Five British Modena men made the journey to the European Modena Show, held in the lovely unspoilt town of Bulle, on 18/19 November 2005.
With all UK shows off for the season (or so we thought) it was nice to be able to visit a pigeon show. Myself, Harry Owens and Graham Giddings travelled from Gatwick to Geneva with Nod Turner travelling via Manchester and David Barraclough, along with his wife travelled via Luton. As we waited a few hours for Nod to land we had to catch later trains with more changes but Graham Giddings, our mother hen, or should I say mother goose, for the trip always gathered us all aboard the correct train. We arrived at our cafe/bar hotel and settled in for the first night. At dinner Nod, who is known for being a bit on the fussy side, wanted the steak cheval. It was only when I pointed out to him that this would be served with the horse shoes still on that he twigged it was horse, needless to say he chose the beef steak like the rest of us. Breakfast with Nod the next day was not for the faint-hearted as he moaned about everything, the old waitress muttering in French all the time she was serving us.
After this it was off to the show hall, a short walk through the town. We arrived at the exhibition hall and as well as the 1400 Modenas, it was the European Mondain show, a very impressive entry of Lucernes and a large entry of what looked like a utility breed of rabbits in all colours and markings, everything in a very well laid out hall, nicely decorated, with single tier, eye level show pens. Like kids in a sweet shop we disappeared looking at our favourite colours. David Barraclough was in Modena heaven as there were over 100 Magnani, with a young cock bird winning the stunning, silver European Bowl for Best Modena. Interestingly, this Bowl was first won by R Hall from England in 1975.
Nod, ever resourceful, not only managed to find a bottle of wine but also five glasses and an opener (see picture*). There were Modena men from all over the world including Rick Barker, California; Jan Heldal, Norway; Bernard Raby, Canada; Jacky Graus, Germany; Bas Donk, Holland; Christope Mathe and Roger Guillemot, France and many others. On Saturday evening we went to the official dinner which was held in a fantastic wooden barn at the aptly named Les Colombettes Hotel. Speeches were made and prizes awarded which included full size, gold painted Modena models to the section winners. The start of the evening was quite reserved, however after Jackie Graus stood up and sang the Modena anthem, the whole room united in singing the chorus and things livened up, everyone cheering the musician playing the Alpine horn. This man later also played an accordion and a trumpet at the same time. We returned to the town thanks to a lift by Rick Barker. It was a good evening and one that I will not forget in a hurry.
The next day it was back to the hall and more looking and picture taking. The NMC had donated rosettes for Best Schietti and Best Gazzi, these added to the occasion. The European Modena men genuinely appreciated our visit as all were aware that back home the shows had been cancelled. There were many birds for sale at the show, prices between £40 and £70 for quality birds, what a shame that this time we could not bring any home.
Later in the afternoon the Brits got on a local train and had an enjoyable trip to Chateau Gruyere, high in the mountains. The weather was sunny and dry which made for a pleasant afternoon. All too soon it was Monday and time for us to leave, except for Mr and Mrs Barraclough who had extended their stay as a wedding anniversary treat.
I had a great time with very enjoyable company - plus 1400 Modenas - what more could a Modena man want?
Yours in sport,
JOHN ROSS