The Social Pigeon Centre, Boston was the venue for the annual club dinner and prize presentation for Boston and District Flying Club members who compete in the Peterborough and District Federation along with Boston Central RPC, the other North Road Club in Boston.

Both clubs have their own self-built club houses, complete with bars and marking facilities — an aspect that must be unique in such a small town.

The meal started with prawns and melon fore-rib of beef, roast turkey with ham and pork pies and home-made quiches, sweets and cheese plus the availability of three live beers, mild, lager and wines etc.

Chief guests for the evening were Graham Kirkham and his wife Pauline, who have moved to Friskney 15 miles away, to fly the national races from the south. Graham had previously flown from Redcar with his late father Dennis. Having won the UNC a couple of times, he said in his speech that he felt ready for a new challenge now that he had retired. Graham said that after moving to Friskney he rang Rod Adams, an old friend, to ask where to find some company. Rod told him he had done a moot at BDFC and to get himself down there pronto.

“Excellent advice”, said Graham who now goes to the Social Pigeon Centre every Friday night for a pint before making his way home on the last bus. Graham has also joined the Boston South Road club to help in his quest.

Top prize winners in the club this year were the fantastic partnership of Russell and Denise Skinner, winning 10 of the 23 races. Little wonder they were also top prize winners in the PDF which emphasises their wonderful achievement of having previously won 1st Open Perth and 1st Open Thurso NRCC, and many top 10 positions from Lerwick in other seasons, with their fantastic family of pigeons. It came as no surprise that Russell and Denise had won the Club and Fed from Lerwick and were 2nd Open NRCC. Fantastic flying by a lovely couple totally devoted to the sport.

Prizes and trophies were presented to M/M E.Attwater, D.J Brackenbury, H Bell, C.Collins and Son, J Downes and Grandson, M/M Brian Garnham, Gough and Reed, D Henry, D Judd, R Knight and family, D. Peters and Son, J McFadyen, P Nodder, A Newton & Son, C and C Maddison, L.R Manning, T Went.

Additional guests were Paul and Carol Whiting who were firs and second in the BDFC Perth Open YB Classic, which has now become an annual event. As well as prize money and trophy, they were presented with two garden centre vouchers which were kindly given by a friend of the club, Merv Greatrix, who runs the transport for the PDF and is assistant convoyer. Other prizewinners in this race were: 3 Mr and Mrs Russell Skinner winning the chairman’s £50 meal voucher; 4 Andy Kirkman plus pools; 5 Darren Peters and son;

6 Mr and Mrs Brian Garnham. Arbella Loft Specials (donated by M/M R Skinner) were won by Paul Whiting. And, for birds over 300 miles, Hall and Seaborne. Fliers competing over 300 miles who won John Platt’s loft specials were Hall and Seaborne, S Ruddledge and K Eastman.

The Perth Open 2009 proved to be a very hard race into a strong head wind, not helped by the convoying organisation not being able to get the birds away until 10.15am, which meant many birds having a night out, but from reports the returns were good.

In conjunction with the open race, a futurity race was run. Some of the birds are fostered by social club members who sponsor them, either individually or in syndicates which adds an extra dimension to the race. This involves them in the racing side and, without these members, the club would not function.

Futurity race results: 1 Graham Kirkham - flown by Mr and Mrs B Garnham; 2 Mr and Mrs B Garnham; 3 Alan Tracey (barman) flown by Mr and Mrs B Garnham; 4 Les Barrow, flown by Pete Nodder (Chairman); 5 Social syndicate bird flown by M/M R.Skinner; 6 Social syndicate flown by M/M B. Garnham; 7 Denise Skinner; 8 Social syndicate bird flown by M/M R. Skinner.

Members of Boston and District FC would like to thank Graham and Pauline, and Paul and Carol, for joining them on this evening, and also all who help and support this friendly little club.

Week ending November 8

Partnership tops in prize stakes

The partnership of Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost were the top winners in Boston Central Racing Pigeon Club during the 2009 season. They scored seven firsts, six seconds, five thirds and five fourths as well as winning two Boston Central sweepstake races. They also won the East Midland 3 Bird Club race from Berwick, and were twice winners of Peterborough and District Federation - from Dunbar and Perth.

Trophies they took home from the club's annual dinner, held at Boston Golf Club, were: Combined Average, Combined Average to Thurso, G Allen Memorial Berwick 2, HD Orchard first cock bird from Lerwick, Hattersley Bros longest young bird race, J Ingoldmells Perth OB, Loft Knockout OB, Points Cup, T Frost 6th, 7th, 8th and Berwick races, Twydale Cup 1st Berwick OB, Up to Perth average OB, Up to Thurso Average OB, Waldridge Fell 2, Waldridge Fell 4, Wetherby OB, and Wetherby OB.

Other trophy winners were:

W Hall and Son - AE Skinner Memorial 1st Thurso, Lerwick Trophy runner-up, T Frost 3rd YB race, Waldridge Fell 3, Wilson Cup 1st Thurso and J Frost Memorial Trophy.

A Kirkman - D Borrill 1st Morpeth YB, G Gant Thurso Cup 1st Yearling, T Frost 1st, 2nd and 4th YB races, and Young Bird Average.

Tim Appleby - Novice Cup.

Hardy and Troops - Mr and Mrs Templeman Banff Cup, Northallerton 3, Old Bird Average, and Pontefract OB.

J Burt and Son - B Woodfield 1st Yearling Perth.

Mr and Mrs B Garnham - Highest Winning Velocity Trophy, Northallerton 1, and T Frost 5th YB Race.

Mr and Mrs R Skinner - D Mercer Cup 1st hen Lerwick, Fogarty Cup 1st Lerwick, J Hilton Cup Lowest Winning Velocity, and Long Distance Average.

Week ending October 18

Season’s concluding result announced

Result of the last race of the 2009 season for local pigeon fanciers has been published. And the winner of Boston and District Flying Club's open young bird race from Perth was Paul Whiting, who has enjoyed a successful season with the Candlesby club. Paul also took second place, followed by Mr and Mrs Russ Skinner, and Andrew Kirkman, both of Boston, Darren Peters and Son, of East Heckington, and then Mr and Mrs Brian Garnham took the next six places. The Garnham partnership, from Butterwick, ended a good season by having 19 birds in the first 39 of an entry of 288 sent by 27 fanciers.

Result: P Whiting 1005 and 1004, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 995, A Kirkman 994, D Peters and Son 992, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 980, 978, 975.574, 975.574, 975.477 and 974, A Kirkman 972, Mr and Mrs Skinner 954, P Whiting 950, Hardy and Troops 947, B and P Sears 942, P Whiting 931, Mr and Mrs Garnham 929.451, 929.421, 929.362, 929.303 and 928.948, Hardy and Troops 928.763, P Whiting 922, B and P Sears 920, Mr and Mrs Garnham 916 and 913, C Collins and Son 912.940, Mr and Mrs Garnham 913, Mr and Mrs Skinner 911.

Week ending September 13

Partnership maintains hot form sequence

Husband and wife partnership Kevin and Barbara Smith, of Chapel St Leonards, continued their outstanding form in the pigeon racing young bird season when they took the first six places in the Skegness club in Saturday's race from Newton Aycliffe. They are also, yet again, likely winners of Peterborough and District Federation. Russell Hayes took the first three places at Horncastle, while Geoff and Bridget Clare were again in form to win at Alford.

Recent arrivals in Lincolnshire, Mr and Mrs Ray Knight scored their first win in Boston District club while the Upsall and Frost partnership are ending the season with a flourish in Boston Central, winning their second successive race and taking four of the first six positions. Paul Whiting, another fancier who has had a good season, took the first three places at Candlesby, while Ann Tasker was another hat-trick performer at Wainfleet.

Results from Newton Aycliffe:

Boston Central (10 members sent 196 birds): Upsall and Frost 1524, Appleby and Dtr 1493, Upsall and Frost 1492.99 and 1492.17, A Kirkman 1483, Upsall and Frost 1481, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1480.40, A Kirkman 1480 and 1477, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1476.88, A Kirkman 1476.65, W Hall and Son 1472.

Horncastle (6-70): R Hayes 1486, 1485 and 1484, R Quibell 1459, 1443, 1406 and 1399, R Hayes 1377, P Hallett 1350, R True 1313 and 1312, P Hallett 1311.

Skegness and District (4-58): K and B Smith 1613, 1612, 1609, 1608, 1605 and 1597.

Boston and District (10-233): Mr and Mrs R Knight 1566 and 1559, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1543, Mr and Mrs Knight 1541, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1528, 1526 and 1522, D Brackenbury 1519 and 1518, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1497, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1486, Gough and Reed 1476.

Alford (12-150): Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1600, F and A Tasker 1588, 1587 and 1585, Mr and Mrs Clare 1543 and 1542, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1540 and 1535, J Holland 1529, A and J Pinner 1525, Mr and Mrs Evans 1511, B and P Sears 1505.

Candlesby (3-65): P Whiting 1591, 1578 and 1574, Jessica Newbold 1550, 1535 and 1535, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1518, 1517 and 1516.

Skegness and Wainfleet (6-113): A Tasker 1588, 1543 and 1542, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1540, 1538 and 1538, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1533, F and A Tasker 1530, P Makepeace 1515, A and J Pinner 1511.

Boston and District Flying Club are hoping for a good entry for their end-of-season open race from Perth at the weekend.

Week ending September 6

It’s a top five clean sweep for the Clares

Outstanding Lincolnshire performance on the pigeon racing scene at the weekend was by the husband and wife partnership of Geoff and Bridget Clare, of Sloothby, when they took the first five positions in the North Road Championship Club old hens race from Dunbar. This follows their recent excellent form and takes their tally of national wins to four, plus eight second places. They had five pigeons land together, followed by others in quick succession. Provisional result of this race: Mr and Mrs PG Clare, Sloothby 1507, Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Friskney 1486, Mamwell Bros, Louth 1473, D Bryant and Son, Lowestoft 1452.

The NRCC young bird national was dominated by fanciers from the Norwich area who took full advantage of the weather conditions, but there was an excellent result from another Lincolnshire husband and wife partnership, Kevin and Barbara Smith, of Chapel St Leonards, former national winners, who were fourth in the preliminary result. They also look likely to dominate the Peterborough and District Federation result.

NRCC young bird provisional result (2, 300 entries): Mr and Mrs O King and Son, Norwich 1654, G Cockaday and Son, Norwich 1638, Mr and Mrs R Piggin, Norwich 1633, K and B Smith, Chapel St Leonards 1563, CG and T Leak, Dereham 1562, R Darritt, Norwich 1557, Mr and Mrs D Evans, Alford 1547, Barrow and Frew, Norwich 1541.5110, P Whiting, Spilsby 1541.4280, F and A Tasker, Wainfleet 1531, A and J Pinner, Wainfleet, 1529, A and T Wright, Poringland 1528, R Wilson, Norwich 1525.7165, Mr and Mrs R Boulton, Skegness 1525.4238, A Tasker, Wainfleet 1514, Dales and Sayers, Louth 1512.7237, R Mamwell, Louth 1512.4444, A Wright, Louth 1509, R Lakin, Diss 1507, GW Balderston and Son, Hogsthorpe 1504, Mr and Mrs PG Clare, Sloothby 1502.

In club racing there was a familiar look to the top of Boston Central RPC result with old rivals Upsall and Trigg and John Hardy battling it out, after Andrew Kirkman had dominated most of the earlier young bird races.

Club results from Dunbar:

Horncastle: R Hayes 1413, R Quibell 1408, 1376, 1369 and 1365, R True 1345, P Hallett 1271, 1261 and 1238, R Hayes 1202.

Skegness and District: K and B Smith 1531, 1530, 1501, 1497, 1482 and 1482.

Alford (six members sent 67 birds): B and P Sears 1504, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1461, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1424, Mr and Mrs Evans 1422, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1420.63 and 1420.45, B and P Sears 1417, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1406, B and P Sears 1404.6, Mr and Mrs Evans 1404.4.

Boston Central (8-115): Upsall and Frost 1481, Hardy and Troops 1477 and 1476, W Hall and Son 1474, Hardy and Troops 1466.540 and 1466.278, J Burt and Son 1465, 1461 and 1460, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1452, Upsall and Frost 1449, Appleby and Dtr 1446.

Boston and District (5-71): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1467, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1465, Mr and Mrs Skinner 1462, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1459, 1456 and 1444, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1440, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1438, J Downes and Grandson 1424, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1421, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1417 and 1405.

Result of Boston Central RPC race from Wetherby (11-215): Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1702, A Kirkman 1671, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1653 and 1651, A Kirkman 1637, Hardy and Troops 1636, Upsall and Frost 1618, W Hall and Son 1617, Upsall and Frost 1616 and 1615, W Hall and Son 1614.583, Hardy and Troops 1614.

Week ending August 30

Smith dominates top six places

The penultimate race of the young bird season for local pigeon fanciers was from Wetherby. Kevin Smith returned to form to take five of the first six places at Skegness, Richard Quibell again did a one-two at Horncastle, while Russell and Denise Skinner scored a hat-trick in Boston District Club. Boston Central RPC result was not to hand at the time of going to Press, but Paul Whiting enhanced an already good season by taking the first three places at Candlesby. Mr and Mrs Dave Evans won both the Alford, and the Skegness and Wainfleet clubs.

Horncastle (5 members sent 82 birds): R Quibell 1728 and 1708, R Hayes 1699, 1698 and 1639, R Quibell 1636, P Hallett 1596, R True 1536, T and F Kennedy 1527, P Hallett 1444, T and F Kennedy 1433, P Hallett 1429.

Skegness and District (5-79): K and B Smith 1881 and 1876, M Sharpe 1861, K and B Smith 1824.9, 1824.2 and 1823.9.

Boston and District FC (11-230): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1744, 1743.384 and 1743.052, J Downes and Grandson 1698, Mr and Mrs R Knight 1697, Gough and Reed 1696, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1693, Gough and Reed 1686, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1654, J Downes and Grandson 1646, Mr and Mrs R Knight 1642 and 1641.

Alford (11-165): Mr and Mrs D Evans 1822, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1772.57, B Sears 1772.34, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1762, M Dennis 1701, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1699, Mr and Mrs Clare 1695, Mr and Mrs Evans 1677, A and J Pinner 1666, Mr and Mrs Clare 1658, Mr and Mrs Evans 1654, G Crust 1630.

Candlesby (4-43): P Whiting 1800, 1697 and 1659, Jessica Newbold 1643, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1522, K Scholz 1457.

Skegness and Wainfleet (7-86): Mr and Mrs D Evans 1821 and 1763, A and J Pinner 1665 and 1659, F and A Tasker 1655, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1644, P Makepeace 1626, Mr and Mrs R Knight 1575, A Tasker 1145.

East Midlands North Road Classic Club held a five-bird young bird race from Dunbar on Saturday when the provisional result was: Mr and Mrs PG Clare, Sloothby 1558, Mr and Mrs R Boulton, Addlethorpe 1552, Mr and Mrs R Kellett, Mablethorpe 1538, K Scholz, Wainfleet 1518, Mr and Mrs D Evans, Alford 1513, Jessica Newbold, Friskney 1501, J Downes 1443, B Sears, Sloothby 1468, Mr and Mrs B Garnham, Butterwick 1464, Upsall and Frost, Boston, 1454, Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Friskney 1452, R Hayes, Horncastle 1423. This is the provisional result only, and it is likely that Mr and Mrs Clare will take the first two places.

The coming weekend sees the last of the big classic races of the season for local fanciers, with Lincolnshire lofts expecting to be in contention for honours in the North Road Championship Club young bird and old hens races from Dunbar.

Week ending August 23

Another race success for Kirkman

Andrew Kirkman, of Butterwick, is the star of pigeon racing’s young bird season. He scored his fourth win out of five races when he was first in Boston Central RPC’s race from Whitley Bay on Saturday, easing in front of Mr and Mrs Brian Garnham who took the next five positions in a fine performance. But the fastest pigeon into Boston was the one belonging to Russ and Denise Skinner, winners in Boston and District FC. With the final national race of the season on the horizon, Mr and Mrs Bob Boulton, of Skegness, have also entered a phase of good form with their second successive win, and are again likely winners of the Peterborough and District Federation. Kevin Smith took the next five positions in the Skegness club. Mr and Mrs Dave Evans took the first two places in the Alford club. In-form Paul Whiting took the first two places at Candlesby, and Ann Tasker won the Skegness and Wainfleet club.

Boston and District FC (9 members sent 165 birds): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1306, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1303, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1297.997, J Downes and Grandson 1297.979, Gough and Reed 1297.812, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1294, C and C Maddison 1293, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1289, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1287, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1285 and 1284, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1274.

Boston Central (13-265): A Kirkman 1304, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1303, 1302.977, 1302.772, 1302.772 and 1299, Tim Appleby 1295, A Kirkman 1291 and 1290, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1289, Hardy and Troops 1287.825 and 1287.223.

Horncastle (6-80): R Hayes 1322 and 1293, R Quibell 1292, 1278 and 1276, R Hayes 1261 and 1253, R Quibell 1239, R True 1227 and 1219, R Quibell 1205, P Hallett 1196, T and F Kennedy 1195, P Hallett 1140, R True 1108, P Hallett 1096 and 1066, G Cunningham 1054.

Alford (12-158): Mr and Mrs D Evans 1347.7815 and 1347.6598, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1342.4680, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1342.1227, F and A Tasker 1339.2714, B Sears 1339.2239, F and A Tasker 1339.0456, Mr and Mrs Clare 1335, F and A Tasker 1331.4125, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1331.1046.

Skegness (6-103): Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1368, K and B Smith, 1351 (3), 1350 (2).

Candlesby (4-103): P Whiting 1346 and 1339, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1337.5 and 1337.4, P Whiting 1311, Jessica Newbold 1299 and 1298, K Scholz 1289.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5-117): A Tasker 1339, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1335 (2) and 1331, A Tasker 1322, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1315, A and J Pinner 1297, F and A Tasker 1286.

Week ending August 16

Andrew keeps form run rolling

For the third time in four young bird races, Andrew Kirkman was the top fancier in Boston Central Racing Pigeon Club's race from Newton Aycliffe on Saturday, when a strong south-west wind made it hard work for the birds. Brian and Angie Garnham were clear winners in Boston District FC, Kev Smith's winning run in the Skegness club was ended by Mr and Mrs Bob Boulton, who took the first two places, husband and wife partnership Geoff and Bridget Clare scored their first young bird win of the season in the Alford club, and Richard Quibell took a one-two at Horncastle. Andy Pinner was winner in the Skegness and Wainfleet Club, while Paul Whiting, who has had a good season, won the Candlesby club with a bird which is likely to squeeze past that of Mr and Mrs Clare to win Peterborough and District Federation by the narrowest of margins.

Horncastle (6 members sent 117 birds): R Quibell 1090 and 1088, R Hayes 1057, 1047 and 984, R Quibell 969 and 955, P Hallett 916, T and F Kennedy 894, R True 889.

Skegness and District (8-152): Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1161.9 and 1161.7, M Sharpe 1153, Mr and Mrs Boulton 1104, M Sharpe 1100, PW Smith 1095.

Alford (13-198): Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1166, B Sears 1154, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1141, 1107 and 1087, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1080.40, 1080.34 and 1074, B Sears 1032 and 1017, Perry and Hunt 1004, Mr and Mrs Dennis 979.

Boston Central RPC (16-382): A Kirkman 1078, Upsall and Frost 1043 and 1042, A Kirkman 1041, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1038, W Hall and Son 1033, D Henry 1027.182, Hardy and Troops 1027.011, G and C Edwards 1026.436, Hardy and Troops 1026.082 and 1025, G and C Edwards 1019.

Boston and District FC (10-213): Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1057, D Brackenbury 1028, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1025, 1022 and 1017, J Downes and grandson 1013, C and C Maddison 1005 and 999, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 998, Gough and Reed 994, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 991 and 989.

Candlesby (7-182): P Whiting 1166.19 and 1105, K Scholz 1099, P Whiting 1084, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1064, K Scholz 1061, Jessica Newbold 1056.

Skegness and Wainfleet (4-94): A and J Pinner 1122, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1116, 1113 and 1094, P Makepeace 1092, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1080.

Week ending August 9

Kevin maintains good form sequence

Past national winner Kevin Smith, of Skegness and District Racing Pigeon Club, continued his good form with the first two positions in Saturday's race from Wetherby, while two other fanciers who have enjoyed national success, Bill Hall and Russell Skinner, were winners of Boston Central and Boston and District FC respectively.

Results from Wetherby.

Skegness and District (6 members sent 104 birds): K and B Smith 1671 and 1666, M Sharpe 1665, PW Smith 1649, K and B Smith 1643 and 1641.

Boston Central (10-216): W Hall and Son 1628 and 1618, D Henry 1603, Upsall and Frost 1585.265, A Kirkman 1585.137, D Henry 1582, Upsall and Frost 1578 and 1573, T Darrigan 1569, W Hall and Son 1568, D Henry 1565, A Kirkman 1554.

Boston and District FC (4-61): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1552, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1493 and 1483, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1470, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1440, H Bell 1412, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1407, J McFadyen 1375.

Horncastle IFC (6-123): R Hayes 1614, R Quibell 1579, R Hayes 1574, 1573 and 1572, R Quibell 1571, R True 1567 and 1564, R Quibell 1536 and 1514, P Hallett 1463 and 1436.

Alford (10-166): B Sears 1622, J Holland 1606, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1577 and 1576, M Dennis 1575, Mr and Mrs Evans 1546.96, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1546.95, 1546.36 and 1545, A and J Pinner 1536.21, 1536.09 and 1530.

Candlesby and Skegness and Wainfleet clubs did not compete from Wetherby.

Week ending August 2

Andrew claims a race one-two

After taking the first three places in the first week of the young bird-racing season with Boston Central RPC, Andrew Kirkman was first and second from Bubwith this week. Messrs Gough and Reed were winners in Boston District FC for the second successive week, and again dominating results at Skegness was Kevin Smith, while Richard Quibell took the first four places at Horncastle. Saturday's stormy weather caused the race to be held over until Sunday.

Boston Central (14 members sent 341 birds): A Kirkman 1608 and 1579, G Watts 1573.792, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1573.656 and 1573.320, S Snowden 1571, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1562, Hardy and Troops 1547.230, Tim Appleby 1547.030 and 1544, G Watts 1539.797, A Kirkman 1539.189.

Boston and Disrict FC (9-180): Gough and Reed 1617 and 1593, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1572, J Downes and grandson 1570.918, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1570.900, Gough and Reed 1557, C Collins and Son 1526, J Downes and grandson 1520.640, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1520.391, J Downes and grandson 1519.590, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1519.433 and 1517.

Horncastle (6-130): R Quibell 1567, 1558, 1547 and 1523, R Hayes 1429, 1428 and 1341, R True 1332 (2), P Hallett 1252.

Skegness and District (7-133): K and B Smith 1701, 1699, 1686 and 1686, M Sharpe 1686 and 1686.

Alford (9-170): Mr and Mrs M Dennis 1636, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1617 and 1608, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1553, B Sears 1552, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1526, J Holland 1520, A and J Pinner 1458 and 1447, J Holland 1438, B Sears 1435 and 1332.

Skegness and Wainfleet (2-47): A and J Pinner 1456, 1455 and 1364, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1306, 1263 and 1262.

Candlesby (4-75): K Scholz 1506, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1480 and 1288, Jessica Newbold 1139 and 1133, K Scholz 1124.

Week ending July 26

Bill lands spoils in old bird finale

The last old bird race of the season for the prestigious North Road Championship Club, from Thurso, was won by Bill Hall, of Boston. Racing as W Hall and Son, with the administrative help of son Terry, his two-year-old chequer cock bird completed the 411 miles to Bill's Pilgrim Road loft in 10 hours 31 minutes 51 seconds for a velocity of 1147 yards per minute. Club-mate, Brian Garnham, bred the winning pigeon. It is the fifth time a Boston fancier has won this race, which was being organised for the 32nd time. The previous Boston winners were the late Frank Perkins, Bill Upsall, the late Derek Thompson, and Russ and Denise Skinner. This year 318 members sent 2,750 birds.

Club results from Thurso were:

Boston Central (13 members sent 152 birds): W Hall and Son 1147, A Kirkman 1107, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1095, Upsall and Frost 1087, W Hall and Son 1077, Upsall and Frost 1075 and 1055, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1052, A Kirkman 1039.932, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1039.866, W Hall and Son 1034, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1030.

Boston and District FC (5-86): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1095, LR Manning 1061, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1052 and 1039, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1030, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1026, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1021, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1010, D Brackenbury 1001 and 974, LR Manning 966, D Brackenbury 904, Mr and Mrs Attwater 884.

Alford (10-108): Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1077.57, F and A Tasker 1077.22 and 1055, Mr and Mrs Clare 1040 and 1039, E Lee 1015, F and A Tasker 1008, E Lee 1005, Mr and Mrs D Evans 949, B Sears 893, Mr and Mrs Adcock 877, E Lee 859.

Skegness (4-8): Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1060, R Lancaster 1027, G Balderston 996, Mr and Mrs Boulton 961, PW Smith 895, R Lancaster 888.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5-67): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1100, F and A Tasker 1077, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1071, F and A Tasker 1055, A Tasker 1013, F and A Tasker 1008, Mr and Mrs D Evans 949.

Candlesby (3-34): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1100, 1071, 1006 and 995, P Whiting 940, Mr and Mrs Newbold 926.

The young bird season started from Bubwith on Saturday when results were:

Alford (7-113): Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1764, B Sears 1613 and 1546, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1542 and 1526, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1517, Perry and Hunt 1489 and 1483, G Crust 1362, B Sears 1347.

Horncastle (4-89): R True 1697, 1696, 1694, 1693, 1692 and 1578, R Quibell 1555, P Hallett 1512, R Hayes 1510, P Hallett 1476 and 1474.

Skegness and Wainfleet (2-46): A and J Pinner 1362, 1271 and 1267, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1219.

Candlesby (5-61): Jessica Newbold 1711 and 1704, K Scholz 1563, P Whiting 1455 and 1434, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1415, Akid and Hall 1214.

Boston and District FC (10-198): Gough and Read 1707, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1685, Gough and Read 1643, D Peters and Son 1611 and 1610, D Brackenbury 1588, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1586, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1579, D Brackenbury 1558, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1553, Gough and Read 1533, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1517.

Boston Central: A Kirkman 1667, 1654 and 1645, Hardy and Troops 1603, T Darrigan 1602, Hardy and Troops 1600, 1596 and 1592, D Henry 1587, Hardy and Troops 1585, Upsall and Frost 1579, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1576.

Week ending July 12

Kellett bird is area leader

Local pigeon fanciers were competing from Whitley Bay on Saturday. Best pigeon into the area was to the loft of Mr and Mrs R Kellett, of Mablethorpe, who are likely winners of Peterborough and District Federation. They beat by about one second Mr and Mrs Geoff Clare who took the next three positions in the Alford club, and will take similar positions in the Federation. Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost won their fifth race of the season in Boston Central RPC and, with only one race left to the old bird season, now lead 5-3 in their battle with previous top winner, John Hardy.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5 members sent 63 birds): F and A Tasker 1598, Ann Tasker 1598, F and A Tasker 1597, Ann Tasker 1596 and 1594, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1592, A and J Pinner 1584, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1536.

Candlesby (4-54): P Whiting 1592, 1591 and 1584, A and r McIlwrick 1582, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1570, A and R McIlwrick 1561, Jessica Newbold 1517.

Skegness and District (5-40): K and B Smith 1605.98, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1605.6, K and B Smith 1602 (2), 1601 and 1599.

Horncastle (6-66): R Quibell 1486, R Hayes 1471 and 1469, R Quibell 1456, 1442 and 1442, R Hayes 1414, R True 1412 and 1411, T and F Kennedy 1387 and 1360, G Cunningham 1341, P Hallett 1220.

Boston and District FC (9-144): D Judd 1527, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1526, D Brackenbury 1523, D Judd 1520 and 1518, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1517, T Went 1516, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1514, D Brackenbury 1512, T Went 1507, D Brackenbury 1506, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1505.

Boston Central RPC (14-195): Upsall and Frost 1525, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1524, J Burt and Son 1514, Hardy and Troops 1510, J Burt and Son 1507, S Nowden 1506, Upsall and Frost 1491, S Snowden 1490, W Hall and Son 1489 and 1486, S Snowden 1485.702, G and C Edwards 1485.548.

Alford (11-135): Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1607.50, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1607.42, 1607.09 and 1606.92, F and A Tasker 1598(2), Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1592.93 and 1592.41, B Sears 1569, A and J Pinner 1565, F and A Tasker 1554, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1551.

Swineshead and District RPC result from Lerwick: Mr and Mrs S Poulter 804, M Huddlestone 533 and 528.

Week ending July 5

Skinners secure race day glory

The big race of the season for pigeon fanciers was from Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands, with the North Road Championship Club. Poor visibility along the route delayed liberation until Monday when the hot weather contributed to it being a tough race. Thirty-three of the 297 members who sent 1, 627 birds verified arrivals on the day of liberation, and many more followed into the next day.

Winner was Rob Walton, of Ollerton, but it was a great race for Russ and Denise Skinner who were second open, winners of both Boston clubs, and who had eleven in the first 36 in Boston Cenetral RPC. This husband and wife partnership has previously had national wins from Perth and Thurso.

The provisional result shows first day pigeons for other Lincolnshire fanciers: Martin Lewis (Spalding), Dales and Sayers (Louth), Mr and Mrs K Marshall (Lincoln), Alf Parkinson (Spalding), Burtons and Collins (Louth), WH Hall and Son (Boston), A Wright (Louth), Mr and Mrs L Gilbert (Grantham), Upsall and Frost (Boston), George Watts (Boston), Mr and Mrs G Spiller (Moulton Chapel), and Mr and Mrs Geoff Clare (Sloothby), winners of the Alford club for the third successive year from Lerwick.

Club results from Lerwick:

Boston Central (14 members sent 114 birds): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1133, W Hall and Son 1053, Upsall and Frost 1025, G Watts 1009, D Henry 989, Mr and Mrs Skinner 810, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 757, R Brocklesby 750, Mr and Mrs Skinner 745, G Watts 740, D Henry 726, R Brocklesby 714.

Boston and District FC (5-60): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1133 and 810, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 756, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 745, LR Manning 706 and 681, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 675, Mr and Mrs Garnham 638 and 617, D Brackenbury 585, C Collins and Son 582, D Brackenbury 573 and 568.

Skegness and Wainfleet (3-15): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 811, A and J Pinner 802, Mr and Mrs Newbold 771, A and J Pinner 693, Mr and Mrs D Evans 664.

Candlesby (2-8): Mr and Mrs Newbold 811 and 771.

Skegness and District (5-17): R Lancaster 782 and 692, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 625, Nigel Balderston 573, Mr and Mrs Boulton 568.

Alford (7-54): Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1003, A and J Pinner 802, Mr and Mrs Clare 768, E Lee 699, A and J Pinner 688, Mr and Mrs Clare 686, Mr and Mrs D Evans 664, E Lee 660, Mr and Mrs Clare 645, Mr and Mrs Kellett 637, E Lee 607, Mr and Mrs Clare 600.

Results from Newton Aycliffe:

Alford (12-166): Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1414, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1406, B Sears 1405, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1387 and 1386, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1376, F and A Tasker 1372, Mr and Mrs Clare 1370, F and A Tasker 1360, A and J Pinner 1358, Mr and Mrs Clare 1352, B Sears 1351.

Skegness and Wainfleet (6-114): F and A Tasker 1415, A Tasker 1415 and 1399, F and A Tasker 1399 and 1398, A Tasker 1398, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1376, A and J Pinner 1365, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1360, D Makepeace 1076.

Candlesby (6-84): P Whiting 1398, A and R McIlwrick 1391, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1378, A and R McIlwrick 1378 and 1374, Jessica Newbold 1373, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1370, K Scholz 1343, Akid and Hall 1132.

Skegness: PW Smith 1426 and 1406, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1388 and 1387, K and B Smith 1372 and 1368.

Horncastle (6-68): R Quibell 1311, R Hayes 1286.5 and 1286.1, R Quibell 1285 and 1263, T and F Kennedy 1253, R True 1244, G Cunningham 1233, R True 1214, R Hayes 1213.

Boston Central (13-213): W Hall and Son 1347 and 1345, J Burt and Son 1337, W Coupland 1336, Appleby and Dtr 1333, W Hall and Son 1310, Upsall and Frost 1305, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1300, Hardy and Troops 1297, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1296, Upsall and Frost 1292, S Snowden 1284.

Boston and District (12-17): D Judd 1364, D Brackenbury 1339, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1338, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1318, D Judd 1317, Gough and Read 1314, D Judd 1313, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1301.594, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1301.009, T Went 1300, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1299, D Brackenbury 1294

Week ending June 28

Bad weather forces big race delay

The biggest race of the season for local pigeon fanciers, from Lerwick in the Shetland Isles with the North Road Championship Club, was delayed by bad weather over the weekend, and liberation did not take place until Monday, with a hard race expected.

There were, however, shorter races that did take place for some clubs.

Results from Wetherby:

Boston and District (7-85): T Went 1074, H Bell 1070 and 937, D Judd 820, Gough and Reed 799, LR Manning 783, C Collins and Son 754, J Downes and Grandson 738, Gough and Reed 719, H Bell 706.

Skegness and Wainfleet and Candlesby: A Tasker 1222, P Whiting 937, A Tasker 893, P Whiting 865, A Tasker 836, F and A Tasker 831, A and R McIlwrick 792.

Alford (12-169): A and J Pinner 1236.82 and 1236.61, M Dennis 1226, F and A Tasker 1222.53, A and J Pinner 1222.11, F and A Tasker 1222.10 and 1221.26, M Dennis 1221.11, B and J Sears 1214, 1213 and 1210, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1210.84.

Week ending June 21

Notable feats in race from Bay

Fastest bird into the area as pigeon fanciers competed from Whitley Bay on Saturday was to Candlesby club members A and R McIlwrick, who will probably also top the Peterborough and District Federation. Best team performance was by the partnership of Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost who took five of the first 10 positions in Boston Central RPC, including 1-2-3, but the quickest bird into Boston belonged to Dave Brackenbury, winner of Boston and District Flying Club. Upsall and Frost have now moved into a 4-3 lead in their bid to oust John Hardy from the top prize-winner spot he has held for a number of years.

This weekend sees the biggest race of the season, the 500-miler from Lerwick, in the Shetland Isles, with the North Road Championship Club.

Results - Whitley Bay:

Alford (12-153): Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1630, 1624 and 1623, A and J Pinner 1615, B and J Sears 1614, 1611.40 and 1611.06, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1591, F and A Tasker 1589, Mr and Mrs Clare 1582.

Boston Central (14-204): Upsall and Frost 1606, 1600 and 1564, W Hall and Son 1560, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1559, S Snowden 1557.745, Upsall and Frost 1557.626, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1557.558, S Snowden 1557.007, Upsall and Frost 1552, A Kirkman 1540 and 1539.

Boston and District (10-14): D Brackenbury 1608, T Went 1604, Gough and Read 1597, T Went 1570, H Bell 1564 and 1562, D Brackenbury 1559, Gough and Read 1540, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1537, D Judd 1532, H Bell 1528, D Judd 1523.

Skegness and District (4-42): Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1630 and 1622, K and B Smith 1618 (2), R Lancaster 1582, K and B Smith 1581.

Candlesby (6-80): A and R Mcilwrick 1662, P Whiting 1657, A and R Mcilwrick 1650, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1633.6, A and R Mcilwrick 1633.4, P Whiting 1627, Jessica Newbold 1598, K Scholz 1589, Akid and Hall 1429.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5-63): A Tasker 1656, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1555, A Tasker 1649, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1635, A Tasker 1608, F and A Tasker 1595, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1572, A and J Pinner 1549.

Horncastle (5-56): R Quibell 1508 and 1484, G Cunningham 1480, R Hayes 1468.

Fraserburgh:

Skegness and Wainfleet (6-90): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1186, F and A Tasker 1184 (2), Mr and Mrs Newbold 1144, F and A Tasker 1142, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1132, A Tasker 1123, A and J Pinner 1105, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1053.

Candlesby (5-47): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1186, A and R Mcilwrick 1170, K Scholz 1153, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1144 and 1132, K Scholz 1120, Akid and Hall 974.

Perth:

Candlesby (5-76): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1199 and 1198, Jessica Newbold 1177, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1177, A and R Mcilwrick 1159 and 1146, Akid and Hall 817.

Skegness and Wainfleet: Mr and Mrs Newbold 1199 and 1198, A Tasker 1196, F and A Tasker 1189, A Tasker 1189, A and J Pinner 1186, Jessica Newbold 1177, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1128.

Wetherby.

Candlesby (5-57): Jessica Newbold 1417, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1370, P Whiting 1370 and 1365, K Scholz 1287, A and R Mcilwrick 1225.

Skegness and Wainfleet (4-63): A Tasker 1406, F and A Tasker 1402, A Tasker 1374, F and A Tasker 1372, A Tasker 1357, F and A Tasker 1354, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1329.

Week ending June 14

Follow-up race success goes to Lawson

Local pigeon fanciers pitted themselves against the best again on Saturday when they competed in the national race from Fraserburgh organised by the North Road Championship Club. Winner, for the second successive race, was Kevin Lawson, of Ollerton, with Mamwell Brothers, and Richard Mamwell, of Louth, second and third. Other county fanciers will figure prominently in the final result. In Boston John Hardy equalised at 3-3 in his battle with keen rivals Upsall and Frost as both lofts continued their good form. Club results from Fraserburgh.

Boston Central (13 members sent 148 birds): Hardy and Troops 1165.351, Upsall and Frost 1165.063 and 1151, W Hall and Son 1143, Upsall and Frost 1142, W Hall and Son 1139, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1137 and 1132, Upsall and Frost 1131 and 1124, G Watts 1119, W Hall and Son 1116.

Alford (9-120): F and A Tasker 1184.49 and 1184.29, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1152, F and A Tasker 1142, A and J Pinner 1105 and 1091, Mr and Mrs Clare 1087 and 1084, M Dennis 1077.60, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1077.03

Boston and District (7-98): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1137 and 1132, D Brackenbury 1120, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1108, 1095 and 1094, Mr and Mrs Skinner 1084, C Collins and Son 1078 and 1075, LR Manning 1064, D Brackenbury 1050 and 1046, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1009, 1001 and 960.

Skegness and District (4-40): Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1143 and 1112, K and B Smith 1096, R Lancaster 1094, Mr and Mrs Boulton 1093 and 1088.

Swineshead (3-26): M Huddlestone 1096 and 1083, Mr and Mrs S Poulter 1080 and 1066.

Candlesby (5-47): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1186, A and R McIlwrick 1170, K Scholz 1153, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1144 and 1132, K Scholz 1120, Akid and Hall 974.

Skegness and Wainfleet (6-90): Mr and Mrs Newbold 1186, F and A Tasker 1184 (2), Mr and Mrs Newbold 1144, F and A Tasker 1142, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1132, A Tasker 1123, A and J Pinner 1105, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1053.

From Wetherby:

Skegness and District (3-39): PW Smith 1419, K and B Smith 1411 and 1372, PW Smith 1367 and 1341, K and B Smith 1335.

Swineshead (3-39): G Wheatman 1214 and 1173, M Huddleston 1124, Mr and Mrs S Poulter 1105 and 1100, M Huddlestone 1099.

Boston and District (6-93): D Judd 1395, H Bell 1338, D Judd 1330 and 1297, H Bell 12188, J Downes and grandson 1282, H Bell 1270, Gough and Read 1234, 1202 and 1197.

Alford (13-161): B and P Sears 1408, Mr and Mrs Dennis 1396, Mr and Mrs Clare 1391, B and P Sears 1390, A and J Pinner 1387, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1369, Barker and Kingswood 1367 and 1363, Mr and Mrs Dennis 1352.

Candlesby (5-57): Jessica Newbold 1417, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1370, P Whiting 1367 and 1365, K Scholz 1287, A and R McIlwrick 1225.

Skegness and Wainfleet (4-63): A Tasker 1406, F and A Tasker 1402, A Tasker 1374, F and A Tasker 1372, A Tasker 1357, F and A Tasker 1354, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1329.

From Driffield:

Boston Central RPC (17-254): Hardy and Troops 1334, DJ Brackenbury 1328, W Hall and Son 1324, Hardy and Troops 1320, W Hall and Son 1319, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1315, Upsall and Frost 1314.960, A Kirkman 1314.055, DJ Brackenbury 1313, Mr and Mrs Skinner 1304, G Watts 1293, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1270.

From Perth.

Candlesby (5-76): Mr and Mrs Newbold 1199 and 1198, Jessica Newbold 1177, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1177, A and R McIlwrick 1159 and 1146, K Scholz 1146, Akid and Hall 817.

Skegness and Wainfleet: Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1199 and 1198, A Tasker 1196, F and A Tasker 1189, A Tasker 1189, A and J Pinner 1186, Jessica Newbold 1177, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1128.

Week ending June 7

Poor conditions force race-day call-off

Bad weather caused the cancellation of pigeon racing activity for most local fanciers at the weekend. They will be hoping for better conditions on Saturday when the third national race of the season is due to be organised by the North Road Championship Club, this time from Fraserburgh. Meanwhile there has been confirmation of the results of the last two Peterborough and District Federation races in which Lincolnshire fanciers have been dominant.

Whitley Bay: 1 Mrs Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet, 1286.8595, 2 and 3 F and A Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet, 1286.2342 and 1286.1301, 4 Mr and Mrs PG Clare, Alford, 1279.8212, 5 P Whiting, Candlesby 1279.2233, 6 7 and 8 Mrs A Tasker 1277.9546, F and A Tasker 1277.7490 and 1277.2352, 9 Mr and Mrs Clare 1276, 10 K and B Smith, Skegness and District 1267, 11 P Whiting 1257, 12 Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Skegness and Wainfleet 1255.9116, 13 F and A Tasker 1255.2296, 14 Mr and Mrs Clare 1250, 15 Hardy and Troops, Boston Central 1247, 16 D Page, Alford 1244, 17 PW Smith, Skegness and District 1243.3745, 18 F and A Tasker 1243.3396, 19 Mr and Mrs R Skinner, Boston District 1242, 20 D Page 1241.

Perth: 1 Upsall and Frost, Boston Central 1212, 2 J Burt and Son, Boston Central 1208, 3 Mr and Mrs B Garnham, Boston District 1206, 4 Hardy and Troops, Boston Central 1203.7751, 5 K and B Smith, Skegness and District 1203.0277, 6 and 7 Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Skegness and Wainfleet 1199 and 1198, 8 Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1197, 9 Mrs A Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet 1196, 10 Upsall and Frost 1195, 11 LR Manning, Boston District 1194, 12 Upsall and Frost 1190, 13 Mr and Mrs PG Clare, Alford 1189.7947, 14 F and A Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet 1189.2582, 15 Mrs A Tasker 1189.2582, 16 J Houseden, Wisbech 1188, 17 A and J Pinner, Alford 1186.9786, 18 S Surrey, Wisbech 1186.9244, 19 S and L Bowles, Wisbech 1184, 20 Mr and Mrs R Kellett, Alford 1182.

Club results from Perth - Alford: Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1189.79, F and A Tasker 1189.55, A and J Pinner 1186, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1182, B and P Sears 1179, Mr and Mrs Clare 1167, A and J Pinner 1153, F and A Tasker 1145, B and P Sears 1140.

Week ending May 31

Fanciers rise to national challenge

Local pigeon fanciers were again taking on a national challenge when they competed from Perth with the North Road Championship Club. With a mainly east wind there was never likely to be a winner from Lincolnshire but, against the odds, several fanciers did well and will feature prominently in the final result. Among them were Mamwell Bros (Louth), Kevin Smith (Chapel St Leonards), the partnership of Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost, John Burt and son, Mr and Mrs Brian Garnham and John Hardy (all from Boston). The race was won by Kevin Lawson, of Ollerton.

In club racing the Upsall and Frost duo won the Peterborough and District Federation for the second time in three weeks, and took their lead to 3-2 in their battle with Hardy and Troops. Another fancier appearing regularly in prominent positions is John Burt.

Club results from Perth:

Skegness and District (4 members sent 38 birds): K and B Smith 1203 and 1165, PW Smith 1156, K and B Smith 1147, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1145, K and B Smith 1141.

Horncastle (6-50): R Hayes 1121, 1119 and 1115, R Quibell 1110, R Hayes 1107, R True 1095 and 1094, R Hayes 1092, R Quibell 1081, R True 1027, R Quibell 1026, T and F Kennedy 996, G Cunningham 930, P Hallett 901 and 811.

Boston Central (15-218): Upsall and Frost 1212, J Burt and Son 1208, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1206, Hardy and Troops 1203, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1197, Upsall and Frost 1195 and 1190, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1180, Hardy and Troops 1179, R Brocklesby 1175, D Henry 1172.799, Hardy and Troops 1177.477, Upsall and Frost 1171, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1170, J Burt and Son 1169, Hardy and Troops 1167, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1165, Hardy and Troops 1162, S Snowden 1157, G Watts 1156.

Boston and District FC (10-118): Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1206 and 1197, L R Manning 1194, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1180, L R Manning 1166, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1165, 1149 and 1147, Gough and Read 1132, C and C Maddison 1131, C Collins and Son 1115, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1108.863, C and C Maddison 1108.539, H Bell 1103, Gough and Read 1097, C Collins and Son 1085 and 1072, Gough and Read 10 68, J McFadyen 1066, J Downes and Grandson 1015.

Result of Boston Central race from Driffield: G and C Edwards 1296.298, W Hall and Son 1296.184, W Coupland 1293.383, W Hall and Son 1293.348, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1292, G and C Edwards 1291, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1290 and 1288, W Hall and Son 1287.928, G and C Edwards 1287.768, W Hall and Son 1286, G Watts 1279.

Week ending May 24

Hardy loft hits back with second win

Racing is proving highly competitive this season in Boston Central Racing Pigeon Club, and John Hardy bounced back to the top in Saturday's race from Whitley Bay for his second win of the summer, in the process equalising to 2-2 for the season with great rivals Upsall and Frost who were in second place.

In Boston and District FC Russ and Denise Skinner completed a hat-trick, a feat equalled by Paul Whiting at Candlesby. Ann Tasker could have a Fed topper with her winner at Skegness and Wainfleet, while Kevin Smith beat brother Pete to win at Skegness. Geoff and Bridget Clare had their first win of the season in the Alford club.

Results:

Boston Central RPC (15 members sent 276 birds): Hardy and Troops 1247, Upsall and Frost 1229, J Burt and Son 1226, G Watts 1225.815, W Hall and Son 1225.326, G Watts 1221, A Kirkman 1218, Upsall and Frost 1217, Hardy and Troops 1214, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1211.589, W Hall and Son 1211.059, D Henry 1209.

Boston and District (12-209): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1242, 1240 and 1228, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1219, Gough and Read 1200, T Went 1188, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1182, D Brackenbury 1181, H Bell 1178, Gough and Read 1174, D Brackenbury 1172, T Went 1171.

Horncastle (6-99): R Hayes 1235 and 1228, R True 1214, R Quibell 1183, R Hayes 1179.6417 and 1179.449 (2), R True 1171, R Quibell 1162 and 1156, G Cunningham 1148 and 1140.

Swineshead (4-71): M Huddleston 1119, Mr and Mrs S Poulter 1112, 1105 and 1101, M Huddlestone 1098, G Wheatman 1087 and 1079.

Alford (11-167): Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1279, F and A Tasker 1277.84 and 1277.23, Mr and Mrs Clare 1276 and 1250, D Page 1244 and 1241, F and A Tasker 1237, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1224, B Sears 1216.

Skegness and District (8-115): K and B Smith 1267, PW Smith 1243, R Lancaster 1240, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1238 and 1237, K and B Smith 1228.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5-110): A Tasker 1286, F and A Tasker 1286, A Tasker 1286 and 1277, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1255, F and A Tasker 1255, A and J Pinner 1206, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1163.

Candlesby (5-57): P Whiting 1279, 1257 and 1233, K Scholz 1232, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1231 and 1210, Jessica Newbold 1175, Mr and Mrs J Akid 1149.

Results from Dunbar:

Skegness and Wainfleet (6-101): F and A Tasker 1191, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1176, A Tasker 1165 and 1159, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1155.1 and 1155, A and J Pinner 1141, Jessica Newbold 1139, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1069.

Candlesby (4-81): A and R McIlwrick 1191, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1176, A and R McIlwrick 1164 and 1163, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1155 (2), Jessica Newbold 1139, K Scholz 1137.

Week ending May 17

Results yield contrasting fortunes

Local pigeon fanciers had their first taste of national competition this season at the weekend, and what a contrast it proved between the north and south routes.

There was an outstanding performance by Horbling-based Frank Bristow when he topped the provisional result of the Midlands NFC race from Lessay, in France, with an incredible wind-assisted velocity of 2,260 yards per minute. Last season he won the Blue Riband race from Lerwick with the North Road Championship Club, and was second from Thurso. This latest win enhances his reputation as one of the best fanciers in the country. Second from Lessay was Boston fancier Gary Hoyles on a velocity of 2, 222. There was an entry of 6, 204 birds.

It was tougher for the pigeons competing with the North Road Championship Club from Dunbar, in Scotland. First the weather was not good enough for a release on Saturday, and on Sunday they faced a strong south-east wind laced with numerous heavy showers.

The race was won by Roger Hallsworth, of Selston, on a velocity of 1281 ypm, and leading Lincolnshire placings in the provisional result were: 4 Mamwell Bros, Louth 1269, 7 Dales and Sayers, Louth 1250, 8 A Wright, Louth 1231, 9 Burtons and Collins, Louth 1225, 12 Upsall and Frost, Boston 1219, 14 R and I Johnson, Louth 1214, 18 K and B Smith, Chapel St Leonards 1208, 23 F and A Tasker, Wainfleet 1194, 25 A and R McILwrick, Spilsby 1192, 27 R Mamwell, Louth 1189, 32 Mr and Mrs B Garnham, Boston 1185, 33 D Page, Spilsby 1184, 34 Mr and Mrs K Wagstaff, Louth 1177.8039, 35 Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Friskney 1177.0968.

Stars of the club racing scene from Dunbar were the Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost partnership who took the first two places in Boston Central RPC, and had five pigeons in the first ten. They also took the first two places in a sweepstake race from Driffield. Boston and District’s race was won by husband-and-wife team of Brian and Angie Garnham. Past national winner, Kevin Smith, was top man at Skegness.

Club results from Dunbar:

Skegness and District (6 members sent 50 birds): K and B Smith 1201 and 1166, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1155, 1153 and 1149 (2).

Horncastle (7-72): R True 1147, R Quibell 1146, R True 1145, 1141.4 and 1141.0, R Quibell 1123 and 1121, R Hayes 1109 and 1103, Mr and Mrs Hobson 1039.

Boston and District FC (8-128): Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1184, J McFadyen 1170, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1164, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1142, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1136, Mr and Mrs Skinner 1135 and 1132, J Downes and grandson 1123, D Brackenbury 1114 and 1079, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1078, C Collins and Son 1072 and 1071, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1069, D Brackenbury 1056, C Collins and Son 1045, LR Manning 1031, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1030, LR Manning 1029.

Boston Central (12-194): Upsall and Frost 1217 and 1207, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1184 and 1164.802, Hardy and Troops 1164.469 and 1157, Upsall and Frost 1154.673, G Watts 1154.244, Upsall and Frost 1151 (2), G Watts 1148, J Burt and Son 1144, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1142, W Hall and Son 1141, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1136.277, J Burt and Son 1136.158, Mr and Mrs Skinner 1135, Upsall and Frost 1134, Mr and Mrs Skinner 1132 and 1131.

Boston Central RPC race from Driffield (8-113): Upsall and Frost 1019 and 1018, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 990, W Hall and Son 987, Upsall and Frost 981.8752, Mr and Mrs Garnham 981.8002, W Hall and Son 981.0751 and 980, Mr and Mrs Skinner 979, W Hall and Son 968, Appleby and Dtr 959, G Watts 955 and 947.

Peterborough and District Federation results from Whitley Bay: F and A Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet, 1288.2164, Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Candlesby, 1288.0492, Mr and Mrs R Boulton, Skegness and Dist, 1286, D Page, Alford, 1281, Mr and Mrs Boulton 1278.6173, F and A Tasker, Alford 1278.5719, A and R McIlwrick, Candlesby 1277; Mrs A Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet 1273, Mr and Mrs R Kellett, Alford 1272.9327 and 1272.8216, K and B Smith, Skegness1270, Mrs A Tasker 1268.5839, D Page, Alford 1268.5498, F and A Tasker, Alford 1268.3613, Mrs A Tasker 1268.3613, F and A Tasker, Alford 1268.2800, A and R McIlwrick 1268.1312, Mr and Mrs PG Clare, Alford 1264.7148 (2), P Whiting, Candlesby 1264.0698.

Week ending May 10

Early season prizes are doing the rounds

Prize are going around this year in Boston Central Racing Pigeon Club with John Burt and Son registering their first win of the season on Saturday, from Whitley Bay.

Last week's winners Mr and Mrs Brian Garnham were second and fourth, while “Comeback Kid” George Watts, was third. Keen rivals, the Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost partnership, and John Hardy were neck and neck in mid-table. Other top fanciers, Mr and Mrs Russ Skinner (Boston and District FC), Bob Boulton (Skegness), Frank Tasker (Alford and Skegness and Wainfleet) and Mr and Mrs Paul Newbold (Candlesby) were in good form in the week before the first national of the season from Dunbar.

Results from Whitley Bay:

Boston Central RPC (14 members sent 287 birds): J Burt and Son 1259, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1256, G Watts 1255, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1250, Hardy and Troops 1249.287, Upsall and Frost 1249.104, Hardy and Troops 1249.098, Upsall and Frost 1247, J Burt and Son 1246.474, Appleby and Dtr 1246.003, Upsall and Frost 1245, Hardy and Frost 1242 and 1236, A Kirkman 1221, G and C Edwards 1218, W Hall and Son 1208, A Kirkman 1204, R Brocklesby 1194, W Hall and Son 1184.022 (2).

Boston and District FC (12 members sent 250 birds): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1246, D Brackenbury 1236.549 and 1236.364, D Judd 1231, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1230, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1217, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1214, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1209, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1205, J Downes and Grandson 1203, D Brackenbury 1192, Gough and Read 1188, D Judd 1179, Gough and Read 1176, H Bell 1169 and 1154, D Judd 1153, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1144, C Collins and Son 1143, LR Manning 1136.

Skegness and District (7 members sent 125): Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1286 and 1278, K and B Smith 1270, Mr and Mrs Boulton 1263, PW Smith 1260, K and B Smith 1256.

Candlesby (6 sent 96): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1288, A and R McIlwrick 1277 and 1268, P Whiting 1264, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1257.59, A and R McIlwrick 1257.58, Jessica Newbold 1242, K Scholz 1203.

Alford (12 sent 208): F and A Tasker 1282, D Page 1281, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1272.93 and 1272.82, F and A Tasker 1272.53 and 1272.43, D Page 1268, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1264.71 (2) and 1258.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5 sent 131): F and A Tasker 1288, A Tasker 1273, 1268.5 and 1268.3, F and A Tasker 1253 and 1252, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1245, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1210, A and J Pinner 1181.

Swineshead and District RPC (3 sent 80): G Wheatman 1244, Mr and Mrs Poulter 1206, 1135 and 1128.

Results from Newton Aycliffe:

Candlesby (6 sent 109): A and R McIlwrick 1623, P Whiting 1602 and 1586, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1583, 1582 and 1581, Jessica Newbold 1561. K Scholz 1551, Mr and Mrs Akid 1488.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5 sent 147): F and A Tasker 1589, A Tasker 1577, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1576, F and A Tasker 1571 (2), Mr and Mrs Newbold 1559, A and J Pinner 1532, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1529.

Peterborough Federation: K and B Smith, Skegness 1626 and 1623.2524, A and R McIlwrick, Candlesby 1623.4403, Bartle, Harrison and French 1610, 1609 and 1606, P Whiting, Candlesby 1602.4523, Mr and Mrs B Garnham, Boston Central 1602.2392, Mr and Mrs R Boulton, Skegness 1601.6397 and 1601.4435, F and A Tasker, Skegness and Wainfleet 1589, Mr and Mrs R Kellett, Alford 1588, P Whiting, Candlesby 1586, K and B Smith, Skegness 1585, D Page, Alford 1584.3476, Mr and Mrs Garnham 1584.0403, Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Skegness and Wainfleet 1583, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1582.7562, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1582.6880 and 1581.

Boston Central RPC are organising a sweepstake race from Driffield on Saturday, and on all subsequent NRCC old bird race dates. Cost is 50p per bird, and marking is at their headquarters from 7pm-8pm on Friday.

Week ending May 3

It’s a 1-2-3 for Garnham team

Top performance of the weekend in pigeon racing circles was by the husband and wife partnership of Mr and Mrs Brian Garnham who took the first three places in Boston Central RPC’s race from Newton Aycliffe, 129 miles to their Butterwick loft.

Boston Central RPC (16 members sent 289 birds): Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1602, 1584 and 1582, Upsall and Frost 1579, 1578 and 1577, G Watts 1574, W Hall and Son 1568 and 1564.850, J Burt and Son 1564.655, Hardy and Troops 1563, G Watts 1559, W Hall and Son 1557.635, Upsall and Frost 1557.517, G Watts 1556.863, W Hall and Son 1555.842, Hardy and Troops 1555.274, G Watts 1554.725, Appleby and Dtr 1554.406, A Kirkman 1554.051.

Boston and District FC (13 sent 269): J McFadyen 1580, H Bell 1570, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1560 and 1559, D Brackenbury 1555 and 1551, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1544, Mr and Mrs B Granham 1539, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1536, Gough and Read 1533, J Downes and Grandson 1529, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1528, D Brackenbury 1527, Gough and Read 1519, J Downes and G/S 1515, Mr and Mrs Attwater 1512, H Bell 1504, C Collins and Son 1503, LR Manning 1492, Gough and Read 1489.

Horncastle Invitation (6 sent 109): R Hayes 1572, R Quibell 1550, R Hayes 1528, 1528 and 1527, R Quibell 1500 and 1495, P Hallett 1479, R Quibell 1471, Mr and Mrs Hibson 1442 and 1440, G Cunningham 1397, P Hallett 1390, G Cunningham 1366.

Swineshead and District (3 sent 87): Mr and Mrs TF Welby 1537, G Wheatman 1484, Mr and Mrs Welby 1469, G Wheatman 1455, Mr and Mrs S Poulter 1438, 1437 and 1431.

Alford (12 sent 246): Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1588, D Page 1584, F and A Tasker 1576, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1566, Mr and Mrs PG Clare 1554, B Sears 1552, Mr and Mrs Clare 1544, Mr and Mrs Dennis 1542, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1536 and 1535.

Skegness and District (7 sent 139): K and B Smith 1626 and 1623, Bartle, Harrison and French 1610, 1609 and 1606, Mr and Mrs R Boulton 1601.

Peterborough and District Federation’s result from Wetherby was: R True, Horncastle 1281, Upsall and Frost, Boston Central 1266 and 1259, A and R McIIwrick, Candlesby 1256, P Whiting, Candlesby 1254, Mr and Mrs R Skinner, Boston District 1253, W Hall and Son, Boston Central, 1251 and 1248, A and R McIlwrick 1247, D Brackenbury, Boston District 1245, A and J Pinner, Alford 1242, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1240, P King, Wereham 1239, D Bird and Dtr, Peterborough 1234, TJ Appleby and Dtr, Boston Central 1232, J Lensen, Sutton Bridge 1231.7851, D Bird and Dtr 1231.6084, Mr and Mrs P Newbold, Skegness and Wainfleet, 1230.5022, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1230.3216, D Bird and Dtr 1228.

Week ending April 26

Everything points to enthralling battle

Battle for supremacy in the Boston pigeon racing scene is already hotting up. John Hardy, top man in recent seasons, made a great start last week by winning Boston Central RPC’s first race from Driffield, but his arch rivals, Carl Upsall and Trevor Frost hit back on Saturday to level the scores by taking the first two places from Wetherby in a far from easy race. It could be an enthralling scenario as the season unfolds. Something akin to the Manchester United-Liverpool fight for the Premiership title, with both protagonists indulging in some off the field psychology in the war of words.

Other fanciers will, no doubt, cause a few upsets as the season progresses and Bill Hall and Son, well placed last week, again did well to take third and fourth places. Russ Skinner and wife Denise, another top local partnership, but competing with Boston and District FC, won in that club, and also took third and fourth places, with last week's winner Dave Brackenbury in second place, while Richard True's winner at Horncastle was faster still to win by a big margin. Club secretary Terry Welby, better known for his exploits at distance racing, was top man in the Swineshead club.

Andy Pinner was a clear winner of the Alford club, Frank and Ann Tasker won in Skegness and Wainfleet, while the partnership of A and R McGilwrick was in good form again to win the Candlesby club. Pete Smith was the winner in Skegness and District club. The birds had to face a stiff south-east wind.

Boston Central RPC (15 members sent 285 birds): Upsall and Frost 1266 and 1259, W Hall and Son 1251 and 1248, Appleby and Dtr 1232, S Snowden 1228, Hardy and Troops 1216 and 1212, R Brocklesby 1208.596, Hardy and Troops 1208.400, Upsall and Frost 1207, J Burt and Son 1205, Appleby and Dtr 1204, W Hall and Son 1203, J Burt and Son 1201, W Hall and Son 1200, Hardy and Troops 1199, J Burt and Son 1196.809, 19 G Watts 1196.022, J Burt and Son 1193.

Boston and District FC (11 sent 218): Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1253, D Brackenbury 1245, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1240 and 1230, H Bell 1227, J Downes and grandson 1218, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1215, C Collins and Son 1195 and 1185, LR Manning 1177, Gough and Read 1175, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1173, LR Manning 1168, D Brackenbury 1163 and 1138, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1129, H Bell 1121, D Judd 1076, Gough and Read 1057, C and C Maddison 868.

Horncastle Invitation: Richard True 1281, Russell Hayes 1210, R True 1200, Richard Quibell 1179, R Hayes 1165, T and F Kennedy 1149, R True 1106, P Hallett 1044 and 983, G Cunningham 974, R Hayes 967, Mr and Mrs Hobson 952, P Hallett 930, R True 877, K Kennedy 854, P Hallett 563.

Skegness and District: P Smith 1198, K and B Smith 1174, R Lancaster 1169, Bartle, Harrison and French 1164, P Smith 1154, M Sharpe 1146.

Swineshead and District RPC (4-63): Mr and Mrs TF Welby 1100, Mr and Mrs S Poulter 1096, G Wheatman 1078, M Huddlestone 1075.G Wheatman 1064, M Huddleston 1000.

Alford (12-174): A and J Pinner 1242, Mr and Mrs Geoff Clare 1181, M Dennis 1154, Mr and Mrs R Kellett 1152 and 1151, D Page 1140, Mr and Mrs Clare 1112 and 1110.81, M Dennis 1110.68, A and J Pinner 1110.02.

Skegness and Wainfleet (5-66): F and A Tasker 1178, A Tasker 1177, F and A Tasker 1138, A and J Pinner 1131, Mr and Mrs Dave Evans 1123, Mr and Mrs Paul Newbold 1116.

Candlesby (6-81): A and R McGilwrick 1256, P Whiting 1254, A and R McGilwrick 1247, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1230, A and R McGilwrick 1221, Mr and Mrs Newbold 1184, K Scholz 1184, Jessica Newbold 1111, Akid and Hall 957.

Open positions in Peterborough and District Federation from Driffield were: Hardy and Troops, Boston Central, 1700, TB Peach, Spalding, 1690.134, D Brackenbury, Boston District, 1690.0283, R Hayes, Horncastle, 1688, R Quibell, Horncastle, 1679, D Bird and Dtr, Peterborough, 1670, Hardy and Troops, Boston Central, 1666.1806, A Willoughby, Whaplode, 1666.0124, D Bird and Dtr, Peterborough, 1660, J Housden, Wisbech 1655, S and K Conkey, Peterborough 1654, LR Manning, Boston District, 1652, W Hall and Son, Boston Central, 1651, Mr and Mrs R Skinner, Boston District, 1650, R Hayes, Horncastle, 1649, Upsall and Frost, Boston Central, 1646 and 1643, T Winterton, Whaplode, 1640, R Hayes, Horncastle, 1636, J Housden, Wisbech, 1632.

Result of the Alford club race from Driffield (6-106): D Page 1633, B Sears 1495, Mr and Mrs Clare 1481, D Page 1461, Mr and Mrs Clare 1454 and 1417, Mr and Mrs Kellett 1364, D Page 1339, Mr and Mrs D Evans 1321 and 1320.

Week ending April 19

Hardy signals intent with top two places

The new pigeon racing season started on Saturday and Boston's star fancier of many seasons past signalled his intention to fight hard to keep his title. John Hardy, who races as the Hardy and Troops partnership, was first and second in Boston Central RPC’s race from Great Driffield, with Bill Hall and Son third, and Upsall and Frost - who clinched the pools - fourth and fifth. Veteran Dave Brackenbury, topped the list in Boston and District FC.

Russell Hayes had a great race in the Horncastle club and only Richard Quibell (in second place) prevented him from taking a clean sweep of the first six places. The national winning loft of Bartle, Harrison and French took the first two places in Skegness and District club.

Mark Huddlestone took the first three places at Swineshead. Mr and Mrs Paul Newbold, following their successes last season, won the Candlesby club, Andy Pinner was first in Skegness and Wainfleet, and David Page won at Alford.

It is a well-known fact that racing pigeons do not like a cold east wind, and convoyer Phil Ringe waited until 12.30pm for the sun to become warmer before releasing the birds at 12.30pm, but the north-east wind was still not ideal for the first race, and reduced the entry.

Boston Central RPC (10 members sent 161 birds): Hardy and Troops 1700 and 1666, W Hall and Son 1651, Upsall and Frost 1646 and 1643, W Hall and Son 1630, Upsall and Frost 1624, Hardy and Troops 1623 and 1572, G and C Edwards 1572, Upsall and Frost 1565 (2), J Burt and Son 1527, G Watts 1509, A Kirkman 1504, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1499, W Hall and Son 1489, G and C Edwards 1483, J Burt and Son 1463, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1462 and 1445, T Darrigan 1402 and 1239.

Boston and District FC (5-57): D Brackenbury 1690, L R Manning 1652, Mr and Mrs R Skinner 1650, D Brackenbury 1625, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1566, D Brackenbury 1559, Mr and Mrs B Garnham 1465, Mr and Mrs E Attwater 1368.

Horncastle Invitation (8 sent 98): R Hayes 1688, R Quibell 1679, R Hayes 1649, 1636, 1609, 1608 and 1607, R Quibell 1607, T and F Kennedy 1593, R True 1583, K Kennedy 1571, R Quibell 1532, R True 1528, Mr and Mrs Hobson 1522, G Cunningham 1471, R Quibell 1419, T and F Kennedy 1335, P Hallett 1243.

Skegness and District (3 sent 54): Bartle, Harrison and French 1503 and 1501, K and B Smith 1484, 1479, 1477(2).

Swineshead and District RPC (3 sent 30): M Huddlestone 1593, 1534 and 1513, G Wheatman 1484, Mr and Mrs S Poulter 1330.

Candlesby (5-55): Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1591, A and R McIlwrick 1587, 1552 and 1507, Jessica Newbold 1506, P Whiting 1429, Mr and Mrs Akid 1045.

Skegness and Wainfleet (3 sent 23): A and J Pinner 1463 and 1462, Mr and Mrs P Newbold 1393.

Week ending March 15

Futurity sales dates looming

Boston Central Racing Pigeon Club are to hold three futurity young bird sales in the build-up to the new racing season, the first being on Tuesday March 24, the second on March 31 and the third on April 7.

All three will be held at the club’s Field Street headquarters, with penning at 7.30pm ready for the auction at 8pm. The sales are open to all members of the Peterborough and District Federation of Homing Societies and the race for the pigeons auctioned will be from Whitley Bay on August 22.

In addition, there will also be opportunities for racing pigeon fanciers to add young birds to their stock from two futurity sales being organised by Boston and District Flying Club on Friday March 27 and Good Friday April 10.

Both sales, starting at 8pm after penning at 7.30pm, are open to fanciers within the club radius which is eight and a half miles from the centre of Boston, and will be held at the Social Pigeon Centre, Rasen's Court, Boston. So fanciers from both Boston clubs and those living in nearby villages will be eligible to participate.