The Poitiers National was certainly not like our first National from Messac after convoyer P. Willcox liberated the 1500 birds entered at 06.15 into clear blue sky with a light northerly breeze, my first thought was great, a nice early start that should see birds getting well up into section E and possibly even on into Ireland and as the first bird verified, which also proved to be the eventual winner, was clocking up 42 mph I thought super but as the day progressed birds seemed to be hitting certain areas in small batches and velocities did tend to slow down a bit but having said that some section E birds flying just under 500 miles were clocked in reasonably time on the day and the leaders of same will finish well up in the open result.

Our three telephone lines were not going at a manic rate as they were at Messac although just under 200 calls were received on the day and from the early times list you can once again see that we have four section winners in the first eight with sections E and G not too far adrift on the leaders, so with other organisations holding over due to the problematic weather conditions, I think that we did have what you might call a reasonable race come the finish, although there are some competitors who might not agree with that.

All times shown are verified times and may change when clock papers are to hand also all velocities given are of course only approximate and some positions may change accordingly, sad to report that at the time of going to press no birds have been recorded onto the Emerald Isle as everybody had hoped.

Once again my sincere thanks to all those fanciers that I called upon to go and verify the leading birds. 

Leading the field we have Mel and Sue King of Blandford Forum. Dorset who timed in their 2y/o blue cheq cock “Stourcrest Corvus” at 13.35 doing an approx vel of 1260 flying 315 miles to probably take 1^st section B, 1^st Open.

Flown on w/hood system Stourcrest Corvus is a mixture of lines that Mel and Sue are putting together to form a long distance family (God help us). The sire was timed in the NFC Tarbes 2005 but was then taken by a peregrine early in 2006 being a 50% Patrick Brothers Jan Aarden and a 50% Mike White & Son.

The dam is 100% Gyselbrecht.  This Poitiers race was Stourcrest Corvus third race of the season so far, his last race being our Messac National plus a Dorset fed race two weeks prior to that.

All birds here are raced w/hood and fed verselelaga plus mixtures with gem g10 pellets added for 2/3 days after a race.

This grand result will be their second National of the season having already taken 1^st BICC Falaise.

Three BBC Nationals, Three NFC Nationals, One BICC National all with birds competing and flying to all parts of the country and One CSCFC Classic win says it all, I did say to Mel when I rang to confirm their win from Poitiers “You lucky bugger” but as we all know luck does play a part in pigeon racing but when you have a loft that competes at the highest level available and is so very consistent as the King’s loft is, then a great deal of attention to detail plus a large amount of dedication and effort combined together with a family of birds that are blended together so perfectly then I say without fear of any contradiction that here we have a partnership that must rank as the best throughout the land and even possibly Europe at races up to mid distance, they make it look so easy and as you have read above Mel and Sue now have designs on the longer races and who knows could we possibly see a blue riband Palamos National win on the horizon? I definitely would not bet against it, in fact I may take a trip down to the bookies and see if I can get a price on it happening within the next five years and by the way Mel and Sue a pair of your youngsters would look smashing in my new loft at Fairwater!  Only joking unless of course you want to take me seriously.      

On behalf of the officials and membership of The British Barcelona Club

I extend all our heartiest congratulations to two truly fantastic fanciers

Mel and Sue on a truly wonderful achievement in winning our 2007 Poitiers National.  Just another National win to a very fine collection.

Probable 2^nd Section B, 2nd Open we have Kenny Land of Bournemouth. Dorset who timed in his yearling blue cheq cock raced on the w/hood at 13.36 vel 1224 flying 306 miles.

Sire of this one is a Braakhuis that was purchased at Blackpool from John Gerard and the dam was won in the BBC Magnificent Dozen annual draw being donated by those good fanciers M/M. Ken Hine of Hayes Middlesex, now isn’t that a really good advert for our magnificent dozen raffle and the type of fancier that we have in our club for supporting it.

Kenny Land has been racing pigeons for over thirty years, his wife Dawn putting up with his hobby as all good wives do. His brother in law Terry is a silent partner and takes care of the stock birds and over the years many top prizes have been won including those won in the Dorset Fed.  At National level their best until this performance was 4^th Open Nantes National 14^th and 24^th Open in other Nationals plus 46^th and 80^th Open Pau.

Kenny does like to go on the odd jaunt to the big shows wherever including the South Africa one loft race Kenny really enjoys the social part of our sport.

Ending Kenny would like to thank Brian Young of Bournemouth for taking his birds to the race marking. 

Pete Hollard of Lytchett Matravers. Dorset had two nice ones drop together being timed at 13.41 which will see him probably take 3^rd and 4^th Section B,

3^rd and 4^th Open with vels of 1221 and 1220 flying 309 miles.

The first in the clock was a 2y/o blue w/hood cock always consistent having had only four races due to the defra restrictions, being the first to the loft on three occasions and in doing so has taken 18^th sec, 109^th Open CSCFC Fourgeres and 172^nd Open CSCFC Cholet.

The second bird timed was again a 2y/o a blue w/f w/hood cock again only four races have been flown with this one including our Messac and is always thereabouts to the loft.

Pete Davey of Southampton. Hampshire is in for probable 1^st section A,

5^th Open clocking in his yearling Van Reet x Soontjen w/hood blue cock at 13.48 vel 1192 flying 307 miles.

Only a small back garden loft here but it is well organised and good performances have been achieved. The cock timed has had four club races prior to this one, taking 2^nd club Messac beaten by a loft mate.

All birds are fed on Gem Products and are kept in superb condition by Pete.

Chris Howse of Devizes. Wiltshire could possibly take 1^st section C, 6^th Open having his 4 y/o blue cheq w/hood cock in at 14.45 vel 1189 flying 344 miles.

This one known as the “Jordy Cock” as he was purchased as a squeaker in a kit of sisx from Ken Coulson of Newcastle, this being the second one to score for Chris as another of the six was 10^th Open NFC Saintes.

The bird timed as been quite consistent winning many prizes such as 4 x 1sts including 2 x 1sts with the Wiltshire Continental club he was also 37^th Open in the BBC Carlisle National 2006 and 69^th Open BBC Messac this year.

All birds here are flown on the w/hood system with 50 birds kept and all are fed on Verselaga.

Chris changed the Jordy cocks hen this year and every time he sees her all he wants to do is batter her, but it certainly does the trick.  Chris also says that as soon as he saw the BBC race programme he set his stall out for Poitiers as it is a distance that his birds seem to excel so he entered 17 and timed in eight of the ten that he had on the day and another four early next morning. This win for Chris could not have come at a better time as he has just celebrated his 40^th birthday and his G/Son will be one on Monday 11^th.

Chris is grateful to D. Parsons mrcvs for his help throughout the year and to Nick Goss for taking the birds to the marking station also Robbie Brown for taking the pics and passing on the info.

M/M. George Hitchens and Family of Downton. Wiltshire clocked in their          2y/o dark cheq cock at 14.08 vel 1188 flying 319 miles to probably win 2^nd section A, 7^th Open.

This one is bred out of a Van Wan Roy when mated to a Jenson both of which came from the Ponderosa UK Stud.

Coming well from Picauville it’s first overseas race this year for the Hitchen Family though it did let them down a bit from the following Messac but has certainly made up for that with this result from Poitiers

James and Peter Parker of Beenham. Berkshire had their one a 5y/o cheq pied cock in the clock at 14.43 vel 1181 flying 341 miles and could finish up with 1^st section D, 8^th Open.

James purchased six Van Houtte youngsters from Louella and this was one of the two that are left, they have only been back in the sport since young birds 2001 and are starting to build a family the mid distance birds are mainly Peter Van de Merwe and the distance family is being built around birds from Les Kidd and Charlie Lakeman of New Milton and John and Rose Wills of Frimley.

This partnership have topped their section 3 times in BBC and CSCFC races.

Birds are hopper fed beans and are given just maize and Peanuts for three days before the longer events.

M/M. Roger Brown of Kidderminster. Worcestershire timed in their 2y/o dark cheq Busschaert w/hood cock at 16.38 vel 1178 flying 417 miles to probably win 2^nd section C, 9^th Open.

This cock was 5^th south west section 10^th Open in he hard Falaise with the Midlands National two weeks prior to this one. The dam was 1^st section J, 17^th Open in the NFC Dax International flying 601 miles in 2005.

The sire is bred off their number 2 pair which have been responsible for numerous open prizewinners in many Nationals. The condition of the bird on it’s return was excellent. 

Tony Cowan of Southampton. Hamshire is in with his 3y/o blue cock at 13.52 vel 1178 flying 306 miles, this one was picked out in Tony’s basket by Tony Jurd one of our top class race marking team at the marking station, as the one to watch, he was certainly proved right as Tony C could end up taking 3^rd section A, 10^th Open.

This cock was a very late bred youngster but has won several prizes in the club and open positions in the big races, ultra consistent it has now been named “Tony Jurd”.  The sire is Tony’s good cock “Shakee” now at stock who was four times in the first fifteen in open and National results it is a Klak derived from B.& R. Long & Cox.  The dam is “Little Mary” 6^th Open NFC Pau and is another Klak based pigeon. Tony sends his own congrats to The Kings reiterating what I have already said about them above.

Raymond Murray of Southampton. Hampshire timing in his 5y/o Van Reet blue hen at 13.59 vel 1171 flying 308 miles is there to probably take

4^th section A, 11^th Open.

This hen as been so very consistent winning many prize certificates and is a nest mate to Ray’s 2005 National winner. Rays say’s that this hen is now earmarked for Bergerac with every confidence, shame it is not Palamos but there you are, Ray knows best. This good performance has been joined by the news that Ray will also take probable 2^nd sec, 5^th Open BICC Falaise. A really nice double that!

Congrats are sent to Pete Davey on winning sec A.

Top partnership Anna Crowley and Richard Green of Compton Bassett. Wiltshire had two w/hood cocks close together clocking at 15.05 and 15.06 vels 1170 and 1168 flying 352 miles which may take 3^rd and 4^th section C, 12^th and 13^th Open.

The first is a 6y/o Soontjen which has previously won 169^th Open NFC Messac, 99^th Open CSCFC Messac and 36^th Open BBC Ingleton, the partnership say the Top Loft Soontjens age well like good wine as the sire of this bird won 1^st club from Littlehampton earlier in the season.

The second bird timed is a 2y/o Leo Van Rijn called “Patriot” is hoped to be the up and coming star of their loft as last year he was initially flown north taking 37^th Open BBC Ingleton, 13^th Open BBC Carlisle then switched south taking 57^th Open NFC St. Malo and now this fine performance from Poitiers.

New member to the club John Oakes of Braishfield. Hampshire has a good one a Janssen in at 14.15 vel 1166 flying 318 miles to probably take 5^th section A, 14^th Open

This 3y/o blue hen has flown Cholet 2006 winning 1^st club, 30^th Solent Fed.

Bred by John she has been to Fourgeres prior to going to this one having hatched young two days before the race. John’s wife 22 years, Mandy helps out with the training whenever she can.           

Robbie Brown of Devizes. Wiltshire had his one a small to medium part Janssen 5y/o blue cheq cock timed at 14.56 vel 1164 flying 344 miles should end up with 5^th section C, 15^th Open.

This cock was one of twenty young birds gifted to Robbie by Jeff Hunt of Calne when Robbie decided to return to the sport after a couple of years absence. This cock was 146^th Open Dax Int 2005 and this year he has had three inland races going to Portland the week before this one.  30 w/hood cocks are kept for the start of the season all being fed on Gem corn as having first hand knowledge having worked in the mill in Chichester where Brian Wall bags his corn he was always impressed with the quality of the straights used in the Gem mixtures.    

The Burgin & Marshall partnership of Bovingdon Hertfordshire also new members this year are there once again, having finished well up in our first race from Messac, timed in their 5y/o w/hood blue cheq cock at 15.19 vel 1157 flying 357 miles to probably take 2^nd section D, 16^th Open.

This one was bred from stock obtained from Ron Ball of Northcurch and has previously taken 1^st section E, 3^RD Open NFC Tarbes IN 2005.

The one and only Janet Wilcox of Radstock. Banes is also there again having her mosaic mealy hen in the clock at 15.08 vel 1153 flying 349 miles 

Sent sitting 8 day eggs having previously been 80^th Open in our own Messac National. Her breeding is Busschaert, the sire a mosaic bred by Dave Vowles of Street from a good old friend of mine the late Danny Challis of Wimborne on the lines of Moneypacker and Kitten. The dam is from their old Busschaert family of Louella origin of the early 80’s.

These birds perform really well for Janet and Ken as results show, the brother to the hen timed was placed in the NFC Cholet last week.           

Colin Edwards of Romsey Hampshire timing in at 14.19 vel 1151 flying 316 miles could come in for 6^th section A, 18^th Open

Colin’s 4y/o mealy cock named “Ronnie” after it’s breeder Ron Ayres of Lymington from his top Janssen family.  This cock has previously taken 70^th Open CSCFC Bergerac on the day and was having only it’s second race this term having been 3^rd club Fourgeres as the prep race.

Ronnie is also proving to be a good breeder being the sire of 31^st Open BBC Messac and an 8^th Solent fed last week from Messac. Sent sitting 10 day eggs he will now be prepared for Bergerac.  Colin it should be Palamos? .

Edward “Bomber” Mellis of Portsmouth. Hampshire is in again to take probable 7^th section A, 19^th Open having his 4 y/o red cheq Bugheurs cock in the clock at 13.52 vel 1149 flying 298 miles.

Bomber brought in the Bugheurs family of birds about ten years ago from the late Roy Bowden of Derby and they have consistently done well for him.

This cock will now be going on to our blue riband Palamos National and that is very pleasing to hear, let us hope there is more of you out there that will be having a go with one or more this year, 29^th June is the date!

Maurice Collins of Southampton. Hampshire timed in at 14.11 vel 1148 flying 310 miles to probably take 8^th section A, 20^th Open.

Although requested, no information has been received on this one.

M/M. Tony Hayward of Sandhurst. Berkshire should come in for 3^rd section D clocking in their 5 y/0 w/hood Jan Huybregts blue cock at 14.48 vel 1144 flying 333 miles.

This cock has won many prizes for the Haywards always a bird to be relied upon,

In this race Tony say’s it came like a rocket, fast and low and straight through the doorway of the loft in grand condition and did not look as though it had flown over 300 miles.

Richard Spooner of Stafford. Staffordshire for the second National running could win 1^st section E and also end up in the first thirty of the Open, clocking in his w/hood 2y/o delbar cock at 17.48 vel 1130 flying 445 miles. Richard could take 4^th section as well with his second bird timed at 18.02 vel 1108.

All the delbars here were obtained from Peter Prinold who is Richard’s nearest neighbour, all his delbars were down from Peter’s good friend Jack Roberts of Marple. Cheshire, they have produced two Midland National winners for Peter. 

The dam of Richards first timer is a dtr of “Brigadier” 1^st Open MNFC St. Malo as a yearling in a strong head wind. The sire is off a dtr of “Electric” who scored in the MNFC Bergerac and Nantes and was 26^th Open NFC Pau.

As a yearling this probable section winner was Richard’s third bird in our BBC Messac last year taking 14^th sec, 71^st Open and this year it has had three inland races and also our Messac.  The second bird timed is a 2y/o blue w/hood cock  from the Van den Bosche family with one g/parent being a delbar, as a yearling it was 5^th sec, 24^th Open BBC Messac.

Follwed by David Ellams of Telford. Shropshire who has two in the clock at 17.45 and 17.46 vels 1123 and 1122 to probably take 2^nd and 3^rd section E flying 440 miles.

David’s first timer is a 3y/o Busschaert blue cock who last season was 4^th sec, 98^th open BBC Bordeaux 547 miles on the day.  The sire is a son of “Day Lad” 1^st section twice NFC Saintes 487 miles.

The second bird timed also a Busschaert is a dark w/f cock, the sire of this one is “Troy” 4^th sec, 29^th open NFC San Sebastian 647 miles on the day.

All birds here are raced on the w/hood system and are fed on Versele laga champion w/hood mix.  David sends special thanks to Steve Hole and Alan Shore for taking his birds down to the Salisbury marking. 

Ian Crammond and Nigel Langstaff of Fontwell. West Sussex had their Kees Bosua 2y/o blue cock to probable take 1^st section G in the clock at 14.11.53 vel 1104 flying 299 miles.

This one is bred from the No1 pair of their Busua stock, the mother is a full sister to “The Kerkduifje” 1^st National Le Mans which is a brother to “Cannibaal” 2^nd all round Porto Olympiad 2005.  The sire is a son of “Chico” from “Ballerine” 1^st Orleans National 1996 x “Chateauroux-Duifje” 1^st Chateaurox when paired to “Dochter Figo” from “De Figo” 1^st National Bourges x “Yenka”.

This cock is a full brother to a 1^st and 3^rd open LSECC also brother to 3^rd sec Sennen Cove 2006, the nest mate was 1^st club Wadebridge, 1^st club Guernsey, 1^st club Exeter 1^st fed.     

All birds here are flown on the w/hood system and are fed on Marimans super winner mixed with countrywide concorde. The birds here are also trained twice wekkly form about the 40 mile mark. 7 birds were timed within the hour.

David Farr of Bognor Regis. West Sussex had his one a 5y/o w/hood blue w/f cock in at 14.11 vel 1093 flying 295 miles and could finish with 2^nd section G.

This one is bred from a Dr.Tom Rigg’s  barker familythat David has had since 1973 and have been responsible for many good positions.

The cock timed is no stranger to success has he has taken many good positions with the BBC from San Sebastian, Palamos winning the cup for the first bird into Sussex and has been timed on the day from Bordeaux winning the millennium trophy in the Bognor & Chichester SRFC. For the best performance in the classics 2005. 

2006 he was 17^th sec, St Nazaire and 21^st sec, 146^th open NFC Bordeaux.

2007 he has been David’s first bird at BICC Alencon also at BBC Messac and now Poitiers.  I am pleased to hear that his next race will be our Palamos Blue Riband National, David let us hope he does you proud.

Doug Gatland of Reigate. Surrey timed in his 4 y/o blue cheq cock flying on the w/hood system at 14.55 vel 1089 flying 321 miles to probably claim 3^rd section G.

The breeding of this one is from a direct Jim Biss hen when crossed with one of Doug’s Van de Wegen cocks and has been a good and consistent pigeon being a club winner from Messac last season.  Prep for this one has been five inland races to 155 miles Fourgeres 204 miles and Messac 245 miles. 

My thanks to all who have helped with the photographs and info for the members who were successful .   

Next Race “The Big One”  The Blue Riband Palamos National on June 29th  

Also The Magnificent Dozen Pigeon Draw at 1.00pm Monday June 25^th Race Marking day for Palamos

JIM HOOPER

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