GWENT GREATER DISTANCE CLUB
Reports by Gareth Watkins
This will be just a short report on the doings of the GGDC. Following on from the successful second prize presentation held in conjunction with the WSRNFC in early November, the club members decided to hold an internet auction on the Elimar website. The auction offered to the fancy a terrific selection of top class winning bloodlines and I’m glad to say these, mostly 2009 young birds, went well enabling us to put the club’s finances on a sound footing for some years to come. The members would like to thank all at Elimar, especially Cameron, for all their help. Thanks also to Steve Richards at the BHW for his help and kindness which greatly assisted in making the sale a success.
Next we move on to some up-to-the-minute news regarding the club’s forthcoming meetings. The next meeting will be held at the EBBW Bridge Club on Cardiff Road, Newport on Sunday February 8th. Meeting to open at 1 pm and all interested fanciers are cordially invited to attend.
The 2008 season was unbelievably successful for the Welsh fanciers competing with the GGDC and the superbly organised BICC. On two occasions members won 1st Open BICC and in a number of races our members not only topped the section but also mopped up most of the top 20 section prizes competing against some of the household names of the English fancy. So if you are seriously thinking of taking up the challenge of competing against some of the best fanciers in Wales, England and Continental Europe, why don’t you come along on the 8th Feb and see how the club functions.
Membership in 2008 snowballed to 40 and from the interest shown during the winter months this looks certain to be topped for 2009. Membership fees are £60 per year, £10 of which is allocated to secretary’s fees and administration whilst the remaining £50 is allocated to prize money. The club AGM has been set for 8th March so get your applications in early.
Accompanying this article are some photographs of the club’s trophies and also one of the winner of the 2008 Barcelona race bred and raced by long distance legend, Wilf Reed of Monmouth. Incidentally, Wilf also won the Tours and Perpignan races in his first season competing with the GGDC. Hope to see you all on Feb 8th – remember – all are welcome.
Wilf Reed's 2008 Barcelona winner.
