Bumper turnout for annual new year show at Ballymena

For the second season on the trot all pens were filled to capacity, some 225 birds penned for the judges who had travelled down from Larne & District HPS.

They were made most welcome by Chairman of Ballymena & District Tom McAlonan, the high flying lofts of Crawford & Robinson top prize-winners in 2013, David & Paul Harvey and Stephen Gray. Space is a big problem and that’s the reason entry has to be restricted to Mid Antrim area lofts.

W & N Gilbert for the local club had 1st Old Bird Handled and lifted Best in Show, Alan Barkley & Son from Kells & District had 1st Young Bird Handled lifting Best Opposite Sex and the Special for Best Young Bird, Brian Herbison from Cullybackey had 1st Old Bird T/W and also from Cullybackey Len Russell won three classes including both Eye-sign Classes and with 17 Cards had Most Points in Show.

The main prizes and specials were sponsored by Frazer Animal Feeds (Banbridge) and trophies were kindly supplied by Len Russell and W & N Gilbert. The winning Dark Cheq hen for W & N Gilbert has been the Champion all year winning 6 x 1sts and now going to Blackpool Show.

Chairman Tom McAlonan at the presentation thanked all involved, those who brought birds and prizes, the judges, and all who assisted including M/M Sempey, Billy Smyth, MDC Magill and W & N Gilbert. He also thanked members and friends for donations and specials, and all the sponsors who included Frazer’s Animal Feeds, Brian Herbison Feeds, Connon Feeds and many others.

The Annual Dinner & Presentation of prizes will be held in the Tullyglass House Hotel on Saturday 10th January. After a very successful racing season a big crowd is expected, if you wish to order tickets contact Martin Graham Tel: (028) 2563 7929 or Mobile: 07835 099155.

The AGM for Ballymena & District will take place in the local clubrooms at Fountain Place on Monday 9th February at 8.00pm. Resolutions for the agenda must be with the Secretary Willie Reynolds by Saturay 31st January, and any resignations prior to the AGM.

CRESCENT LOFTS SALE

The above will have a Pen Sale in the Harryville HPS Clubrooms on Saturday 10th January doors open at 11.00am.

It will be a Busschaert Sale of mature 2014 young birds the very best of Studtopper, Adam, Dixie Dean, Eagleson & Boxford lines. Many winners reported including cross channel. Birds all one price, bargain at £25.