I asked the members a number of question about themselves and of course their birds. All were asked the same and they responded by giving me the questionaire back. Here is what they said! More to be added soon.

Paul and Heather Beaden

Paul and Heather have been racing pigeons since 1999. Paul's Father-In-Law George Greenwood races pigeons with his Wife Linda, and Paul's curiosity took over and he intially went into partnership with his brother In-Law Mark Greenwood. Since 2001 Paul and Heather have flown as a partnership. Recently erecting new lofts at there home. Previous to this the birds were kept on a local allotment.

They keep 20 widowhood birds and breed appox 40 young birds each year.

Their biggest achivement to date was having a 2nd and 4th in the same race and a 2nd in the 2001 season.

Now they can manage the birds better at their home address they are hoping fo better things to come! Paul and Heather would like to add that without the support and encouragement from George and Linda Greenwood they would not be where they are now. Paul says that they are both ambassadors to the sport and it never fails to amaze him how they give out help and advice to whoever comes their way!

Martin Hough

Martin fly's as F/M Hough in memory of his late Father Frank, with whom Martin started flying pigeons with. His principle strains kept racing on the widowhood system are his own blend of Busschaert x The Belgian, Staf Van Reet's and Van Loon's. He keeps on average 20 widowhood cocks, 3 stock pairs and 30 young birds. Martins main highlights of his racing performances are as follows: 3rd Open National Guernsey-10,416 birds, 1st Section L with 'Cheeky' this bird was only beaten by 2 birds flying 98 miles shorter to the London Area in a North West Wind- what a star! Other highlights: Winning 1st and 2nd Fed Niort 487 miles, within a minute of each other after 13 and a quarter hours on the wing. Timing full Brother to Cheeky in at Pau, 692 miles to win 15th section National, first time he had flown Pau in race time. One season he won all channel races, Rennes, Natnes and Saintes (360, 420 & 526 miles). Recent Highlights...2004 -Highest Velocity -Staffordsire Moorlands Fed for ALL channel races, ALL old bird races and all races combined. Winner of 1st Northern Counties, Messac and winner of Northern Counties Averages, Winning 1st Messac, 2nd Cholet and 2nd Niort.

2005, Winner of Eccles 2B specialist club from St Nazaire. Martins 17 year old Nephew Jamie Hough has taken a great interest in the last five seasons and it is hoped he will continue to race pigeons within the family for another generation.