Homer's Odyssey - 02/01/2009

[willie reynolds]

The Lagan Valley RPC in Lisburn was the venue on Saturday 27th December for the annual end of the year show, it also included the buffet which although I was not able to stay on this occasion, is excellent. Over 100 birds were penned for the judges who had traveled from the County Down and included Davy Hutchinson from Ashfield who had won two National races earlier in the year and McKinstry Bros from Dromara, Albert and Stanley had won the NIPA Mallow Championship race. D McShane & Son had 1st in the Handled class and took Best in Show for the local club, Lisburn & Dist members Jim McKitterick had 1st T/W and BOS and John Wilson Son & Daughter won the Eyesign. The Best Young Bird was penned by Sam McAllister & Son. Through Wires – 1st J McKitterick, 2nd D McShane & Son, 3rd R & A Gore, 4th A Benson, Reserve D McShane & Son, VHC Smyth & Adams, HC R Frazer & Son, Commended Spence Bros. Handled – 1st D McShane & Son, 2nd R & A Gore, 3rd Spence Bros, 4th A Benson, Reserve J McKitterick, VHC Spence Bros, HC H Jennings & Son, Commended A & R Milliken. Eyesign – 1st J Wilson Son & Daughter, 2nd Smyth & Adams, 3rd J & D Coburn & Son, 4th H Jennings & Son, Reserve Smyth & Adams, VHC R Frazer & Son, HC S McAllister & Sons, Commended J & D Coburn & Son.

The Dromara HPS Christmas Show, held in their clubrooms on Wednesday 17th December, was a great success with almost 140 birds penned. The club would like to thank all those who donated prizes and attended and also the judges, N McCavery, A Williamson, T Smyth and J Hannity who did such an excellent job over the three classes, T/W, Handled and Eyesign. Best in Show was won by Harry Silcock with "Pinehill Lass", one of the top distance birds in Dromara at this present time. Best Opposite Sex was won by T & K Mawhinney from Donacloney. Through Wires - 1st T & K. Mawhinney, 2nd Brown & Shaw, 3rd T & K Mawhinney, 4th W Connor, VHC Brown & Shaw, HC T Marshall & Son, Commended T & K Mawhinney. Handled - 1st T & K Mawhinney, 2nd T Marshall & Son, 3rd T & K Mawhinney, 4th T & K Mawhinney, VHC Brown & Shaw, HC T & K Mawhinney, Commended T & K Mawhinney. Eye Sign - 1st H Silcock, 2nd Brown & Shaw, 3rd C Shaw, 4th J Maguire & Partners, VHC Brown & Shaw, HC T & K Mawhinney, Commended T Marshall & Son.

Horseshoe HPS held its annual Open Show on Boxing Day in their local clubrooms. Best in Show was won by the Club President Brian McCambridge and Best Opposite Sex was won by Owen O'Neill & Son from Glenarm & District. Results as follows, Old Cocks Handled - 1st B McCambridge, 2nd & Reserve T & K Mawhinney, 3rd S Burns, 4th & VHC O O'Neill & Son, HC & Commended S McGarel & Sons. Old Hens Handled - 1st O O'Neill & Son, 2nd, Reserve, VHC & Commended T & K Mawhinney, 3rd D & P Harvey, 4th J Parke, HC J Bell. Young Cocks Handled - 1st R Robinson & Son, 2nd & 3rd S Burns, 4th & VHC G K & I Moxham, Reserve D & P Harvey, HC B McCambridge, Commended O O'Neill & Son. Young Hens Handled - 1st G K & I Moxham, 2nd D & P Harvey, 3rd S McGarel & Sons, 4th & Reserve O O'Neill & Son, VHC S Burns, HC Hamilton & Clements, Commended T & K Mawhinney. Old Bird Eyesign - 1st & 4th O O'Neill & Son, 2nd G K & I Moxham, 3rd & VHC T & K Mawhinney, Reserve R Robinson & Son, HC J Parke, Commended B McCambridge. Young Bird Eyesign - 1st, 2nd & Reserve R & H Hamilton, 3rd J Bell, 4th & HC S McGarel & Sons, VHC R Robinson & Son, Commended S Burns. The Horseshoe HPS would like to thank the judges, Tom McAlonan, Gary Gibson, Geoff Dickey and Martin Graham who travelled from the Ballymena area, and everyone who supported the show on the day.

A complete Clearance Sale will be held on behalf of the late Gerald Irvine (G & M Irvine) in Carrick Social R.P.C. club rooms on Friday 16th January at 8pm. Hopefully more details of birds etc later. Gerald was in pigeons a lifetime with much success particularly at the distance. His old family of Gits pigeons are still present in the loft amongst other birds bought in from some top lofts all over the UK and Ireland. With around 60 lots on offer there will be something for everyone. Come and have a look on the night - everything must go.

The star attraction in Mid Antrim each Boxing Day is the Kells & District Annual Open Show, just under 300 birds were penned on Friday for the judges who had traveled across from Larne. They included former National winner Robert Glass, J McWhirter, S Gray, B Derbyshire and W McWhirter. Alwyn Neill from Donacloney collected BIS the previous week at Cullybackey and Mid Antrim has proved to be a good hunting ground for he won Best In Show again with the same bird that won 1st Old Bird T/W at Cullybackey. He won three classes at Cullybackey and had two Red Cards at Kells winning 1st OB Handled and 1st Young Bird T/W. Alan Barkley & Son for the local club had 1st YB Handled also Best Opposite Sex, Russell Bros from Cullybackey had 1st OB Eyesign, J & B Balmer from Ballymena & Dist had 1st YB Eyesign and W & N Gilbert from Harryville had 1st Old Bird T/W. Chairman Brian Swann thanked all the fanciers who supported the show, all those who helped and supplied prizes and sponsors including the Buffs Club. Show Secretary Alan Barkley presented Brian Swann with the club Show Cup. Fanciers should check their lofts for a bird lifted by mistake, it’s always a mad rush at the end. Kells was another popular venue on Boxing Day 2008.

Old Birds T/W – 1st W & N Gilbert, 2nd W Greer, 3rd Montgomery & Kirk, 4th H Boyd, Reserve Surgenor Bros, VHC Turkington Bros, HC D & G McMullan, Commended A Neill. Judges – J McWhirter & S Gray. OB Handled – 1st & HC A Neill, 2nd, VHC & Commended J & B Balmer, 3rd D & G McMullan, 4th Montgomery & Kirk, Reserve W & N Gilbert. Judge – S Gray. Old Bird Eyesign – 1st, 3rd, 4th & Commended Russell Bros, 2nd D & G McMullan, Reserve A Neill, VHC J & B Balmer, HC A Barkley & Son. Young Bird Eyesign – 1st, VHC & HC J & B Balmer, 2nd Russell Bros, 3rd & 4th G & G McMullan, Reserve W Greer, Commended A Barkley & Son. Judge – W McWhirter & B Derbyshire. Young Bird T/W – 1st A Neill, 2nd & Commended A Barkley & Son, 3rd Surgenor Bros, 4th Montgomery & Kirk, Reserve D Tweedie, VHC & HC M/M D Suitters. Judge – W McWhirter & B Derbyshire. YB Handled – 1st & Reserve A Barkley & Son, 2nd B Swann & Son, 3rd Montgomery & Kirk, 4th H Turkington, VHC J & B Balmer, HC H Boyd, Commended Scott & Clements. Judge – W McWhirter & B Derbyshire.

Ballymena Pigeon Supplies Xmas Raffle for the customers was held on Tuesday 23rd December, local scribe Homer was invited to draw the tickets. Winners were 1st Ian Stewart, 2nd Geoff Dickey, 3rd Davy Scott, 4th Harry Smyth. Linda and Keith thank all the patrons for their support during 2008 and wish everyone great success during 2009.

The off-season opening hours for Ballymena Pigeon Supplies at Unit 8, Ballykeel Business Centre, 18 Crebilly Road, Ballymena are Monday & Tuesday 9.30am until 1.30pm and 6.30pm until 9.00pm. Wednesday Closed. Thursday 9.30am until 1.30pm. Friday 9.30am until 5.00pm, Saturday 9.00am until 1.00pm and Sunday 10.00am until 1.00pm. Tel Linda: 07742 223756 or Tel Keith: 07713 273044. Northern Ireland Outlet for Murray & Mills - Stockists of TEURLING FEEDS, NORBAN and NI Outlet for TIPES ETS System. Also stockists of Beyers/Elite, Kilpatrick, Gem Foods and Supplements. PS - Stockists required for Teurlings. They also supply cups and trophies, and can carry out engraving jobs. All your pigeon needs, cage and wild bird feeds.

Mid Antrim Combine: The AGM will be earlier in 2009, watch press for details. Local club AGM dates include Ballymena & District HPS on Monday 9th February and Harryville HPS on Wednesday 18th February.

Ballymena & District HPS: Will run a Ring Nomination YB Race during 2009 open only to lofts who compete in the Mid Antrim Combine. More info later.

Harryville HPS: Fancy – 1st R & P Alexander, 2nd & 3rd B Herbinson, 4th J Millar & Son, Reserve & HC J Letters, VHC K & K Kernohan & Sons, Commended J & B Balmer. Card Winners – 1st, 3rd & Reserve R & P Alexander, 2nd & HC B Herbinson, 4th, VHC & Commended A McBride. Judges – D Mairs & H Cubitt (Rasharkin & District).

Ahoghill Flying Club: Young Pairs – 1st & VHC G Dickey & Son, 2nd & 3rd T & G Balmer, 4th J & B Balmer, Reserve & Commended Young McManus & Sons, HC A & N Young. Old Hens Handled – 1st, Reserve & VHC W Livingstone, 2nd & HC J Orr & Son, 3rd Young McManus & Sons, 4th & Commended A & N Young. Judges G McDowell (Kells) & K Kernohan (Harryville). Late Bred – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Reserve & Commended W Livingstone, 4th & VHC Young McManus & Sons, HC G Dickey & Son. Old Cocks Handled – 1st W Livingstone, 2nd Balmer Young & Son, 3rd & Commended Young McManus & Sons, 4th, Reserve & VHC T & G Balmer, HC A & N Young. Judges – K Wilkinson (Chimney Corner) & I Gill (Harryville). Old Pairs – 1st & 3rd W Livingstone, 2nd A & N Young, 4th & Reserve G Dickey & Son, VHC & HC T & G Balmer, Commended Young McManus & Sons. Fancy – 1st, Reserve & Commended Young McManus & Sons, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & HC T & G Balmer, VHC A & N Young. Judges W Owens & J Devlin (Ballymena & District). Show Season winners – 1st W Livingstone, 2nd Young McManus & Sons, 3rd G Dickey & Son.

Springvale Social: Watch out for the new season Gold Ring Race to be flown in the NIPA Inland YB Nat open to all lofts in the NIPA Sections B & C covering all the top lofts in the hot bed of Mid & East Antrim. Rings at £20 each will be available in early January. RPRA Licence No. IR/02-09. Contact any of the following – Victor Montgomery Tel: 93-340021, Robert Scott Tel: 93-322798, Campbell McGrugan Tel: 93-340981 or Michael Fasciolo Tel: 07854 910228. Rings will be available from early January 2009.

Pieds T/W – 1st, 4th & HC R Davidson & Sons, 2nd & 3rd I Horner, Reserve Turkington Bros, VHC Montgomery & Kirk, Commended R Scott. Pieds Handled – 1st & VHC J Scott, 2nd, Reserve & HC I Horner, 3rd & Commended Turkington Bros, 4th Montgomery & Kirk. Yearling T/W – 1st, Reserve & Commended I Horner, 2nd & 4th Montgomery & Kirk, 3rd & HC R Scott, VHC Turkington Bros. Yearling Handled – 1st, 2nd & HC Montgomery & Kirk, 3rd & Reserve Turkington Bros, 4th R Davidson & Sons, VHC I Horner, Commended J Scott. Judges – S Lorimer, T Elliott and W Bissett (Doagh & Dist). Show Champions – Montgomery & Kirk.

Northern Ireland Show Racer Society: The above held their 4th show of the season on Saturday 6th December, over 140 birds were penned judges through the wires and handled by local show king Derek McMullan, many thanks to him. Old Cocks T/W – 1st P McArdle, 2nd Edgar & Wiggins, 3rd, 4th & 7th R Christie, 5th & 6th R Montgomery, 8th A Wiggins. Old Hen T/W – 1st, 4th & 8th R Montgomery, 2nd, 3rd, 5th & 7th Rouke & Christie, 6th P McArdle. Young Cock T/W – 1st & 7th Edgar & Wiggins, 2nd P McArdle, 3rd A Wiggins, 4th & 6th Rouke & Christie, 5th & 8th R Montgomery. Young Hen T/W – 1st, 3rd, 5th & 8th R Montgomery, 2nd P McArdle, 4th Rouke & Christie, 6th & 7th Edgar & Wiggins. Old Cock Handled – 1st, 3rd, 5th & 7th Rouke & Christie, 2nd A Wiggins, 4th M Kelly, 6th P McArdle, 8th Edgar & Wiggins, Old Hen Handled – 1st & 8th Edgar & Wiggins, 2nd A Wiggins, 3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Rouke & Christie, 5th P McArdle. Young Cock Handled – 1st A Wiggins, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th & 7th Edgar & Wiggins, 4th P McArdle, 8th R Christie. Young Hen Handled – 1st & 2nd Rouke & Christie, 3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th Edgar & Wiggins, 5th A Wiggins, 8th P McArdle. Yearling Cock Handled – 1st & 6th Rouke & Christie, 2nd, 3rd, 7th & 8th Edgar & Wiggins, 4th P McArdle, 5th A Wiggins. Yearling Hen Handled – 1st, 3rd & 4th Rouke & Christie, 2nd Edgar & Wiggins, 5th A Wiggins, 6th P McArdle, 7th & 8th M Kelly. Coloured Cock Handled – 1st, 3rd, 4th, 6th & 7th A McCook, 2nd A Wiggins, 5th Edgar & Wiggins, 8th R Montgomery. Coloured Hen Handled – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th A McCook, 6th P McArdle, 7th Edgar & Wiggins, 8th A Wiggins. Young Fancier Cock – 1st R Mewton, 2nd D Adair, 3rd, 6th, 7th & 8th T Montgomery, 4th & 5th R Wiggins. Young Fancier Hen – 1st, 2nd & 3rd R Newton, 4th D Adair, 5th & 8th T Montgomery, 6th & 7th R Wiggins. Racers – 1st S Pearce, 2nd, 5th, 6th & 8th Edgar & Wiggins, 3rd, 4th & 7th W Neill. Best Old Bird – Edgar & Wiggins. Best Young Bird – Rouke & Christie, Best Yearling – Rouke & Christie, Reserve BIS – Rouke & Christie. Best in Show – Edgar & Wiggins.

Northern Ireland Show Racer Society: The above held their 5th show of the season on Saturday 13th December, over 160 birds were penned judges through the wires and handled by local fanciers Albert & Curtis Tweed, many thanks to them. Old Cocks T/W – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Rouke & Christie, 4th R Montgomery. Old Hen T/W – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Rouke & Christie, 7th & 8th R Montgomery. Young Cock T/W – 1st & 2nd R Montgomery, 3rd, 5th & 7th Rouke & Christie, 4th A Wiggins, 6th P McArdle, 8th Edgar & Wiggins. Young Hen T/W – 1st, 3rd, 4th & 8th Rouke & Christie, 2nd P McArdle, 5th, 6th & 7th R Montgomery. Old Cock Handled – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th & 8th Rouke & Christie, 7th P McArdle. Old Hen Handled – 1st A Wiggins, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th & 8th Rouke & Christie, 5th P McArdle, 7th Edgar & Wiggins. Young Cock Handled – 1st P McArdle, 2nd & 3rd Rouke & Christie, 4th A Wiggins, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Edgar & Wiggins. Young Hen Handled – 1st, 2nd & 5th Rouke & Christie, 3rd A Wiggins, 4th, 6th & 8th Edgar & Wiggins, 7th P McArdle. Yearling Cock Handled – 1st, 3rd, 4th & 6th Rouke & Christie, 2nd & 7th Edgar & Wiggins, 5th A Wiggins, 8th P McArdle. Yearling Hen Handled – 1st, 3rd, 4th & 5th Rouke & Christie, 2nd P McArdle, 6th, 7th & 8th Edgar & Wiggins. Coloured Cock Handled – 1st & 5th A McCook, 2nd, 3rd & 6th Rouke & Christie, 4th, 7th & 8th M Kelly. Coloured Hen Handled – 1st, 2nd, 5th & 6th A McCook, 3rd M Kelly, 4th A Wiggins, 7th & 8th Rouke & Christie. Young Fancier Cock – 1st, 3rd & 5th D Adair, 2nd & 4th R Newton, 6th, 7th & 8th T Montgomery. Young Fancier Hen – 1st, 2nd & 4th D Adair, 3rd R Newton, 5th, 6th & 8th R Wiggins, 7th T Montgomery. Racer Young Cock – 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Edgar & Wiggins, 3rd & 4th W Neill. Best Old Bird – Rouke & Christie. Best Young Bird – Rouke & Christie. Best Yearling – Rouke & Christie. Reserve BIS – Rouke & Christie. Best in Show – Rouke & Christie. Well done to all the winners up to date, the final show of the season will be on Saturday 10th January 2009 penning between Noon and 1.00pm. A small auction will take place after judging, all fanciers are welcome to attend.

Rasharkin & District: Old Bird Eyesign – 1st W McFetridge, 2nd & 3rd D Mairs, 4th & Reserve J & M Milliken, VHC L Davidson, HC J Robinson & Son, Commended Milliken & Barkley. Judge - George Connolly (Broughshane). Fancy – 1st J & D Surgenor, 2nd, 3rd & Reserve W McFetridge, 4th J Robinson & Son, VHC & HC D Mairs, Commended C Tweed. Judge – Robert Alexander (Harryville). Champion of Champions – 1st C Tweed, 2nd H Cubitt, 3rd P McDonald, 4th W McFetridge, Reserve Steele & McNeill, VHC & HC Milliken & Barkley, Commended J & D Surgenor. Judge – Jim Harris (Ballymena). Show Series winner W McFetridge, runner-up D Mairs. Champion of Champions C Tweed.

The Cullybackey HPS Open Show was held in the local clubrooms on Saturday 20th December, just under 300 birds were penned for the team of judges who had traveled down from Belfast. The Chairman of Ligoniel & District Darren McMurray was assisted by Davy Balloch and Ed McAuley. The top awards may have been won by visiting lofts but the local club hit back with the Red Card collected in three separate classes. Cochrane Bros has 1st in OB Eyesign with Reid Bros & McCloy and Russell Bros giving the local club the top three. Russell Bros had 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Eyesign the loft is ever present in this class and Brian Herbinson had 1st Young Bird Through Wires. Alwyn Neill from Donacloney has had top success in Mid Antrim before, he won three classes with Best In Show penned in the OB Handled. Runner-up in this class J & B Balmer from Ballymena & District took Best Opposite Sex. Alwyn Neill had Most Points in Show. Secretary Edrick Davidson thanked all those who supported the annual show, set up the pens etc, those who supplied prizes, the sponsors including the Bridge Garage and the judges who had come down from Belfast and done a very good job. In the club show series the Show Shield was won by Russell Bros and the Outside Visitors Shield by J & B Balmer who had very kindly presented the awards to Cullybackey.

Old Bird Handled – 1st & 4th A Neill, 2nd J & B Balmer, 3rd, VHC & Commended McDonald & Wilkinson, Reserve Russell Bros, HC J & J Greer. Judge – D Balloch. OB Through Wires – 1st & 2nd A Neill, 3rd & VHC J & B Balmer, 4th & Reserve J & J Greer, HC W Greer, Commended G Gibson.Judge – E McAuley. Young Bird Handled – 1st A Neill, 2nd & 4th Montgomery & Kirk, 3rd A Darragh, Reserve G Gibson, VHC Russell Bros, HC Reid Bros & McCloy, Commended J & B Balmer. Judge – D Balloch. YB Through Wires – 1st B Herbinson, 2nd & 3rd J & B Balmer, 4th, Reserve & Commended A Neill, VHC Montgomery & Kirk, HC G Gibson. Judge – E McAuley. Old Bird Eyesign – 1st Cochrane Bros, 2nd Reid Bros & McCloy, 3rd & VHC Russell Bros, 4th McDonald & Wilkinson, Reserve & HC B Herbinson, Commended W & N Gilbert. Judge – D McMurray. Young Bird Eyesign – 1st, 2nd & 3rd Russell Bros, 4th Montgomery & Kirk, Reserve N & S Anderson, VHC & Commended G Gibson, HC J & B Balmer. Judge – D McMurray.

Kells & District HPS: Old Bird Eyesign (63 Birds) – 1st, 3rd & 4th T Shanks & Son, 2nd A Barkley & Son, Reserve H Fullerton & Son, VHC & Commended B Swann & Son, HC H Turkington. Judge – E Woodside (Ballyclare). Fancy (51 Birds) – 1st & 3rd Surgenor Bros, 2nd & 4th B Swann & Son, Reserve H Fullerton & Son, VHC & Commended Scott & Clements, HC A Barkley & Son. Judge – D Carmichael (Ballyclare). B Swann & Son win Show Cup.

Ballymena & District HPS: Old Bird Eyesign (45 Birds) – 1st, Reserve & VHC B Herbinson, 2nd, 3rd & Commended Blair & Rankin, 4th J Letters, HC J Devlin. Young Bird Eyesign (36 Birds) – 1st, 2nd & 4th B Herbinson, 3rd J & B Balmer, Reserve & VHC Richmond Bros, HC W & J Smyth, Commended J Letters. Judges – E Woodside & C Hayes (Ballyclare & District). Raffle winners J Balmer and H Richmond. Jack Balmer wins the Show Shield and Brian Herbinson from Cullybackey the Visitors Trophy.

Cullybackey HPS: YB Eyesign – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Reserve, VHC, HC & Commended Russell Bros. OB Eyesign – 1st, 2nd, HC & Commended B Herbinson, 3rd, 4th & Reserve J & J Greer. Judges – B Blair (Ballymena) and P Hanlon (Harryville).

Glenavy & District HPS: Gold Wing Race sponsored by H Beattie & Son will go ahead as before in 2009, rings will be available from 4th January. Contact Gordon Parker Tel: 07734 235965, John Withers Tel: 07752 430972, or H Beattie & Son Tel: (028) 38 840486. Race details and prizes later.

Doagh & District HPS: Big Charity Moot on Friday 9th January an all star Pigeon Moot, all proceeds to the Caron Keating Foundation. Venue is McConnel’s Lounge in Doagh, County Antrim. Pay at the door £5, includes Light Buffet and all star collection of guests. Chairman is Irish Rover of the Racing Pigeon Ronnie Johnston, and a panel to include Gerald Delaney of Oroory Hill Stud in Dromore, David Black former INFC Kings Cup winner, Gerry O’Mara Irish SR Fed Fancier of the Year, and from Scotland Joe Murphy a top scribe for BHW and former SNFC winner. Small Sale of Birds, Ballot etc. Event Co-Ordinator is Syd Collins Chairman of INFC, any queries Tel: 07760 238832. It’s always a big night in McConnells Lounge. Please support this event, you will enjoy the night.

Portavogie HPS: Annual Charity Show will take place on Saturday 3rd January with the Pigeon Show starting at 2.00pm. Show Classes are Any Age Cock, Any Age Hen and Eyesign. Eddie Agar will hopefully cover photos of the judges and winners etc. Music all day, big Tambola with many prizes and Young Bird Sale, it’s a fantastic day out for the family.

AAC Handled – 1st L Young, 2nd J Bunting, 3rd Agar Bros, 4th & Reserve Thompson & Bailey, VHC J Keenan & Sons, HC G Coffey, Commended Agar Bros. Judge – John Myles (Dunedin). AAH Handled – 1st G Hawthorne, 2nd & 3rd Thompson & Bailey, 4th B & G Cochrane, Reserve Thompson & Bailey, VHC J Keenan & Son, HC G Coffey, Commended N & T McMaster. Judge – Bobby Carnduff (Dunedin). Eyesign – G Coffey, 2nd B & G Cochrane, 3rd L Young, 4th B & G Cochrane, Reserve J Keenan & Sons, VHC G Coffey, HC J Bunting, Commended N & T McMaster. Judge – John Doherty (Millisle). Many thanks to James Bunting for running a very successful show series, well done James. The club also extend their thanks to John and Jean Hollinger who arranged the bus trip to the Dublin Show. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by all and thanks also to the coach driver Robin McEvoy. Can I thank Mr Dependable Eddie Agar who has worked hard to learn at least a little bit, taking the photos and sending them and the result via e-mail.