G Robson the winner of 1st Fed, 5th UNC Bourges and 1st Fed, 6th UNC Eastbourne in 2009. Trimdon – Anderson & Sons the winners of 1st Fed, 4th UNC Bourges and 1st Fed young bird Pontefract (2) and Pontefract (3) in 2009. Wansbeck – Barron & Son the 1st UNC Chenoise winners in 1999 from a convoy of 6,046 birds. Chester-Le-Street – B Nicholson. Hetton – W Race & Son the winners of 1st Fed young bird Pontefract (1) and Pontefract (2) in 2009. Shotton – Cockcroft, Son & G/Son the winners of 1st Fed Melton Mowbray (2), 1st Fed and 63rd UNC Folkestone (2) and 1st Fed young bird Mansfield (2) in 2009. Tees Valley – Best & Heslop.
Mr & Mrs Tony Trattles receiving the ‘Fred Potts Memorial Trophy’, the ‘J W Towers Memorial Trophy’ and a Combine God Medal for 1st Lillers (2) from Derek Towers.
The young bird Maidstone National took place on Sunday 12th September when the convoy of 17,162 birds were liberated in a Northwest wind, this time the cash to fly for in the NECC came to £1,365.23 which again was not to be sniffed at. 1st UNC was won by Keith & Matthew Arkless of Loftus, their pole position winning youngster “Arko’s Boy” won the Father & Son partnership the ‘Jocker Mills Memorial Trophy’, the ‘Young Bird Cup’ a Combine Gold Medal and £197.06 for 1st Section 7. The Arkless family became known when flying in Brotton H/S when Jimmy Arkless and his two Sons Stuart & Keith enjoyed much success in the 70s, a top loft that were very hard to beat. In 1970 Stuart won 1st UNC young bird Ashford from a convoy of 11,957 birds, the Arkless & Son partnership achieved the same in 1971 when their young bird Ashford Combine winner saw off an entry of 11,099 birds. Keith later moved to Loftus where he has been in a couple of partnerships but whoever he has flown with Matthew has been there and they have won their share of success.
Keith & Matthew Arkless receiving the ‘Jocker Mills Memorial Trophy, the ‘Young Bird Cup’ and a Combine Gold medal for 1st young bird Maidstone National.
In 2008 the loft enjoyed an outstanding young bird season where they won the Fed young bird average, but 2009 was not the best of times for Keith & Matthew but this season they have hit back and won the 1st UNC everyone is hoping for. B & K Simpson the previous winners of 1st UNC old bird Folkestone National (24,644 birds) in 1987, 1st UNC old bird Folkestone (2) National (22,360 birds) in 1999, 1st UNC old bird Ashford (2) National (23,041 birds) in 2003 and 1st UNC old bird Folkestone (2) National in 2004 from a convoy of 21,039 birds were the winners of 2nd UNC and a Combine Silver Medal with a youngster named ‘Hayden’. You can imagine the time it takes to go through the presentation, then you’ll understand how hard it can be to get your 3 year old Grandson to keep still and quite until it’s his turn to take to the floor to receive his prize. Yes I took Hayden along to receive his Silver Medal, something he had talked about and looked forward to for weeks. Pam Grange had arranged for Hayden to have his own little tuck box while everyone else enjoyed their meal, Pam also gave Hayden a mention in the build up to going up to the prize table. Once Hayden had heard his name he was biting at the bit to receive his Silver Medal, the lad run to the prize table with a number of the crowd applauding, cheering and whistling him and once he got to Pam and her Father Derek Towers he said ‘I’ve won a Silver Medal’. Claire Leighton followed up with her camera, the lass wasn’t going to let this opportunity pass by.
Jeff Leighton with Hayden proudly showing his young bird Maidstone National Silver Medal.
Ian Stafford was the winner of 3rd UNC from the young bird Maidstone National where he received a Combine Bronze Medal, while Mr & Mrs Ian & Liz Purver also of Skinningrove were the winners of 11th UNC winning the ‘Young Bird Cup’ for 1st NECC and £478.84 in pools and prizes. Gilchrist & Whiting of Wingate, Shotton & District Fed were the winners of 1st Section 5 lifting £208.56 and 45th UNC, while Harris & Richardson of Horden E.E. won 1st Section 6 and 59th UNC netting £92.82. R Evans, Son, Ptnr & Dixon won 1st Section 4 banking £196.33 and 60th UNC, with Walker & Davidson of Bolden, Mid Tyne Fed winning 1st Section and 76th UNC to pocket 76th UNC. K & K Lumsden of Hirst Northern were the winners of 1st Section 1 and £179.93, this game youngster chalked up a well-earned 138th UNC after flying 50 miles further than the shortest flyers in the Combine where it was all fly to reach home. The loft of D Lamb of British Legion was the winner of 1st Section 2 netting £101.08 and 150th UNC, this loft chalked up a couple of young bird Fed wins in 2009 with the first being achieved at Wetherby (1) out of 1,464 birds and the lads second pole position Fed win was scored at the Maidstone National when there were 564 birds competing.
Winners of the ‘Up North Combine Channel Average’ was the loft of R Evans, Son, Ptnr & Dixon, while Ian Stafford won the ‘Pigeon Sport Old Bird Average Trophy’ and the winners of the ‘Billy Napper Memorial Trophy’ for the NECC inland average was won by Forbes & Son of Horden E.E. Mrs Teresa Marshall & Son Terry were the winners of ‘NECC Channel Average Trophy’ and the ‘NECC Combined Average Trophy’. The ‘Bird Of The Year’ award has always been chosen by the same person, namely Mr Alan Robinson who now resides in Scotland and for the second year running he has been unable to pick a clear winner so once again it will be shared. Mrs Teresa Marshall & Son Terry’s 2yo blue cock “The Machine” was the scorer of 3rd Club, 13th Fed 619 birds, 24th Section 1,730 birds and 114th UNC Clermont where there were 9,095 birds competing and flying 428 miles. The blue cock then won 1st Club, 1st Fed 152 birds, 3rd Section 394 birds and 4th UNC Bourges out of an entry of 1,988 birds from the distance of 580 miles. The UNC jt bird of the year also won 1st, Club, 3rd Fed 365 birds, 5th Section 962 birds and 20th UNC Andrezel from a convoy of 4,106 birds and covering 483 miles. “The Machine” achieved these 3 outstanding performances in the space of 4 weeks; “The Machine” is certainly an athlete of the sky that’s for sure. John Soderlund & John Maddison of Raglan & West Park yearling blue cock was the winner of 1st Club 379 birds, 1st Fed 1,160 birds and 1st Section 6,170 birds Newark 133 miles, at Folkestone (1) National from 288 miles the cock netted 3rd Club 142 birds, 8th Fed 762 birds, 37th Section 3,431 birds and 224th UNC. Then 1st Club 167 birds, 2nd Fed 567 birds and 7th Section 3,306 birds was won at Rivenhall 232 miles, moving onto Huntingdon 189 miles the blue cock won 1st Club 133 birds, 2nd Fed 486 birds and 10th Section 2,969 birds. The Folkestone (2) National saw the cock win 1st Club 142 birds, 4th Fed 428 birds, 20th Section 2,362 birds and 89th UNC from a convoy of 17,366 birds. At Lillers from a distance of 345 miles the UNC jt bird of the year won 1st Club 110 birds, 3rd Fed 353 birds, 3rd Section 1,691 birds and 15th UNC from a convoy of 11,706 birds. The partnership is the previous winners of 1st UNC Lillers (2) in 2004 from a convoy of 19,958 birds when flying as Soderlund, Bradley & Maddison. Once again fantastic performances from 2 birds worthy of the UNC bird of the year title.
The ‘French Diplomas’ sponsored by top Pigeon photographer Peter Bennett was introduced in 2010 and awarded any bird achieving a minimum of 3 positions in the first 250 of the Combine at a distance of 440 miles or more including at least 1 in 2010. Each owner will receive a diploma showing a photograph of his bird. A 6yo mealy hen “Fencehouses Mealy” raced by Hughie Jackson & Son Colin scored 14th UNC Bourges in 2006 and 80th UNC Bourges in 2007, and then the hen netted 143rd UNC Bourges in 2009 and 20th UNC Bourges in 2010 from a distance of 565 miles. A 3yo cheq white hen “Dick’s Memory” the property of Richardson, Son & Young Bros of Seaham chalked up 19th UNC Andrezel in 2008 and then potted 217th UNC Andrezel in 2009, the hen also took 82nd UNC Bourges in 2010 from a distance of 562 miles. This partnership topped the Fed three times with the old bird last season with them winning pole position from Selby (1), Melton Mowbray (2) and Lillers (2) when 16th UNC was chalked up. George Belski of Redcar the owner of “Bella” a 4yo blue hen has 4 UNC positions from Bourges from a distance of 544 miles, with the game hen pocketing 82nd UNC in 2007, 164th UNC in 2008, 95th UNC in 2009 and 126th UNC in 2010. Gordon Peirson MBE & Sons Neil (Sack) & Jim of Skinningrove the winners of 1st Fed and 6th UNC Clermont in 2009 5yo blue hen has scored 3 birds from Bourges from a distance of 539 miles, with the hen lifting 184th UNC in 2007, 96th UNC in 2009 and 91st UNC in 2010. “Dorothy’s Delight” a 6yo blue hen the property of R Hodgson of Deptford, Sunderland Premier Fed netted 132nd UNC Bourges and 67th UNC Andrezel in 2008, and then scored 74th UNC Bourges from 566 miles in 2009 and 87th UNC Bourges in 2010. Ian Stalley of Eaglescliffe, Tees Valley Fed 6yo cheq cock “The Frenchman” has scored 3 times from Bourges from a distance of 538 miles, the cock netted 213th UNC in 2006, 59th UNC in 2009 and 108th UNC in 2010. C Wilson of Alnmouth has a 4yo cheq hen that has chalked up 161st UNC Bourges in 2008, 130th UNC Bourges in 2009 and 109th UNC Bourges in 2010 from a distance of 607 miles. What fantastic performances from 7 class Pigeons, performing top performances at the highest level on 3 or 4 occasions. Well done all birds and their owners, all 7 deserve to be on the “French Diplomas” roll of honours list.
The Lillers young bird race open to all NEHU members was flown on Wednesday 22nd September when 922 birds were liberated at 08.30am in a South wind; there was a total of £8,517.27 on the table in pools and prizes. 1st Ian Stafford winning £1,17217, 2nd K & M Arkless banking £694.08 and 3rd Prokopowicz, Son, Wilson & Ewens netting £265.29. The next seven positions were taken by South Shield fanciers flying over 35 miles further than the shortest flying lofts, not taking anything away from the first 3 Pigeons because that’s not in my nature but these seven youngsters were very good birds on the day. The loft of Taylor & Ali were in 4th netting £646.06 while Gudgeon & Adams take 5th pocketing £197.63, then M Carruthers takes 6th banking £836.08 with Gudgeon & Adams in 7th lifting another £160.63. Ali Bros the previous winners of 1st UNC Lillers in 1991 out of 14,469 birds and 1st UNC young bird Maidstone National in 1994 from a convoy of 23,177 birds were in 8th spot with Martin netting £671.24, Ali & Taylor timed their second and third birds to be 9th lifting £373.56 and 10th pocketing £225.54. Another good Pigeons was that of Harrison, Blackett & Renwick of Walker that took 11th and £496.73 in pools and prizes. The loft of Rush & Ptnrs of Castletown the previous winner of 2nd UNC old bird Maidstone National in 2005 when there were 14,701 birds competing are in 12th spot with their youngster banking £219.30.
Well that is all for this week, any news to Good Corn at 139 Zetland Row Skinningrove Saltburn Cleveland TS13 4BN. Tel; 01287 643624 or Email;
