SCOTTISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB
Report by Joe Murphy
Dinner Dance & Presentation of Prizes
In the Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club
Renfrew
Saturday 21st October 2006
Mel and Catherine Jarvis drove Margaret and I to the SNFC presentation in the Glynhill Hotel & Leisure Club Renfrew on Saturday 21st of October, we arrived in plenty of time and I had a quick word with the club secretary Andrew Garven and Guest of Honour past secretary Alan McGonigal who was assisting Andrew with the setting up of the trophies for the gala evening. It is not until you see these wonderful trophies on display that you realise the extent of the history of this great club. Pride and place always goes to the Gold Cup with a plaque with all the winners’ names on it since 1910 so to have your name engraved on this is truly something special. When you see names like double winners Shillinglaw & Wylie of Newcastleton, Eddie Newcombe of Mackmerry and also his son Dale Newcombe of Mackmerry however it is the olden times and winners names that are associated with this wonderful trophy which makes it so special. It is the same with the Gold Globe for the winner of first open from the longest race in the clubs calendar this year from Tours again we have double winners in John MacGillvray & son of Forth, John Robertson of Jedburgh, Jim Sanderson of Pathhead and the late great Jock Traill of Thornton who won Nantes and Tours. It is the same with the Newbury and Falaise trophies and I could go on and on quoting names of past winners but space does not permit. I also met up with club president Tom Davidson and his wife Kath (who has not been 100% health wise) however it was good to see her looking forward to this social event. We then booked into our room and had a coffee while we prepared for the 17.00 hours start of proceedings, Margaret and I were taken aback when a member of staff knocked on our door and handed over a beautiful bouquet of flowers from Kath & Tom wishing us a happy 39th wedding anniversary which was very kind of them and we both thanked them very much later on at the function.
As we entered the suite were everyone was gathering for this special event it was like a whose who of the pigeon world with fanciers present who where to receive trophies, others who came to give their fellow friends support, others who attend because it is the highlight of the season and wish to be part of such a very special occasion. Margaret and I were asked to sit at the top table as I was the MC for the night and I was also taking the place of vice president Dale Newcombe who could not attend. Tom Davidson opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone and wished them all a very pleasant evening; he then said ‘grace’ and we were treated to a fantastic meal by the hotel staff. After this Tom introduced the top table and had a good word to say about everyone especially our new secretary Andrew Garven who had done a wonderful job in his first year in office and we wish him every success in the future. I believe he will turn out to be a very good secretary for the club as he has some very good forward thinking ideas which can only benefit the club and the membership as a whole, so we wish Andy all the best. Tom then explained to the company that this year we were trying something different with me as the MC for the evening as being the club press officer I knew all about the winning birds and fanciers my first port of call was to highlight the:
The top table of the SNFC. Left to right: Mr & Mrs Garven, Mr & Mrs Lawson, Mr & Mrs Davidson, Mr & Mrs Murphy & Mr & Mrs McGonigal
Alencon Gold Cup Race
For our first channel race of the season which was from Alencon and was our Gold Cup race. As expected the entry was down with the birdage total 1556. The drop in birdage was due to the very heavy losses sustained this year in federation races plus the fact that we did not know if we would have racing from over the channel until a few weeks prior to the Gold Cup race. However even with this small group of birds it was obvious that only the very best are good enough to compete in the SNFC Gold Cup race and this small convoy entered by the top distance men in Scotland rank as the crème de la crème within our sport.
The Gold Cup has been competed for since 1910 and here we are 96 years later racing for the same trophy our forefathers tried to win all those years ago. The magic of the Gold Cup race is something special and is the race everyone wants to be part of and it is also the race we as fanciers all want to WIN. Fancier’s dream of winning this cup however there can only be one winner and therefore there are a lot of disappointed fanciers nevertheless there is always next year.
Our convoyer Colin Gray cut the strings at 06.30am in brilliant sunshine and the birds cleared very quickly and we expected a fast race. Winning the section for the 3rd time in 3 consecutive races being 1st section A 1st south section 1st open is Mr & Mrs Karl Guenther of Dumfries who timed in a 2 year old chequer cock at 16.25 flying 485 miles for a velocity of 1433.93. They have now named their winner Thor which is known as the ‘Viking God of Thunder’ as when he came to land he was soaking wet and pink around the wattles and eyes. Karl told me that the rain was not taking time to come down and was bouncing off the payments it was so hard and was on from 15.00 to 18.00 hours on the Friday afternoon. He could not see across into Cumbria it was so dark and the skies where back and he takes his hat off to the birds north of him who made it home as these are very game pigeons indeed.
The Gold Cup winner Thor was entered from the Falaise in 2005 and he arrived at 06.11am 2nd morning to win 1st yearling in the federation and 91st open. He was entered in the Newbury race and then into the Gold Cup race.
His sire is out of the Pau 116 and Barcelona lines with the Pau 116 the winner of 2 cars during his racing career. Dam of Thor is the same dam as Karl & Liz’s SNFC Newbury winner Blue Boy so therefore these 2 SNFC winners are half brothers.
I know that the officials and every member here are as happy to see Karl and Liz win the Gold Cup which will make this double SNFC win in 2006 a very special season for them. To win one national in a life time is a dream but to win 2 in the same season is exceptional and this is their 3rd section win in 3 SNFC races. Karl had previously joked that if he ever won the SNFC with one of Thorsten Daum pigeons then he would have to come over to Scotland to the SNFC presentation and wear full Scottish Highland regalia. However Thorsten could not attend as his wife was expecting their first baby which was due at the time of the presentation and if it was a boy there is no truth that they are going to call him Karl. I then asked the company to be upstanding and show their appreciation to this years winners Liz and Karl Guenther who received the coveted Gold Cup as well as the King George V trophy and the H A French ‘Jubilee’ Challenge trophy. The ovation this partnership received was overwhelming and I swear that I saw a tear in the eye of Karl and Liz as they proudly stood to have their photographs taken.
Karl & Liz Guenther with the Gold Cup received from Tom Davidson
KING GEORGE CUP Presented by his late Majesty King George V and is awarded to the winner of the race, Mr &Mrs Guenther, Dumfries
GOLD CUP Competed for annually since 1910 one of the most sought after trophies in Scotland 2006 winner
Mr & Mrs Guenther Dumfries
THE H.A.FRENCH “JUBILEE” CHALLENGE TROPHY for the winner of the nominated of this trophy winner Mr & Mrs Guenther. Dumfries
The next presentation was to the successful partnership of Crombie & Mechan of Annan Jim Crombie is a past winner of 1st open Nantes in 1978 and then in partnership with John Mechan they won 1st open Chenoise in 2003 and here they are in 2006 with 2nd open SNFC Alencon.
John Mechan of the Crombie & Mechan partnership receiving his trophy from president Tom Davidson
THE PERCY CAMERON MEM TROPHY 2nd section A 2nd open 4 year old Grizzle hen Crombie & Mechan, Annan
THE BRITISH HOMING WORLD TROPHY Presented by F W Marriot confined to readers of the British Homing World Crombie & Mechan of Annan
I then asked Raymond White to come forward to receive the THE MRS.H.A.FRENCH “CHALLENGE” ROSEBOWL This is for the lady members or wives or partners of competing male members this year’s winner was a 2 year old blue pied cock winning 3rd section A 3rd open the 2006 winner Raymond Whyte, Gretna
Raymond Whyte with Tom Davidson
THE KARDALE TROPHY 2006 For the first yearling flying over 500 miles chequer hen winning 80th open was won by Sandy Proctor of Cardenden who was not present to receive his trophy.
THE A.R.BOWES MEMORIAL TROPHY Presented by the family for the 1st west section 2 year old blue hen now named ‘O’Leary’ and was raced by the winner John Houston, Greengairs.
Past SNFC President John Houston with present President Tom Davidson
THE E.T.R.D.NEWCOMBE (Fly/Fest) TROPHY Presented by Eddie Newcombe for the 1st East Region pigeon was won by Scott Gibson of Avonbridge
Scott Gibson with Tom Davidson
Alencon Section winners 2006
Mr & Mrs Guenther of Dumfries |
1st Sect A 1st open 2 year old chequer cock Thor |
John Bird of Prestonpans |
With 4 year old chequer cock Bit’s & Pieces who has previously won 152nd open Newbury, 73rd open Le Ferte Bernard (returned badly injured) 6th open Alencon and now 1st Sect B 11th open Alencon |
Len Downie of Errol |
1st Sect C 13th open 3 year old chequer cock last year Len won 1st section 3rd open Falaise 2005. |
Scott Gibson of Avonbridge |
1st Sect D 7th open 3 year old chequer pied hen won 1st section 1st open Falaise 2005. |
John Houston of Greengairs |
1st Sect E 24th open 2 year old blue hen O’Leary |
John Mathieson of Mossblown Ayrshire (Not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect F 65th open 3 year old chequer white flight hen 1st section F 110th open Falaise 2005 |
Jim Donaldson of Peterhead |
5 year old blue white flighted hen 5th time she has scored in the SNFC. She won 9th section in the 2001 young bird national Leicester 2 year old 13th North section Newbury 3 year old 2nd N section Falaise 4 year old 5th N section Falaise and now 1st north section 83rd open Alencon 631 miles great pigeon. |
Alencon Section Trophy Winners
Left to Right: John Houston, Scott Gibson Len Downie Jammie Donaldson Karl & Nikki Guenther & John Bird
TOURS RACE PRESENTATION
We then came to the trophies of the TOURS race were 136 members sent 339 birds convoyer Matthew Boyle had the birds away are 06.30am into a light south west wind and he reported that the convoy cleared within one or two minutes. The winner of the race was a 3 year old blue hen known as the ‘Gutty Hen’ she is an exceptional racing pigeon as she has won 1st federation by a margin of 55 minutes Buckingham. 1st prize Scottish Central 3 bird club to Fareham winning £1,300 and a colour TV next year she won 1st club Uttoxeter then 2 weeks later she won 4th section D 45th open SNFC Newbury was then Scott Gibson’s only entry into the SNFC Alencon race and she won 1st section D 3rd east section 4th open SNFC £2,468. This year she was again Scott’s only entry and was timed at 22.10am flying 621 miles to record a velocity of 1164 to win 1st section D 1st east section 1st open SNFC Tours. I asked the company to acknowledge the winner Scott Gibson of Avonbridge and asked him to come forward to receive the following trophies:
CHALLENGE GOLD GLOBE Presented by Mr A L Ellsworth for the winner in 2006 also the GLENIFFER PERPETUAL CHALLENGE TROPHY Silver Quaich presented by Captain & Mrs Leslie of Gourock awarded to the winner of the 2006 race Scott Gibson of Avonbridge.
Again the ovation that Scott received was worthy of a national winner and it was a proud young man who accepted his trophies from the president Tom Davidson.
SNFC Tours Winner Scott Gibson with Tom Davidson
The next trophy winner was also the Car Competition winner in the SNFC during 2006 Richard Combe of Elphinstone he also won THE VAUX TANKARD Presented by Vaux/Usher awarded to the 2nd open winner in 2006.
Richard Combe with Tom Davidson
The next trophy was the E.R.WILLIAMSON TROPHY Presented by E R Williamson Kirkcaldy best 2 nominated bird average this years winners Willie & Barbara Dunsmore of Edinburgh were 17th & 27th open Tours.
Barbara & Willie Dunsmore
With Tom Davidson
Tours Section Trophy Winners
I then asked the following fanciers to come forward to accept the SECTION trophies for 2006
Jack Gilmour of Ecclefechan (Jack could not attend as his mother was not well) |
(ONLY BIRD ON DAY) 3 year old red hen 2nd section 29th open SNFC Tours 2005 1st section 3rd open Tours 2006 |
Richard P Combe of Elphinstone |
(ONLY BIRD ON DAY) 2 year old blue chequer 1st section B 2nd open |
Jock King of Kirkcaldy (not present to accept his award) |
1st Sect C 4th open |
Scott Gibson of Avonbridge |
(ONLY BIRD ON DAY)1st open with 3 year old Gutty Hen 1st section D 1st open Tours 2006 |
George Rankin & Son Gareth Larkhall |
4 year old blue bar w/flight hen Westbound Rainbow 58th Open Falaise and 165th open Falaise 2 in 2005 she now wins 1st section E 9th open Tours 2006 and is the partners 7th SNFC West Section win which is a Record in the SNFC West Section. |
Tom Blakely of Irvine |
4 year old chequer hen who has previously won 10th section Newbury 2nd section F Falaise 2005 1st Sect F 28th open Tours 2006 |
Jim Donaldson of Peterhead |
1st Sect G 13th open 6 year old Grizzle hen Reim’s Girl best 700 miler in Europe More about this great pigeon later. |
Tour Section Trophy Winners
Left to Right: Gareth Rankin, Jammie Donaldson, Scott Gibson Richard Combe George Rankin & Tom Blakely
NEWBURY INLAND NATIONAL PRESENTATION
I then asked senior vice president Malcolm Lawson to come forward to present the trophies for the NEWBURY inland national race. For the first old bird race of the season with the SNFC the members entered 2838 birds into the inland race from Newbury. Convoyer Colin Gray liberated the birds at 06.00am with no wind at the liberation site the birdage was down by 779 birds on last year entry however this was to be expected due to the heavy losses experienced in the previous weeks federation racing. Plus the fact that we NOW where able to have racing from and France many fanciers would not want to take a chance on sending their Gold Cup entries to this inland national.
1st and 2nd section A and 1st and 2nd open are the Dumfries husband and wife partnership of Mr & Mrs Gunther Karl and Liz and their daughter Nikki who have been very successful over the past few years and were Solway federation fanciers of the year in 2005. When news of the Avian Flu ban was lifted Karl decided to enter Blue Boy for the Gold Cup race and lifted him right into the Newbury race as a training flight. He was shown his hen for about 10 minutes prior to the race you may remember that Blue Boy won 1st south section 4th open SNFC Falaise last year he came up trumps and won the section for the second time and was also 1st open. His breeding is from Karl and Liz own family of Thorsten Daum from Otzberg in Germany. The partnership were also 2nd section 2nd open with a 3 year old cock prepared the same as Blue Boy and is again from Thorsten Daum family that have done so well since their introduction. On behalf of officials and members of the SNFC we send our congratulations to Karl & Liz on this wonderful achievement of 1st and 2nd open SNFC I asked Karl and their daughter Nikki to come forward to receive the following trophies: FIVE TIMES A LADY TROPHY presented by the family of the late Jimmy Little of Cockenzie to Mr &Mrs Guenther of Dumfries
Nikki Guenther Malcolm Lawson & Karl Guenther
Malcolm Lawson & Jim Ferguson who won
The first National Hen trophy was won by Jim Ferguson of Eastriggs
The Killyglen Under 18 Trophy was won by J R Halliday of Bridekirk
(not present to receive trophy)
It was then the trophy for the section winners:
Mr & Mrs Guenther |
1st Sect A 1st & 2nd open |
Mike Neri who fly as J Neri & Son of Edinburgh (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect B 5th open yearling chequer pied hen |
Mick Donnachie of Kingseat in Fife (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect C 7th open 3 year blue bar cock |
Stewart Bros of Stirling |
1st Sect D 16th open 2 year old chequer tick eyed hen |
Ian Ritchie of Kirkintilloch (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect E 13th open a yearling chequer white flight hen |
Mick McQuire of Dumbarton (not present to receive his trophy) |
1st Sect F 11th open 2 year old dark chequer cock |
Irvine Buchan of Peterhead |
1st Sect G 72nd open 2 year old grizzle cock |
Jim Ferguson of Eastriggs |
1st National Hen 3rd open 2 year old blue chequer hen |
J.R.Halliday of Brydekirk (not present to receive trophy) |
Killyglen Trophy presented by the club for the first UNDER 18 YEARS OLD MEMBER flying on their own |
Newbury Section Trophy Winners
Left to Right: Stewart Brother, Liz & Karl Guenther & Irvine Buchan
Toast to the SNFC
We now came to the toast to the SNFC and this was make by our main guest for the evening Alan McGonigal our past secretary of the club. In his speech Alan made reference to the history of the club and the array of trophies the members competed for on an annual basis. He did not object to fanciers joining the other racing national club but when you see the trophies to be won in the SNFC then surely this is the club to try and win in as the rewards are far more rewarding. At this point I heard a member of this other organisation saying ‘Here Here’ which was gratifying to hear and everyone lifted their glass to toast the SCOTTISH NATIONAL FLYING CLUB.
FALAISE PRESENTATION
It was now my turn to present the trophies for the FALAISE RACE and it gave me great pleasure to highlight the performances from our last old bird race of the season flown Friday 21st July 2006 the 428 members entered 2039 birds with nearly a 1000 birds from north of the Firth of Forth which is quite staggering considering the losses incurred this season. There was fog at the liberation site which held up the release of the birds however this took place at 08.05 hours with Matthew Boyle reporting that the sun was out and the birds cleared very well. We anticipated birds would be home on the day and it was a pleasant surprise when I received the phone call from a past Fife Federation president and past SNFC committee man Ian Gilmour telling me that he had timed in at 21.00 hours. The Gilmour Brothers partnership consist of brothers Ian and Robbie who are steeped in pigeon racing as they have had pigeons most of their lives and are past winners of 1st federation 6th open Falaise in 1978 with John Boy. Ian is the main authority and is now a retired full time ‘Doo Man’. The partner’s had a torrid time of it at the time of the race as their 95 year old mother Mary died during the week and they buried her on the day of the race. So therefore a pigeon race was the last thing no their minds, however as fate would have it 21 years ago the partners father Jock died 2 days prior to the open race from France and they won the Fife Federation race with a pigeon named Young Dennis.
Ian wondered if fate would play a part in their lives again now that their mother Mary was looking down on them. Little did they know that she was encouraging their 4 year old chequer cock Robbie’s Boy to beat the convoy of 2038 birds and to win by a clear 14 yards a minute margin. The winner Robbie’s Boy is an exceptional pigeon having won in club; federation and national racing for example last year he won 6th open Fife federation and was 31st open SNFC Falaise. I also highlighted that Fife fanciers have done exceptional well at the SNFC races these past few years with McAndrew & Dow winning Sartilly and then Frank Tarnawski winning the Gold Cup race from Alencon and now we have Gilmour Brothers winning Falaise. The SNFC is the premier club in Scotland and we take our hats off to Gilmour Brothers who have proved without doubt if your pigeon is fit enough and good enough then you can hold your head high in the present company and it gives me great pleasure to ask Ian Gilmour to step forward and accept the following trophies.
THE T.DICKSON MEMORIAL TROPHY presented in memory of the clubs past secretary and awarded to the winners Gilmour Bros of Leven they also won the THE ELINOR MAIN MEMORIAL TROPHY presented by Mr & Mrs Miller of Edinburgh for the 1st bird in the East Region Gilmour Bros of Leven
SNFC Press Officer Joe Murphy presents Ian Gilmour with his trophy
The next trophy to be presented was THE OWEN McIVOR MEMORIAL TROPHY Presented by the family of this great fancier for the winner of 2nd open in the 2006 race Mr & Mrs. Lindsay of Dalkeith (they could not attend due to work commitments) this pigeon is called Mackie and is an exceptional bird as he has previously won 22nd Section B 81st open SNFC Falaise 2005 10th Section B 35th Open SNFC Alencon 2006 1st section B 2nd open SNFC Falaise 2006
I then asked the Section Trophy winners for 2006 to come forward to accept their trophies this was a poor response as only 3 of these fanciers were present:
Graham Dalgliesh & Son Steven of Ecclefechan (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect A 5th open is the father and son partnership of Graham Dalgliesh and son Steven’s with a 3 year old hen blue pied hen 69th open Newbury 2005 |
Mr & Mrs Lindsay of Edinburgh (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect B 2nd open 2 year old blue cock Mackie |
Gilmour Brothers of Leven |
1st Sect C 1st Open 4 year old chequer cock Robbie’s Boy |
Scott Gibson of Avonbridge |
1st Sect D 4th open yearling cock 6 x 1st section D in 6 old bird races from France in 2 seasons |
John Clark of Airdrie |
4 year old chequer hen 11th section E 39th open Le Ferte Bernard 2004 13th section E 147th open Falaise 2005 1st sect EE 33rd open Falaise 2006 |
Andy Davidson of Ayr (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect F yearling blue bar hen |
John Williamson of Aberdeen (not present to receive trophy) |
2 year old chequer cock Nightshift 1st north section 9th open 6th north section 46th open SNFC Cheltenham 2557 birds |
Falaise Section Trophies Winners
John Clark, Scott Gibson, Ian Gilmour
LEICESTER YOUNG BIRD NATIONAL PRESENTATION
I then asked senior vice president Malcolm Lawson to come forward to present the trophies for the LEICESTER YOUNG BIRD NATIONAL. At this point I paid credit to our race control team Jim Hannah, Richard Combe and Scott Gibson for the sterling work they did for the members during the racing season. It is a thankless task and these fanciers are up before the Lark attempting to obtain a race for the members of the club, as is our weather expert Steve Appleby who could not attend this function due to his daughter undergoing an operation the previous day ( we all wish her a speedy recovery back to good health Steve and again thank you for your contribution to a successful season) We cannot forget our conveyers Colin Gray and Matthew Boyle who have also done a tremendous job of the welfare of our birds throughout the season. To get back to the young bird national after a 2 day hold over due to bad weather at Huntingdon the 1665 birds were moved to Leicester and liberated at 10.00am on Monday 18th of September into a south west wind. The forecast was that the wind would freshen throughout the route and a rain bearing weather front would spread in form the west reaching central areas by afternoon. This would have a significant effect on the birds racing into central and the west section. However some outstanding performances were achieved in this race with the furthest flying youngster a blue hen to A Ritchie in Banff a distance of 355 miles timed at 19.07 for a velocity of 1143.
The winners of the race are now a recognised top class partnership who has excelled in the past few years with some outstanding performances. Both are hard working men who keep pigeons as a hobby and the birds have to fit into their way of life it is as simple as that however they are both very dedicated pigeon men and put 100% effort into trying to win every race they compete in. They are past winners of the SNFC young bird race from Cheltenham in 1989 and 2004 and have now won the Leicester race in 2006. When you take into consideration that they won 4 out of the 5 races with the other national racing club it shows you the calibre of pigeon fanciers we have in Robert Walker and Jim Wilson they win the: THE Archie Mc EWEN MEMORIAL TROPHY Presented by the Family and awarded annually to the winner of the young bird race Walker & Wilson of St Abbs
THE USHER TANKARD Presented by Usher / Vaux again presented to the winners of the 2006 race Walker & Wilson of St Abbs
Jim Wilson Malcolm Lawson and Robert Walker
I then asked the SECTION TROPHY WINNERS for 2006 to come forward to receive their trophies:
Kenny Thomson of Wamphray |
1st Sect A timed in a young dark chequer hen now named The Pride of Wamphray as she won the section |
Walker & Wilson of St Abbs |
1st Sect B 1st Open blue chequer cock who had previously won 12th open Leicester Racing National. The partners time in 9 pigeons on the open result. Great flying indeed |
Gregor Macaulay of Kirriemuir |
1st & 2nd section C 2nd & 3rd open and had 15 birds on the open result in just over an hour and had 8 in the first 40 in the open with his 16th pigeon winning the nomination in the section. What you have to remember is that Gregor was flying a distance of 294 miles which is just 23 miles short of the North section and he had 15 birds before the winner of the North section was timed in. An outstanding result and we must take our hat off to fanciers who work so hard with their team of youngsters when you think Gregor was 2nd open last year. |
Scott Gibson of Avonbridge |
1st Sect D with a chequer hen Scott wins 4 out of 5 x 1st sections in this year national which is truly exceptional flying and it is little wonder why we call him the ‘SPECIAL ONE’ Chelsea may have Jose Mourinho but we in Scotland have Scott Gibson! |
Derek & Linda Hay of Kirkintilloch (could not attend due to family circumstances) |
1st Sect E with a blue bar hen Blue Belle Partnership have had an exceptional season winning 2nd section Alencon, 2nd section Tours and now 1st section Leicester young bird national. |
Hugh & T Trainer of Dumbarton |
1st & 2nd section F with a blue hen who had previously won 1st club as was the partners second bird a mealy cock both these winners dams are sisters so a very good family of pigeons. |
Elliot Bros of Aberdeen (not present to receive trophy) |
1st Sect G blue bar Soontjen hen Ellie’s Girl who has previously won 13th federation Cupar Angus, 11th fed 24th Grampian combine Northallerton 196 miles when the Brothers won the Combine. |
Killyglen |
UNDER 18 TROPHY |
Young Bird National Section Trophy Winners
Left to Right: Hugh & John Trainer, Scott Gibson, Gregor MacAulay, Robert Walker, Jim Wilson & Ken Thomson
Gold Award Winner presentation
I asked our new club secretary Andrew Garven to step forward to present the only one this year to and exceptional pigeon and fanciers namely Reims Girl flown by Jammie Donaldson of Peterhead. I then told the company that without doubt we have in our midst one of the best 600 to 700 mile fliers in Britain namely Jammie Donaldson of Peterhead his performances over the years within the SNFC north section is nothing short of breathtaking.
His winning Gold Award pigeon is a ‘pigeon and a half’ she is a 7 year old grizzle hen named Reim’s Girl her performances are as follows;
1st north section 52nd open SNFC Reims 620 miles in 2002,
1st north section 239th open SNFC Reims again 620 miles in 2003.
2nd north section Tours flying 707 miles beaten by a loft mate for the top award in 2004.
2nd north section 7th open Tours flying 707 miles again beaten by loft mate in 2005
1st north section 13th open Tours flying 707 miles in 2006 winning SNFC Gold Award.
You will see that on the 2 occasions she never was beat by her own loft mates which is truly remarkable and she wasn’t far from being a 5 x 1st sections winner however the above performances are a stupendous accomplishment by this great pigeon who must rank as the best 600/700 milers in Great Britain if not the WORLD. She is the furthest flying pigeon in the history of the SNFC to win a Gold Award as previous North section winners are:
Dave Rose of Aberdeen won in 1975 and 1996
Freddy Douglas & son of Aberdeen in 1984
Larry Campbell of Aberdeen in 1991
Doddie Ross of Aberdeen in 1994
Now Reims Girl will go into the annuals of the clubs history books as the ultra long distance champion of all time
Congratulations to Jammie and his wife Anne on a truly fantastic result with this superb ultra long distance pigeon she is worth her weight in gold and now wins the coveted GOLD AWARD. The enthusiastic response this man received as he came forward to accept this trophy was deafen with fanciers giving Jammie a standing ovation and a very proud fancier accepted this Gold Award and became another part of the history of this great club.
Jim Donaldson receives his Gold Award from Andrew Garven
It was not the turn of the club president Tom Davidson to come forward to present the AVERAGE TROPHIES to a fancier who has written the history books in the past 2 years Scott Gibson of Avonbridge near Falkirk whose results achieved in the SNFC in the past 2 years racing from France it is quite extraordinary. For example he has won Section D in the 6 races flown which in itself is no mean feat as there are some top class fanciers in this part of Scotland. But it is when you look at Scott’s open results that the picture really sinks in as these results are nothing short of astounding as he has been 4th open, 3rd open, 1st open, 7th open, 1st open and 4th open so in 6 races against a total entry of 8920 birds from the whole of Scotland his worst position is 7th open and only 14 pigeons have beat this Avonbridge loft which is unparalleled in the time I have been a reporter for the fancy press.
THE Dr.W.ANDERSON MEMORIAL TROPHY Presented in memory of our past president and is for the best average from Alencon, Tours and Falaise 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
THE NEWS OF THE WORLD TROPHY Presented by the newspaper for the best average Alencon & Tours 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
THE ELLSWORTH CHALLENGE TROPHY Presented by Mrs Ellsworth nomination in before Gold Cup race and is for best average Alencon & Tours 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
THE T.BUCK TROPHY Presented by Tommy Buck in memory of Dr & Mrs Anderson for best average Alencon & Falaise 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
THE CLIVE NEWCOMBE MEMORIAL TROPHY Presented by Dale Newcombe in memory of his brother for best average ALL Old bird races 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
THE R.TELFER AWARD Presented by Mrs Telfer for best average in ALL SNFC races 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
Again this young man was a very proud fancier as he came forward to receive these wonderful trophies and as he jokingly said he would need to go our for new shoes the next day as he had worn out the leather coming out to receive his trophies tonight. A great achievement to win any average trophy in the SNFC but to win them ALL for the 2nd year in succession speaks volumes for his commitment and his team of pigeons. What you must remember is that Scott is only sending one bird to the majority of these races. He had 1 at Alencon (7th open), 1 at Tours (1st open) and 3 at Falaise (4th open) ladies and gentlemen results like this speak for themselves and I cannot elaborate anymore on these performances other than to say they are exceptional.
Section Average Trophy Winners
We now came to the Section Average Trophies presented by Hugh Martin for best average in ALL races in each Region these were then presented to the following fanciers:
NORTH REGION AVERAGE winning 1st section 83rd open Alencon, 1st section 13th open Tours, 5th section 67th open Falaise 2006 Jammie Donaldson of Peterhead
SOUTH REGION AVERAGE 7th section 10th open Newbury, 11th section 21st open Alencon, 62nd open Tours, 158th open Falaise and 6th section Leicester 2006 is Craig Halbert of Eastriggs
EAST REGION AVERAGE 5th section 39th open Newbury, 1st section 7th open Alencon, 1st section 1st open Tours, 1st section 4th open Falaise and 1st section Leicester young birds 2006 to Scott Gibson of Falkirk
WEST REGION AVERAGE 5th section 52nd open Alencon, 7th section 44th open Tours and 2nd section 40th open Falaise 2006 Norman Orr of Larkhall (I pointed out to the company that Norman is also the winner of the Lanarkshire Social Circle Gold Cup).
REGION AVERAGE TROPHY WINNERS
Left to Right: Jammie Donaldson Norman Orr President Tom Davidson Scott Gibson & Craig Halbert
Section Average Trophy Winner
We now came to the winners of the Section Trophy Replicas presented by the club to the fanciers with the best average in ALL races in their section
SECTION A AVERAGE ……………………………………. 2006 C. Halbert Eastriggs
SECTION B AVERAGE …………………………………. 2006 Richard P Combe Elphinstone
(4th section 24th open Newbury, 2nd section 12th open Alencon, 1st section 2nd open Tours 4th section 10th open Falaise.)
SECTION C AVERAGE ……………………………………. 2006 Brian Kinnear Pitlessie
(20th section 107th open Alencon, 9th section 26th open Tours, 2nd section 8th open Falaise, 92nd open Leicester)
SECTION D AVERAGE ……………………………………. 2006 Scott Gibson Falkirk
SECTION E AVERAGE ……………………………………. 2006 Norman Orr Larkhall
SECTION F AVERAGE …………………………………… 2006 Not Won
SECTION G AVERAGE …………………………………… 2006 Jim Donaldson of Peterhead
Section Average Trophy Winners 2006
Left to Right: Norman Orr, Brian Kinnear, Richard Combe Craig Halbert Jim Donaldson & Scott Gibson
Tom Davidson then made a special presentation of a lovely bouquet of flowers and a gift of engraved glasses to Mrs Cathy Miller for all her hard work she does for the SNFC.
Although embarrassed in coming forward Cathy received a very warm reception from the company. Tom then thanked me for doing the job as MC and also for the hard work I have done as the club’s press officer and he wished me a speedy recovery from my operation. He again thanked the membership for supporting the dinner and presentation and hoped that everyone would enjoy the remainder of the evening by dancing and chatting away with old friends. This is exactly what happened and the band was good and had plenty of couples up on the floor one incident that sums up the whole family atmosphere of the SNFC was when I witnessed Hugh Trainer (who won the section from the young bird national) ask Liz Gunther to come up for a dance and although she was in her wheelchair she accepted this invitation and enjoyed the dance and the kiss at the end of the music. This action said more than any words can say and it made me feel proud to be part of the Scottish National Flying Club.
DVDs of the 2006 SNFC Winners
If you want to see a video or DVD of this year’s winners then they are on sale from Evans Video Productions 128 St.Michaels Road Newtonhill Stonehaven AB393XW all cheques or postal orders payable to EVANS VIDEO PRODUCTIONS please do NOT make your cheques out to the SNFC. This will be a great Christmas present for wives or family to give to their dad so don’t miss out as there are only a limited number available and at the time of writing this there are 50 away already. You will see the lofts and set up of Mr & Mrs Karl Gunther 1st open Newbury & 1st open Alencon, Scott Gibson 1st open Tours, Gilmour Brothers 1st open Falaise, the young bird national winners Walker & Wilson of St Abbs they have won 7 nationals, five with the Racing National and 2 with the SNFC. Then when you take into account the best long distance 600/700 mile fancier in Europe in Jammie Donaldson of Peterhead (with his grizzle hen who won a SNFC Gold Award this year 2006) The DVD also shows you this years car winner Richard Combe of Elphinstone who had an exceptional year once again and is a fancier of the highest quality (see his performances mentioned above. I have had a preview of the DVD and again the picture quality is second to none with great images of the national winning birds and these winning SNFC fanciers. It shows you how each fancier goes about their normal routine with their birds, how they treat them and they show you their feeding which is as different as chalk and cheese which proves that all roads lead to Rome. The art work on the DVD and the front cover are also very good and it is obvious Arthur has done a lot of work in compiling this DVD and he has done a first class job. Arthur will have them on sale at the SNFC stand at the Edinburgh Show and I will sell some for him at my sporting challenge night out the previous night so you will need to get your order in quickly or you will miss out if interested in one the price is £25 including postage and packing contact Evans Video Productions 128 St.Michaels Road Newtonhill Stonehaven AB393XW again please remember that all Cheques or postal orders payable to EVANS VIDEO PRODUCTIONS please do NOT make your cheques out to the SNFC the club are receiving a percentage of the final sales so everyone is benefiting from this video or DVD.
Compiled and copywriter Joe Murphy SNFC press officer 6/11/06
