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Morton and Hanthorpe
Members of Bourne & District Racing Pigeon Club
History
Bourne & District Racing Pigeon club was formed in 1920, but went into decline during the second world war. The Headquarters was at Len Picks office in Meadowgate Bourne, but the marking was carried out at the Goods shed at Bourne railway station, being handy to catch the 6pm Spalding train.

Lord Willoughby of Grimsthorpe was the club president with Len Pick as chairman and Tom Read secretary & treasurer.

In 1949 the club had 25 members, Les Fisher was the only Morton member, but by the mid 50's membership was well over 50 with a significant membership from Morton. In 1952 single membership subscription was 15 shillings (75p) and partnership subscription 1 guinea (£1.05p).

In 1959 with the closing of the railway in Bourne the club transported the pigeons to Peterborough. At present there are over 30 members of the Bourne & District Racing Pigeon Club

Of these16 members compete on a regular basis. A large proportion of these lofts (7) are based in Morton. The club is a member of the Royal Pigeon Association

The club radius for members spans from Horbling in the north, to Langtoft in the south, from Witham on the Hill in the west and Tongue End in the east.

Pigeon racing is divided into two categories old and young birds. The old bird season runs from the end of April until the middle of July, with 12 races ranging from Doncaster (57 miles) to Lerwick (509 miles) The speed of the pigeons for these races, range from 40 to 70 miles per hour, depending on whether they have a head or tail wind.

Following the old Bird season there are 8 Young Bird races, beginning on the 1st weekend in August until the middle of September. These races are only open to the year's young pigeons. the majority of which will be 6 - 8 months old at this time.

 The current Officers of the club are:

President:
Chairman:
Vice Chairman
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Dennis Read
Richard Carlton
George Cardell
Dennis Read
Dennis Read
Morton Fanciers:Richard & Anthony Carlton (Partnership)
Keith (Nobby) Clarke
Jack Watson
Walter & Mark Lawrance (Partnership)
W. Hare & Son
Bryan Hyde
Val & Alan Chapman (Partnership)
Have you found a Ringed Racing Pigeon, then contact Richard Carlton who will arrange collection
For more information on the Bourne & District Pigeon Club
contact:  Mr. Richard Carlton Tel: 01778 570434 or Mr. D. A. Read Tel: 01778 422717
Also visit the web site of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association at www.rpra.org.uk where you will find links to the British Homing World weekly journal for UK pigeon fanciers, and other useful links about the sport of pigeon racing.

Page last updated  16/01/2009

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