Lanarkshire Social Circle Presentation Night 2016
As for many a year this years presentation took place in the very nice Avonbridge Hotel, Hamilton, a very nice three course meal and entertainment was provided to members, guests and friends.
This years guests were former members William Frame, George Pollock both from Strathaven club, South Lanarkshire. David Morris of Johnstone was also our guest.
President Ronnie Reid made the introductions in his own inimitable way,as you would expect.
Up first for their trophy was Alec Blyth from Carluke who won the William Young Cup for the first nominated yearling in Billericay. Next was Norman Orr who wins the Inland averages, a change for Norman who is more successful from France ,a fact borne out of the number of times he has won the major trophies from across the water(Must be getting some of the sprinters in, ha ha).The presentation was done by Wullie Frame who has known Norman for many a year.
George Pollock then called on Dave Allison to come forward and collect his trophies, among them the news of the world for first LSC from the longest in the programme being over 600mls.George remarked that David had also won this trophy last year and was becoming a real force at distance racing. George also mentioned some of the past members of the club amongst them Major A Nelson Hutton the author of Pigeon Lore and digressing somewhat when he told of the pigeon swap competition he ran very successfully donating in excess of 25,000 to charity ,just confirming the generous nature of pigeon men. A side to the sport that the general public are unaware.
Eadie & Kelly were the next to come to the table for their trophy, which were presented by Jim Cullen. I should say that Jim presenting you with a trophy is not exactly a walk in the park, more like the Spanish inquisition, as he is very likely to have found out something embarrassing that he will elaborate on much to the enjoyment of the attending company. This is all done in the best of humour and Andy Eadie being a good friend of Jims, took it in good spirit.
Jim more seriously told the company of the serious way Andy raced his birds which has resulted in the many successes of this loft over a number of years.
David Morris in his introduction said he was the quiet member of the well known Morris Brothers partnership and was delighted to be asked to present the prizes at such a well known club as the LSC. David read out prizes and trophies won by Billy Graham of Uddingston who amassed a total of eight cups over the season. Billy is no stranger to success, his name appearing on many pieces of silverware.
John made his second presentation to the very popular and hardworking John Lawrie & Son .John in his introduction of this partnership informed us he had known John Lawrie since he came into pigeon racing, when he joined his father in their own partnership. John Lawrie has been secretary of Cambusnethan /Morningside club since 1972 and clock setter for Lanarkshire federation ever since he could remember.
John Lawrie & Son won the federations longest race old bird race from Ypres and also won the west section in the SNFC. John Quinn commented on how he always likes when someone who has won a major race and contributes so much to the sport and the assembled company thought likewise by the ovation John received.
David Morris then presented the Robert Telfer memorial trophy to the well known partnership of GWP Macaloney of Glenmavis with their good blue cock adding to the many other outstanding birds belonging to them who had won this impressive trophy previously. David also read out the many other positions won by GWP this past season.
Jim Cullen made the last of the major trophy winners to Wullie Millen of Cambuslang. Wullie flys into one of the most disadvantaged locations in the Lanarkshire federation but manages top performances including one of the best performances of the season with his dark hen winning Billericay in a stiff racewith only two birds breaking 1,000ypm.Wullie is a top man always willing to help when he can.
Alec Blyth (L) presented by John Quinn - Norman Orr (R) is presented by William Frame
Dave Allison (R) is presented by George Pollock - Andy Eadie (L) presented by Jim Cullen
Billy Graham (L) presented by David Morris - Paul Macaloney (L) presented by David Morris
Wullie Millen (L) presented by Jim Cullen - John Lawrie (R) presented by John Quinn
The remaining trophies were distributed by Secretary David McCaig.
The toast to the visitors was ably carried out by Joe Spiers, thanking the secretary, clock setter and officials for all their help without which the club could not function. Joe also thanked the visitors from Ayrshire, Solway and Moffat and surrounding areas for their continued support. "To the visitors"
The reply on behalf of the visitors was made by Wullie Frame when Billy told of his first visits in 1955 "he’s never that old” someone must have kept him off school. Billy regaled in some of the household names, Wullie Wilson, William Warwick, Andrew Deans who shaped and maintained the traditions of the club to what it is today, before proposing the toast to Lanarkshire Social Circle.
After a short break and distribution of the new club ties we were entertained by the speaker Stewart Smith. Thereafter old and new friendships were kindled before President Ronnie Reid brought the evening to a close by thanking everyone and hope to see you all again soon.
Club Secretary
Dave McCaig
The next social event will be the club member’s show at Newmains Club on Saturday 3rd December, four classes of handling, four bird limit per loft.
Tom Corrie jnr
Lanarkshire Press Officer
