Cleator Moor Community Raises £22,000 to Rebuild Destroyed Pigeon Lofts
A remarkable show of community spirit in Cleator Moor has helped two experienced pigeon racers rebuild their facilities after a fire destroyed their lofts and killed hundreds of birds.
Danny Rodgers and Ken Benn, who have raced pigeons together for more than 30 years, were devastated when their lofts were destroyed by fire in July. The incident wiped out much of the work they had invested in developing a successful team of racing birds, leaving the pair considering whether to leave the sport.
However, fellow members of the Cleator Moor Central pigeon racing club quickly organised a fundraising campaign to help the partners get back on their feet. Club secretary Clare Shaw and flying member Brian Fitzsimmons helped coordinate the effort, bringing together donations and fundraising activities to support the rebuilding project.
The campaign eventually raised £22,000, meeting the club’s goal of providing the financial support needed to rebuild the facilities. Donations came from local residents, the wider West Cumbria community and pigeon enthusiasts from other parts of the UK.
One particularly touching contribution came from a former pigeon fancier in his 80s, who travelled from Frizington to Cleator Moor early one summer morning to donate £20. His gesture reflected the personal connections within the pigeon racing community and the determination of supporters to help the pair recover from their loss.
The original lofts were more than a place to keep racing pigeons. They had also served as a meeting point where friends and fellow enthusiasts could gather for conversation, a cup of tea and to share their interest in the sport. The fire therefore represented a significant loss for the wider community as well as for Rodgers and Benn.
The rebuilt lofts were erected on the original site during the week leading up to the announcement on 30 October. Although further work remains, including adding an aviary and extending the cabin, the new facilities provide the foundation for the partners to return to racing.
The fundraising success highlights the strength of local relationships in Cleator Moor, where residents and fellow enthusiasts rallied around the pair during a difficult period. What began as a devastating setback has become a story of generosity, determination and a shared commitment to helping two long-standing members of the sport rebuild.
For Rodgers and Benn, the new lofts represent more than replacement buildings. They mark the beginning of a new chapter, made possible by the people who stepped forward to help them recover their passion for pigeon racing.
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