Berlingo Lofts

Berlingo Lofts was established in 1989 when I parted company from the late Jack Strong Jack had taken me into partnership in 1984 and we raced to the then called High Newport Alloments when I split up with my good mate Fred Murphy the reason for the ending of this partnership was because I lost my job at Edward Thompons I and Fred raced at the Sheepfolds on the banks of the River Wear we were member of Southwick Homing Society which was one of the three clubs forming  Sunderland District Federation I raced with Fred from 1979 till 1984 and we flew some good birds their winning our very first race we competed in at this time me and Fred raced mainly Woodroffe Brothers and Tony Mardon birds and had a lot of success with them Now looking back Woodroffe Brothers are one of the top lofts in The Up North Combine winning 3 1st Combines and Tony Mardon had his entire clearance sale a couple of years ago.Moving on to the building of Beringo Lofts which was built with timber from Welch Brothers timber yard at Ryhope.These were sections from an old workmens cabin and are still in use now forming the cabin and the Stock Loft.Helping me to build the loft were my brother Peter and his son Stephen and my late Uncle Tommy Taylor my Mams Brother.Uncle Tommy was my mentor he helped me in everthing I done from gardening to advising me all about life in general.Uncle Tommy was a sworn bachelor according to my Mam he had a bad experiance with a girl a long time ago and never got over it.He worked at Steels as a general labourer and was liked by all during The Second World War he served on Mine Sweepers and rceived many medals for his service to his country.Uncle Tommy loved fishing and with his brothers Ted,Stan,Bobby bought a Trawler called The Fulmar a very old boat built in 1921, named after the birtd Fulmar which was a very fast bird of prey