The 2023 pigeon racing season is set for lift off for Cumbrian fanciers on Saturday.
But there is a cloud over the first race as bird flu has caused restrictions and, in particular, within the East Cumberland Federation, which has been grounded.
Fanciers there are unable to race because of bird flu cases in the area and members just outside the restriction zone – at Wigton and Penrith – will be transported by the West Cumbria Amalgamation.
The Amalgamation (Derwent Valley Federation and West Cumberland Federation) will be liberated together from Garstang which is the pipe-opener for the season.
In the last few weeks amalgamation members have been involved in fund-raising towards the purchase of a new transporter. An auction online and one at the Harrington Boating Club raised over £3,000.
The ever-popular A ring race also had five successful auctions in which over £20,000 was raised and the prizes for the big race will be announced shortly.
The Cumbria Combine old bird programme is: April 15, Garstang; April 22, Charnock Richard; April 29, Appleton; May 6, Cannock; May 13, Cannock 2; May 20, Stratford; May 27, Marlborough; June 3, Guernsey; June 10, Yeovil; June 17, Holmsley; June 24, Guernsey 2; July 1, Salisbury; July 7 or 8, Guernsey 3.
