The way we were: Fancy yourself as a winner?

There were more than 1,600 pigeons entered for the show, one of the biggest of its kind in the world, with exhibitors from all over the country, and many observations from overseas.

One of the four main trophies, the Fulton Cup for the best pigeon bred this year, was won by Mr A R Kirby of Scarborough Road, Rillington, and the reserve award went to Mr and Mrs Michale Knaggs, of Castle Howard Road, Malton.

Mr Kirby, a civil servant, worked at the Ministry of Social Security’s office in Malton for 13 years, and is now at the Ministry of Social Security’s Scarborough office.

He has been breeding pigeons for 25 years, but this is the first time he has entered the London Dairy Show for eight years.

The same pigeon, a red self tumbler, recently won awards for him in big shows at Stokesley and Northampton.

He and Mr Knaggs, who is a widely-known pigeon breeder, obtained their stock from the father of Rillington builder Mr Harry Caiam.

Mr Kirby also won first and second prizes for a red self pigeon bred this year.

Mr and Mrs Knaggs took six first prizes and four seconds, with various kinds of fancy pigeons.

Other first-prize winners, this time with an African owl, were 17-year-old John Machin, and his 15-year-old sister Janet, of Welham Road, Norton.

In winning at the show they have maintained a long tradition established by their grandfather, Mr Wilf Machin of St Peter Street, Norton, who has successfully exhibited there many times in the past 60 years.

Another local winner at the show was Mr S Mirfield, of Rillington, who took a first prize for an adult blue-bar self pigeon.

From the Malton Gazette & Herald this week in 1968

• BEFORE a capacity audience of 650, Lord Harewood on Sunday opened the York Film Theatre.

Speaking at the Central Hall, York University, Lord Harewood said: “This is a very exciting occasion for York, the city’s surroundings and the university.”

He went on to say that the organisers of the theatre would have failed if they did not succeed in attracting people from the city and members of the university. “But,” he added, “I am certain that everything will come out right.”

Lord Harewood was followed by the vice-chancellor of York University, Lord James of Rusholme, who expressed his thanks to the East Riding Council for providing the guarantee that made the project possible.

The Sheriff of York and his Lady, Mr T Faulkner and Councillor Mrs Faulkner were among other guests.

Speaking as a governor of the British Film institute, Sir Michael Balcon offered money from a film production fund for young people with ideas to make films.

“We want film production to take place in these centres,” he said.

The opening of the film theatre also marked the British premiere of the Danish film, The Red Mantle, and the film director, Mr Gabriel Axel, who had flown from Copenhagen for the occasion talked about his film.

He described it as a film about “love and purity of heart” and went on to warn the audience not to take it too seriously. Mr Axel earned a cheer from the audience when he said: “Britain and Denmark share something in common – we are both outside the Common Market.”

After the first performance of The Red Mantle, which was well received by the audience, reception was held in Vanbrugh College for the guests and members of the audience.

From the Malton Gazette & Herald this week in 1968

• THIS picture of Rillington Football Club was brought into the Gazette & Herald’s Malton office.

It is thought it was taken in about 1959/1960. Rillington was a leading local team at that time and very rarely beaten.

Pictured, back, from left, Frank Turner, Vic Johynston, Barrie Temple, Ian Turner, Alan Veysey and Brian Bramley. Front, from left, Eric Lealman, David Witty, Wilf Oxendale, Vic Daliemore and Tony Temple.

It is thought the photo was taken by FE Wrightson of Kirkbymoorside.

If you have any photographs that you would like to see featured on our nostalgia pages, drop into our Malton office in Yorkersgate, email gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk or send them to The Editor, Gazette & Herald, 84-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN.