The Royal Pigeon Racing Association had a stand and presented a display at the PDSA PetLife ’18 event at Cheltenham Racecourse on Sunday 6th May – the one day music festival where dogs are welcome.

New RPRA Development Officer Richard Chambers and Chief Executive Ian Evans (both seen above) were among those who staffed the stand promoting not only pigeon racing today, but also paying tribute to the 32 World War II carrier pigeons that received the Dickin Medal, instituted by PDSA founder Mrs Maria Dickin.

We also had a slot in the arena when we were able to talk to the crowd and make a live liberation of 32 racing pigeons – thanks to local fancier Gernal Jones – with a secret message attached to one in a wartime carrier on its leg. The bird was home in an impressive 3 minutes from liberation, and the correct message was immediately relayed back by Gernal’s wife Liz. Hosting in the arena was former Blue Peter presenter Peter Purves.

There were plenty of other activities throughout the day, with dog displays and ‘famous’ award winning dogs to meet, and the evening was rounded off with live music from The Vamps, Jessie J and the fabulous Kaiser Chiefs.