From The Chair By Chris Williams
Saturday 12th June saw 8 members of St Leonards and St Ives RPC send 144 club birds once again to Upper Heyford with the Dorset federation. Liberated at 08:00 HRS into a light north west wind taking 1st d club, topping the Dorset federation on decimal points (57 members sending 776 birds) is “The Whirlwind” Jim White who timed his yearling blue cock on a winning velocity 1548.87, this was the second time this season that this cock has topped the Dorset fed and he was followed by another blue yearling cock to take 2nd club and 3rd federation on 154407 here’s Jim with the story of his race and double fed winner: I had two birds come together so either could have been first in the clock, but as it was I timed in the Blue cock that won the Fed from Newbury, first to time in from Upper Heyford to get its second fed win, the second was a full brother to it and also the 3rd also a full brother, all bred by me, but the pair of stock birds acquired from my good friend Rod Berry of New Milton, Many thanks to him. Congratulations Jim you are officially no longer a “new boy” as you modestly described yourself to me in a previous report, I shall say now what I said then it’s great to see someone return to the sport and doing well!
Dorset’s leading lady Jenny Mills is in 3rd place on a velocity of 1520.75 thanks to her consistent Aarden x Ebony Aarden black pied 2yr hen with club and Fed positions and a 12th open classic card to her credit. Jenny told me: I have an acute shortage of racing cock birds and she was taking an interest in another hen and was more defensive of her box than she has ever been, and was followed by a Staff Van Reet Slatey hen, keen to get back to a 7 day youngster for her effort this week this hen is also awarded 14th fed.
One of the clubs great characters is Alan “disco dancer” Johnson who deservedly takes a well-earned 4th club, with a yearling chequer cock on 1517.37 this pigeon was gifted to him last year by Brian Crutcher, as Last spring Alan was really unwell and in a lot of pain waiting for a hip replacement struggling to get around the loft, as he wished to do. The operation had been delayed due to covid and when he was eventually called in for surgery the pigeons rightly had to take a back seat. Not wanting to see this bastion of sportsmanship shorthanded several of his friends gifted young birds so that he would have some to race, this bird has been coming steadily all season and this was his week to shine taking the 17th Federation spot for Alan. Everyone in the club is delighted for this real gentleman fancier, on a personal note I have nothing but respect for Alan as he is a down to earth pigeon fancier who is quiet spoken preferring to focus on his passion for pigeons rather than be pulled down by pessimism, dear reader if every person had this outlook then I am certain they would feel better not only about pigeon but life itself, Disco Dancer I salute you!
5th & 6th club this week goes to Stuart Laws with a 3yr old hen on 1501.44 and a 2yr old check cock doing 1500.72. 
Jim White pictured with his 2x 1st fed winner.
