“The Original” Around The Up North Combine
By Good Corn
Due to me putting two loft reports together for the British Homing World 2018 Stud Book I have fallen well behind in my race reports, but now the reports on the continuing successful Colin Chapman & Sons of Seaham and the 2017 1st Up North Combine Reims Gold Medal winning Mr & Mrs Ian & Liz Purver of Skinningrove I'm back up and running on my race reports. And hopefully come the end of this report I will be up to date with the info I have received on the young bird races.
The East Cleveland Federations was at Newark (3) on Sunday 16th July when the 61 members entry of 1,048 birds were liberated at 9.55am into a light west wind. Mick Smithies leads the way at Brotton H/S with Mick's red card winner being a yearling recording a top vel of 1426 which was enough to win a fantastic 1st Fed. The same bird chalked up 3rd Club, 11th Fed Newark (2) the previous race when there were 1,045 birds competing. The loft of Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners enjoyed a cracking clocking day after timing no fewer than three of their entries, a yearling followed by a 2y and then a second yearling to pocket a notable 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club, 2nd, 18th and 20th Fed on 1424, 1403 and 1402. Terry Callan was next with a yearling and he was followed by W (Bill) & Shaun Ward who also timed a yearling.
Onto Skinningrove where White Bros Malc & Stuart achieve their second win on the trot after timing no less than three birds to win a top notch 1st, 3rd and 4th Club with top spot being won by a yearling blue Heremans Ceusters hen doing 1421.1 for 3rd Fed. The hen is Sister to the duo's 1st Club, 5th Fed Newark (2) winner, with both parents being bred by Homer & Williams. The green was potted by a 1y chequer Jos Thone x Heremans Ceusters hen doing 1413.9 for 12th Fed, with her Dam being bred by Bob McGillycuddy of Redcar, the winner of 1st Club, 4th Fed Oakham 2016 and 2nd Club, 2nd Fed Peterborough. The yellow card was awarded to a 2y chequer Heremans Ceusters hen who is the Dam of the lads green card potter, doing 1413.2 for 13th Fed. Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian timed a yearling doing 1421.0 to chalk up 2nd Club, 4th Fed. While Mike Prokopowicz & Son Lee timed a couple of yearlings to lift 5th Club, 14th and 17th Fed on 1412 and 1404, with the first timer being a blue hen the previous winner of 1st Club, 1st Fed Huntingdon this season from a convoy of 2,067 birds. The Sire of Mick & Lee's blue hen being a Son of “410” while the Dam was bred by Bowden Bros of Skelton Green fame. B & K Simpson pots 19th Fed with a yearling blue Louis Cooreman natural cock doing 1403.4, with the cock being the previous scorer of 4th Club, 5th Fed Newark (2) when beaten by two loftmates that chalked up 2nd and 3rd Club, 2nd and 3rd Fed from a convoy of 1,228 birds.
Ian “Knocker” Brown comes out on top at Boosbeck after giving the six gun salute to win a top notch first six Club positions, with the well out in front red card winning 2y knocking up a top vel of 1420 to score an impressive 5th Fed.
The Skelton Green loft of Bowden Bros Mick & Boss and loft helper Trevor Mitchell clocked a 2y and a yearling doing 1418.9 and 1397.6 to win 1st and 3rd Club, with the lads pole position winner going onto chalk up a nice 7th Fed. Terry “Benno” & Daniel Bennison of the Roche, Bennison & Crame partnership timed a couple of birds to lift 2nd and 6th Club, with their blue card scoring 4y doing 1406 for 16th Fed. Alan & David Wright timed a yearling to pocket 4th Club and Bill Chapman Sons Steve & Colin and the late Tommy Swinburne came next also with a yearling.
The Brotton Six Bird Club partnership of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky enjoyed a brilliant clocking day after timing no fewer than three of their six entries to win a top drawer 1st, 2nd and 6th Club with three yearlings. With the red and blue card winners recording vels of 1407 and 1402 to go onto net a useful 15th and 21st Fed. Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne clocked a yearling to take 3rd Club while Vic Garbutt, the late Brian “Rusty” Stone & Brian “Mac” McCormick takes 4th Club with a yearling and they were followed by Andrew & Gavin Doe, John “Dillon” Swales & the late Sandy Sanderson also with a yearling.
Tony Hunt of the late Jack Brown & Hunt partnership top-notch season continues at Marske & New Marske after Tony timed no fewer than three of his squad to win a cracking 1st, 2nd and 5th Club. With pole position being won by a 2016 bred Van Gompel De Klak widower and the blue card was awarded to a 1y Van Gompel De Klak widowhood cock who won 1st Club Peterborough. Tony's third timer was a yearling blue Van Gompel De Klak widowhood cock who is scoring for the sixth time this season which included winning 1st Club Rivenhall. Geoff Bavin filled a couple of chambers to pocket 3rd and 4th Club with the green going to a 2y chequer roundabout hen of Geoff's own Schoorisse bloodlines. The yellow card was awarded to yearling blue hen that won a brilliant 1st Club, 1st Fed and 72nd UNC out of Burbure (1) from a convoy of 13,268 birds. The hen was bred by Martin Hogarth off a blue hen that won 4 times and is also the Granddaughter of Martin's other blue hen that won 4 times from the channel.
Onto the Teesside Federation where it proved to be another good day at the office for Ali McLeod of Billingham T U after Mac timed no fewer than seven of his yearling squad to win a cracking 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club, 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th, 10th, 11th and 20th Fed from an entry of 325 birds. With pole position being won by a blue Gaby Vandenabeele cock who won 1st Club, 1st Fed as a young bird recording a chart-topping vel of 1393 which was enough to win an outstanding 1st Section 5 from a convoy of 2,846 birds. The Sire of the cock is full Brother to the Sire of Ali's 1st UNC Burbure winner, he is one of three full Brothers who have all bred Federation winners from Ali's old number one Minderhoud hen from M & D Evans back in 2003. The blue card was awarded to a blue cock that was timed ten seconds after the winner to achieve a vel of 1392.0 to score a notable 4th Section. The Gaby Vandenabeele cock who won 1st Section and £500.00 in the NEHU Futurity Race from Reed in 2016 has proved to have being a very consistent cock this year with him being full Brother to Mac's 1st UNC winning “Gaby Lou” and his 2nd UNC Silver Medal winner and also Cousin to this weeks Section winner. No doubt we will be hearing more about this up and coming young cock in future racing. The green card was chalked up by a blue hen knocking out a vel of 1385 to net 14th Section, with the Sire of the hen being a Grandson of “The Young Couple” while the Dam is half Sister to Ali's good racing hen “111”. Mac's fourth timer was another Vandenabeele with the blue cock achieving a vel of 1378.1 for 18th Section, where again he is full of Ali's top lines for his Sire is half Brother to the Sire of Ali's Combine winning hen. Next on the clock two seconds after the previous timer came a blue cock doing 1377.9, with him being full Brother to the Section winner and also winning 1st Club, 1st Fed himself out of Newark (1) this season. He was followed one second later by another blue cock doing 1377.8 who has proved to have being a very good Pigeon this season including winning 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section and 13th UNC Rivenhall National from a convoy of 12,356 birds, with him being the Son of a cock who is from the famous “Sissi” bloodlines of Ad Schaerlaeckens when paired to a Clive Yates Gust Janssen. The final timer was a previous scoring blue cock doing 1363.0 to round off a brilliant loft performance for the inform Ali. Tommy Clarke & Son Gary timed no less than six of their team to chalk up 4th Club, 7th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 18th and 19th Fed; with the yellow card being awarded to a yearling blue hen doing 1384, and next was a 1y chequer hen on 1378.0. The next couple of timers that were clocked three seconds of each other were a 3y blue pied hen doing 1377.8 and a chequer pied hen making 1371.3; and they were followed by a 2y blue cock and a 1y blue pied hen that were timed within two seconds of each other achieving vels of 1363.5 and 1363.2. George Brydon clocked a yearling 1y blue pied hen doing 1366.6 to claim 17th Fed to round off a great day in the Fed for the Billingham boys.
Mr & Mrs Stephen & Jeanann Wheatley rack up their second inland win on the bounce at Middlesbrough H/S after timing no fewer than five of their 20 entries to win a top-notch 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Club. With top spot being won by a 2y blue hen achieving a vel of 1790.7 to go onto score an impressive 3rd Fed, 6th Section; the red card winning hen took 3rd Club, 9th Fed, 180th UNC Eastbourne National and 3rd Club, 16th Fed Rivenhall National. The blue card was awarded to a 2015 bred blue hen that was timed three seconds after the winner to knock up a vel of 1390.2 for a very nice 4th Fed, 8th Section, the hen is scoring for the second Newark running after winning 1st Club, 6th Fed the previous week. The yellow was chalked up by a 1y blue cock doing 1377.5 to claim 12th Fed; the cock is the previous winner of 1st Club, 10th Fed out of Peterborough. Stephen & Jeanann's fourth timer was a 2y blue hen doing 1368 for 15th Fed; and she was followed by a 2016 bred blue cock on 1366.7 for 16th Fed; with her being the previous winner of 1st Club, 11th Fed Oakham (4). The late Les Wellburn & Sons Les & Derek put a halt to the dry rub after timing a well-fancied 2y blue pied hen achieving a vel of 1389 to score a notable 3rd Club, 5th Fed, 1st Fed Nom and 12th Section
The final Up North Combine old bird race of the season took place from the French race point Burbure (2), as the weather was forecasted to be poor for the scheduled Saturday liberation and the convoy of 10,689 birds getting to the race point in good time on the Friday with the birds having chance to settle and take water on board the Chief Convoyer was well in his right to go for a 10am liberation. With everything in his favour the birds did get that 10 o'clock liberation with the birds flying into a strong south-west wind. B & K Simpson timed their 2y natural Busschaert hen “Fast & Furious 13” to win an outstanding 1st Club Skinningrove H/S from a 13 members entry of 240 birds, 1st East Cleveland Federation out of a 65 members entry of 907 birds, 1st Section 7 winning £137.29 and 2nd Up North Combine winning a Combine Silver Medal with a top vel of 2165. The Sire of “Fast & Furious 13” is “5375” the Sire & G/Sire of many winners, with him being the Son of Brian & Keith's “Champion Dorothy” the winner of 1st Up North Combine old bird Folkestone (2) National in 1999 from a convoy of 22,360 birds. The Gold Medal winning “Champion Dorothy” is the Dam, G/Dam & G/G/Dam to numerous Club and Federation winners including being the Dam of Brian & Keith's “Gone In Sixty Seconds” the winner of 1st Up North Combine old bird Folkestone (2) National in 2004 from a convoy of 21,039 birds. The Gold Medal winning “Gone In Sixty Seconds” retired for stock after her Combine winning achievements went on to become Dam, G/dam & G/G/Dam to many Club and Federation winners. The Dam of “Fast & Furious 13” is “102” who was raced as a young bird where she scored a minor position then put to stock where she has bred the goods. She is the Daughter to “Buster” the winner of 3 x 1st, 2 x 3rd, 1 x 4th and 1 x 5th Clubs and Club Bird of the Year, 1st, 2nd, 8th, 15th and 2 x 20th Feds. “Buster who is the sister to Brian & Keith's 2003 1st Up North Combine old bird Ashford (2) National Gold Medal winning “0 Carole” from a convoy of 23,041 birds is the Sire, G/Sire & G/G/Sire to numerous Club and Federation winners including “Tegan” the previous winner of Club and Federation Bird of the Year. The Dam of “102” is “37 Hen” the winner of 2 x 1st Clubs, 1st and 4th Fed etc and the Dam, G/dam & G/G/Dam to Club and Federation winners. The “37 Hen” is the Daughter of “0 Carole” and the “79 Cock” Sire, G/Sire & G/G/Sire to Club and Federation winners. Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian the winners of 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section, 2nd UNC and 2nd NEHU Open Folkestone (1) from a convoy of 26,042 birds this season timed a couple of their entries to chalk up a notable 2nd and 3rd Club, 2nd and 5th Fed, 14th and 87th UNC with vels of 2149 and 2117. Tich Richards & Alice Marsay timed their well-fancied and trusted 4y to lift 4th Club, 8th Fed, 1st £1, £2 and £5 Fed Nom banking £180.00 and 164th UNC on 2101. The yellow card potter has hit a bit of form for Tich and Granddaughter Alice at the latter part of the season after taking 5th Club, 21st Fed out of Peterborough (2) when there were 1,408 birds competing; then 6th Club, 9th Fed was netted from Oakham (4) and that was followed up by chalking up 4th Club, 14th Fed, 3rd £2 Fed Nom pocketing £26.40 at the Rivenhall National out of an entry of 891 birds. Ian Stafford & Mark Wilson notch up 5th Club, 9th Fed, 181st UNC on 2098, while Mike Prokopowicz & Son Lee claim 6th Club, 13th Fed and 2nd £2 Fed Nom netting £38.40. Keith & Matty Arkless of Loftus took 3rd £2 Fed Nom banking £25.60.
Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners who have enjoyed a fantastic old bird season returned to their winning ways at Brotton H/S after clocking a couple of birds to win 1st and 3rd Club, 3rd and 10th Fed, 51st and 205th UNC with vels of 2126 and 2094. This was Reg & Ray's third channel win of the season with them winning 1st Club, 7th Fed Roye when there was 491 birds competing and then the duo won 1st Club, 12th Fed and 140th UNC Reims from a convoy of 4,193 birds. Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky are another loft that's turned heads this season with a number of very notable performances, and once again they have shown their true colours by timing no fewer than four of their yearling team to score a cracking 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Club, 7th, 11th and 12th Fed, 157th, 224th and 226th UNC with vels of 2102, 2092.9 and 2092.6.
B & K Simpson's “Fast & Furious 13” winner of 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section, 2nd Up North Combine Burbure (2) 10,689 birds.
Onto Skelton Green where the loft of Bill Chapman, Sons Steve & Colin and the late Tommy Swinburne recorded their second Burbure win of the season after timing a 2y recording a top vel of 2086.0 to net 1st Club Show pocketing £19.00 and 15th Fed. Derek Winspear & Son Mark are in 2nd spot with the duo's blue card scorer being a yearling doing 2078.6 to lift 2nd Club Show netting £11.40 and 20th Fed. The same bird took a notable 3rd Club, 6th Fed Rivenhall National. Alan & David Wright who have had a brilliant old bird campaign timed no less than three of their entries to claim 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, with their green card potter being a 2y on 2053 and the other couple of timers were yearlings doing 2053 and 2052. Tony “Simply The Best” Bannister weighed in win 6th Club, 3rd Club Show and £7.60 with a 3y on 2051.
The Brotton Six Bird Club partnership of Andrew & Gavin Doe, John “Dillon” Swales and the late Sandy Swales ended the old bird campaign on a high after timing a yearling achieving a vel of 2082.7 to win a notable 1st Club, 17th Fed. With the lads chart-topper being the previous scorer of 5th Club Rivenhall National and 6th Club Newark (2). Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky clocked a couple of yearlings to lift 2nd and 5th Club, with their blue card potter that took 6th Club out of Newark (3) making 2079 for 19th Fed. The gangs second timer has being some Pigeon this season with it winning at least 1st Club Huntingdon; 1st Club, 11th Fed Burbure (1) from 848 birds; 1st Club, 29th Fed Oakham (4) from 1,268 birds and 1st Club, 15th Fed, 1st £1 and £5 Fed Noms banking £128.00 Rivenhall National when there were 891 birds competing. Vic Garbutt, the late Brian “Rusty” Stone & Brian “Mac” McCormick potted the green with a yearling and K & M Brown & Cole netted 4th Club with a 4y, while Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne took 6th with a yearling.
David Coates & Popeye who is not a Sailor and he doesn't eat Spinach came up trumps at Boosbeck after timing no less than three yearlings to win a belting 1st, 2nd and 3rd Club. With the duo's red card winner recording a top vel of 2082.0 to go onto score 18th Fed.
Dean “Deano” Ward timed two yearlings in the space of 12 seconds to win a very nice 1st and 2nd Club at Staithes.
Martin Hogarth hits winning form at Marske & New Marske after filling two chambers to win 1st and 3rd Club, with the pole position winner being a three day sitting yearling hen of Martin's own strain. The green card was awarded to a 2015 bred chequer hen sent sitting, the hen has flown consistent all season without getting her nose in front. Geoff Bavin is in 2nd spot with the blue card potter being the blue yearling hen bred by Martin Hogarth that won 1st Club, 1st Fed and 72nd UNC out of Burbure (1) and also took 4th Club out of Newark (3).The late Jack Brown & Tony Hunt had a couple of birds on the clock to take 4th and with Club with the yellow going to a 1y blue Van Gompel De Klak widowhood cock that won 1st Club, 13th Fed out of the Rivenhall National. In cell two came a second yearling Van Gompel De Klak widower the previous winner of 1st Club Peterborough and 2nd Club Newark.
Onto the Teesside Federation where we start at Haverton Hill where we see the loft of Paul Gatley, Graham Harrod & Son Dale time a couple of their entries to win 1st and 5th Club. With the lads red card winner being their making a name for himself yearling blue cock who recorded a top vel of 2162 which was enough to win a fantastic 1st Fed out of 271 birds, 2nd Section 5 and 4th UNC. The chart-topping cock won a brilliant 1st Club, 1st Fed, 3rd Section Rivenhall when there were 3,783 birds competing, before chalking up 4th Club, 11th Fed out of the Rivenhall National this season when beaten by a loftmate that won a cracking 1st Club, 2nd Fed, 3rd Section and 24th UNC from a convoy of 12,356 birds. Paul, Graham & Dale who are recording their second channel win of the season after winning 1st Club, 3rd Fed, 3rd Section out of Roye from 1,522 birds, second timer was a 2y blue cock making 2080 for 12th Fed. Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff had four birds on the clock to lift a notable 2nd, 3rd and 6th Club, 7th, 9th, 13th and 15th Fed; with the blue card potter being a 1y blue cock doing 2111 for 111th UNC. While the green card scoring yearling blue cock knocked up a vel of 2105 for 141st UNC; and he was followed by a 2y blue hen on 2087 and a 3y chequer cock making 2074. The Barron Bros Tommy & Robbie are in 4th spot with the duo's yellow card potter being a 1y chequer hen doing 2099 to net 10th Fed and 173rd Combine. The hen came up trumps out of the Burbure (1) race when she won a most impressive 1st Club, 2nd Fed and 15th UNC from a convoy of 13,268 birds.
Ali McLeod records his ninth Club win of the season at Billingham T U after timing seven yearlings to win a top drawer 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th Club, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 14th and 19th Fed with vels of 2157, 2143, 2138, 2136, 2108, 2077 and 2060.1. Leading the way was the same blue Vandenabeele cock who scored 2nd Club, 2nd Fed and 4th Section from the previous weeks Newark race when there were 2,846 birds competing, only this time the fancied cock wins the Fed Nom and scores a very impressive 7th UNC. The blue card was netted by the very same blue Ad Schaerlaeckens “Sissi” lines x Clive Yates Gust Janssen cock who netted 11th Fed the week before, with him going onto chalk up 18th UNC which wins Mac the “London North Road Friendship Trophy” for the Best Two Bird Performance with a average velocity of 2150.52. The green card was awarded to a blue Vandenabeele cock taking 25th UNC, with the cock being from Ali's real good racing cock “82” who won the Teesside Federation Bird of the Year and is also proving himself as a breeder at stock. The yellow card was potted by a full Vandenabeele blue hen who claims 27th UNC, the hen is the Daughter of Ali's now at stock double 1st Federation winner which were achieved in north winds, while her Dam is half Sister to the Sire of “Gabby Lou”. Fifth on the clock was the blue cock that took 5th Club, 18th Fed the previous race, this week he pockets 133rd Combine. Another blue cock came next with him chalking up 10th Fed Oakham (2), 7th Fed, 15th Section Peterborough and 20th Fed last week. Mac's final timer was a blue hen who netted 12th Fed Worksop and 11th Fed out of Oakham (1). Tommy Clark & Son Gary timed four of their entries to lift 6th, 11th, 16th and 20th Fed; with their first timer being a 2y blue cock doing 2130 to claim 40th UNC and he was followed by a 1y blue hen on 2095 for 202nd Combine. Tommy & Gary's third timer was a 2015 bred blue cock achieving 2072 and next came a 2y chequer pied hen on 2059.
Mr & Mrs Stephen & Jeanann tops the Middlesbrough H/S charts with a 2y blue pied hen recording a winning vel of 2066 to go onto score 17th Fed. The late Les Wellburn & Son Les & Derek are in 2nd spot with the Brothers blue card scorer being a yearling blue pied hen on 2060.9 for 18th Fed.
The nine race young bird season got under way on Saturday 29th July when the East Cleveland Federations 63 members entry of 1,868 birds were liberated from Bubwith (1) at 10.10am flying into a south-west wind. Starting at Staithes where Andy Crooks timed no less than five of his squad to win a top notch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 6th Club, with the first three babies being timed within two seconds of each other to record vels of 1762.1, 1761.6 and 1761.0 to go onto win 1st, 2nd and 3rd Fed. Dean “Deano” Ward stopped the dry rub by taking 4th Club, 15th Fed on 1725.
B & K Simpson timed three babies to win 1st and 3rd Club at Skinningrove H/S from a ten members entry of 412 birds, 4th, 6th and 20th Fed. With the pole position winner being a flying to the perch chequer Dirk Van Den Bulck hen recording a top vel of 1751; the winning hen who was bred and sent up by Bob Fenech contains the bloodlines of “Sagan”. The green card was awarded to a blue Dirk Van Den Bulck hen who contains the bloodlines of “Goede Rode” achieving a vel of 1744 with the flying to the perch hen also being bred and sent up in a batch of 12 by Bob Fenech. Brian & Keith's third timer was a flying to the perch blue Louis Cooreman hen. Ian Stafford & Mark Wilson notch up 2nd Club, 5th Fed on 1745. While Mike Prokopowicz & Son Lee timed a chequer cock to lift 4th Club, 7th Fed on 1741; with the yellow card potter being a full Sister to “414” the scorer of positions including 2nd, Club, 2nd Fed, 2nd Section and 2nd UNC young bird Peterborough National in 2016. Tich Richards & Alice Marsay lift 8th Fed on 1735; and they are followed by Steven Bedingfield who clock a blue cock to claim a notable 10th Fed on 1732. Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian timed four quick fire birds to take 11th, 12th 13th and 14th Fed on 1730 1729 (2) and 1728.
The Brotton H/S loft of the young bird specialists Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore got off to a great start after timing four of their entries four seconds apart to win a cracking 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club with a leading vel of 1702.
Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne got off to a young bird winning start at the Brotton Six Bird Club with a top vel of 1706 . Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore timed a couple of babies in the space of 11 seconds to chalk up 2nd and 3rd Club; while 4th spot went to Andrew & Gavin Doe, John “Dillon” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson, who were followed in 5th spot by Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky, with 6th Club and 1pt going to the loft of Dave Wilson.
Moving onto Marske & New Marske where the late Jack Brown & Tony Hunt filled a couple of chambers to win 1st and 2nd Club with the red and blue cards being won by a blue cock and blue hen of Tony's Bouchet/Tournier/De Klak family. The nestmates are out of Tony's “Fut 1050” cock who has flown very well this season. Geoff Bavin is in 3rd position with Geoff's green card scorer being a dark hen of Rutland Lofts bloodlines. The newly formed partnership of Paul Longstaff & Geoff Moore filled two cells to pocket 4th and 5th Club with the yellow being awarded to a chequer flipey Heremans Ceusters hen from Bradley, Jackson & Bainbridge of Bishop Auckland. Paul & Geoff's second timer was a chequer De Rauw Sablon hen from Anth Moore of Guisborough.
Next stop is Skelton Green where Derek Winspear & Son Mark wins pole position after timing a couple of their entries to win 1st and 6th Club from a 8 members entry of 277 birds, with the duo's second timer winning the Lucky Number £10.00 prize. Alan & David Wright timed three youngsters in the space of three seconds to score 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club; and they were followed in 5th place by Eion Richardson.
Moving onto the Teesside Federation who liberated their convoy of 391 birds from Pontefract (1) at 8.50am, with pride and place going to the very overjoyed George Brydon of Billingham T U who timed a black cock recording a vel of 1802 to win a most impressive 1st Club, 1st Fed and 11th Section 5 from a convoy of 3,177 birds. George timed a second of his 12 entries, a grizzle cock to win the Fed Nom to round off a brilliant day for the lad. Colin Atkinson & Alby Woodward dominated the Fed after timing no fewer than 9 of their squad to chalk up 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th Fed. With Colin & Alby's blue and green card scorer both being blue cocks that were timed three seconds apart knocking out vels of 1795 and 1794; with the blue card potter going onto claim 18th Section. Five seconds later came a chequer hen doing 1791.9 and another two seconds after that came a chequer cock on 1791.0. Colin & Alby's next five timers that were timed within ten seconds of each other were a chequer cock, a blue pied hen that was followed by a second chequer cock and a couple of blue hens on 1696, 1695.7, 1695.2, 1693 and 1692 to round off a cracking performance. Butto Bell of Bell & Weedall wasn't going to miss out so he timed three of his entries to pocket a notable 6th, 7th and 8th Fed with a blue hen and two blue cocks achieving 1779, 1731 and 1724.
Lewis & McCabe who enjoyed a top-notch old bird season got off to a winning start to the young bird season after timing no less than four of their entries to win a cracking 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club at Haverton Hill. With the duo's red card winner being a chequer hen achieving 1791.6 for 5th Fed; while their blue card scoring blue cock did 1723 for 10th Fed and he was followed by a white hen making 1715.17 to claim 11th Fed; while the fourth timer was a blue hen doing 1662 for 20th Fed. The partnership of Stewart & Barron stopped the dry rub by lifting 4th Club, 19th Fed on 1671.3. Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff clocked a blue pied cock and a blue hen to win 1st £5 Ring banking £70.00 and 2nd pocketing £45.00 in the £5 Ring scheme.
Next stop is Middlesbrough H/S where the loft of Arthur Cox & Son took no prisoners after timing a chequer cock and a chequer hen recording vels of 1715.13 and 1671.4 to win a very pleasing 1st and 2nd Club, 12th and 18th Fed.
Arthur Cox of Middlesbrough H/S winning 1st and 2nd Club, 12th & 18th Fed Pontefract (2).
Saturday 5th August saw the East Cleveland Federations 72 members convoy of 2,206 birds being liberated from Bubwith (2) at 8.40am flying into a west-north west wind, which was going to be a slower race than the previous week. Starting at Skinningrove H/S where B & K Simpson achieved their second straight young bird win to recorded their third consecutive win after timing two birds to win 1st Club from a 13 members muster of 542 birds, 1st and 9th Fed. With top spot being won by a blue Busschaert hen doing 1499, with the winning hen being the Daughter of “107” the winner of 1st Club, 11th Fed; 1st Club, 9th Fed and 1st Club, 1st Fed and scorer of other positions, with him being the Son of the “79 Cock” and “45 Hen” Sire & Dam, G/Sire & G/Dam to numerous Club and Federation winners. While the pole position hens Dam is “1898” bred by Mr & Mrs Weldon, Son & Beadle and purchased at a sale by Brian & Keith, where she has gone on to breed Club and Federation winners for the Brothers. Second on the clock was a chequer Willy Jacobs cock bred by O'roory Hill Stud, the cock who like the winner was flying to the perch knocked out a vel of 1491.6. Ian Stafford & Mark Wilson timed no fewer than eight of their entries to chalk up a top-notch 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Club, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 20th Fed with vels of 1498, 1497.6, 1497.2, 1496.8 (2), 1496.4. 1495 and 1475.0. Sayers Bros take 10th and 19th Fed on 1491.18 and 1475.2. While Steven Bedingfield pockets 11th Fed on 1491.14 with the same blue cock that netted 10th Fed the previous week. The late Gordon “Shang” Peirson MBE, Sons Sack & Jim and loft helpers Trevor & Bobby McConnell timed a blue Heremans Ceusters x Gust Janssen cock bred by the top loft of D & G Wright of Blyth to lift 14th Fed on 1485. While Tich Richards & Alice Marsay timed a couple of babies to claim 15th and 17th Fed on 1480 and 1477.0 to round off a fantastic day in the Fed for the Skinningrove members.
Andy Crooks wins the first six positions down at Staithes with the red and blue cards winners recording vels of 1477.7 and 1475.3 to pot 16th and 18th Fed.
Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore made it win number two on the trot at Brotton H/S after timing two of their entries one second apart to win a top-notch 1st and 2nd Club. Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky timed a trio of birds to chalk up a notable 3rd, 4th and 5th Club.
Bowden Bros Mick & Boss and loft helper Trevor Mitchell timed a couple of birds to win 1st and 6th Club at Skelton Green from a eight members entry of 219 birds. Derek Winspear & Son Mark also had two birds on the clock to net 2nd and 5th Club; while Tony “Simply The Best” Bannister pots the green and Alan & David Wright takes the yellow.
Moving onto Marske & New Marske where Geoff Bavin records his fifth win of the season, with Geoff's pole position winner being a dark hen of his tried and trusted Schoorisse family. Paul Longstaff & Geoff Moore are in second spot with the blue card being awarded to a blue hen purchased from the late Roly Seaton of Guisborough sale. Jimmy Reed clocked a blue Vandenabeele hen from David Reed to take 3rd Club. The partnership of the late Jack Brown & Tony Hunt filled a couple of cells to lift 4th and 5th Club with both of Tony's timers being blue Dirk Seppers/Van Gompel's.
Bill Ward and Grandson Shaun of the W & S Ward partnership hits the winners' enclosure at the Brotton Six Bird Club after timing a couple of birds to win 1st and 3rd Club. The partnership of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky chalked up 2nd Club while Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne timed two birds to take 4th and 5th Club, with their second timer being the same bird that won 1st Club the previous week. And they were followed by Andrew & Gavin Doe, John “Dillon” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson.
The Teesside Federation was at Pontefract (2) when the entry of 850 birds were up and away at 8.20am, with Billingham T U dominating the Fed for the second young bird race running, notching up 17 of the 20 Fed places. Colin Atkinson & Alby Woodward followed up the previous week top performance by timing no less than seven of their team in under a minute and a half to win an outstanding 1st and 5th Club, 1st, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th Fed. With pole position being won by a chequer cock recording a top vel of 1505 which was enough to score a cracking 4th Section 5 from a convoy of 5,759 birds; the winning cock is out of birds obtained by Colin from Clubmate Ali McLeod through his “Harry” & “Rudy” bloodlines. The duo's second timer was a chequer hen doing 1498 for 9th Section, and one second later came the blue cock that took 3rd Club, 3rd Fed out of Pontefract (1) making 1497.6 for 11th Section. Next came a blue cock achieving 1493 for 17th Section and he was followed by the blue cock who notched up 16th Fed the previous week on 1479 to claim 18th Section. Colin & Alby's next bird was the blue cock that scored 2nd Club, 2nd Fed and 18th Section the week before, this time with a vel of 1478.9 the young cock netted 19th Section. The duo's final timer that was clocked two seconds after their previous bird was the blue hen that notched up 17th Fed the race before, this week with a vel of 1478.3 the hen picks up 20th Section to round out a top team performance for the second consecutive race. Tommy Clark & Son Gary timed three of their entries to lift 2nd and 3rd Club, 2nd, 3rd and 18th Fed; with the blue card being awarded to a chequer hen knocking up a vel of 1501.9 to go onto win the Fed Nom and 1st £5 Ring pocketing £70.00 and score a notable 6th Section. The green was chalked up by mealy hen that was timed one second after the blue card potter to take 2nd £5 Ring netting £45.00 and 7th Section on 1501.5. Tommy & Gary's third timer was a blue cock doing 1432.2. Ali McLeod who missed the first race due to lack of training because his van was off the road and there was not enough room on his push bike to fit his baskets on had five babies on the clock to lift 6th, 8th, 17th, 19th and 20th Fed with his first timer being a chequer Mark Evans & Dave Hawkins cock that came with the winners but would not trap achieved a vel of 1497.8 to claim 10th Section. One second later was a blue hen from a Daughter of Mac's number one Minderhoud hen doing 1497.5 to take 12th Section. The next three timers that were clocked within eight seconds of each other were a couple of blue hens and a blue cock doing 1432.5, 1431 and 1430. George Brydon still on cloud nine after his previous weeks 1st Federation and Fed Nom winning performance timed a chequer hen and a blue hen fourteen seconds apart to chalk up a nice 4th Club, 4th and 9th Fed, 8th and 15th Section on 1500 and 1495.
The Billingham boys didn't leave much left but that never stopped the Haverton Hill partnership of Paul Gatley, Graham Harrod & Son Dale timing a blue cock winning 1st Club, 14th Fed on 1455.
Mr & Mrs Stephen & Jeanann Wheatley timed a chequer cock and a blue pied hen inside 47 seconds to win 1st and 2nd Club, 15th and 16th Fed at Middlesbrough H/S with leading vels of 1450 and 1434.
Young bird race number three took place on Saturday 8th August when the East Cleveland Federations 77 members Worksop (1) entry of 2,135 birds were liberated at 12.35hrs in a west-north-west wind. Leading the way in both Club and Fed was the Staithes loft of Andy Crooks who timed four bird to win 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Club, with the first two early timers recorded vels of 1505 and 1494 to go onto win an impressive 1st and 2nd Fed. With the pole position Fed winner being the same youngster that won 1st Club, 1st Fed Bubwith (1). Golly Foster had a couple of his entries on the clock to net 3rd and 6th Club.
Mike Prokopowicz & Son Lee wins top spot at Skinningrove from a thirteen members entry of 526 birds. With the red card being won by a blue hen that is the same way bred as the cock that took 4th Club, 7th Fed out of Bubwith (1), with the hen recording a top vel of 1437.14 to go onto pocket 9th Fed. Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian timed three birds with vels of 1436.1, 1435.5 and 1434.8 to take 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club, 12th, 15th and 17th Fed. While Ian Stafford & Mark Wilson notch up 5th Club, 20th Fed on 1429.
Its win number three on the bounce for Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore of Brotton H/S with the inform duo timing two of their entries to win 1st and 4th Club. With the pole position winner being the same youngster that netted 2nd Club Bubwith (2) when beaten by one second by it's loftmate. The loft of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky also had a couple of their team on the clock to lift 2nd and 3rd Club, with the green card potter being the same youngster that took 3rd Club the previous race.
W & S Ward made it win number two on the belt at the Brotton Six Bird Club after Bill and his Grandson Shaun timed two birds to win 1st and 5th Club. Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne became the second loft to have two birds in the frame to pot 2nd and 6th Club, with Frank, Brenda & Wayne's blue card scorer being the same baby that took 4th Club the previous race. Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore are in 3rd spot while Andrew & Gavin Doe, John “Dillon” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson are in the frame for the third young bird race running to take 4th Club.
Tony Hunt of the late Jack Brown & Hunt partnership very enjoyable season continues after filling two chambers to win 1st and 2nd Club at Marske & New Marske to record his tenth win of the campaign. With top spot being won by a blue flipey Dirk Seppers/Van Gompel cock, while the blue card was awarded to a blue Tournier x Kees Bosua cock. Jimmy Reed timed a blue Vandenabeele cock from David Reed to chalk up 3rd Club, and Martin Hogarth clocked a mealy pied cock bred from John Whittaker bloodlines via Clubmate Craig Wedgewood paired to a Tony Hunt hen to pocket 4th Club.
Its win number two from three starts for Derek Winspear & Son Mark after timing four of their entries to win 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Club at Skelton Green from a eight members muster of 210 birds. Des Williams and his sidekick Roger Wall chalk up 3rd Club, while Bowden Bros Mick & Boss and loft helper Trevor Mitchell claim 5th Club.
The strings were cut on the baskets of the Teesside Federations entry of 811 birds at 12.20hrs. The inform Billingham T U partnership of Colin Atkinson & Alby Woodward are on the lookout to take more scalps than the famous Chiricahua Apache “Geronimo”. For Colin & Alby timed the same chequer cock of Ali McLeod's “Ruby” & “Harry” bloodlines that won 1st Club, 1st Fed and 4th Section Pontefract (2) the previous week to win a earth-shattering 1st Club, 1st Fed and 1st Section 5 with a recorded vel of 1377. Tommy Clark & Son Gary had five of their team on the clock to lift 2nd and 4th Club, 3rd, 6th, 14th, 16th and 18th Fed. With the blue card being netted by a chequer cock doing 1367 to pot 12th Section, and the yellow card went to a blue cock on 1302. Third on the clock was a blue hen making 1270 and and she was followed by a SU rung youngster doing 1268. Tommy & Gary then timed their well-fancied mealy hen that chalked up 3rd Club, 3rd Fed, 2nd £5 Ring and 6th Section the previous week, to win 1st Fed Nom and 1st £5 Ring banking £70.00 this time around. Its good to see Butto Bell & Weedall time a couple of babies to score a notable 3rd and 5th Club, with the green card being awarded to a blue hen doing 1311 to pocket a creditable 4th Fed. Butto's second timer was a blue pied cock achieving 1288 to claim 12th Fed. Brian Atkinson & Keith Perkins clocked a blue hen doing 1269 to take 16th Fed and then timed a blue cock to chalk up 2nd £5 Ring and £45.00. George Brydon notched up 17th Fed with a black hen doing 1265; while Shaun Smith pockets 20th Fed with a blue hen doing 1259.4
Keith Hodge & Denis Potter hits the winners' enclosure at Middlesbrough H/S with the lads chart-topper being a dark pied cock achieving a top vel of 1373 which was enough to score an impressive 2nd Fed and 10th Section. Arthur Cox & Son are starting to pick up more points than a porcupine after timing no less than three youngsters to score a cracking 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club. With the blue card going to a chequer hen doing 1303 to lift a notable 5th Fed; while the green card was awarded to a chequer cock knocking out a vel of 1297 to pocket a nice 7th Fed; and he was followed by a second chequer cock making 1289 to take 11th Fed and round off an enjoyable day. Mr & Mrs Stephen & Jeanann Wheatley are in 4th spot with the duo's yellow card potting blue hen doing 1290 for 10th Fed. While the late Wyn Cole, Stephen Wheatley & Grandson Connor timed a chequer cock doing 1259.5 to notch up 6th Club, 19th Fed.
The partnership of J McCarthy, Son & Profitt wins top spot at the Beechwood & Easterside with Jimmy & John's pole position winner being a blue hen achieving a top vel of 1294 to go onto score a nice 8th Fed.
On Saturday 19th August the Up North Combine were at Worksop (2) when the East Cleveland Federations 71 members convoy of 1,830 birds headed for home at 8.50am in a light south-west wind, with the velocity's they recorded they had to have a lot more help then the light wind they were liberated in. Starting at Skinningrove where Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian timed two birds to win 1st Club from a eleven members entry of 473 birds, 1st and 8th Fed with vels of 1716 and 1699. Tich Richards & Alice Marsay netted 2nd Club, 2nd Fed on 1711. B & K Simpson had three flying to the perch youngsters on the clock to lift 3rd and 4th Club, 3rd, 4th and 9th Fed on 1710, 1709 and 1699. With the green card being awarded to a blue Willy Jacobs hen and the yellow was potted by a blue flipey Willy Jacobs cock, both bred by O'roory Hill Stud. The loft of the late Gordon “Shang” Peirson MBE, Sons Sack & Jim and loft helpers Trevor & Bobby McConnell hard work is paying off a bit after clocking a 10 day sitting blue Heremans Ceusters cock gift bird bred by Bobby's good mate Anthony Thompson of Stockton to chalk up 5th Club, 6th Fed on 1703. With the lads being followed by Darren Sayers who notches up 6th Club, 7th Fed on 1701.
After coming close the past couple of races Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky have finally hit winning form at Brotton H/S after timing four birds to win a top-notch 1st and 2nd Club, 10th, 11th, 21st and 22nd Fed with vel of 1698.1, 1697.8 and 1886.5 (2). Dave “Rooster” Storr lifts 3rd Club, 12th Fed on 1696 while Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore timed two birds within one second of each other to net 4th and 6th Club, 13th and 15th Fed on 1692.9 and 1692.5. Mick Smithies pockets 5th Club, 14th Fed on 1692.8, the loft of Reg Wilson, Ray Mole & Partners notch up 20th Fed on 1686.6.
Dean “Deano” Ward tops the Staithes charts after timing two birds to win 1st and 5th Club with the well out in front red card winner recording a top vel of 1691 for 16th Fed. The inform Andy Crooks timed a trio of birds to lift 2nd, 3rd and 4th Club; while Chris Cooke is in 5th spot with a blue Belgian cock bought direct from Francios Leys.
Onto the Brotton Six Bird Club where the inform loft of Frank & Brenda Reilly & Son Wayne are in the frame for the fourth consecutive young bird race after timing no fewer than three of their six entries to win a cracking 1st, 2nd and 4th Club to record their second young bird race. With the red and blue card winners that were timed one second apart achieving 1687.7 and 1687.4. Frank, Brenda & Wayne's yellow card scorer is showing some form after scoring for the third consecutive race netting 4th Club Bubwith (2) and then pocketing 2nd Club out of Worksop (1). The loft of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky pots 3rd Club, 19th Fed on 1686.9, with the green card potter being the previous scorer of 2nd Club Bubwith (1). Danny Fawcett comes into the frame in 5th position and Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore claim 6th spot.
The flags were flying high and the beer was flowing big style when word got around that Des “Tank Commander” Williams and loft helper Roger Wall had timed a couple of their entries one second apart to win a well-deserved 1st and 2nd Club at Skelton Green from a seven members entry of 151 birds. Bowden Bros Mick, Boss and their right hand man Trevor Mitchell potted 3rd and 5th Club. Tony “Simply The Best” Bannister became the third loft to have two birds in the frame, with Banno clocking his two points scoring babies to lift 4th and 6th Club.
Jimmy Reed records his fourth win of the season at Marske & New Marske with pole position being won by a blue Willy Verbreck Van Loon cock from Tony Hunt. The late Jack Brown & Tony Hunt are in 2nd spot with Tony's blue card scorer being a dark chequer Dirk Seppers x Galaxy International cock. Paul Longstaff & Geoff Moore chalk up 3rd Club with a blue Heremans Ceusters cock from Norman Bainbridge & Partners of Bishop Auckland. Geoff Bavin timed a chequer hen of his own Schoorisse family to pot 4th Club; while next came Martin Hogarth who clocked a young blue cock bred down from John Whittaker stock from Craig Wedgewood. The positions were evened out this weeks, which you don't see very often.
Moving onto the Teesside Federation where their muster of 726 birds hit the skies at 7.50am. After missing sending to Worksop (1) due to his birds coming back from Pontefract (2) with the dreaded virus Fat Eye, Ali McLeod returned to racing in outstanding style after timing no fewer than nine of his young bird squad to win a top drawer 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Club, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 14th, 19th and 20th Fed. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th Section 5 from a convoy of 4,534 birds. Before I go into Ali's details I have to say that I take my hat off to him for leaving his birds at home at Worksop (1), common sense has prevailed with a earth-shattering team performance this week. How many more fanciers would have kept their birds at home because they are ill? Mac's pole position winner was a blue cock recording 1636 to win 1st £5 Ring and £70.00 which will help towards decking out a basket rest on his push bike. Mac's winner is from a full Brother to the Sire of “Gaby Lou” paired to a new addition to the loft, and she is G/Dam to the famous “Freddy”. The blue card was awarded to chequer cock from Evans & Hawkins doing 1630.9, the green card potter that touched down with the blue card scorer was a blue pied hen bred from a pair of latebreds Ali bred for stock. Five seconds later came a blue Vandenabeele cock doing 1629.5 who is out of Ali's good racing and breeding cock “82” when paired to a Sister to “Gaby Lou” that Mac put to stock after the young bird season. Fifth on the clock that was timed one second after the previous timer was a blue hen knocking out a vel of 1629.2, with the young hen having all the best of Ali's Vandenabeele bloodlines in her with her Sire being mac's old number on1 hen paired to his good racing hen “64” the previous winner of 3rd UNC. Two seconds later was another blue hen doing 1628.7 with her also being soaked in the very best of Ali's Vandenabeele family, with her having the same Dam as Ali's top racing cocks “82” and “29”, with their Sire being a real good bird with him winning 9th and 51st UNC Lillers then stock, his Dam was from the world famous pair “Jester” and “Carrie”. Its these bloodlines that have kept Ali at the top at Club, Fed and UNC level for a great number of years. The next three timers were a blue pied hen on 1596, a chequer hen doing 1572 and a blue hen making 1571 to round off a fantastic return to racing for Ali. It actually became a two horse race in the Club for Tommy Clark & Son Gary clocked no less than nine youngsters to lift 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 15th and 16th Fed; with the lads first timer being a blue hen achieving 1605 and she was followed by a chequer cock doing 1604. Next came a blue hen on 1603.8, a mealy cock making 1603.5, then a chequer cock and a blue cock on 1598 and 1797 and they were followed by a blue hen and a chequer cock knocking out vels of 1577 and 1576. Tommy & Gary also timed their fancied mealy hen again to win the Fed Nom.
Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff hit the winners' enclosure for the second week running at Haverton Hill after timing a couple of babies to win a top-notch 1st and 2nd Club with the red card winning blue pied cock recording a chart-topping vel of 1602 to score 11th Fed. The winning cock is starting to prove his worth for he won 1st £5 Ring and £70.00 out of Pontefract (1) and he's in the money again this time for he chalks up 2nd £5 Ring and £45.00 in prize money. Barron Bros Tommy & Robbie in their first full season back ion the sport are in 3rd position with the green card being netted by a dark cock knocking up a vel of 1573 for 18th Fed.
The fifth young bird race of 2017 saw the East Cleveland Federation hit the 100 plus miles stage when the 63 members entry of 1,612 birds were liberated from Melton Mowbray (sub Oakham) at 11.10am flying into a light north wind on Saturday 26th August. The inform Staithes loft of Andy Crocks records his fourth Club and third Fed win in five races after timing no less than four birds to win an a top-notch 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th Club. With Andy's first two timers that were timed two second apart to record vels of 1547 and 1546 to win an awesome 1st and 2nd Fed. Robin Hood comes into the frame to chalk up 4th Club. While Chris Cooke pockets 6th place with a blue hen, the Sire of the hen won 1st Club, 1st Fed Worksop (1) in 2016 from a convoy of 2,131 birds and her Dam chalked up 132nd UNC young bird Peterborough National from a convoy of 11,967 birds. Both the Sire and Dam were purchased direct from Francios Leys of Belgium, and not Leer Market as stated in last years young bird reports.
Mike Prokopowicz & Son Lee recorded their second young bird win after timing three birds to win 1st and 2nd Club, 4th, 5th and 18th Fed with vels of 1514, 1512 and 1494.0. With top spot being won by a blue cock the Son of “410” and “Wadey”, a Son of Wade Brother Richard & Martin's NEHU winner. The blue card was awarded to a chequer hen bred by Brian Clennan from his Syndicate Lofts stock. B & K Simpson had a couple of flying to the perch youngsters on the clock to lift 3rd Club, 7th and 19th Fed on 1508 and 1492; with the green card going to a blue Busschaert hen who is the same way bred as Brian & Keith's 1st Club, 1st Fed Bubwith (2) winner. While their second timer was the blue flipey Willy Jacobs cock bred my O'roory Hill Stud that netted 4th Club, 4th Fed Worksop (2). Sayers Bros Dave, Kenny & Brian took 4th and 6th Club, 8th and 15th Fed on 1504 and 1497. Keith Wren & Margaret Stone come into the frame to pocket 5th Club, 13th Fed on 1500.9; while the late Gordon “Shang” Peirson MBE & Son Sack & Jim and loft helpers Trevor & Bobby McConnell claim 17th Fed on 1494.2 with a Heremans Ceusters hen gift bird bred by Steve & Sheila Trattles of Loftus. Tich Richards & Alice Marsay picked up 20th Fed on 1490.9 to round off a good day in the Fed for the Grover's.
I told you at the start of this young bird season report about Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore of Brotton H/S being the Clubs young bird specialists, and here's why for Bob & Barbara timed two of their entries to win 1st and 5th Club to record their fourth win in five races. With their pole position winner achieving a chart-topping vel of 1503.0 which was enough to score a very nice 10th Fed. Dave “Rooster” Storr is in second spot with his blue card scorer knocking out a vel of 1501.0 to net a useful 12th Fed. Like Bob & Barbara, the partnership of Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky are enjoying a cracking run and it continued this race after timing no fewer than three of their squad to chalk up a notable 3rd, 4th and 6th Club; with their green card lifter racking up a vel of 1495 for 16th Fed.
Mr & Mrs Bob & Barbara Moore also came up trumps in the Brotton Six Bird Club winning 1st Club, 11th Fed on 1501.5 with the red card winning youngster being the previous scorer of 6th Club, 15th Fed Worksop (2). Mr & Mrs Golly “Graham” & Linda Peirson & Tubby “Graham” Purver and loft helpers Ian “Evo” Everington & Franky are in 2nd position with the gangs blue card potter making 1500.2 for 14th Fed. Ricky Cush comes into the frame after timing a couple of his team to pot a notable 3rd and 4th Club. W & S Ward are in 5th spot with Bill & Shaun's timer being their 1st Club Worksop (1) winner; and they were followed by Andrew & Gavin Doe, John “Dillon” Swales and the late Sandy Sanderson.
Its a big well done to the new formed partner of Paul Longstaff & Geoff Moore of Marske & New Marske for recording their first win together after timing two birds to win a very enjoyable 1st and 2nd Club. With their pole position winner being a blue Heremans Ceusters hen from Bainbridge & Partners of Bishop Auckland, while the blue card was awarded to a blue flipey hen bred from John Whittaker stock from Geoff Bavin crossed with Bainbridge & Partners stock. The late Jack Brown & Tony Hunt filled two cells to lift 3rd and 4th Club with the green going to a 7 day sitting blue Dirk Seppers/Van Gompel hen. Tony's yellow card potter was a blue Dirk Seppers/Van Gompel cock who is the same way bred as the green card scorer.
The Teesside Federations entry of 645 birds were on their way at 10.50am, which resulted in Ali McLeod of Billingham T U timing six birds to win a belting 1st, 3rd and 4th Club, 1st, 4th, 5th, 17th, 18th and 19th Fed, to record his eleventh Club win and eighth Fed win of the season. With top spot being won by the blue Vandenabeele cock out of the good racing and breeding cock “82” when paired to a Sister to “Gaby Lou” that netted 3rd Club, 3rd Fed, 4th Section the previous race, this time with a chart-topping vel of 1471 the cock went onto score a very nice 5th Section 5 from a convoy of 4,335 birds. The green card was netted by a blue Vandenabeele hen doing 1468 for 9th Section, the cock is out of the good stock cock “King James” who is still filling his eggs at 15 years of age. The yellow card was awarded to a blue Vandenabeele cock knocking out a vel of 1465 to net 13th Section; with him being the Brother of Mac's 1st Club, 1st Fed, 2nd Section Worksop (2) winner. The next three timers that achieved vels of 1435, 1430.9 and 1430.8 was a blue hen and a couple of blue pied cocks. Tommy Clark & Son Gary had two birds on the clock to pocket 2nd Club, 3rd and 20th Fed; with the blue card going to a chequer cock doing 1469.7 for 7th Section. The duo's second timer was the chequer cock that took 16th Fed out of Worksop (1) the previous race. Colin Atkinson & Alby Woodward return to the frame to pot 5th Club, 8th Fed with a fancied chequer cock doing 1452 to win the Fed Nom. The loft of Bell & Weedall nipped a couple in to chalk up 9th and 11th Fed on 1451 and 1447 with Butto's first timer being the blue card cock that took 5th Club, 12th Fed out of Worksop (1) when beaten by a loftmate that netted 3rd Club, 4th Fed. Second on the clock was a blue cock.
The Haverton Hill partnership of Paul Gatley, Graham Harrod & Son Dale record their second young bird win from five starts after timing two of their squad to win 1st and 4th Club, with the lads pole position winner being a chequer pied hen achieving a chart-topping vel of 1469.8 which was enough to score an impressive 2nd Fed and 6th Section. The yellow card was awarded to a GB rung blue hen who knocked out a vel of 1443 to go onto pot 13th Fed. Lewis & McCabe are in 2nd spot with a blue cock doing 1465 for 6th Fed and 26th Section. Andrew Appleton & Paul Longstaff timed a blue hen doing 1458 to claim 3rd Club, 7th Fed, 28th Section. The two lads also clocked the reliable blue pied cock that won 1st £5 Ring from Pontefract (1) and 1st Club, 11th Fed, 2nd £5 Ring last week from Worksop (2) to take 2nd £5 Ring again and £45.00. Barron Bros Tommy & Robbie clocked two blue cocks recording vel of 1442 and 1438 to net 15th and 16th Fed; the Brothers timed a later bird to win 1st £5 Ring and £70.00 in prize money. While J Appleton notches up 16th Fed with a blue cock on 1436.
Paul, TJ & Brandon Longstaff of Appleton & Longstaff winning 1st Club, 9th Fed Worksop (1), 1st and 2nd Club, 11th and 17th Fed Worksop (2).
Next stop in Middlesbrough H/S where the partnership of the late Wyn Cole, Stephen Wheatley & Grandson Connor wins top spot with the red card winner being a blue hen achieving 1449 to pot 10th Fed. Keith Hodge & Denis Potter chalk up 2nd Club, 12th Fed with a chequer hen doing 1445.
Derek Gibson & Burnip enjoyed a good clock day at the Beechwood & Easterside after timing no fewer than four youngsters to win a top-notch 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th Club. The loft of Kime & Reid are in 2nd spot, while N Bunny chalked up 4th Club.
Derek Gibson of Gibson & Burnip the winners of 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th Club at the Beechwood & Easterside, with Denis Potter of Hodge & Potter of Middlesbrough H/S the winners of 1st Club, 2nd Fed, 10th Section Worksop (1).
Anthony Thompson is a new member to the sport, after spending time at the lofts of Stuart Watson & Joe Elcote of South Bank and watching their birds in on a race day triggered the Pigeon bug so much that Anthony had to have his own loft and birds. Anthony thanks his good mates Stuart & Joe for their help and advice. Anthony purchased birds at the K & K Homer & D & P Williams sale at the end of the 2016 racing season and has also purchased a number of Dirk Van Den Bulck and Leo Heremans Pigeons. Anthony started racing his team of 42 young birds in the Portrack Club in Stockton who are members of the Tees Valley Federation who are part of Section 5. Anthony has enjoyed a great start to his new sport with him winning 1st Club, 1st Fed and 1st Section 5 Pontefract (2) with a blue pied hen from a convoy of 5,795 birds. With the chart-toppers 2007 bred Sire that was purchased by Anthony being a top breeding cock with him being responsible for 3 x 1st Combines and 12 x 1st Sections, while the Dam purchased from Tim Lovell & Mike Samuels is the previous winner of 4 x 1st Clubs. Anthony's 1st Club, 1st Fed, 1st Section 5 Worksop (2) winner was a blue Heremans Ceusters cross cock whose Sire is a Son off Leo Heremans “003”, while the Dam is off Homer & Williams stock. With the 1st Section winning cocks nestmate being the scorer of 2nd Club, 2nd Fed Peterborough. No doubt Anthony has purchased the very best birds available, his very short time in the sport has proved that with him also breeding winnings for other fanciers in his first season in the spot. There won't be many fanciers saying they have won 2 x 1 Section 5 this young bird season, and competing against the very best of them. I would like to thank the person for the info and photo of Anthony and wish the lad well for the rest of the season and future racing.
Anthony Thompson holding his Pontefract (2) & Worksop (2) 1st Section winners.
For a few years now Bill Heslop of Brotton and John Wilkie of Boldon have took it in turns to auction the birds for the Loftus Championship Club Breeder/Buyer Sales with one of them putting the birds under the hammer for three of the annual sales and the other auctioning the remaining two sales. For the past few years both Bill & John have being paid £100.00 each for this time, with both lads who always do a great job in selling the youngsters donating their money to local good causes. This year one of Bill & John's chosen charities was the Great North Air Ambulance, the Community Powered Emergency Care flew 869 missions across our region in 2016. To enable the Great North Air Ambulance to continue to provide their fantastic service, they must raise £4.5 million every year. And they can only achieve that service from the generous support from people like Bill & John. Their donation of £100.00 will help towards the continued funding of life-serving services. Bill & John's second chosen charity was the Redcar Lifeboat Station who are most grateful for the £100.00 contribution to their station funds, as you probably know, all their funding comes from voluntary donations and legacies. The Redcar Lifeboat Station has assured Bill & John that their very kind donation will be put to good use in helping to save lives at sea. A big well done to Bill & John for their very kind donations.
At this moment in time I have reported on all the info I have received, so I'm back on track and can only report on the info I receive.
