Mexborough and Swinton Times July 26, 1935

Denaby Reresby Arms Homing Society
Returned from Trawler in Atlantic

Seven members of the Denaby (Reresby Arms) Society sent 23 birds to Nantes (434 miles) in conjunction with the Hemsworth Federation. Owing to adverse weather conditions the birds were held over until Sunday at 5.55 a.m. The winner being clocked in early on Monday morning. G. Cockayne gains his first success of the season. Returns were: G Cockayne (p.a.ab. pools) 678; A Jones 517.9, A Jones 506.2, Roberts Bros. 443.5. The club’s old birds average is won by A. Jones.

Members of the Denaby (Reresby Arms) Society a few weeks ago sent a number of birds to Marrennes (France) and several owners reported losses, among them being Mr. G. Cockayne, the secretary. He got a surprise one morning last week when he paid his usual visit to his loft. On arrival he saw a bird, in a distressed condition and recognised it as one he had sent to Marrennes. Attached to its leg was the following note: ‘W. Harteveld, 3, Stratford Avenue, Milford, Haven, South Wales Caught 150 miles off St. Ann’s Head. July 2nd., released July 3rd, at 5-30 a.m. please reply.’

On communicating with Mr Harteveld, the owner of the bird was supplied with further information. Mr Harteveld is a member of the crew aboard the ‘Yezo,’ a trawling vessel in the Atlantic Ocean. When about 150 miles W.S.W. Milford haven, and about 100 miles from the Scilly Isles, he caught sight of three pigeons on the mast. With the aid of two other members of the crew he captured the birds, which they kept and fed until they reached the mainland and liberated them at Milford Haven. Mr. Harteveld states in his letter to Mr. Cockayne that trawler’s crews always feed pigeons caught at sea in foggy or any weather.

Mr. Cockayne appreciates the kindness shown and hopes to include the facts in his club records.