Almost everyone by now has heard about the tragic news of Basingstoke Town’s eviction from its historic home of 70 years.

But a lesser known story, is the plight of the Camrose Racing Pigeons club - a group going since the 1970s which as relied on the Camrose football ground as their base.

For the last 33 years, Stuart Guy and his fellow racing enthusiasts have met at the Winchester Road site for their meetings and events.

However, since Basingstoke Town was evicted last year, they too have been faced with finding a new home. They are concerned their future unless somewhere is secured by the start of their season in April.

“No one wants to entertain us,” Sheila King, the club’s secretary told the Gazette.

“We’re struggling to find a new home. We can’t get help from the council, it’s not easy.

“The football club were really wonderful to us over the years. They left us alone, we had ample parking. It was the perfect place.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

Basingstoke Gazette:

Stuart, of Charter Alley, said: “The Camrose is such an an important part of Basingstoke. I don't know how the council have been allowed to get away with letting the club playing matches at Winchester.

"It is sad that land especially left for recreational purposes is going to be used by one person to make a lot of money. I suppose it is how the world ticks over.”

He added: “There are enough businesses in Basingstoke that surely they could help finance the return of the Camrose.”

Stuart’s tie to the football ground also goes beyond simply using the stadium as a base for their club.

“I used to film football matches there. We did our bit too, tidying up the trees and the area."

Of the Camrose, Sheila, 76, said: “It is such a landmark for the town.”

Basingstoke Gazette:

Basingstoke Gazette:

Basingstoke Gazette:

The retired housing officer, who once worked at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said: “I loved my job and I was always in favour of building houses. But I do feel strongly that the Camrose should stay as a sports facility. It would be really disappointing to see it turned to houses.”

She said that as a sport, pigeon racing can often be misunderstood. “The general public don’t necessarily understand it. Pigeons can have a bad reputation.”

Stuart said racing pigeons has opened many doors for him. The former radio presenter said: “I got my job hosting a show thanks to pigeon racing, which opened doors for me.”

His hobby has seen him meet the Queen with her husband Prince Philip teasing him that he would be ‘racing snails next’.

  •  If you can help find a new home for the Camrose Pigeon Racing club, email newsdesk@basingstokegazette.co.uk.

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