The British Barcelona Club’s last old bird race of a very indifferent season was held from the town of Bordeaux in southern France and with an entry of 1223 birds it was hoped that all competitors would experience a good race, the weather conditions at the time as we all know was very unsettled certainly not the kind of weather one would expect to have in July but our so called summers have been like that for a few years now and it definitely does not make life easy for race convoyers but having sad that our man Pete Willcox who has over thirty years of experience convoying for us is the man for the job when it comes to a difficult situation, there is no substitute for experience, and after conversing with our weather guru Steve Appleby who again is a valued aid when conditions are not ideal, the strings were cut and birds were released at 06.20 hours into a light west to south westerly wind.  Pete was quite confident that a good race would be the outcome and with the helping south in the wind we naturally hoped that many if not all of the competing members would be recording arrivals and as it turned out for some it was a cracking race timing in a number of their entries, but as is always the case from whatever race or distance there were some members who were not so lucky having a bit of a wait for their first arrival.

With three section winners in the first four of the open and six section winners in the first thirty seven positions of the early times list and with the first three birds clocking up 47 mph and nearly sixty birds were doing over the 40mph it proved that the early birds split to all areas making it a fair race for everyone who were lucky to have birds up with the pace and in the leading groups.

Mel and Sue King of Blandford Forum. Dorset the husband and wife partnership lead the field timing in their “Stourcrest Helen” a Vandenabeele yearling blue hen at 15.07 flying 416 miles to record a vel of 1390 doing 47mph to win 1^st Section B, 1^st Open.

Stourcrest Helen has been raced as a w/hood hen but was mated and sent sitting 8 days for this one and in preparation for Bordeaux this hen was sent to Fourgeres three weeks prior and took 2^nd club, 5^th fed and with this win it certainly rubber stamped the good form and tip top condition she was in.

The sire is a full brother to their 2002 NFC Nantes winner and also to their 11^th open NFC Saintes bird plus a 1^st fed winner.

The dam is a full sister to their 1^st combine Messac winner and 9^th open NFC Saintes, she is also a half sister to their 1^st sec, 9^th open NFC Herstal. 

Mel and Sue also timed in another bird “Stourcrest Typhon” a 2 y/o Vandenabeele blue cheq cock at 15.10 for a vel of 1381 to take 2^nd section B, 3^rd Open.

This cock flew three channel races as a y/b and has since been quite a consistent bird but except for now has not won any major prizes.

He is a half brother to a 1^st sec, 21^st open and a 1^st gold ring scheme in our Lamballe National plus a 2^nd fed and is bred from the sire and g/sire of 1^st fed winners and a g/sire to a 1^st open CSCFC Vaines classic.

All bird here are fed on Versele Laga Gerry Plus and Superwidow Plus.

The partnerships four entries were all in the clock by 17.25 their other bird vels were 1175 and 1110.

Due to competing in other races that weekend and due to the holdover of the NFC birds they borrowed a clock from their good friends Mike White & Son of Bournemouth for this Bordeaux National and Mike said more in jest than any thing else “if you time in the winner from Bordeaux you can keep the clock” and true to his word when they all met up for a celebratory drink, and I bet that was one hell of a party, Mike said “the clock is now yours”. Mel and Sue would like to thank the race marking team at Salisbury for a job well done as always and the convoyer for a grand race in what were very trying conditions.

The Officials and membership of the BBC extend Congratulations to a lovely couple Mel and Sue King on their marvellous performance in not only winning The 2005 British Barcelona Club’s Bordeaux National but taking 3^rd open as well.

Dave Matthews of Bordon. Hampshire comes next, just missing out for the top honour, timing in his 3 y/o cheq pied cock cock a Staf Van Reet cross Janssen at 15.25 flying 429 miles for an approx vel of 1386 to take 1^st section A, 2^nd Open.

This one was on the r/about system all season but was paired and flown natural for this race being sent flying to a 3 day old baby.

Named Ben and his nest brother another good pigeon is as you would expect is called Bill because of their love of Dave’s wife’s flowers, usually eating all they can see.

Dave mixes his own corn from a combination of Gem from Brian Wall and Versele Laga, the water is always adorned with garlic cloves.

24 race birds are kept plus 5 pair of stock and a team of 30 babies have been bred.  Some of Ben’s previous performances are 2004 55^th open Falaise and 11^th Solent Fed Vains and this year 16^th open Falaise, 23^rd open Saran and 95^th open Tours with the BICC.

Probable 1^st section D, 4^th open we have Ron Ball of Northchurch. Hertfordshire who timed in his all pooled 4y/o light cheq hen named “Astra” at 16.27 flying 474 miles approx vel 1376.

Astra was sent to the race feeding a 21 day old youngster and sitting 14 day eggs though she was raced in the earlier part of the season on the w/hood system.  Her previous performances have been 19^th open Hens NFC Guernsey,18^th open NFC Saintes and 69^th open NFC Fourgeres.

In for 2^nd sec A, 5^th open is Adrian Human of Ramsdean. Hampshire who timed in his Davenport/Cattrysse 3 y/o blue cheq cock at 15.20 flying 421 miles for an approx vel of 1373.

In 2004 this cock was 64^th open San Sebastian and was also in the NFC Dax result.  This year he was Adrian’s first bird from Tarbes after which he was re-mated in preparation for this one being sent on chipping eggs after having had three 30 mile spins the week leading up to Bordeaux.

At the beginning of the season Adrian’s birds were a bit off the pace and on the advice of Jimmy Wearn his neighbour the corn and feeding system was changed and this improved things instantly and for this Bordeaux National Jimmy provided Adrian with his secret feed mix which certainly worked and Adrian is hoping Jimmy will let him have some more of the secret mix come next season and if your reading this Jimmy you can send some up to me as well.

Probable 2nd sec D, 6^th open is Don Pembroke of Reading. Berkshire who timed in his 2 y/o cheq pied hen at 16.07 flying 455 miles approx vel 1364.

She has been bred from Don’s old family which consists of birds of the Jannssen/Hartog and Jan Aarden lines, This one was also Don’s first arrival from NFC Pau/Tarbes this year, then prepared for this one by being sent sitting 10 days on eggs and being closely related to Don’s 3^rd open Bordeaux with us in 2003 she was, breeding wise, up for the task.

Mick Parish of Great Burstead. Essex is next in line to take probable

3^rd and probable 5^th sec D, 7^th and probable 18^th open clocking at 16.23 and 16.45 flying 465 miles approx vels of 1359 and 1311

Micks first a yearling blue hen being the first of nine birds in the clock on the day.

Only the hens were entered for this having had very little work this year due to lack of time and Mick concentrating more on the cocks getting them ready for Palamos and didn’t he do well there.

Mick’s first in the clock was un-raced as a youngster but this year she has had three trainer races with the local club from about 100 miles plus one channel trainer at 230 miles then straight into this one.

She has not been out of the loft often due to the shooting around his area and was sent sitting six days on eggs, she is from an inbred son of John’s Boy 1^st open Palamos 2003 when paired to an Eric Cannon hen that had taken 66^th open NFC Vire for Eric before he passed away.    

Most of the birds timed in are related to John’s Boy so it seems as Mick says that it was a very wise decision to put him to stock after his Palamos victory.

3^rd sec A, 8^th open is the not so old stalwart of the club Cyril Medway of Southampton. Hampshire who timed in his 3y/o blue cock at 15.25 for an approx vel of 1344 flying 416 miles

This cock has proved to be a good one for Cyril having taken 43^rd open NFC Pau last year being clocked at 21.25 when only a few made it on the day and was in the Tarbes result as well this year.

Bred from Cyril’s own family of birds it was sent having just hatched out young the day before basketing having had a fourgeres and two Cholet races as warm ups.  Cyril’s big disappointment this year was not having timed in from Palamos a race he definitely loves for he has won it way back in 1972, the year I became a member of the club, and again in 1980 a double Blue Riband National winner,

it comes as no surprise to say that he as been well and truly hooked ever since.

Cyril has taken many positions in the blue riband event also winning two Spanish Diplomas, with Palamos Pathfinder and Palamos Aaron, it could have been more but Cyril did not bother staking a claim for them, so I am sure he will be there come next year without a doubt, you can never keep a good man down. Cyril also timed in his only other entry at 16.55, all birds here are fed on Beans and Barley plus a few peanuts are given.

Cyril’s wife Joan celebrated her 80^th birthday on Wednesday being just three years younger than Cyril, two of the very best.

Lee Willett of Portsmouth. Hampshire had his 4 y/o blue hen a Delbar x Cattrysse x Berger from M/M. B. Hoad of Woking in the clock at 15.22 flying 409 miles approx vel 1330 to probably take 4^th sec A, 9^th open.

Having previously flown Bergerac with the Solent Fed it was sent to this one feeding a five day old baby. Me thinks Lee was short of paper when providing the information on this one?

Tony Leggatt of Havant. Hampshire should end up with probable 5^th sec A, 10^th open with his 2y/o blue cheq hen timed at 15.27 approx vel 1325 flying 412 miles.

This hen was picked out by Tony’s friend Calum Edmiston on a visit earlier this year to do the business and it has proved him right so, Tony has named this one “ Calum’s Eye”.

As a y/b she flew the solent fed programme and as a yearling she took 1^st club Bergerac, this year she was the first bird from NFC Tarbes taking 8^th sec, 48^th open and was then rested in readiness for this one.

Bred from “Bouquet” who was 3^rd open San Sebastian and this year was 22^nd open San Sebastian both with us, raced on the R/About system, Bouquets G/dam is Jack and Joyce Randall’s famous “Lady Jane” six times in the result from Palamos and “Y Not” who was 9^th open Palamos so this has proved to be a very good cross into Tony’s inbred Norman Southwell family.

The Sire is from Malcolm Tweets of Congleton. Cheshire  

Tony timed in six on the day from his entry of 10, he passes on his thanks to his good friend Tony Cripps of Portsmouth who times in for him when he is at work also the squad of the BBC for doing the business as it should be done at the race point.

Probable 6^th sec A, 11^th open are M/M. Betteridge of Portsmouth. Hampshire Sue and Mick, clocking their yearling Cattrysse blue hen sent sitting 7 day eggs at 15.23 flying 408 miles approx vel 1324.

This one returned injured from a spin early in the year so was naturally rested and when right again it was put back into training and then sent to the races taking 5^th club, 35^th solent fed Cholet and 3^rd club, 9^th solent fed Bergerac showing that just a bit of care and patience can win the day, it was purchased as a baby from K. Everard of Skegness.  Feed here is by way of Van Robaeys and their own blended mix.

67 year old Cyril Hallett of Portsmouth. Hampshire known as scribe C.H.E.F had his first in the clock a yearling dark pied hen at 15.23  approx vel 1324 flying 408 miles to probable take 7^th sec A. 12^th open.

A member of the Milton HS since 1962 and being clock setter since 1963, Cyril as also been a member of the BBC for over 30 years with previous good performances in our club such as 2^nd sec, 2^nd open Rennes and 1^st sec, 3^rd open Bordeaux, so is no stranger to success.

This hen timed was a gift from Derry Furmidge of Cosham and is of the Dale Newcombe lines, she returned from Saintes injured so was put in with the youngsters to get right, she was only put back into her nest box with her mate the night before basketing for this Bordeaux National, it certainly worked and again patience pays off.

K.&J. Zerafa of Portsmouth supplies the Van Robaeys corn that all birds here are fed on.

* The run of the clocks may alter the positions of the above three mentioned birds from that quoted.

Roger Lowe of Reading. Berkshire timed his one a yearling smokey blue hen, which was sent feeding two 2 day old babies her first round of the year, at 16.26 flying 454 miles for an approx vel of 1320 to probably take 4^th sec D, 13^th open

She is bred from two direct Walt Zonntjens a g/dtr of The Chatearoux and Conimix King. Roger five on the day from the 8 birds that he had entered, info a bit short on this one Roger but it is to the point.

Derek Human of Petersfield. Hampshire is in for probable 8^th sec A,14^th open timing in a 4y/o blue cock at 15.45 flying 422 miles for an approx vel 1317.

This cock was gifted to Derek from Michael Masserella as a youngster for assisting on their stand at Blackpool and not being a Cattrysse he has not been mated this year until being given a hen prior to going to Bordeaux.

He was sent to Palamos this year and on homing he looked so good that Derek decided to send him on to Bordeaux, he has been a very consistent bird but has not managed until now that is to take any really major positions.

Birds here are hopper fed on a no bean mix and training is done with Brian Yates from around the 25 mile mark.  Derek says well done to Pete Willcox for getting them away, seven birds were put in the clock here.

Robin Hampton of Bognor Regis. West Sussex is in there to lead his section with 1^st sec G, probable 15^th open as he had his one in the clock a 2y/o dark cheq cock at 15.24 approx vel 1316 flying 406miles.

A Luc Van Coopenolle cock named “Bruce Allmighty” by Robin’s son RJ who does help out with the birds.  This cock has been a consistent channel bird for Robin having flown 8 times over the big divide including Tarbes and Bergerac. Flying his own combination system Robin flies both the cocks and hens.

Corn is mixed here to suit whatever distance is being flown and peanuts are added when competing from over the 300 mile mark. This position for Robin has topped off a good season for him as he has won 8 channel races this season in his local club. 

2^nd sec G, probable 16^th open is the BBC man of the year Derek Reid of Weybridge. Surrey who timed in his dark cheq 3y/o w/hood cock at 16.19 for an approx vel of 1313 flying 447 Miles.

The prep races for this one has been Portland, Fourgeres our St. Nazaire and then onto our San Sebastian where it took 1^st sec, 10^th open it was then rested and got ready for this one, so it has just missed out on what would have been a fantastic achievement of a double first section with the same bird in the same season from two of our longer intermediate races.

A Wim Muller Jan Aarden bred down from Derek’s No1 stock pair that have bred many good pigeons such as 1^st sec, 4^th open and 1^st sec, 1^st open both from Palamos, 43^rd open San Sebastian 17^th open Pau and 48^th open Bordeaux.

Purchased from the Ponderosa stud at Weymouth in 1994 and still going strong, real gold mine pigeons, that many would like a slice of.

What a season this man has had 1^st NFC St. Nazaire, 1^st Blue Riband Palamos plus many other top positions to boot, one can only dream, as this is what dreams are made of, Derek and Elaine our Gala Presentation Dinner will soon be upon us, what a night it is going to be!

Probable 9^th sec A, 17^th open is Peter Reeves of Owslebury. Hampshire who timed in his 2y/o blue cheq hen at 15.48 for an approx vel of 1312 flying 423 miles.

A Jan Aarden of the Invincible Spirit lines she was sent sitting about 14 days having previously won a few minor positions in her local club, her last race prior to this one was a hard one for her from Saintes coming four days later so was rested then given a few short trainers before going to Bordeaux. Beyers and Versele Laga are the feed given here.

M/M Joe Langbridge of Sidlesham. Wiltshire are in for probable 3^rd sec G, 19^th open clocking their blue yearling cock “Siddlesham Stan” in at 15.25 approx vel 1311 flying 406 miles.

Retiring from Sutton. Surrey this is only the third year since re-locating to Siddlesham for the Langbridges and on moving to the area they were informed that their loft position is no good, but they are certainly beginning to make their mark especially with our club having previously taken 1^st sec, 2^nd open from our St. Nazaire national.

The sire of Stan is a son of John Munns Ch Chowder 8^th NRCC and the dam is their good Janssen hen mother of their 2003 Gold Cup winner in the LSECC. They prepared Stan by giving him his first hen of the season and sent sitting just 8 days.

Siddlesham Sid a full brother to Stan has been 1^st United Kingdom twice in the Sun City Million Dollar races last year, many a fancier would like to have a loft position like theirs if that is what is called no good.

* The above three positions may change when clock details are to hand

Lou Severe of Chichester had his one a Janssen x Soonjen 6y/o blue cheq cock in the clock at 15.32 flying 410 miles for an approx vel 1307 which could see him take 4^th sec G, 20^th open.

This cock has been three times on the day from Bordeaux and last year he was 1^st sec, 18^th open in our Bourdeax national.

Given just three races this year in preparation for this Bordeaux it was slipped a big youngster just to hold back the moult of the flights. Birds here are fed mainly on farm beans and peas.

Frank Quinn of Devises. Wiltshire timed in his 3y/o blue cock a Ko Nipious Jan Aarden cross a Frenken Brothers at 16.44 approx vel 1269 flying 450 miles

to take 1^st section C and probable 26^th open. on the w/hood system but was sent driving his hen for this one.

This cock has been a good one for Frank for as a yearling it took 350^th open NFC Saintes, as a 2y/o it has taken 30^th open in our Nantes National and 68^th open NFC Dax and this year he has claimed 149^th open NFC St. Nazaire, 182^nd open Tarbes and just a fortnight ago it was 1^st sec NFC Dax and this Bordeaux  performance makes two section wins after many seconds for Frank.  

Frank passes on his thanks to 83 year old Arthur Pidcock for coming over to verify the bird and to Joe Raeburn for doing the honours with the photo.

2^nd sec C is Hughie Eades of Street. Somerset who had his bird a 3y/o cheq hen in the clock at 16.52 flying 441 miles approx vel 1229.

The sire of this hen is from a g/son of Harding Bros Pau winner when crossed with the Geoff Cooper lines.

The dam is Hughies own Busschaert x Geerts bloodlines she was 1^st WoESRC from Gent and was 6^th open in our Nantes national 2004.

The hen timed has been a good bird for Hughie winning prizes each year racing on the r/about/celibate system this season she has flown St. Nazaire twice being first in the clock and WoESRC Cholet again in the result, she was then sent on to Tarbes timed on the day taking 7^th sec, 63^rd open.

Sent to this one sitting 12 days and given a 3 day old baby a day or so before basketing this motivation certainly worked.

3rd sec C we have Janet Wilcox of Radstock BANES timing her bird a 4y/o blue hen in at 17.06 approx vel 1225 flying 449 miles.

This bird has flown quite consistently for Janet in the classic and nationals it was  sired by a Kirkland Desmet Mathys and the dam is a Busschaert who is also the dam of her 1^st sec in our St. Nazaire national this year.

In 2004 she was 39^th open in our Bordeaux national and was also 14^th WoESRC Marmande this year she has had 8 races to NFC Tarbes being 257^th open then sitting for 5 days was sent to this one.    

• 2All the above mentioned positions could change slightly when possible second birds etc come into play if any are timed.

There were only two birds timed into section E on the day and they were to 

Graham Jones of Cannock. Staffordshire who claims 1^st sec E with his 2y/o cheq cock purchased from Roy Harding of Tarpoley being clocked at 19.15 flying 543 miles approx vel 1233.

Flown Fourgeres, Messac and Picauville this year it was then given a toss from the home of Graham’s daughter at Weston-S-Mare on the Wednesday before basketing. The feed her of beans was changed five days prior to going to a Super w/hood mix.

M/M. Steve Hole of Shifnal. Shropshire timed in their yearling cheq cock a Staf Van Reet x Van Den Brouck at 19.35 for an approx vel of 1203 flying 543 miles.

The Staf Van Reet side is down from the champion Toy Boy lines of Greenhith Lofts. Kent and the Van Den Brouck is down from Steve Cheshire’s Saintes cock. This one was the furthest flying bird on the winning day.

Feeding here is a 2 to 1 mixture of Ruby Gold and Expert mixed with peanuts Steve passes on his thanks to Dennis Homer of Coleshill for his tips on feeding and for helping with the training of the birds and to Mike and Sue Conboy of Gloucester for allowing Steve to single up his timer from their beautiful garden.

J.T.Barnetts Natraherb vitamins are given in the water each Tuesday.

Steve say’s his bird arrived home in excellent condition and passes on his thanks to all concerned. 

Other good birds timed the next day into section E were to Brian Littlewood of Stockport in at 08.03 flying 590 miles

M/M. B. Moore of Sheffield having two at 08.18 and 08.33 flying 585 miles

Alan Shore of Audlem having his one at 09.15 flying 566 miles.

J. & T. Barnett & Dtr of Telford getting their one at 11.17 flying 546 miles

Norman Barrett of Glaisdale North Yorkshire in at 11.29 flying 657 the furthest flying bird recorded at the time of going to press.

Chris Gordon of Old Snydale. West Yorkshire had his at 13.29 flying 608 miles and Eddie Eblett of Sheffield had his one at 14.53 flying 585 miles.

It would be great if one of our Scottish members who are competing can get a bird as well, we wait and let’s all hope that they will time one in.

Lawrence Le Ruez of St. Peter. Jersey takes the Channel Isle section with his 2y/o blue cheq hen a Jan Aarden x Hansenne in at 14.09 approx vel 1158 flying 308 miles. This hen won the Jersey FS Angers race in a head wind for Lawrence.

The dam a Jan Aarden was bred by Donald Webb of Redruth. Cornwall from the M/M. Woodward strain.  

It has turned out to be quite a good race overall with a number of members timing in more than the one bird as can be seen above, those situated more northerly experienced many downpours throughout the day and poor visibility but some still managed to get through to their home lofts, so on the whole not too bad an end to a very indifferent old bird season.

Next race the Lamballe Young Bird National September 10^th and do not forget this race incorporates the Annual Gold Ring Scheme with a grand total of £4,884.73 up for grabs, so Keep Smiling

JIM HOOPER