S N F C2009 Presentation

Details: Published: 20 January 2001; Hits: 735

SCOTTISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB

Reports by Joe Murphy

2009 PRESENTATION

Top Table Guests

Margaret and I could not attend the presentation this year however I have received a report on the speeches from the president who informs me that 200 fanciers and friends attended the Scottish National Flying Club’s annual dinner dance and presentation of prizes held in the Glynhill Hotel Paisley Road Renfrew on Saturday 31st October 2009. The principal guests were Mrs Pam Grange, secretary of the Up North Combine; Stefaan Van Moerbeke’s from Ypres in Belgium and Karen Newcombe from Macmerry, widow of the late and twice winner of the club’s Gold Cup race Dale Newcombe. The evening began with the top table being piped in to the function suite. The piper then led in this year’s SNFC winners to thunderous applause. Leading them in was Emil McCarton of Annan, the 2009 Gold Cup winner from Alencon. After taking a bow, they then joined their families at their reserved tables. After drinking his wee dram from the Quaich presented to him by the president, the piper then piped himself out of the function suite and the company, after the president said grace; the company enjoyed an excellent 5 course dinner and excellent service.

President John Houston then ‘Welcomed’ everyone by saying ‘Honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen it is a great honour and privilege for me as president of the Scottish National Flying Club to welcome you to the highlight of the year, our annual dinner dance and presentation of prizes for 2009. Occasions such as this, with so many people to honour and with so many trophies to be awarded, can be long drawn out affairs, that very little of the evening is left for socialising. Tonight, we hope that with our refined format, tradition and prestige are maintained and that the formal part is highly enjoyable but at the same time is expected to run smoothly; so that the bulk of the evening can be spent on renewing old friendships and perhaps even forging new ones.'

John then introduced the top table: 'Our principal guest this evening is accompanied by her father. She has been secretary of the mighty Up North Combine for the past seven years but because of her assisting her father who was secretary for 29 years, her involvement in the administration of the U.N.C. has actually covered 30 years. Not only that her grandfather served as secretary before her dad’s involvement. So, in an organisation which has been in existence for 104 years, three generations of the one family have held with distinction, the post of secretary, there’s continuity for you and an acknowledgement of their expertise in administration. This year, she readily assisted the SNFC when economic circumstances dictated that we seek convoying facilities for our longest race and arrangements were very quickly put in place. We thank her for her support and know that co-operation is there in the future should we request it. Ladies and Gentlemen, please give a traditional Scottish welcome to Mrs. Pam Grange and her legendary father Derek Towers from Hartlepool.

The name of Newcombe is synonymous with the Scottish National Flying Club and distance racing. This year, the club’s year book carried a photograph of the only 3 members to have won the Gold Cup twice – namely Jack Wylie; Eddie Newcombe and Dale Newcombe. Eddie won Rennes in 1979 with Festival Live Circuit, and in 1984 with Festival De Lorna. Dale, his son, won Rennes in 1981 with Lady Diana and in 1993 with Kardale Clive’s Memory. So Eddie and Dale Newcombe’s names are forever etched in the annuals of the Scottish National Flying Club and even more so, because of the trophies they donate to the club and are competed for annually. I refer of course to the Flying Festival Trophy, The Kardale Trophy and the Clive Newcombe Memorial trophy and tonight we are about to receive another trophy.

As you all know, we sadly lost Dale a short time ago and earlier this year, his widow Karen contacted the club and asked if we would accept a Memorial Trophy in Dale’s name. This the management committee readily agreed to for the 1st open winner in our race from Ypres. Tonight this trophy will be presented for the first time by Karen Newcombe who is accompanied by Dale’s nephew Aaron; ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Karen Newcombe and Aaron.

Our next guest is now such a well kent face and supporter of the SNFC that he is now regarded as one of the family. Last year, entirely due to his efforts, we staged a race from Ypres in Belgium, although it was not part of our official race programme, to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1 and he, together with the Burgomaster of Ypres donated the trophies for the winners of 1st open and each of our 7 regions. This year, I accompanied the convoy of pigeons and had the privilege, all arranged in advance by Stefaan, of laying a wreath on behalf of the SNFC at the Menin Gate official ceremony which is held at 20.00 hours every evening and has been going on since 1929. That emotional experience will live with me forever.

Our transporter was parked at the side of Stefaan house and garage where we had access to fresh water and enjoyed the hospitality provided by Stefaan’s wife and family. He also insisted in sharing in the convoying duties of attending to the welfare of the pigeons. This year, he again, has generously provided the trophies for each of our region winners and I thank him for his hospitality, generosity, and continued support of the SNFC; ladies and gentlemen, from Ypres in Belgium, please welcome Stefaan Van Moerbeke’s.

The other top table members were as follows; senior vice president, Dr Phil Lynch and his good lady Marilyn; junior vice president, Richard Combe and his good lady Elaine. My own trouble and strife and gold award deserving pigeon widow, Agnes. I take her everywhere and anywhere she wishes to go but she manages to find her way home. Our secretary, Andy Garven and his good lady Anne; At this point John wished to thank Andy and Anne for the hours they spent earlier today in arranging the wonderful national trophy display. Andy does all the donkey work, the fetching and carrying but the technical and design parts of the arrangement are all down to Anne, who is meticulous that I believe she still has her measuring tape, plumb line and her spirit level in her handbag.'

We then came to the main event of the evening the presentation of trophies and the first as is with tradition is the:

Alencon Gold Cup race

Winning the Club’s Gold Cup The Gold Cup will be competed for annually in the event of same being won twice (not necessarily in succession) winner will receive a suitable prize. The King George Cup a silver challenge cup presented by his late Majesty King George V will be presented to the winner each year. The H A French ‘Jubilee’ Challenge Trophy presented by Mr H A French a nomination which will be competed for annually in the national race and will be presented to the winner; The Mrs H A French Challenge Rosebowl Presented by Mr H A French a nomination which will be competed for annually in the national race by lady members of the SNFC or wives or lady friends of a competing male member 2 birds can be nominated. British Homing World Trophy A silver challenge cup presented by F.W. Marriot will be competed for annually and confined to readers of the BHW and the 1st section A trophy all won by this year's winner Emil McCarton of Annan.

The Percy Cameron Memorial Trophy Presented by the family to be competed for annually in the Gold Cup race and awarded to the pigeon 2nd in the race was won by John Little of Ecclefechan.

E T R D Newcombe Trophy (The Flying Festival Trophy) Presented by E T R D Newcombe and awarded annually to the winner of the east section who were

Robert Walker & Jim Wilson of St Abbs

The A R Bowes Memorial Trophy Presented by the Bowes family competed annually and awarded to the winner of the west section and in 2009 was won by

Billy Allison of Cambuslang

Section Trophies; a special trophy presented annually to the winners of each section by the SNFC. 1st section C to John Grubb of Kirkcaldy; 1st section D to Mark Doran of Broxburn; 1st section F to John Harwood of Milton of Campsie; 1st section G to Jim Donaldson of Peterhead.

Andrezel Race

Perpetual Challenge Gold Globe presented by Mr A L Ellsworth will be competed for annually and will be awarded to the winner; The Gleniffer Perpetual Challenge Trophy a silver Quaich presented by Captain and Mrs D Leslie of Gourock competed for annually and awarded to the winner; 1st section G trophy to the winner Dave Pirie of Aberdeen.

The Vaux Tankard presented by Usher / Vaux and awarded annually to the pigeon which is second in the race and was won by A & R Pringle of Gorebridge

E R Williamson Trophy a silver cup presented by Mr E R Williamson of Kirkcaldy competed for annually and awarded to the competitor making the best combined average with 2 nominated pigeons in the race was won by

Les McKay of Carnoustie

Section Trophies a special presented annually to the winners of each section by the SNFC. 1st section A to Dennis Anderson of Annan;

1st section D to Mark Doran of Broxburn; 1st section C to Jim Beveridge of Lochgelly; 1st section E to Jim Hannah of Blantyre.

Newbury Inland National Race

Five Times a Lady Trophy presented by the family of Jim Little of Cockenzie, will be competed for annually and awarded to the winner of the race 1st National Cock a pigeon replica presented by SNFC and 1st Section A trophy won by Billy Van Nuil of Gretna

1st National Hen winning a pigeon replica presented by SNFC and 1st section B trophy were the Brown & Black partnership of Dalkeith.

The William Shanks Junior under 18 Trophy a pigeon replica presented by the club to the first member under 18 years of age flying on their own participation by entry of members date of birth on entry form won by Kieran J McDermott of Galashiels.

Section Trophies a special presented annually to the winners of each section by the SNFC. 1st section C to Walter Forman of Burntisland; 1st section D to J Jamieson of Cambusbarron; 1st section E to M McCormick of Uddingston; 1st section F to J Campbell of West Kilbride; 1st section G to Glen Cameron of Aberdeen.

Eastbourne Inland National Race

The Eastbourne Trophy presented by the SNFC competed for annually and awarded to the winner of the race 1st National Cock a pigeon replica presented by SNFC and 1st Section B trophy won by D T Owen of Coldingham

The 1st National Hen and 1st section C trophy won by Mike Leggett of Forfar

Section Trophies a special presented annually to the winners of each section by the SNFC. 1st section A to Mr & Mrs Guenther of Dumfries; 1st section D to John McNeill of Broxburn; 1st section E to Tam Richardson of Newmains; 1st section F to Harvey Pollock of Irvine; 1st section G to A A Williamson of Aberdeen.

Ypres Race

The Dale Newcombe Memorial trophy; the Ypres Burgomeister Trophy; 1st Yearling Trophy; 1st section B trophy all won by Willie Kinnear & son Barry of Edinburgh

Section Trophies a special presented annually to the winners of each section by the Stefaan Van Moerbeke’s.

1st section A to R.S.R. & R J Rome of Annan; 1st section C to Brian Kinnear of Pitlessie; 1st section D to D Young & son of Falkirk; 1st section E to Billy L Bilsland of Lenzie; 1st section F to Harvey Pollock of Irvine; 1st section G to J Murdoch of Aberdeen.

Falaise Race

The T Dickson Memorial Trophy a silver club cup in memory of past secretary T Dickson competed for annually and awarded to the winner; 1st section A trophy to Jimmy Dalgleish of Ecclefechan

The Owen McIvor Memorial Trophy presented by the family to be competed for annually and awarded to R V Graham of Annan

The Elinor Main Memorial Trophy presented by Mr & Mrs J Miller of Edinburgh will be awarded annually to the 1st east section winner; and winner of 1st section B trophy to Robert Walker & Jim Wilson of St Abbs.

Section Trophies a special presented annually to the winners of each section by the SNFC.

1st section C to Jock King of Kirkcaldy; 1st section D to S Robertson of Clackmannan; 1st section E to J Frame of Lanark; 1st section F to John Harwood of Milton of Campsie; 1st section G to Jim Donaldson of Peterhead

The Toast to the Scottish National Flying Club was from Pam Grange; who thanked the S.N.F.C. for their kind invitation and said that what a great honour it was for her to be asked to propose the toast to the S.N.F.C. at this years’ presentation. She reminded us of the links between the Up North Combine and the SNFC and asked everyone to toast first of all, the ladies in the sport for the patience, understanding, and sacrifices they make because of their partners involvement in pigeon racing. She went on to say that she shared our disappointment at how the weather conditions adversely affected our Gold cup race since the UNC flying from Folkestone, that same weekend, experienced the same. She concluded by saying that she hopes the links between the U.N.C. and the S.N.F.C. continue to grow and flourish and that cooperation and assistance are always there. She asked everyone to be upstanding and toasted the S.N.F.C.

Leicester Young Bird National Race

Archibald McEwan Memorial Trophy presented by the McEwan family and awarded annually to the winner of the race; the Usher Tankard presented by Usher/Vaux competed for annually and presented to the winner; 1st section B trophy all won by George McLain of Duns

The William Shanks Junior Under 18 trophy a pigeon replica presented by the club to the first member less than 18 years of age flying on their won participation by entry of members date of birth on entry form was won by G Mitchell Junior of Edinburgh

Section Trophies

A special presented annually to the winners of each section by the SNFC.

1st section A to T J Skelton Junior of Gretna; 1st section C trophy to Mr & Mrs Charlie Cameron of Arbroath; 1st section D to Mark Doran of Broxburn;

1st section E to Lindsay & Henderson of Wishaw; 1st section F to P McDonald of Glasgow; 1st section G to Jim Donaldson of Peterhead

Average Trophies

The Dr Wm Anderson Memorial Trophy A silver club cup in memory of past president Dr Wm Anderson awarded to the best average in Alencon – Andrezel – Falaise The Clive Newcombe Memorial Trophy presented by D E Newcombe will be awarded annually to the best average in all old bird races. The Ellsworth Challenge Trophy a silver cup presented by Mr A L Ellsworth will be awarded annually to the competitor making the best combined average in Alencon & Andrezel. All monies received are donated to charity. Robert Telfer Award Presented by Mrs R Telfer and Son will be competed for annually for the best average in all races. The South Section Average Trophy presented by Hugh Martin competed for annually and awarded to the best average in all races in each section The Section A average trophy all won by Dennis Anderson of Annan

‘The News of the World’ Trophy A silver challenge cup presented by the News of the World competed for annually and awarded to the best average in Alencon & Andrezel won by Billy Allison of Cambuslang.

Mr T Buck Trophy Presented by T Buck in memory of Dr and Mrs Wm Anderson awarded annually to the best average in Alencon and Falaise won by John Little of Ecclefechan

The East Region Average Trophy Presented by Hugh Martin competed for annually and awarded to the best average in all races in each section and the Section C average trophy won by Jock King of Kirkcaldy

The West Section Average Trophy Presented by Hugh Martin competed for annually and awarded to the best average in all races in each section; also the Section E average trophy; won by George Rankin & son Gareth of Larkhall

The North Section Average Trophy presented by Hugh Martin competed for annually and awarded to the best average in all races in each section plus the Section G average trophy won by Jim Donaldson of Peterhead

The Section B Average Trophy was won by John Bosworth of Elphinstone

The Section D Average Trophy was won by D Jamieson of East Calder

Silver Award Winners

The winners of the Silver award for a pigeon to win 3 times from the channel race are as follows: Billy Allison of Cambuslang; John Clark of Airdrie; Richard Combe of Elphinstone; Jimmy Dalgleish of Ecclefechan; Ralston Graham of Langholm; E Hodgson & sons of Kirkpatrick Fleming; Willie Kinnear & son Barry of Edinburgh; Dr Phil Lynch of Larbert; J Mark of Tranent; S McKee & son of Currie; Eddie McWilliams of Blairhall; Jock & Willie Strang & son Tyrone of California.

Vote of thanks by the President

John asked the company first of all to join with him in thanking all our top table quests, Pam, Derek, Stefaan, Karen, and Aaron. He then asked his wife Agnes and Anne Garven to present them with a small gift which I hope will remind them of this special occasion. He continued in highlighting the fact that the organisation and administration of all the different aspects of a national club like ours, requires the passion, commitment, contribution and cooperation of a large number of people to ensure that we all enjoy our racing. It is only when all the people in this large unit work as a team that everything falls into place and that has been the case this year.

My sincere thanks to my two vice presidents for all this support and to every member of my hardworking committee of management who played their part in a wide variety of jobs they do so willingly undertook, My thanks to all the marking station convenors and their teams of helpers; our chief clock setting and checking stations; those who assisted the secretary in uplifting and delivering entry sheets, pool sheets and clock envelopes; the secretary’s clerical race assistant; our three man race control team and all their line of flight contacts; our three race convoyers and their assistants; our lib line operator; our auctioneer; all donors who supported our young bird and late bred sales and all who placed commission bids; all sponsors including the B.H.W. for the publication of all race results at discounted rate; Unikon for supplying base stations at all marking stations; Bamford Feeds for supplying the feed for all races; Woodside Farm Feeds; William Shanks Construction from Greengairs; Kingston Stationers; Karen Newcombe and Stefaan Van Moerbeke’s for their trophies; our secretary for providing the Erskine Hospital prizes and of course, all who placed adverts in our 2009 year book.

Two people, however I must single out for special mention. The first is our press officer Joe Murphy who coordinated all information supplied by committee members of all verified pigeons and all the necessary details including photographs for all our races with the exception of the young bird National which was covered superbly by committee member Andy McKee while Joe and his good lady Margaret enjoyed a much deserved holiday on the other side of the Atlantic. We greatly appreciate the time and effort involved in the compilation of all the other excellent articles he did and in all the publicity given to the S.N.F.C. in the fancy press.

The second man, last, but by no means least; is the man who does all the work at times is in the firing line to receive any flak. He is our highly professional and highly efficient secretary Andy Garven who informs me immediately of everything and ensures that I have my finger on the pulse of the S.N.F.C. 24/7. His valuable experience, allied to his organisational, logistical and administrative skills, ensures the smooth running of the affairs of the club. Ladies and Gentlemen I thank you for your attendance this evening in such numbers, your patience, tolerance and support and please enjoy the remainder of the evening thank you’.

The remainder of the evening was spent on the dance floor or with fanciers catching up with old friends and having a social drink together. Going by the feed back I have received the atmosphere was excellent and everyone enjoyed the occasion; may I once again congratulate all the trophy winners on their success during 2009