From The Chair: Blackpool At Last !
By Chris Williams
Time and good friends are the two things that go up in value the older we get. Not only this but after two turbulent years due to the pandemic with all the fear and uncertainty which covid has brought to not only the world but also the all-important social side of pigeon sport . it is quite simply wonderful to be able to put pen to paper and write about the 50th year mile stone of The British Homing World Show Of The Year which took place in Blackpool on the weekend of Saturday 15th to Sunday 16th of January 2022. Omicron was a huge game changer, not knowing if regulations would change, people being infected, and those who did not yet feel ready to mix, obviously meant that the amount of trade stands and people inside the Winter Gardens would be affected. This must have caused a few headaches to the organisers, but I would like to thank everyone who made it possible. It was fantastic to see so many great friends and fanciers in a great atmosphere of birds, booze and banter that are the typical hallmarks of what is known colloquially as pigeon weekend . I can honestly say that my friends and family haven’t laughed so much in a long time as we caught up with familiar faces and made new friends as we came together to celebrate our passion for the sport of pigeon racing . Don’t ask me what or why but there is a real magic and motivating force when it comes to being in the company of like-minded men and women , which is the only real “pigeon tonic “that a truly fanatical pigeon fancier will ever really need!
One of the talking points over a few pints of beer for those of us whom attend the show are the many auctions and what prices the pigeons will fetch; such things also succeed in generating interest among the general public which provides this great sport of ours with vital publicity in the mainstream media. Following my loft report on Luc Vervoort and Nicole Van Nuffel, the virtuosos with a small team of birds from the village of Hallaar, a true hot bed of sprint and middle distance racing which is located in the Belgian province of Antwerp and is part of the municipality of Heist-op-den-Berg, myself and Dad were keen to see the 12 select birds that Luc had put up for auction with Mr Les Green and the hard working team at the renowned Northern Premiere Auctions. Not only is Les Green one of the finest sprint fanciers in pigeon racing today but he also knows how to generate interest and electric atmosphere in the sales room, a job that is easier with pigeons of exceptional quality , I can honestly say that the 12 lots in the sale were all stunning specimens and served as a real testament to Luc’s skill as a fancier . We were so impressed with the condition to such an extent that we purchased a pair which we will be adding to our direct Vervoort imports that will be with us later this year, we are looking forward to racing them as already this truly small team fancier has some of the leading lights of European pigeon sport beating a path to his door !
Over the many years that I and the family have attended the show we have made lots of lifelong friendships and made new friends every year and this year was no exception. As we finally got to meet Carl Turner of Red Card Pigeons and his son Calvin two of the nicest pigeon lads you could ever wish to meet , these lads also have some excellent bloodlines from some of the top lofts in Belgium and prior to the pigeon weekend we purchased some Mark Janssen pigeons from Carl and Calvin which they kindly brought to Blackpool for us .Both Carl and Calvin are extremely enthusiastic fanciers , which is exactly what we need in the sport today, well done lads and myself and Dad wish you all the best for the coming season , I for one am sure you will do very well as the pigeons you have at your disposal are classy to say the least
. A few years ago I met Mick Barlow of Blackpool after he came into our hotel and brought me a pint of Guinness after telling how much he enjoyed reading my column in the BHW and since that time we have kept in regular contact and he has visited our loft on several occasions , It was nice to catch up with you Mick and see you again soon!
The 21st century has seen many a change in the sport from a growth in the popularity and specialisation in young bird racing to the racing of hens on widowhood , without doubt one of the biggest developments certainly within recent years is the advent of one-loft racing. Now entering its eighth year in 2022 and with 103,00 guaranteed for this year’s event it is little wonder that “Who Dares wins” , ably run by the passionate pigeon fancier Gary Tomlinson (aka Tommo Jnr ) is considered by many who specialise in this unique discipline of our sport , to be the ultimate one-loft race within The United Kingdom! Speaking of Garry Tomlinson I must mention his excellent and very informative 3 DVD series , starting with “who knows Wins the ultimate Widowhood system”. This film is a must for both the novice and veteran fancier alike as Gary talks the viewer through everything you need to know to give your widowhood cocks that all important boost all of which is delivered in straight forward no nonsense steps , believe me dear reader if I can grasp it then anyone can, it really is that simple! Following on from this is “Who knows Wins the ultimate young bird DVD: discussing a wide range of topics this one takes us right from the nest to the race basket . unlike our fancier forefathers who it could be argued had a somewhat laissez-faire attitude towards this aspect of our sport however, the modern minded fancier is all too aware that our young racing pigeons are more than capable when it comes to competing at the highest level . it is a simple fact that pigeons require 365 days of total commitment if you are to stand any chance of attaining success, be it at club , federation national or even international level we the fancier have to be at the top of our game. In “Who Knows How“ grab a paper and pen and sit down with Gary as he takes you through everything you need to know in order to keep your pigeons healthy year in, year out with good common sense advice , “nice one Tommo Jnr as in my opinion this is exactly what we need in the sport today!”
As with previous years once again we stayed at the Elgin Hotel and it was excellent and the staff went above and beyond to ensure we all had a fabulous stay with great food and entertainment in a safe environment .It was fantastic to see the people who return there year after year such as Tim Hancock who is always up for a bit of leg pulling, usually at my expense all of which is given and taken in good fun . This year we were joined by our great friends from our hometown of Coventry Neil Howes and his wife Debbie , both of whom were attending the show for the first time in many years , it’s fair to say they had an absolute ball and are already looking forward to the 2023 show “being honest , I knew we were on to a winner after seeing the video of Debbie singing and dancing , doesn’t Gin do strange things to folks when they are having fun , only joking Debb we are just glad you enjoyed yourself and who knows if I send in the video to you’ve been framed we just might get £250 towards next year!” It was also nice to see the gang from Norfolk who have stayed at the hotel for many years now. For the second time our friends Grace and Hazzell who are not fanciers but came along for the social side of the show , they are both great company and always enjoy a good laugh , not to mention a game of bingo so much so they brought their own dabbers , our Grace even has one sporting the face of famed Irish singer Daniel O Donnell , proof that you can take the girl out of Donegal, but you cant the Donegal, out of the girl!
The industrial Black Country of England’s West Midlands has always been a real stronghold of the sport producing many house hold names and characters , its fair to say that Mickey Smart certainly fits into this category it was a pleasure to talk pigeons with this passionate fancier who’s bright personality is second to non .
Well that’s Blackpool for another year , time now to get serious and pair the birds . Bring on the 2022 racing season , Good Luck everyone!
Having a good laugh with top Black Country fancier Mickey Smart the more excited he got the more wine he spilt !
Eyes down look in, two spare hens Grace and Hazzell ready for bingo
A great day at Luc Vervoorts sale, myself and auctioneer Les Green with Mick Barlow and Carl and Calvin Turner of Red Card Pigeons
Myself and Gary Tomlinson of the Who Dares Wins one loft race Gary is a mind of information and has a genuine love of the sport .
A packed sales room for Luc Vervoort
Dad, glass in hand with myself and Tim Hancock with Neil Howes behind me .
A rare photograph of myself and Mum
Relaxing after the sales with a pint, this one’s for “Watto”
