The banana Caper
(Internet Published) Jul 2001
On the agenda of the four affiliated Tippler clubs in the East end of
Sheffield, June 16th 1924, was the case of Mr Jack Thompson of Carbrook.
The meeting was held in the upstairs club room of the Enfield Inn, Broughton
Lane, Sheffield. Benjamin Stamp presiding, the tribunal was called to order.
Them spoke Ben Stamp " Gentleman, we have a we have a complaint from Mr Jack
Thompson that we must deal with. He was disqualified on the Whitsuntide Fly
because his referee was taken ill and had to leave the premises. Mr Thompson
tried to get a substitute referee, but his pigeons were without an official
for almost 2 hours. Mr Thompson claims that he protested again Mr Maurice
Burke as his referee on the grounds of unreliable character and being prone
to accidents.
At this point there was a very loud cheer and much laughter and Ben Stamp
was extremely annoyed. Then spoke Jack Thompson. "Gentleman", he said "this
is not a beer garden. Let us proceed with dignity".
Then spoke Jack Thompson. "We all know about the reputation of Maurice Burke
and that is why I objected to having him as my referee. I was over-ruled and
had to accept him or face consequences. During his term of referring Maurice
Burke ate 23 large over ripe bananas that were unsaleable on my premises and
due for garbage collection. He became violently ill and had to be escorted
home at 2:24pm. I submit that this act of stupidity was no fault of my own.
I submit that several people observed that my kit was flying during the
delay in securing a substitute referee.
After a 15 minute debate the officers came to a decision. Ben Stamp called
the meeting to order. "We find that Mr Jack Thompson is disqualified. His
pigeons were without official supervision for more than one hour. Thereby we
do warn Mr Maurice Burke that in the future if he behaves in a similar way,
I shall regard the matter in the light of drunkenness or misconduct. Entry
fees will be repaid to Mr Thompson and I trust that was shall have no
further trouble from Mr Maurice Burke."