Severn Valley Federation Star Turn – Theo Halford
With our sport in fast decline and with many fanciers departing at the end of every season it is a pleasure to be able to report on young new blood arriving. In this case it’s fifteen-year-old Theo Halford, whose loft is situated in the pretty village of Twyning, and, who last season, joined the highly competitive Charlton Kings Flying Club which is home to many National, BBC, MNFC and Classic winners.
I took a trip to see Theo and his family, mum Nicki, dad Lee, and younger brother Luca to find out more about him, why he wanted to join and how he got his start in the sport of racing pigeons. Theo has always been interested in animals and from an early age had a fascination with tadpoles, stick insects and butterflies. Whilst helping a local farmer he took home a couple of doves which he tried to train to return home. Intrigued by the ability of racing pigeons to find their way home and to learn more he started watching YouTube videos on the subject.
Things moved on for Theo after a chance meeting with Paul Hyatt, of the Midland National winning partnership of P. B. & W. Hyatt and Chair of the Severn Valley Federation. That meeting became Theo’s entry into the sport of racing pigeons. Paul was in Twyning dropping off corn for a Charlton Kings member when at the same time Theo was visiting a neighbour, and they got talking about the birds. Seeing Theo’s interest and always willing to help and encourage young fanciers, Paul gave him two racers to breed from and introduced him to the Charlton Kings club. Before the start of the 2025 season many of the Severn Valley members rallied round donating pigeons to get Theo off to a flying start. Paul’s involvement didn’t stop throughout 2025 as he became Theo’s mentor, passing on his wealth of knowledge and experience on all aspects of racing from a lifetime of flying as well as taking him to the best training spots. All the hard work paid off with Theo winning a 9th Club Kingsdown, 8th Honiton, 7th and 8th Stoney Cross, 5th Wincanton and finally 5th Club, 7th Federation in the last race from Yelverton.
Theo is a thoroughly outdoor guy who likes walking, biking, running and water sports. His school operates a working farm which is ideal for Theo, involving him in all aspects of animal husbandry and countryside skills. Indeed, he has taken to the show ring with the schools’ pigs and sheep at the renowned Malvern Three Counties Show and takes his passion for the birds to the school releasing his own doves for the annual Remembrance Service. Currently studying for his City & Guilds Animal Care & Agricultural Certificate, Theo is hoping to study Countryside Management at the world-class Hartpury College. Theo works part time in the families’ busy butchers shop in Tewkesbury High Street and any spare time from the racers is spent looking after a pen of tumblers and doves as well as chickens.
Inspirational
Theo is also inspiring others to join the sport. His friend Archie who is also 15 years old has joined Charlton Kings for next season after going training with Theo and watching his birds come home.
Theo will be pairing up his birds in December and his hope for 2026 is to notch up his first win in the Charlton Kings and top the Severn Valley Fed. We wish him, and his buddy Archie, all the best for next year and for what will no doubt be a lifetime of pigeon racing.
