NEWS FROM SCOTLAND

Reports by Joe Murphy

Jim Bruce holding Snowcap

After speaking to a fancier on the phone this week when I came off I had a message on my 1571 recording service and this call was from a Tom Kirby of Hampshire who phoned to congratulate me on my Derek & Linda Hay article. He said, ‘Hi Joe, just a call to say that after reading your article on Derek & Linda Hay it is the best write up I have ever read and I can’t put it down there is so much to learn from it; well done on a fantastic job and more power to your pen, keep up the good work, it is much appreciated by many many fanciers throughout Britain, yours Tom Kirkby’.

I thank Tom for his kind words and I’m glad that he enjoyed the loft report. I keep saying these reports are only as good as the information the fancier tells you and big Derek did not hold back. As a matter of interest, Ian Gilmour of Leven who won the SNFC from Falaise a couple of years ago, felt exactly as Tom and Ian who usually gives his monthly magazine away to his pal Ronnie is keeping his copy of the Hay article. My thanks to Ian for his kind words of support also. I have found that the top fanciers are more open and honest and there are no secrets, it is all down to hard work and dedication.

I have a story on Jim Donaldson of Peterhead in the pipe line and this will be just as interesting as Derek and Linda Hay’s. Getting the time to finish it off is the problem as I’m trying to do Bob Whyte of Fraserburgh sale list and document all the birds. This is so time consuming but if you want to do a good job then it has to be done and at the moment this is my number one priority. Jim Donaldson’s story will be a good read once the season is over as I will add in this year’s performances and details on his 2008 winners.

Received an email from Andrew Kyle whom I corresponded with prior to the start of the season. Andrew wrote, ‘Hi Joe, since my last contact with you Joe, I along with my children, have visited a few fanciers and been made most welcome. As yet I still do not have a loft, but hope to rectify this in time for next year’s young bird season. I have taken the opportunity of entering the Scottish Classic One Bird Race and was given an un-activated pigeon.  Liam and Veronica Byrne have been very good in allowing us to visit and we have enjoyed our first two races in their company and that of the other fanciers who also attended.  I have also subscribed to the BHW and enjoy reading its articles. As I previously mentioned, I was involved with racing pigeons, by way of visiting a local fancier, during my younger years.  It has been pointed out to me by fanciers and through the BHW articles things have changed somewhat. My observations are that through the years fanciers must have stopped accepting losses due to lack of quality in their birds, through natural wastage, etc and because of the increasing raptor problems, health problems, etc started to look for other factors to blame.  I accept that at this time my knowledge is extremely limited and I most certainly do not have my “finger on the pulse”.  The cost of keeping pigeons must have increased significantly due to normal inflation, but also due to the changing methods of keeping pigeons and the need for more stock just to survive the racing season.  I do not intend to debate these matters or pass judgement, accepting that I am not even a novice, not yet even being what I would qualify as a fancier. I am disappointed, however, in the divisions within the sport and the lack of good manners and good grace in the part of some fanciers, which happily to my knowledge are the minority. In particular, Liam and Veronica have been on the receiving end of some unfortunate telephone calls. Pigeon racing into the West of Scotland must rank as one of the most difficult areas in the United Kingdom.  The invitation to this race intimated its challenging nature.  The West of Scotland and section F in particular rarely rate in the highest positions in National flying.  The fanciers in this area accept these difficulties as yet another challenge to their sport, some only wishing they will be in the position to compete when the time comes. Surely, given the nature of the adversities our sport is facing, these minority fanciers must realise that Liam and Veronica are dedicated to this venture, their motives are honourable, and that it is not their fault if pigeons are lost.  The whole sport is suffering this self same problem, some areas worse than others.  If pigeon racing is a challenge, pigeon racing into the West of Scotland is most certainly a challenge yours Andrew Kyle’.

My thanks to Andrew for his email and comments and yes it is a pity that these things happen. I have had it for years and at times you wonder if it is worth going on with these tasks. However, as time has gone on and the older I have become my skin is getting harder and I don’t bother with people like this anymore. I have found that the genuine pigeon men are the salt of the earth, they would never stoop to this level because they do not want people reacting like this to them so it boils down to having respect for your fellow fanciers. My advice to Liam and Veronica Byrne is in the ending of this week's joke as it is very appropriate to them and me.

Sporting Challenge Sale

I have received a good response to the sporting challenge late bred sale with every pigeon having fanciers hoping to have their name drawn out against these quality birds. One of two people have told me that the birds on offer are worth more money than I’m asking for them and I agree however this is not a money making concern. All I require is enough to cover the expenses for the cost of supplying the meals to the participants; a trophy as a memento, diploma and the cost of postage and other expenses. The great thing about the sporting challenge sale is it gives fanciers the chance to obtain top quality stock at a reasonable price and that is how it is a success. The fanciers who apply continually thank me for the opportunity and even if they are not lucky to obtain a pigeon they are more than happy to take part which is what it is all about. Chris Thomson from Pathhead in Midlothian wrote ‘I would like to take this opportunity to say your Sporting Challenge is a breath of fresh air to the sport and gives a novice to long distance flying, such as myself an opportunity to learn a little more about how to prepare our pigeons from the cream of long distance fanciers such as the ones in this years challenge. It makes great reading and I look forward to reading about the entries for the 2009 Sporting Challenge - yours Chris’.

There are other fanciers who tell me these same comments and these make it all worth while. The sporting challenge is all about promoting the sport and this sale is a sign of true sportsmanship from the fanciers who participated this year and I once again thank them for their support. The closing date for entries is Saturday 30th August 2008 so if you have not entered then this is your last chance you can email me your selection along with your telephone number and address. Fanciers can bid for 3 pigeons of their choice in this draw however they can only win one pigeon. If your name is drawn out against a bird then you cannot win another pigeon in the draw if your name comes out again against another pigeon then it will be the second name drawn out. Thus we can guarantee that 15 different fanciers will receive a top quality pigeon. The draw will take place after the 1st September with individual fancier’s making the draw. If you would like to take part then SEND me an Email or Envelope with your details highlighted above and your lot numbers you wish to be entered in I must have it by 30th August so if you get your paper on Thursday you still have time. Once the draw has been made I will contact the successful fanciers and once payment has been received I will send them the contact address of the fancier they have been drawn against. You can view the birds again on the web sites highlighted at the end of my article.

Daldorch House School Sale  

There seems to have been a good feedback from the residential schooladvert publicised in the pigeon press and many people cannot wait for the sale birds to go on line so they can study the pedigrees. The qualities of fanciers who have supported this sale are without doubt the best in the British Isles and are household names in the pigeon sport. The sale list for the internet (Elimar) site should now be on line for fanciers to view from this weekend Sunday 31st August until Sunday 7th September 2008 when the sale will take place. The quality of birds offered are out of this world and this will be a sale of to surpass others held at this time as this has the best potential stock birds on offer. It is without doubt a sale not to be missed check out last week's advert in the paper of log onto www.Elimarpigeons.com and view the auction site believe me you will not be disappointed. 

Results

Lawhill RPC news from Willie Donachie with news of the 5th young bird race from Otterburn flown on Sunday 10th August 8 members sent 145 birds, with the convoy liberated at 08.20am into a south west wind, this weeks race was sponsored by Jake Brown. First 2nd, 5th, 6th 7th & 10th is Bruce McKenzie with Brown & Donachie (2) in 3rd 4th & 9th places Steve and John Bannon are 8th club my thanks to Willie for the news.

Traprain club result from Margaret Cunningham with news of the Ridsdale a distance to most lofts of approx 70 miles were 13 members sent 514 birds.The convoy were liberated at 08.10am into a south wind.Taking 1st and 2nd place is Dale Newcombe with his winner on a velocity of 1943 was a chequer cock bred from Karen Newcombe's Leo Van Rijn's.Dale's 2nd bird with a velocity one yard behind was a chequer hen again bred from Karen's Leo Van Rijn's; although Dale is a distance man winning this short young bird race has given him a great lift. Taking 3rd place was A Thomson & son with a velocity of 1938; Sinclair timed in a chequer Van Loon crossed Van Reet hen regards Margaret’, my thanks to Margaret.

Glenrothes & Leslie news from Maxie who informs us that 11 members sent 189 birds to Witton Castle; 1st place goes to Bob Wilson doing 1443 with a hen flying to the perch she is from Bob’s old Kirkpatrick bloodlines. 2nd are Turpie & McCord on 1415 this is the same bird that was 3rd last week and is a Belgian stray from Mr & Mrs Cameron from Arbroath he was sent building a nest for his hen. Third is Alistair McCudden with a blue hen on 1414 she is a darkness Van Loon. That’s all the news this week Joe except to tell you that Stuart Redpath is still in hospital and is still very ill he is waiting on news if they have to operate again. All the members and everyone who knows Stuartwho reads your column will send him their best wishes yours Maxie’, my thanks to Maxie for his report and we hope Stuart is home soon.

Crossgates RPC news from Walker Kennedy who starts off with ‘Well Joe its the same old story more and more losses if we keep going like this I don’t think the open race will have much entries. I’m going to stop racing after Saturday and many others are in the same boat as some of our members did not even bring their clock back for checking. First 3 this week go to Mike Donnachie with the winner on 1318 a young blue white flight on the darkness; his sire is Mike’s good blue cock of Rutters Brothers of Champion Phyllis crossed Dark Diamond this pair have bred a lot of winners for Mike, the 2nd bird on 1308 is also a Rutters Brothers again crossed with Mike’s Gold Award cock bloodlines he is another darkness young bird. The 3rd placed bird was bred by club mate Jock Hynd & son Ian from their C W Lunt Janssen lines through Grey Gem crossed with Tommy Blair’s Van Den Rheas. Well Joe we had 9 members sending and it will be less this week. If you don’t mind Joe I would like to comment on Alex Wright notes in your column as he has a point of changing race points however he will not remember as he is new to the sport but older members may recollect we used to race from Berwick, Morpeth, Darlington, Thirsk, Selby, Grantham, Peterbourgh, Hitching and Hasting which was 400 miles. At that time we had so many birds left at the end of the year we used cull to get down to nest box numbers. I think we need to come away from Kelso and Otterburn which is bird of prey country and Fife members will see a difference to their returns. It can’t be any worse than what is happening just now or we will start loosing members, by the way the A G M is the place for changing it but I would like to here if you get some feedback on this Joe yours Walker’.

Pentland Hills federation news from Andy Miller who says ‘The two organisations had their third young bird race of the season on 16th August from Ridsdale some 66-76 miles to most lofts. On a day when some organisations in Scotland delayed basketting for 24 hours and for the second week running race controller Bobby Graham believed in a window of opportunity to get the birds home before the forecasted rain with an 08:10 liberation and another ‘blaw hame’. This proved to be the correct decision with most fanciers having full returns or the odd one short. Winning 1st federation is the partnership of Minnie & Stuart Fraser from Castlebrae club, better known as ‘Craigmillar Pet Supplies’. They timed a young cock flown natural and racing to the perch bred from Eagleson Busschaert origin purchased from Louella as a kit of 12. 2nd federation is J Neri & son Mick, 3rd is A Young with W Andress & son in 4th 6th 8th 9th & 10th. D & J Allan are 5th with McCann & son in 7th place.

Winners of  New Lothian RPC were 51 members sent 1502 birds 1st is J Neri & son Mick who fly from the next loft to the federation winner on the gardens, also from the same kit of 12. 2nd is A Young with W Andress in 3rd 5th 7th 8th 9th & 10th places. D & J Allan are 4th with McCann & son in 6th spot. 

Sighthill 1st & 2nd are the Bremner & Hindle partnership this will be a welcome boost to Ronnie who is housebound after going through a hip operation. The members wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. (After the racing season should be quick enough) The winner is a Staff Van Reet cock flying to the perch he was bred by Brian Chalmers from Kennoway from his Gavin Aitken stock. The 2nd bird is also a cock flying to the perch of Rene Nauwelaert breeding from Mr & Mrs Mardon bloodlines. 3rd club is Andy Miller who timed in a darkness cock driving a young hen to nest of Verbruggen origin kindest regards Andy’, my thanks to Andy for his news and I also send my best wishes to Ronnie.

Preston Pans HS news from Jamie Combe who gives us the result of the Otterburn 2 race flown on 9th August were 10 members sent 252 birds. In first place winning his first race at only his second attempt is our newest member Lewis Dixon with a velocity of 1599. Lewis is only 15, this is his first season and he is off to a cracking start having performed with credit in the first young bird race. This week in his 2nd race he is winning first prize, winning by just over a minute on quite a fast day. Lewis’s winner is a pigeon he obtained from Dave Owen of Coldingham who has had a great season in the inland nationals in both SNFC and SNRPC. Lewis will no doubt have plenty more success with pigeons obtained from that quality of fancier. In 2nd place is Bobby Green who times a pigeon of his own breeding from his good all round family that win plenty of club tickets and can mix it with the best distance birds at the nationals. In 3rd place Dougie Valentine who timed a mealy cock bred by himself from pigeons gifted by Ian Rowley, that’s it for this week Joe, kindest regards Jamie’ whom I thank for his contribution. 

Fife Federation of Homing Societies, news from Catherine Jarvis who had been sending the results to my old email address, Catherine has forwarded the 3 young bird races and we start off with Kelso young bird race result; 2003 pigeons were liberated at 07.45 on Saturday 2nd August into a south west wind. Topping the federation and west section is John Robertson of Dunfermline with another 2 in 2nd & 6th places; 3rd is Stewart Donaldson of Perth with Jim Farmer of Lochgelly in 4th & 10th places. Bob Wilson of Glenrothes & Leslie is 5th with Malloy & Drew of Dunfermline in 7th spot. Willie Henderson & Daughter of Cardenden are 8th with Willie Pratt of Crossgates just ahead of club mate Walker Kennedy in 11th place and last but not least is Jim Beveridge of Lochgelly. Centre Section is won by Spittal & Bell No. 1 of the Glenrothes & Leslie club with Brian Kinnear of the same club in 2nd & 3rd places followed by another club members in Turpie & McCord with the Spittal & Bell No. 2 loft taking the next two places; Mr. & Mrs. Nicholson of the same Glenrothes & Leslie club are 9th & 10th with J King of Novar in the last two section places. The East section is won by Dave Baldie & Son of St. Andrews with Pete Ritchie of Kennoway 2nd followed by Willie Hay of Methilhaven who takes the next 8 places. He is followed by club mate Jock Davidson in 11th place and Jim & Gary Peggie in 12th place. From the Otterburn race the convoy of 2100 pigeons were liberated at 07.40 on Sunday 10th August into a west to south west wind. Topping the federation and East Section is won by Brian Chalmers of Kennoway who took 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th & 6th in the section. Jock Scott of the same club is 7th with club mate Norrie Smith 8th. Ian Lowe of Leven club is 8th with Dave Hunter of Methilhaven in 10th spot, followed by Jim Mackie of Leven and Austin Whittaker of Methilhaven in 12th place. The west section is dominated by the loft of Jock Hynd & son Ian of Crossgates who are 1st 3rd 4th 5th 6th & 7th section. John Thomson of Lochgelly is 2nd with Mike Donnachie of Crossgates club in 8th place followed by club mates McAndrew & Dow Loft 2 in 9th place just ahead of club mates Andy Morrison & Son in 10th with Pete Sweeney of the same club in 11th place just in front of Stewart Donaldson of Perth. The Centre Section is won by Brian Kinnear of Glenrothes & Leslie club he is also 4th & 8th, near neighbours Turpie & McCord are 2nd 3rd 7th & 12th section; Glenrothes & Leslie club partnership Maxwell, Bethune & Lowe are 5th & 6th with close pals Spittal & Bell No.1 in 9th and Ian McMurchie in 10th place with J King of Novar in 11th place.

I noticed that Catherine Jarvis advises the clubs to make sure the chains and rings are fitted correctly on all baskets as this has caused recurring problems and even delays at the race point. I know from helping out at the liberations at Thornton that this is a big problem with the convoyers. I cannot understand why fanciers who spend £4.00 a basket to training pigeons maybe twice a week to try and win the club are not concerned about a small thing like chains and rings on the baskets. If these are not on and the birds do not get released with the main convoy all your efforts in training are a waist of time. So what is the point of spending all this money on weekly training when your birds are liberated with the convoy because of a couple of chains and rings; it makes me wonder? The Witton Castle race had 1472 birds entered after a 24 hour delay in basketing due to the weather forecast, so the birds were liberated on Sunday 17th August at 13.05 into a south wind. Topping the federation and east section is Brian Chalmers of Kennoway who is 1st 4th 5th & 8th section; club mate Mook Honeyman is 2nd with Willie Hay of Methilhaven in 3rd 5th & 6th places. Jim Honeyman of Kennoway is 9th & 10th with Jim Mackie of Leven 11th just ahead of Tayport’s Dave Jack. West Section winner is Bob Wilson of Glenrothes and Leslie club, with race controller Mike Donnachie from Crossgates club in 2nd 3rd & 6th places. J & C Doig from Cardenden are 4th with Giles Mournian from Dunfermline in 5th spot just ahead of club mate J Reid & son. Crossgates Jock Hynd & son Ian are 8th & 11th with Stewart Donaldson of Perth club in 9th spot. D Hope of Glencraig & Lochore is 10th with Crossgates Press Officer Walker Kennedy in 12th place. The Centre section is won by Len Downie from Perth club, with Turpie & McCord of Glenrothes and Leslie in 2nd & 8th place. Alistair McCudden of the same club is 3rd & 4th with his club mate Brian Kinnear in 5th 6th & 7th positions, just ahead of club mates Spittal Hutton & Bell No 2 loft in 9th & 12th place with Spittal Hutton & Bell No 1 loft in 11th spot. Willie Frew & son Archie of Novar are 10th section my thanks to Catherine for the results and I hope fanciers take note of my new email address.   

Sick Call

I phoned Dale Newcombe to congratulate him on his 1st and 2nd and he was ‘chuffed’ at this win as he has not been too well of late, having lost his appetite and becoming out of breath so much so that he cannot take his beloved dogs for their daily walk. Dale again would like to thank all the fanciers who send their best wishes to him and Karen through me. He was happy to read in my article that Wilson Noble was also asking after him. In fact I was speaking to Wilson’s wife Eileen today and she was telling me that Wilson received a great pick me up from seeing his pigeon’s pictures in my article last week. She also asked if I would give special THANK YOU to Robbie Higgins who has been a great help to Wilson by coming to collect his young pigeons and take them for a training toss and at times he collects Wilson and his birds to take them to the club, well done Robbie it is people like you who are the salt of the earth. 

Like Dale, Wilson has been doing too much and it takes it out of them and they are ‘knackered’ for the next few days. We wish both these wonderful men all the best and let us hope they take the advice from their fantastic wives and ‘take it easy’. 

This week's Joke

The Priest's Donkey

The pastor entered his donkey in a race and it won; the pastor was so pleased with the donkey that he entered it in the race again, and it won again.

The local paper read: Pastor’s Ass Out Front.

The Bishop was so upset with this kind of publicity that he ordered the pastor NOT to enter the donkey in another races. The next day, the local paper headline read:

Bishop Scratches Pastor’s Ass;

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the pastor to get rid of the donkey.

The pastor decided to give it to a nun in a nearby convent.

The local paper, hearing of the news, posted the following headline the next day:

Nun Has Best Ass In Town;

The bishop fainted, he informed the nun that she would have to get rid of the donkey, she sold it to a farmer for £10.00

The next day the paper read: Nun Sells Ass for £10.00

This was too much for the bishop, so he ordered the nun to buy back the donkey and lead it to the plains where it could run wild. The next day the headlines read:

Nun Announces Her Ass Is Wild and Free.

The bishop was buried the next day. The moral of the story is.

Being concerned about public opinion can bring you much grief and misery. Even shorten your life. So be yourself and enjoy life; Stop worrying about everyone else's Ass and you'll be a lot happier and live longer!

This moral seams appropriate to me also -  don’t you think? 

 

Please continue to keep the news flowing to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 after 7pm week days or my NEW email address is joejmurphy@blueyonder.co.uk

Or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com  www.pigeonglobe.co.uk or www.Pigeonportal.com and the newest pigeon forum in the United Kingdom who wish my weekly contribution http://www.cyberpigeon.co.uk/  for my up to date portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland.