The history of the Warrnambool Racing Pigeon Club.
The Warrnambool Club was established on the 27th January 1926 with a membership of 32 full members and 6 honorary members and was known as ‘The Warrnambool and District Homing Club’. The founding President was the Mayor of Warrnambool, Mr B Abbey. Annual membership was 5 shillings.
The first office club race was held from Terang on the 24th April 1926, an airline distance of aprox 26 miles (about 42 km).
In its first year the club conducted 14 races ranging in distances from Panmure to Murrayville.
The transportation of the birds to these race points was via the railway, where it was the responsibility of the Station Master to release the birds at the desired time.
In 1942 the club was eager to contribute to the war effort when Headquarters’, 2nd Cavalry Division, Kardinia, Geelong, requested a number of pigeons suitable for carrying messages. However with the donations being well over 13,000 birds the Warrnambool birds were not required.
The club went into recession until 1944 when it was decided to resume racing because of a large number of Junior Members were anxious to race. Due to petrol rationing, the only means of transport was the Warrnambool to Melbourne train, so racing was resumed on this line, as far as Werribee, 120miles.
When rail transport resumed, racing continued on the north line up to Broken Hill 450miles.
Progress through the years.
Over the years the club held their meetings in various places from Cafes to family garages. In 1965, with the aide of a bank loan of £200 and a lease from the Warrnambool City Council they built their own clubroom's in Gillies St, just south of the post office.
Throughout the years the club made use of the many modes of transport, air lines, railway, and independent transporters.
In 1976 they purchased their own trailer. In 1984 they purchased a second hand HQ Holden one tonner. Now they had the freedom to go and race where they wanted to. Races up to 750 miles became the highlight of the season.
The membership has continued to remain strong. Members are still keen to promote long distance racing, so since those early days we have successfully flown all lines up to 600 & 750 miles and continue to do so.
The club became incorporated 7th February 1985.
The major boost to our club is the yearly squeaker sale. Each year generous flyers from many different clubs across Australia donate youngsters to the club auction, thus giving the opportunity to others to purchase the bloodlines needed to produce winners.
Our First Squeaker sale was held in 1975 and has continued until the present day. Next year the sale date is Jan ??th 2016
The club now occupies a new clubroom located off Lake Pertobe Road.
Courtesy of Keith McLeod
The Warrnambool Club was established on the 27th January 1926 with a membership of 32 full members and 6 honorary members and was known as ‘The Warrnambool and District Homing Club’. The founding President was the Mayor of Warrnambool, Mr B Abbey. Annual membership was 5 shillings.
The first office club race was held from Terang on the 24th April 1926, an airline distance of aprox 26 miles (about 42 km).
In its first year the club conducted 14 races ranging in distances from Panmure to Murrayville.
The transportation of the birds to these race points was via the railway, where it was the responsibility of the Station Master to release the birds at the desired time.
In 1942 the club was eager to contribute to the war effort when Headquarters’, 2nd Cavalry Division, Kardinia, Geelong, requested a number of pigeons suitable for carrying messages. However with the donations being well over 13,000 birds the Warrnambool birds were not required.
The club went into recession until 1944 when it was decided to resume racing because of a large number of Junior Members were anxious to race. Due to petrol rationing, the only means of transport was the Warrnambool to Melbourne train, so racing was resumed on this line, as far as Werribee, 120miles.
When rail transport resumed, racing continued on the north line up to Broken Hill 450miles.
Progress through the years.
Over the years the club held their meetings in various places from Cafes to family garages. In 1965, with the aide of a bank loan of £200 and a lease from the Warrnambool City Council they built their own clubroom's in Gillies St, just south of the post office.
Throughout the years the club made use of the many modes of transport, air lines, railway, and independent transporters.
In 1976 they purchased their own trailer. In 1984 they purchased a second hand HQ Holden one tonner. Now they had the freedom to go and race where they wanted to. Races up to 750 miles became the highlight of the season.
The membership has continued to remain strong. Members are still keen to promote long distance racing, so since those early days we have successfully flown all lines up to 600 & 750 miles and continue to do so.
The club became incorporated 7th February 1985.
The major boost to our club is the yearly squeaker sale. Each year generous flyers from many different clubs across Australia donate youngsters to the club auction, thus giving the opportunity to others to purchase the bloodlines needed to produce winners.
Our First Squeaker sale was held in 1975 and has continued until the present day. Next year the sale date is Jan ??th 2016
The club now occupies a new clubroom located off Lake Pertobe Road.
Courtesy of Keith McLeod