Albert Dodd

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THE FEDERATION WESTERLY PROFILE

This month we go to North Wales to meet up with Albert Dodd. Albert was born and grew up in Chester before moving to Pentre when he got married to Helen in 1963. They have lived and raised their family here ever since. Albert and Helen have 2 children Jamie and Joanne They have both now left home and started there own families leaving Albert and Helen with four grandsons, twins Craig and Lee aged 11 (sons of Jamie and Lorraine), Danny 7 years old and Andrew aged 4 years (sons of Joanne and Rob) and it pleases Albert that they are now showing an interest in the pigeons. Before taking early retirement Albert worked as a surveyor in a Pigments Manufacturing Company where he had worked for 18 years. Shortly after retiring Albert had knee problems for which he has had two operations but neither has been very successful. Albert also enjoys fishing for which he is a life member of the angling club at British Steel and as he puts it he enjoys pottering with his Fuchsia’s.

Albert is very keen on promoting our hobby and is Secretary to The North Wales and North West Columbarium Society and The North West Tippler and Tumbler Society with help from Alan Jackson.

A. As a boy I always fond of birds (that’s the feathered variety) as were most of my brothers so when we moved to North Wales I had plenty of room in the garden to build two pigeon loft’s. I started back into pigeons again in 1976 with some West’s from Geoff Reynolds and some Tipplers from Brian Holehouse.

A. Over the years I have had various breeds at different times mainly because of the agricultural and local shows trying to promote interest in keeping pigeons, but the West’s and Tipplers have always been my main preference throughout the years.

A. I have all three flying breeds at present which would be roughly about 80 birds, 50% of which are West’s, 40% Tipplers and the rest Birmingham Rollers (for the non mathematicians that’s 10% - DW). I have a variety of colours in the West’s, which include Reds, Yellows, Black, Duns, Creams, Silvers and Silver Chequers. I also have a couple of Khaki’s, which I quite like. With my Tipplers I have Prints and some other colours including Black self’s. The Birmingham Rollers are Black and White and Blues.

A. Most important in any flying pigeon is balance with a good eye and quality with width of feather. I do not like big birds.

A. My one main ambition was to win best in show at Bideford, which I achieved in 1987 with a red bald West cock so now I just enjoy showing, breeding and judging and hope to do so for a long time to come yet it is a hobby that has given me a lot of pleasure of the years. The agriculture shows are also a day out for my wife and it also gives me an opportunity to catch up with old friends and fellow fanciers, exchange views and occasionally pick up a couple of new ideas.

A. This has all been written before but it is still sound basis to any new fancier thinking of starting up with our fantastic hobby. Find an experienced fancier or a local club and get to meet people who can give you invaluable advice (often not found in books) and if possible visit the lofts of fellow fanciers. Learn the pitfalls and also persevere and don’t give up at the first hurdle as there always people ready to help at the end of a phone.

A. I think the fancy is in good shape unfortunately this year we have been hampered by ‘Foot and Mouth’ as we cannot promote the sport as much to the public but the clubs themselves seem healthy enough. It is pleasing to see the Federation getting stronger and I firmly believe that all Flying Breed clubs should become affiliated and thereby help promote our fantastic breeds.

A. Unfortunately most of the people who helped me in the beginning have sadly passed away. They were great names in the sport like Jeff Oldham, Ron Connebear, Mel Brooker, Dewi Jones, Graham Beswick, Gordon Pickering and Paul Hadfield. Although not a flying breed man but a true gentleman and a good judge of all breeds of pigeon Len Dulson.

My good friends in the fancy at present include Alan Jackson, Clive Griffiths and Terry McGarvey to name but a few there are many more but to numerous to mention but they all know who they are. A very special mention must go to Pete and Chris Holland for their kindness over the years on our visits to Bideford.

Thanks Albert for all your help in putting together your profile. As all Federation members know Ian and I take a lot of pride in the way the Federation operates and that is the members have their say in the way things happen and if necessary are changed, we do this with the postal voting system that has been in place for the last two years. Anyone that has any suggestions or things that they would like changed now is the time to write to Ian. Yes only written suggestions will be accepted that way round no misunderstandings can take place. Remember if you want changes with the management committee now is the time to put proposals forward, however any proposed changes to the committee can only be accepted with a seconder and providing the person whose name is put forward accepts the proposal. At present we have two empty positions so please lets have your proposals for these they are Northern Rep after the resignation of Jack Lees. At this point I would like to wish Jack all the best in everything he does in the future with regard to his pigeons and I do hope that we will see him around the pens even though he may not be showing. The other position that needs filling is Flying Tippler Rep. I would urge you all to take part, as it’s no good moaning after the voting papers have been prepared. As these voting papers are sent out with the schedule then we need them back to Ian by Friday 8^th September 2001. I am sure you all have something to say.

By the time these notes are published all members should have received a schedule for the Summer/Autumn show and I hope you will all make an effort to make the show successful. From our part we have organised a mini bus from Bristol with eight of our members and I know Ian is doing the same from Kent. It should be an excellent day out..