Ringing Out Loud & Clear The Bell Flying Club in Tong

Ringing out Loud & Clear The Bell Flying Club in Tong

On the 28th January I attended the Bell Flying Club’s 2016 AGM which was held at the Club’s headquarters ‘The Bell’ which is a very busy public house and restaurant. It is so busy that at times it can be difficult finding a parking spot on the car park. The price of success I suppose.

This success has spread to the flying club because they are one of a very rare breed of clubs that are growing in size. So it is very clear that ‘The Bell F.C. are doing things correctly. I can honestly say that it is the happiest club that I have ever encountered in my 50 years as a pigeon fancier. More power to your elbows I say.

The chief guests for the evening were Paula Herbert the Gloucester Federation Secretary and her partner Frank who though he holds no official position carries out the work which others often forget need doing. The Fed is very fortunate to have good people like these and lucky that they have broad shoulders because last year they received unacceptable abuse from a small minority of the fed’s members. This is disgraceful behaviour. Anyone with a grouse should do things in the correct manner at a federation meeting not anonymously front the other end of a telephone. I know from experience that Paula is a good secretary and the federation are fortunate to have someone of her ilk. One thing is for sure The Bell is one club who support her 100% as the Bell’s Chairman Dave Harris fully endorsed during his introductory speech.

Following a fine meal which explains why the car park is always overflowing the prizes were presented and Paula had to ‘earn her corn’ handing the awards out. The club in total paid out nearly £2000 in prize and nomination money an exceptional feat for a country village pigeon club.

John Whittingham (R) the club's top prize winner once again, with Dave Harris and Guest Paula Herbert

First to the table was Jim Edwards with 2x 2nds, 1x3rd and 4th prizes and £70. Next up was Steve Faux who won 1x1st, 1x 2nd and 2x 3rds plus £95 in prize money.  A co-operative was next up in the guise of Rich Lutner & Co which is a really close knot family and it was the younger members of the team who stepped up for the cash prize of £188 after winning 2x 1sts, 3x2nds, 3x3rds  and 3x 4th placings. Gary Lewis enjoyed a good year with 2x1st and 3 2nds, 3 & 4th prizes and £242 in cash. Dave Harris was next on the list and his son proudly collected his dad’s awards of 3x 1sts, 2x2nds, 5x3rds and 8x 4th prizes plus £298 in cash. No wonder the young man was smiling. I was chuffed to see Dennis Matthews stand up to collect £344 and an arm full of trophies after winning 4x1sts, 7x 2nds and 4x 3rd prizes. Den is the guy who looks after the birds after basketing and makes sure the water troughs are filled on each crate. Well done sir. Dennis won the ‘Bill Whittingham Memorial Trophy for the Best performance for his over all season’s work. Old Billy Whitt was a wonderful guy and truly Mr Bell flying Club. Finally on to John Whittingham Bill’s brother who is again the top prize winner once again but watch your back John because the opposition is getting stronger and definitely focused on hunting you down mate. This time his wins were 6x1sts, 3x2nds, 2x3rds and 8x4th prizes and £374 in cash. I’m sure that John who won the Overall Points Trophy and O.B Inland Points trophy amongst other awards will relish the challenge.

Interestingly the Channel Points winner has a three way share between John Whitt Rich Lutner and Gary Lewis who was also the Young bird point’s winner. I don’t know who will keep it but I did notice that Richard’s son Dan had a big hacksaw on his table!

Jim Edwards with Paula      -     Steve Faux getting his awards     -     The Lutner gang collecting their awards

Gary Lewis the Young bird points trophy winner      -      Dave Harris's son thought that his dad needed help carry his prizemoney 

Dennis Matthews reaping the rewards after a fine year        -        Dave gives his daughter Megan her 'wages' for being Assistant secretary

It was nice to see that the Club had a young secretary in waiting in the form of Dave and Karen’s young daughter Megan. Yes ‘The Bell F C’ in Tong is a real family club and I will be sending my trainers once again this season as an Honorary member of your grand club.

Mike Lakin