AROUND THE UP NORTH COMBINE
By Good Corn
The East Cleveland Federation was at Rivenhall on Saturday 3rd June when the convoy of 1,365 birds were liberated at 10.30am into a west-north-west wind, which were going to hold the birds more than it had done the previous few races. Starting at Skelton Green where the inform loft of Alan & David Wright enjoyed a fantastic race after timing no fewer than five of their team to win a brilliant 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Club from a eleven members entry of 327 birds. With pole position being won by a well out in front yearling chequer Busschaert cock achieving a chart-topping vel of 1400 which was more than enough to win a most impressive 1st Fed. Alan & David who have 5 x 1st Clubs under their belts so far this season which includes a 1st Fed Oakham (3), blue card scorer that was four minutes behind their winner, was a 2016 bred blue Herman x Busschaert cock knocking up a vel of 1380 to go onto score an impressive 3rd Fed. The yellow card was awarded to a 1y blue Busschaert cock doing 1365.1 to claim 17th Fed, and he was followed by a yearling Herman hen and five seconds later came a 2y blue Busschaert hen. Alan & David who really have their birds on song this season clocked a sixth bird five seconds later to win the Club Lucky Number £10.00 prize to round off a most impressive days racing. The loft of Bowden Bros, Mick & Boss and loft helper Trevor Mitchell stopped the dry rub by timing a 1y Pieter Veenstra cock doing 1379 to pocket a very nice 4th Fed. The partnership of Bill Chapman, Sons Steve & Colin and the late Tommy Swinburne won 1st Club Show netting £20.00, and 2nd Club Show pocketing £12.00, while Derek Winspear & Son Mark takes 3rd Club Show and £8.00. The Skelton Green members are one of very few who still run Club shows through the winter months, there might not always be a lot of prize money to fly for but the members enjoy the out of season shows where they can meet up for a chat while the birds are being judged. Well done to all involved, the Club needs the members support to keep the shows going, try not to make it a thing of the past.
B & K Simpson recorded their second win of the season at Skinningrove, after timing a couple of birds to win 1st and 5th Club. With pole position being won by a yearling blue Kev Parsons x Brian & Karen Hawes Leo Van Rijn natural cock achieving a top vel of 1888 which was enough to score 2nd Fed. The Sire of Brian & Keith's winner was on loan from Kev out of his top cock “King Kall” bloodlines, who is responsible to four generation of winners. While the Dam of the Brother's red card winner was purchased as a young bird for stock, where she has bred 2 x 1st, 4 x 2nd Clubs etc.; 4 x 2nd Feds and at least twelve other birds to score Fed positions in the top 20. The duo's second timer that achieved a vel of 1369.0 for 12th Fed; was a 1y blue pied Kevin Lawson Soontjen x Kev Parsons natural hen. To avoid any injury I have to tell you that both timers were from Brian's loft. Sayers Bros, Dave, Kenny & Brian timed a yearling doing 1375.9 to chalk up 2nd Club, 5th Fed. White Bros, Malc & Stuart take 3rd Club, 8th Fed on 1372, with the duo's green card potter being a 2016 bred blue Van Loon hen bred by Gary Vasey & Family for the Loftus Championship Club Breeder/Buyer. The Sire of the hen is the previous winner of 4 x 1st Clubs and 2 x 1st Feds; while the Dam of the blue hen is the previous winner of 3 x 1st Clubs, 2nd and 4th Fed. Ian Stafford & Sparky Wilson had a couple of yearlings on the clock to pocket 4th and 6th Club, 10th and 15th Fed on 1369.5 and 1366. Mr & Mrs Ian & Liz Purver clocked a 2y making 1367 to claim 15th Fed; while Tich Richards & Alice Marsay net 18th Fed on 1364 with their reliable 4y.
Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners got back to their winning ways at Brotton H/S after timing four of their inform squad to win a belting 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th Club. With pole position being won by a 1y knocking out a vel of 1375.5 to pot a nice 6th Fed; second on the clock, three minutes after the winner was a 3y making 1360 for 20th Fed. W & S Ward stopped Reg & Ray winning the first four position by taking 2nd Club with a yearling, while Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne notched up 5th position with a yearling.
Moving onto Lingdale where we see the loft of Leather Bros, Albert & Tony win top-spot, with the duo's red card winner being a yearling that topped the Club charts by five minutes recording a top vel of 1369.1 to score a notable and very well-deserved 11th Fed. Its good to see the lads on the Fed result, as the Club only has an handful of flying members now, who want to compete every week. Barry Kettlewell was in 2nd spot with a yearling, while the late George Skidmore & Grandsons Michael & Liam Jackson pocket 3rd Club.
Jimmy Reed racks up his third win of the season at Marske & New Marske after timing a couple of yearlings to win 1st and 4th Club, with pole position being won by a Gaby Vandenabeele cock from David Reed of “Chainbridge Lofts. The red card winning cock who was sent sitting three-day old eggs recorded a chart-topping vel of 1363 to pocket 19th Fed. Club Secretary Martin Hogarth also filled a couple of chambers to chalk up 2nd and 3rd Club with the blue card being awarded to a 2y chequer roundabout hen that won out of Oakham in 2016. The green card was potted by a 2015 bred blue roundabout hen direct off Brown & Hunt bloodlines from a stock pair Martin got off Tony a few years ago. Geoff Bavin who was still enjoying his Federation win the previous week from the first channel race, Burbure (1), is in 5th place with a 3y chequer pied roundabout hen from “Rutland Lofts”.
The Brotton Six Bird Club loft of Bill Ward and Grandson Shaun of the W & S Ward partnership got back to their winning ways by timing a 4y blue Staf Van Reet hen to achieve their second win of the season. Danny Fawcett returns to the frame in 2nd spot, with Danny's blue card potter being a yearling chequer flipey Soontjen hen. Vic Garbutt, the late Brian “Rusty” Stone & Brian “Mac” McCormick timed a yearling chequer pied hen to lift 3rd Club, while Ricky Cush clocked a 1y Vandenabeele hen of Chris Harris stock to claim 4th Club. Andrew & Gavin Doe, Dillon “John” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson timed their 6y that took 5th Club Oakham (3) to pick up 5th Club again, and they were followed by Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky with a 2y.
Next stop is Boosbeck where David Coates & Popeye returned to their winning ways after timing a couple of yearlings to win 1st and 2nd Club. Like Lingdale; Boosbeck are down to an handful of flying members but they too like to compete every week, be them up near the top of the Fed or sitting on the bottom. There are weeks when they shine with a Fed win or a good Fed team performance, at the end of the day both the Boosbeck and Lingdale Club members are enjoying their racing.
Moving onto the Teesside Federation where the convoy of 557 birds were liberated at 10.10am. The Haverton Hill partnership of Paul Gatley, Graham Harrod & Son Dale returned to the winners' enclosure after timing three yearlings to win a top-notch 1st and 6th Club, 1st, 11th and 12th Fed with vels of 1393, 1367.8 and 1367.2. Paul, Graham & Dale's pole position winner went onto score a most impressive 3rd Section 5 from a convoy of 3,783 birds. Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff also had three yearlings on the clock to net 2nd and 5th Club, 3rd, 7th and 18th Fed on 1383, 1375 and 1356.5, with the duo's blue card scorer going onto claim 15th Section. The inform loft of Lewis & McCabe became the third loft to have three birds in the frame to take 3rd and 4th Club, 5th, 6th and 16th Fed on 1376.8, 1376.7 and 1358. The Haverton Hill mob proved to be top dogs this week by chalking up nine positions in the first twenty of the Fed.
The partnership of the late Les Winspear & Sons Les & Derek had their birds on song after timing three of their team to win a very impressive 1st, 2nd and 3rd Club, 2nd, 4th and 19th Fed on 1386, 1377 and 1354.8 at Middlesbrough H/S. With Les & Derek's chart-topping yearling blue cock going onto score a nice 12th Section. Mr & Mrs Stephen & Jeanann Wheatley are in 4th spot with the duo's yellow card potter knocking up a vel of 1354.7 to take 20th Fed.
Next stop is Billingham T U where we see Tommy Clark & Son Gary getting back to their winning ways to record their fifth win of the old bird season, with Tommy & Gary's red card winning yearling blue hen achieving a top vel of 1374 for 8th Fed. Brian Atkinson & Keith Perkins had a couple of yearlings on the clock to score a useful 2nd and 5th Fed with their blue card potting blue hen knocking up a vel of 1732 to pot 9th Fed. Brian & Keith's second timer was a blue cock making 1361 for 14th Fed, the cock is netting for the second time this season after taking 6th Club, 7th Fed out of Oakham (1). Ali McLeod timed three yearlings, one cock and two hens to lift 3rd Club, 10th, 15th and 17th Fed on 1369, 1359 and 1356; with Ali's second timer being the hen that took 20th Fed Worksop and 3rd Club, 4th Fed, 78th UNC Burbure. Colin Atkinson & Alby Woodward are in 4th spot with their yellow card potter being a 1y chequer cock doing 1362 for 13th Fed and also winning the Fed Nom. The cock who was bred by Clubmate Ali McLeod and is through the “Harry” bloodlines, chalked up 2nd Club, 5th Fed young bird Worksop (2). And this season the cock has won a brilliant 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section Huntingdon (1) from a convoy of 7,024 birds.
We had one of our birds return from the race showing signs of being Hawked, half its wing flights were missing. It later came about that a number of fanciers had birds return the same way, with birds from all three liberations suffering the same attacks.
The East Cleveland Federation had a double-headed race on Sunday 11th June, with the first race of the day being from Newark where the 68 members convoy of 1,228 birds were liberated at 8.20am flying into a south-west wind, which was very, very strong. Starting at Skinningrove where Darren Sayers wins 1st Club with a yearling knocking out a vel of 2015 to go onto win a most impressive 1st Fed. B & K Simpson had four of their yearling squad on the clock to chalk up 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 17th Fed with vels of 2013, 2010, 2003 and 1979.2. With Brian & Keith's blue card scorer being a blue Louis Cooreman natural cock who is out of their channel team, the cock was picked out to go to Roye but was later pulled out to prep him for the Reims race. The green card was netted by a dark Busschaert widowhood hen and the yellow was awarded to a blue Louis Cooreman natural cock and he was followed by a blue Busschaert natural cock who is the Grandson of the “79 Cock”, Sire and G/Sire winner of many Club and Federation winners and the 1st UNC Gold Medal winning “0 Carole” who is Dam and G/Dam of many Club and Federation winners. Tich Richards & Alice Marsay timed a 2y and a yearling in the space of four seconds to chalk up 8th and 9th Fed on 1991 and 1990; while Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian timed three birds to notch up 11th, 12th and 19th Fed on 1988, 1987 and 1978.
Terry Callan, the very hard working Brotton H/S Secretary, 3y cannon-balled through the skies to record a vel of 2006 to win a very impressive 1st Club, 4th Fed. The inform loft of Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners timed three birds to lift 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club, with the blue card going to a yearling doing 1985 for 13th Fed. Fourteen seconds later in the green card position came Reg & Ray's inform 3y knocking out a vel of 1980 for 15th Fed; and next came a 4y. Mick Smithies timed a couple of yearlings to notch up 4th and 6th Club.
Andrew & Gavin Doe, Dillon “John” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson recorded their first win of the season in great style at the Brotton Six Bird Club, after timing three of their six entries to win a top-notch 1st, 2nd and 4th Club. With the lads well out in front pole position winner that topped the Club charts by five minutes, being a 6y achieving a chart-topping vel of 1999 which was enough to score a well-earned and notable 7th Fed. The red card winner netted 5th Club Oakham (3) and then claimed 5th Club Rivenhall again the previous race. The blue card was awarded to a 5y and the yellow was potted by a 4y, proving the lads had gone for old stager’s this week but this still out-witted the young guns, even though it was a very fast race. Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky had a couple of yearlings in the frame to lift 3rd and 6th Club, with the green card scorer being a dark Lambrecht hen bred by Evo, that is the previous potter of 5th Club Oakham (2). W & S Ward clocked a yearling to notch up 5th Club.
Derek “Golly” Foster hit the winners' enclosure at his new Club Staithes, with Golly's chart-topper being a yearling achieving a top vel of 1979.6 to chalk up 16th Fed. I have known Golly for a great number of years, since his Boosbeck days where he more than held his own. It's good to see the lad back in the sport and returning to his winning ways, I'm sure we will be hearing a lot more of him in future racing. Ian “Knocker” Brown wins 1st Club with a 4y at Boosbeck. While Leather Bros, Albert & Tony wins 1st Club at Lingdale, with Barry Kettlewell chalking up 2nd Club and Steve Skidmore & Son netting 3rd Club.
The question was asked, who won at Skelton Green? The answer was Des and that was quickly followed up with, Des who, Des Williams that's who was the reply. Des and loft helper Roger Wall recorded their second win of the season after winning a most impressive 1st Club, 2nd Fed Bubwith on the opening day of the season from a convoy of 2,249 birds. This weeks winner that out flew the Clubs thirteen members entry of 385 birds was a 3y that knocked up a pole position winning vel of 1978 to go onto score 18th Fed. Bill Chapman, Sons Steve & Colin and the late Tommy Swinburne are in 2nd spot with their blue card potter being a previous winning 3y chequer Van Loon x Wildemeersch hen making 1975.6 for 20th Fed. Alan & David Wright clocked a yearling chequer Busschaert hen to take 3rd Club, the two lads timed a later bird to win the Lucky Number £10 prize. Former Lingdale member Terry Stonehouse claims his first prize card and points in his new Club, after timing a 3y chequer Van Dyke hen to lift 4th Club. Derek Winspear & Son Mark are 5th Club with a 2016 bred widowhood cock; while Andrew & Jackie Wynn are in 6th spot with a yearling chequer pied Jocob Poortvliet x Cuester cock. This 1 point claimer means that Jackie will not have to walk the walk of shame on the Clubs presentation evening.
Tony Hunt of the late Jack “The Lad” Brown & Hunt partnership recorded their fourth win of the campaign at Marske & New Marske. Leading the way was a previous scoring 2016 bred blue Van Loon De Klak widowhood cock. Martin Hogarth filled a couple of cells to lift 2nd and 3rd Club with the blue card being awarded to a 2y blue Brown & Hunt widowhood hen, and she was followed by a 2015 bred chequer widowhood hen of Martin's own family that won 1st Club, 15th Fed Oakham last season. Jimmy Reed is in 4th spot with Jim's yellow card potter being a 1y blue Vandenabeele roundabout cock from David Reed of “Chainbridge Lofts”. Geoff Bavin was next with a 3y chequer roundabout hen of Geoff's own Schoorisse bloodlines.
For the third inland race running there was birds returning showing Hawk attacks, again from different liberation times.
Michael Jackson of the late George Skidmore & Grandsons, Michael & Liam Jackson, holding their yearling mealy pied cock, 1st Club, 1st Fed Roye winner.
The second race of the day took place from the French race point Roye, when the UNC convoy of 7,146 birds were up and away at 5.45am flying into a south west wind. What a fantastic race it turned out for the Lingdale partnership of the late George Skidmore & Grandsons Michael & Liam Jackson, for the two brothers timed a couple of their entries to win 1st and 2nd Club. With the red card being won by a yearling mealy pied Knocker Brown Campious Ferry Van Loo x Steve Skidmore & Son roundabout cock knocking out a vel of 1518 to go onto win a most impressive 1st East Cleveland Federation from a 53 members entry of 491 birds. The young cock started the season flying spare as did a few more cocks as Michael & Liam were short of hens to pair them too, but after losing a paired cock, the Brother's slipped the mealy cock in with the spare hen. The cock took to his female mate straight away and also motivated him, from training he would always let on the roof for a few seconds before going through the trap. Michael & Liam had watched and took note of the change in the cock, so much so for Michael to really fancy him for the Roye race. Liam wanted to pool the cock in the Fed Noms, only for Michael to tell Liam not to weigh the cock down and put the mockers on him. Well the much over excited cock came up trumps with a brilliant Federation winning performance. Michael & Liam's blue card scorer was a 2y dark flipey Schellens x Soontjen roundabout hen achieving 1418 for 35th Fed to round off a brilliant days racing for the lads. The dark hen is no stranger in the clock for she won 1st Club Rivenhall, 1st Club Burbure and 2nd Club Eastbourne in 2015; and this season she has scored 2nd Club Eastbourne, 2nd Club Burbure and now 2nd Club Roye. Michael & Liam were very young when their late Granddad George took them under his wing, the partnership had enjoyed sharing the good times and fought through the sad times, even after having their lofts burnt down a few years ago. Michael & Liam have spent some time out of the sport but their return to racing has not gone unnoticed, more so after their 1st Club, 2nd Fed Oakham (3) winning performance from a convoy of 1,682 birds. And now this top-drawer winning performance, two outstanding wins that would have made Granddad George very proud. Leather Bros, Albert & Tony are in 3rd position, with the green card potter being a yearling.
David Coates & Popeye racked up another winning performance at Boosbeck after timing three of their squad to win 1st, 3rd and 4th Club, with the duo's red card winner being a 3y that topped the Club charts by 20 minutes to go onto chalk up an impressive 2nd Fed. Second on the clock was a yearling, while the yellow was pocketed by a 2y that took 2nd Club, 18th Fed out of Burbure. Ian “Knocker” Brown timed a 4y and a 2y to notch up 2nd and 5th Club.
Tich Richards & Alice Marsay of Skinningrove enjoyed a cracking race after timing three of their entries to win a brilliant 1st, 3rd and 6th Club from a thirteen members entry of 143 birds, 3rd, 9th and 17th Fed. With Tich and Granddaughter Alice pole position winner being a very well-fancied 4y achieving a top vel of 1485 to win the £1, £2 and £5 Fed Noms banking £171.00. The red card winner won 1st Club, 9th Fed from the Eastbourne (2) National in 2015 and has chalked three times before this win this season, taking 4th Club, 18th Fed Bubwith when beaten by a loftmate that took 2nd Club, 4th Fed out of 2,249 birds, 2nd Club, 9th Fed Oakham 2 (sub Rivenhall) from 1,463 birds, and 3rd Club, 12th Fed, 123rd UNC Eastbourne (1) National from a convoy of 18,257 birds. The consistent 4y was out of the Club points out of Rivenhall (1) the previous race but still managed to claim 18th Fed. The green was potted by a yearling doing 1456 and third on the clock was a 4y making 1438 to round off a great days racing. Ian Stafford & Sparky Wilson timed no less than four yearlings to pocket 2nd, 4th and 5th Club, 8th, 10th, 16th and 19th Fed with vels of 1458, 1455, 1439 and 1429.
Down at Staithes Dean Ward timed a couple of his channel team to win a top-notch 1st and 2nd Club with the red card being won by a 3y achieving a chart-topping vel of 1471 to score an impressive 4th Fed. Deano's blue card potter was a yearling knocking out a vel of 1452 which was enough to claim a very nice 12th Fed, the same Pigeon scored 2nd Club, 12th Fed out of Burbure (1).
Derek Winspear & Son Mark clocked up their second win of the season at Skelton Green, with Derek & Mark's pole position winner being a yearling widowhood cock achieving a top vel of 1470.8 to chalk up a notable 5th Fed. Alan & David Wright enjoyed another one of their good clocking day by timing no fewer than four of their inform team to lift 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th Club, 6th and 18th Fed on 1470.0 and 1436. With Alan & David's blue card scorer being a well-fancied 2y chequer Busschaert hen taking 2nd £2 Fed Nom and £34.20; while the lads green card lifter was a 3y chequer John Weldon x home-bred Busschaert cock. And they were followed by a couple of Busschaert hens to round off another notable team performance. Bowden Bros, Mick & Boss and loft helper Trevor Mitchell are in 4th spot with their yellow card potter being a 3y.
Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners enjoyed their days racing at the Brotton H/S after timing no less than four of their team to win a top-notch 1st, 3rd, 4th and 6th Club, 7th, 20th and 21st Fed with vels of 1465, 1428 and 1426. With Reg & Ray's well-fancied 2y chalking up 3rd £2 Fed Nom and £22.80 in prize money. The loft Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky timed a yearling knocking up a vel of 1450 to chalk up 2nd Club, 14th Fed. While Darren & James Waters notch up 6th Club with a 4y.
Onto the Brotton Six Bird Club where the loft of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky achieved two channel wins out of two, after timing no fewer than three of their six entries to win a top-notch 1st, 4th and 5th Club. With the working well together crew's well out in front pole position winner being a yearling chequer Mr & Mrs Cooper lines cock bred by Evo; while the yellow card potter was a 2y blue Busschaert cock and he was followed by a 2y to round off a notable performance. Andrew & Gavin Doe, Dillon “John” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson timed a 4y and a 3y to notch up 2nd and 6th Club. Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne return to the frame in 3rd position with their green card scorer being a 2016 bred Mark Van De Berg cock.
Moving onto the Teesside Federation where the members only competed in the Roye race, where the Middlesbrough H/S partnership of the late Les Wellburn & Son Les & Derek record their second win off the belt after timing a couple of birds to win a cracking 1st and 2nd Club. With Les & Derek's red card winner being a yearling chequer cock achieving a top vel of 1552 which was more than enough to win an outstanding 1st Fed out of 263 birds, 2nd Section 5 when there were 1,522 birds competing and 23th UNC. The winning cock took 6th Club, 16th Fed, 19th Section out of Huntingdon (1) when he was beaten by three loftmates that won a most impressive 1st, 2nd and 3rd Club, 2nd, 4th and 5th Fed, 2nd, 4th and 6th Section from a convoy of 7,025 birds. The blue card was awarded to a 1y blue cock knocking out a vel of 1526 for 5th Fed, 106th Combine, to round off a very enjoyable day for Les & Derek. Mr & Mrs Stephen & Jeanann Wheatley are in 3rd position with a 2y chequer cock doing 1508 to claim 13th Fed, 202nd UNC.
Ali McLeod made it two channel wins out of two at Billingham T U after timing no less than seven of his entries to win a top drawer first seven Club positions, with Mac's first six timers being yearlings and his seventh bird on the clock being a 2y. With pole position being won by a blue Vandenabeele hen achieving a chart-topping vel of 1542 which was enough to score a most impressive 2nd Fed, 5th Section and 42nd UNC. The little hen is a Grandchild to Mac's outstanding stock cock “King James” the Teesside Federation Bird Of The Year in 2005, who is a Son of Mac's number one Koen Minderhoud stock hen. The red card winning hen took 20th Fed out of Worksop and also netted 3rd Club, 4th Fed, 78th UNC Burbure, and 6th Club, 15th Fed Rivenhall. The blue card was awarded to a blue Gaby Vandenabeele hen making 1535 to chalk up 4th Fed, 12th Section and 62nd UNC; the hen who netted 4th Fed young bird Rivenhall when beaten by a loftmate that won 1st Fed; is the nestmate to Mac's 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section and 2nd UNC Silver Medal Burbure winner two weeks previous this race. The Sisters are full Sisters to Ali's 2015 1st UNC Burbure Gold Medal winning “Gaby Lou” who is full of Mac's Koen Minderhoud winning bloodlines. The green card scoring blue pied Vandenabeele hen knocked up a vel of 1515.3 to go onto pocket 7th Fed and 160th UNC; the hen who is the previous winner of 1st Club, 1st Fed young bird Peterborough and also took 19th Fed out of Burbure (1) when beaten by four loftmates that won 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, 1st, 4th, 10th and 11th Fed, 1st Section, 2nd, 78th, 177th and 178th UNC; is a Granddaughter to Ali's good pied racing cock “82” who is a previous Teesside Federation Bird Of The Year winner. Two seconds behind the green potter in the yellow card position was Mac's well-fancied blue hen doing 1515.2 to lift 8th Fed, 1st Fed Nom and 161st UNC; the hen is the previous winner of 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section and 2nd UNC Burbure. Ali actually dropped a boo-boo in nominating the yellow card potting hen, for the hen was his choice but as it is, it has worked out the same. Mac's other three timers were all blue hens that knocked out vels of 1510.3, 1505 and 1481 for 11th, 15th and 19th Fed, 192nd and 216th UNC to round off a fantastic days racing and keeps him well in the hunt for the Fed Channel Average.
The Haverton Hill partnership of Paul Gatley, Graham Harrod & Son Dale are in the frame for the second channel race running after timing three yearlings to win 1st and 5th Club, 3rd, 14th and 20th Fed. With the lads chart-topping chequer hen recording a winning vel of 1539 to go onto score a very nice 6th Section and 45th UNC, the hen has now scored from both of this years channel races after netting 2nd Club, 5th Section, 93rd UNC Burbure (1). Paul, Graham & Dale's second timer was a blue cock doing 1505.6 for 213th UNC; while third on the clock was a blue hen on 1479, who took 6th Club, 16th Fed, 229th UNC out of Burbure (1). Paul, Graham & Dale's day got even better for the three lads also won 1st and 2nd £5 Fed Pools. The reigning Fed Channel Average Champions Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff are not giving up their title without a fight after timing four birds to chalk up 2nd, 3rd and 6th Club, 6th, 10th, 17th and 18th Fed. With the blue card going to a 1y blue cock knocking out a vel of 1519 for 144th UNC; while the duo's green card potter was a 2016 bred chequer cock doing 1511 for 185th UNC. The boys third timer was a yearling chequer cock on 1497, who was 20th Fed out of Burbure (1), and he was followed by a 2y blue hen making 1486. The loft of Smith & Son times one of their three entries to take 4th Club for the second channel race on the spin, with the duo's yellow card potter being a 1y blue pied hen achieving 1510.1 for 12th Fed and 194th UNC.
The Beechwood & Easterside loft of A Talbot & Son are starting to be a dab-hand at the channel, for the partnership enjoyed timing a couple of birds to win a top-notch 1st and 2nd Club; to follow up their 1st Club, 12th Fed, 189th UNC Burbure (1). This weeks red card winner was a yearling chequer hen recording a chart-topping vel of 1512 to go onto score a notable 9th Fed, 180th UNC. While the blue card was awarded to a 2y blue cock doing 1797.6 to chalk up 16th Fed; to end a very happy days racing.
The birds were back on English soil on Saturday 17th June when the East Cleveland Federations 75 members convoy of 1,408 birds were liberated from Peterborough (1) at 7.50am in a west wind. The Skinningrove H/S partnership of White Bros timed two early birds in the space of five seconds to win a top-notch 1st and 2nd Club from a thirteen members entry of 381 birds. With Malc & Stuart's red card winner being a yearling blue pied hen recording a top vel of 1459.4 which was enough to win an outstanding 1st Fed. Both the parents were bred by Homer & Williams of Grangetown, with the Sire being the previous winner of 1st Club, 14th Fed Huntingdon from a convoy of 2,330 birds. With the cock being a Grandson of Leo Heremans “Just In Time”, a direct Son of “Olympiade” and “Klein Blauwke”, when paired to “Law And Order” out of a full Brother to “Natalia” and a Daughter of “Den Euro”. The Dam of Malc & Stuart's pole position Fed winner was the scorer of 2nd Club, 7th Fed Rivenhall out of 1,238 birds etc., Her Sire was the winner of at least 3 x 1st Clubs and 1 x 1st Fed; and her Dam was a scorer on the road. The Blue blue card was awarded to a 2y chequer Heremans Cuester cock achieving a vel of 1458.7 to chalk up an impressive 2nd Fed; the cock who was bred by Bob McGillycuddy for the Loftus Championship Club Breeder/Buyer won 1st Club, 4th Fed Oakham in 2016. Brian “Brunks” Laity timed a 2y doing 1438 to lift 3rd Club, 11th Fed. While B & K Simpson timed a couple of birds to lift 4th and 6th Club with Brian & Keith's yellow card potter being the same yearling blue Kev Parsons x Brain & Karen Hawes Leo Van Rijn natural cock who won 1st Club, 2nd Fed Rivenhall (1); this time with a vel of 1429 the cock netted 18th Fed. And second on the clock was a 2y blue Louis Cooreman widowhood cock who won 1st Club, 3rd Fed Oakham (1). Tich Richards & Alice Marsay nipped one in between Brian & Keith's couple of timers to pocket 5th Club with a 4y that has being a very good racer for Tich and Granddaughter Alice in the past.
Moving onto Brotton H/S where the loft of W & S Ward had their birds on song after enjoying timing no fewer than three of their yearling entries to win an outstanding 1st, 3rd and 4th Club. With Bill and his Grandson Shaun's chart-topper recording a winning vel of 1457 to go onto score a brilliant 3rd Fed. The duo's green and yellow card potter that were timed eight seconds apart recorded vels of 1445.1 and 1444.0 to chalk up a cracking 7th and 8th Fed to round of their best loft performance so far this season. Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners clocked a yearling and a 4y to take 2nd and 6th Club, with Reg & Ray's blue card scorer knocking out a vel of 1446 for a very nice 6th Fed. Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky pocket 5th Club, 9th Fed with a yearling doing 1433 to round of a good day in the Fed for the Brotton H/S members.
Ian “Knocker” Brown returns to winning form at Boosbeck after timing a couple of 2y to win 1st and 2nd Club, with Knocker's well out in front red card winner achieving a top vel of 1440 for 10th Fed. David Coates & Popeye are in 3rd with a yearling.
It was back-to-back wins for the Marske & New Marske partnership of the late Jack Brown & Tony Hunt, with Tony filling three cells to win a very nice 1st, 3rd and 5th Club. With the red card winner being a 1y blue Van Gompel x De Klak widowhood cock making 1437 to go onto chalk up a well-earned and notable 12th Fed. The green card was awarded to a 1y Dirk Seppers Janssen Van Gompel widowhood who is the previous scorer of 3rd Club Oakham. While Tony's third timer was a 2016 bred blue Gompel De Klak widowhood cock. Geoff Bavin was in 2nd spot with Geoff's blue card potting 1y chequer Schoorisse roundabout hen knocking out a vel of 1430 to net 17th Fed. Martin Hogarth timed a 1y chequer roundabout hen of his own strain to take 4th Club, with the hen being the previous winner of 1st Club Rivenhall in 2016. The Club members and on behalf of the Fed members, wish Jimmy Reed all the best in his recent setback. For Jimmy is laid up at the moment very a bad hip and is pretty immobile, so much so he has been unable to race his birds. Club Secretary Martin Hogarth is looking after Jimmy's birds, who I'm sure Jimmy will be very thankful to.
The Skelton Green partnership of Bill Chapman, Sons Steve & Colin and the late Tommy Swinburne recorded their second win of the campaign in brilliant style after timing no fewer than four of their yearling entries to win an outstanding 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club from a eleven members muster of 308 birds. With their pole position winner achieving a top vel of 1434.7 which was enough to score 13th Fed. Bill, Colin & Steve's blue card potter did 1434.46 to win 1st Club Show netting £24.50 in prize money and 15th Fed. The boys green card scorer was timed ten seconds after their blue card lifter to knock out a vel of 1433 to pot 16th Fed. Fourth on the clock for Bill, Steve & Colin timed a later 2y to take 2nd Show and £14.70 to round off an outstanding days racing. Alan & David Wright had a couple of birds in the frame to lift 4th and 6th Club with their yellow card scorer being a 1y their second timer was a 2y that wins the Lucky Number £10 prize. The duo clocked a later yearling to lift 3rd Show.
Next stop is the Brotton Six Bird Club where the partnership of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky knock up their second win on the belt and fifth win of the season after timing a couple of yearlings to win 1st and 4th Club. With the red card being won by a blue Staf Van Reet hen bred by Bill & Shaun Ward doing 1334.48 for a nice 14th Fed. W & S Ward are in 2nd and 5th positions with Bill & Shaun's blue card potter being a 1y blue Staf Van Reet hen that won 1st Club Rivenhall this season. Ricky Cush clocked a 1y blue hen bred by N Cadman for the Loftus Championship Club Breeder/Buyer to lift 3rd Club, while Vic Garbutt, the late Brian “Rusty” Stone & Brian “Mac” McCormick take 6th Club with a yearling.
Barry “Smiler” Kettlewell hits winning form at Lingdale after timing a couple of his entries to win a joyful 1st and 3rd Club; while Albert & Tony of Leather Bros nips one in between Barry's two timers to net 2nd Club.
Lewis & McCabe returned to their winning way in fantastic style at Haverton Hill after timing two early birds to win a top-drawer 1st and 2nd Club, 1st and 2nd Teesside Federation from an entry of 518 birds, which were liberated at 7.30am. The partnerships pole position winner was a yearling blue hen achieving a top vel of 1461 which was enough to win an outstanding 1st Section 5 from a convoy of 4,203 birds, which is a fantastic achievement. The blue card was awarded to a 2y chequer cock who won 1st Club, 9th Fed out of Oakham (2), knocked out a vel of 1455 to go onto win the Fed Nom and score an impressive 3rd Section. This was the lofts sixth Club win and second Fed winning performance of the season, with the first win coming at Worksop when a couple of birds were timed in the space of three seconds to win a brilliant 1st and 2nd Club, 2nd and 3rd Fed, 7th and 9th Section from a convoy of 7,068 birds. A week later when the birds were at Oakham (1), two more birds were clocked to win 1st and 3rd Club, 9th and 18th Fed from a entry of 1,026 birds. The lads recorded their third win on the trot out of Huntingdon (1) when they won a top-notch 1st Club, 3rd Club and 3rd Section when there were 7,024 birds. The inform loft achieved their fourth win on the belt at Oakham (2) when they won 1st Club, 9th Fed from 823 birds. Moving onto Oakham (3) where 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Fed Nom and 4th Section was won when there were 4,354 birds competing. Three birds were on the clock at Rivenhall (1) to lift 3rd and 4th Club, 5th and 6th Fed, and now this brilliant performance. Paul Gatley, Graham Harrod & Son Dale are in 3rd spot with the green card potting 1y blue cock making 1427 for 11th Fed. Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff timed a couple of 2016 blue cocks to notch up 4th and 5th Club, 12th and 18th Fed on 1426 and 1418.
Ali McLeod records his second win on the belt in fantastic style at Billingham T U after timing no fewer than eight of his yearling team to win a top-notch 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Club, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 15th and 19th Fed. With Ali's pole position winner that knocked out a vel of 1452 to go onto score a cracking 5th Section, being a consistent blue cock who is out of the famous “Sissi” lines, while his dam is a Gust Janssen from Clive Lister. The blue card was awarded to another blue cock achieving 1448 for 6th Section, the Vandenabeele cock is from Mac's good racing cock “82” who is the Son of Mac's 2nd UNC Eastbourne National and 8th UNC Ypres winner. The yellow was potted by a blue hen doing 1440 to pocket 14th Section, who has a touch of Koopman in her. Four seconds later came a blue cock on 1439 for 15th Section, he came early in the season and is a Son of a cock who is from Ali's number one stock cock from T Fowler. Another blue cock came next with him being full Brother to 1st and 2nd UNC winners, who himself is the previous winner of 1st Section, 32nd Open Reed Futurity Race winning £585.25 in prize money. This week with a vel of 1437.5 the cock went onto net 19th Section. Next on the clock was a blue cock doing 1420.8, he took 3rd Club, 10th Fed out of Rivenhall, and he was followed by a blue hen doing 1419.9, with her being Ali's 1st Club, 2nd Fed, 5th Section, 42nd UNC Roye winner. Mac's final timer was a blue hen making 1412, with the hen being the previous potter of 6th Club, 15th fed, 216th Roye when beaten by five loftmates to round off a fantastic days racing. Tommy Clark & Son Gary had a couple of birds on the clock to take 2nd Club, 5th and 9th Fed, with the duo's green card potter being a 2y chequer hen doing 1441 to go onto chalk up 11th Section. Tommy & Gary's second timer was a 3y blue hen on 1437. Brian Atkinson & Keith Perkins clocked a yearling blue cock and a 1y blue pied cock 37 seconds apart to lift 14th and 16th Fed on 1420.5 and 1419.6. With the lads second timer being the previous scorer of 6th Club, 7th fed Oakham (1) and 5th Club, 14th Fed Rivenhall when beaten by a loftmate that netted 2nd Club, 9th Fed. Colin Atkinson & Alby Woodward claim 20th Fed win a 1y blue cock doing 1411.
Mr & Mrs Steve & Jeanann Wheatley come out on top at Middlesbrough H/S, with the duo's red card winner being a yearling blue cock achieving a vel of 1435 for 10th Fed. The partnership of the late Wyn Cole, Stephen Wheatley & Grandson Conner are in 2nd spot with the lads blue card potter being a 1y blue hen doing 1419 for 17th Fed.
For the second time in three inland races we had a bird return home after a Hawk attack, this time half its tail flights were missing. Other fanciers from the other two liberations suffered the same, which proves the Hawk attacks are becoming more regular.
I was both shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of former Staithes H/S member, Tommy Armstrong. I had known the very popular Tommy for a great number of years, and in all that time I had never ever heard anyone having a bad word to say against Tommy, and that goes a very long way in Pigeon racing. Tommy raced in the Matt Verrill & Armstrong partnership for many years, two great lads who were easy to get on with. Tommy & Matt reached their goal in 1989 when they a brilliant 1st Up North Combine Young Bird Harlow National from a convoy of 19,821 birds. Tommy & Matt achieved their second Combine win in 1998 when they won an outstanding 1st Up North Combine Young Bird Maidstone National from a convoy of 17,076 birds. These two 1st UNC wins never changed Tommy & Matt, for they were two down to earth men who enjoyed their Pigeons no matter how they performed. Rest In Peace Tommy, you are greatly missed by your family and many, many friends.
