Article Posted 27 April 2009
Article by Chris Derby-Lewis

Arcadia Pigeon Club organised a function on 5th December 2008 to commemorate its 60th. year of existence. This is a huge milestone and the club just seems to be going from strength to strength. The club consist of 15 flying members; Dennis Green holds the office as Club President; Michael Windvogel is the club Chairman; Secretary is David Herbert with Tony Herbert attending to the duties of Race Secretary and the Assistant Secretary is D. Moses. The Club was established in 1948.

The evening’s event started with Rev. Siabongi opening with prayer which was then followed by a Candle Ceremony whereby existing club members lit candles in remembrance of members and family members who passed away, with the song ‘Candle in the wind’ playing softly in the background so fitting for that moment. It was quite emotional to see old and young fanciers acknowledge the work and input of members who passed away and that without their hard work and impressions left behind this 60 year milestone might never have been reached. Founding members Uncle Harold Laubsher and Uncle Ronnie Frazer are still with us today and we hope they will be with us for years to come.

During the early years the members had to basket at different venues and basketing took place at St Michaels Church, Arendse residence, Rinquest residence and at the homes of Old Mr. Will Wakefield, Gordon Wakefield and Dennis Green.

When one look at the results sheet at Union level and the overall Board, you don’t seem to notice just how competitive Arcadia Pigeon Club has been during the 2008 racing season. Club member Grenville Cupido managed to end 4th in the overall Board points. He also won the Springfontein Board during the 2008 racing season. The club also managed four Federation wins at Union level. These excellent performances of Grenville Cupido assisted him in being crowned Arcadia Club Champion for 2008, accumulating 221 points during the 2008 season.

The Ace bird for 2008 is owned by Grenville Cupido, this pigeon won Hanover and Springfontein in 2008. J Smuts raced the best young bird. S. Lesch was crowned young bird champion for the 2008 season.

I wish to thank Arcadia pigeon club and all it,s members for a wonderful evening and may your next milestone be too reach 100 years of continued existence in this wonderful sport of ours. All said and done the 2009 has dawned upon us, may you continue to contribute to the sport of racing pigeons in a positive way.

Chris Derby-Lewis
Promoting the Federated Board of Homing Unions