Syd Randall

Many people have argued that 2003 was a difficult year for racing pigeons- not because of particularly hard racing- more so because the last few races were easier than expected and some flyers were caught out by overtraining their birds.

Syd Randall, of the Hampstead club, got it right from right the jump and his birds maintained form from mid-way through the club races to the finish.

Finishing 3rd and recording his best ever season, Syd proved the worth of his own family of birds when thoroughly tested for the first time. You see, Syd is a pensioner and frankly admits he has pulled out of previous season as the costs escalated.

Last year, he was diagnosed with a major health problem and his wife Heather demanded he battle the season out to the bitter end. As Ross Hocking bluntly told him: "Syd, you're playing in time on so there's no point holding back for later."

Syd openly admits it was the urging of Ross Hocking, Leo Duits and Fred Di Mella that kept him focused.

When someone is seriously ill and the future is unsure, it is difficult to know how to address the situation. In Syd's case, his club mates and friends have tackled the issue in a truthful and positive manner so there's been no pretending.

To syd's Credit, he has shown grit and determination that has revealed his true character. He is an insipration to all.

Syd started in pigeons in 1982. Urged on by his brother Mick, who flew in Campbeltown club, he joined Hampstead which at that time had almost 40 members including Delsar, Bythe, Chinnock, Dangerfield, the Kakoschkes and the Pryors. Syd actually rates Keith Pryor as a better flyer than John.

However, it is a comment made by John that "Give them the chance and the birds will amaze you" that Syd has used to motivate himself in these current circumstances.

Syd won the forth race he entered. He raced birds from his brother and others bred by various local flyers.

The Bob Marchant bloodlines soon forged their way to the top of his loftwith others from Peter Matthews, Ivan Wareing, Jim Cox, Goodger and Dangerfield. This season a couple of Janssens from Rob Wilson via Gordon Allen and John O'Donnell have shown up. Grant Paterson birds have also performed.

But his best hen in 2003 came from a cross of Syd's own bloddlines with an old hen of Ivan Wareing who had been placed 2nd SAHPA.

This 1993 hen had already left 2nd SAHPA herself and now has added two more placings through this good hen of Syd Randall. It's worth pointing out that the sire was very closely in-bred highlighting the Belgium theory of put a top cross into a closely in-bred bird to get a champion.

Next year, Syd aims to stay competitive at the top level.

He has developed a fine family of pigeons - the proof being that they perform for others. His bloodlines can be found in Leo Duits Benalla winner, Fred Di Mella's Booroorban winner, Ray Fewings' lst and 2nd Newcastle and winners in the lofts of Bill Markou, Brian Thomas and this year Trevor Tonkin

Syd, many grand finals are won in time on. The rugby World Cup was won with a minute to go. Your greatest pigeon moment may still be in the future.