NEWS FROM SCOTLAND

Reports by Joe Murphy

I start off this week's article with something that has nothing to do with racing pigeons but might be of interest to fanciers as many of you will have been in this situation. This is pretty good information on Hotel Key Cards and, like many of you, I never even thought about key cards containing anything other than an access code for the room, or ever wondered what is on your magnetic key card? Well the answer to my very good friend who told me this is a follows: A. Customer's name; B. Customer's partial home address; C. Hotel room number; D. Check-in date and out dates; E. Customer's credit card number and expiration date! Therefore when you turn them in to the front desk your personal information is there for any employee to access by simply scanning the card in the hotel scanner. An employee can take a handful of cards home and using a scanning device, access the information onto a laptop computer and go shopping at your expense. Simply put, hotels do not erase the information on these cards until an employee reissues the card to the next hotel guest. At that time, the new guest's information is electronically "overwritten" on the card and the previous guest's information is erased in the overwriting process. But until the card is rewritten for the next guest, it usually is kept in a drawer at the front desk with YOUR INFORMATION ON IT!

The bottom line is: Keep the cards, take them home with you, or destroy them. NEVER leave them behind in the room or room wastebasket, and NEVER turn them into the front desk when you check out of a room. They will not charge you for the card (its illegal) and you'll be sure you are not leaving a lot of valuable personal information on it that could be easily lifted off with any simple scanning device card reader. For the same reason, if you arrive at the airport and discover you still have the card key in your pocket, do not toss it in an airport trash basket. Take it home and destroy it by cutting it up, especially through the electronic information strip!

If you have a small magnet, pass it across the magnetic strip several times. Then try it in the door, it will not work as it erases everything on the card. As a matter of interest this information is courtesy of: The Police Service so please tell as many of your friends and family of these Hotel Key Cards; now for some pigeon news.

Results

Traprain result from Margaret Cunningham who tells us about the race from Northallerton a distance to most lofts of approximately  125 miles there were 13 members sending 361 birds. The convoy of birds were liberated at 08.20 in a light south wind a fast race was anticipated and this turned out to be the case. Taking the red card for the 3rd week in a row was Brian Cunningham who time in his number one widowhood cock recording a velocity of 1775. This 4 year old dark chequer white flight has host of prizes to his name, his breeding is a Laffy Daffy crossed Van Reet. In second place was Karen Newcombewith a velocity of 1774 she timed in a  2 year old blue pied Van Loon cock whose mate laid her 2nd egg on the day of basketing. In 3rd place was the loft in form Brian Cunningham with a velocity of 1764  Brian's timed in a 3 year old blue bar widowhood hen who is also a previous prize winner and was bred by Kevin Lawson from his Van Loon x Soontjen family my thanks once again to Margaret Cunningham for sending in the weekly result.

Glenrothes and Leslie news from Jimmy Maxwell who tells us that the birds were racing from Otterburn and taking the red card was the man himself along with his partners. 1st spot goes to Maxwell, Bethune & Lowe with a yearling widowhood hen doing 1422 velocity she was bred by their good friend Jimmy Bell from his Belsers x Van de Poel. Second is Ian McMurchie with a 2 year old widowhood hen recording a velocity of 1414 she is a Van Reet and the parents were bought at Blackpool last year from Atherton & Bannister and this hen was a full pooler. Third club is Bob Wilson with a 2 year old hen recording a velocity of 1397 she was sitting on a 14 day old young bird and is from Bob’s old Kirkpatrick stock. That’s all the result Joe however could you please give a get well soon message to Jimmy Bells mum who had a fall and I’m happy to say is recovering slowly we wish this lovely lady all the best from all the club members, cheers Joe yours Maxi.

Crossgates club sent 276 birdsto the Otterburn race with the Jock Hynd & son partnership having a great race taking the first 3 places in the club. Their winner was a 2 year old chequer pied cock on the roundabout and recorded a velocity of 1512. Sire is a son of Matt McLaughlan Asterisks 1st open SNFC Rennes crossed with a daughter of Mystical Rose your 1st open SNFC Sartilly winner Joe while the dam is a Rutter Brothers being from a daughter of Champion Julie. Their second bird was a yearling chequer cock on roundabout doing 1509 he is a Fountainhead Janssen from the D16 lines on both sides of his pedigree. The partnership’s third pigeon is a yearling chequer hen on roundabout she was bred through C.W L bloodlinesdown of the Classic cock as a matter of interest Joe this young hen topped the Fife federation last year as a young bird; well Joe that’s it for another week and as I write this note there are still a lot of empty perches in most lofts.

Gifford HS a new club to the result page with their press officer sending in the following information. ‘Hi Joe, my name is Malcolm Fowler and I have been ‘Nominated’ to send in the results of the above named homing society. Gifford is a small friendly club within the East Lothian federation. From the Otterburn race we had 7 members sending 91 birds. In first place is the Fowler and McIntyre partnership with a black pied late bred Busschaert cock recording a velocity of 1319 this cock was sent to the race flying spare. He is one of many gifts we have received from our good friends Bremner and Hindle of the Sighthill Club in Edinburgh.  Second is B Veitch with a  dark chequer cock with a velocity of 1159 he was sent driving his hen to nest and was bought at the SNRPC club sale last year and was bred by Mr & Mrs Irving from Brydekirk. Third and 4th is G McFarlane with velocities of 1149 & 1087 no other details on these winners. From the Tow Law race 8 members sent 142 birds with G McFarlane taking the first past the post with a blue chequer cock on 1152. R McIntyre is 2nd and 3rd with two blue bar hens. I have explained to Malcolm that I require more details on his club winners or I will not add these to the column, I have stated it many times in the past a name and velocity is not what I’m looking for if the other fanciers within each club and assist the press officer then I’m looking for the Gifford lads to do the same with Malcolm if not then it is their loss, my thanks to Malcolm for his news.

Gilmerton HS news of the Northallerton race from Ian and Vikki Henderson who tell us 12 members sent 173 birds. Taking the first 2 places is Paul McCue with his winner a dark chequer 2 year old cock sent sitting 2 days on eggs.Paul was not sure of the sire strain but as he is a great friend of Barry Kinnear the dam was bred by Willie & Barry. Paul’s second bird was a yearling blue bar hen flying spare and is from Janssen stock. Third place goes to Mr & Mrs Bennett who timed in a 2 year old blue bar white flight cock bred from Staff Van Reet stock from Dean Pallet; Martin & Kate again doing well as they were also 4th. Short and sweet this week Joe, speak to you again next week keep up the good work yours Ian & Vikki.

East of Scotland Federation news from Jamie Combe who writes, ‘Hi Joe, before I give you details of the latest race here are the top 10 in the East of Scotland federation from the Tow Law race flown on 26th April 2008, 1st are Grieve Brother’s on 1394 with T Thomson in 2nd place. John Bird is 3rd & 4th with T Watts in 5th place. Bobby Dickson had a good race being 6th 8th 9th & 10th he was split by J Muir in 7th position. Now moving on to the Northallerton race flown on Saturday 3rd May, thepigeons were liberated at 8.20am into a southwind and a very fast race duly followed. With the top spot going to A Bishop on 1703, 2nd is Harry Irvine & sons with John Bird in 3rd and 9th places. 4th place is won by the Mr & Mrs March  partnership with Bobby Green in 5th place. Last weeks winners Grieve Brothers are 6th and 10th with T Thomson in 7th spot. Bobby Dickson continues his fine form by being 8th federation.

Prestonpans club top three are as follows; 1st is John Bird with a velocity of 1683, after knocking on the door in the first 2 races John Bird finally collectsa well deservedfirst win of the season. His winning pigeon is one of his old favourites, a 5 year old cock who has already won plenty of club tickets as well as an excellent 18th open SNFC Newbury in 2007 and has also flown SNFC Tours. He is a grandson of John's top breeder and his dam is a full sister to Bits n Pieces (multi SNFC diploma winner). No doubt John will be eyeing up the national races once again with this cock.
In 2nd place are Mr & Mrs Peter March they timed a 2 year old red cock being from Kirkpatrick crossed Brian Cunningham families, he was only 12 seconds behind in AFT and Peter saw his pigeon come with John Bird's winner so it was a bit of a photo finish between the 2 of them. In 3rd place is Bobby Green with a 3 year old bred by himself who had no positions prior to this Northallerton result, that’s it for this week Joe yours Jamie’.

New Lothian RPC & Pentland Hills Federation news from Andy Miller who writes, ‘From our 3rd race of the season from Northallerton which is a distance of 120 miles to 131 for the farthest flying lofts in the federation; the birds were doing nearly a mile a minute with virtually 100% returns. Winning 1st Sighthill, 1st New Lothian and 1st Federation was the consistent loft of Bremner & Hindle (1734) who timed a yearling widowhood cock, a son of “Willie Bauld” a winner of 9 x 1st prizes and he was also 10 times in the first ten of the federation. This cock now retired to the stock loft after a distinguished racing career originates from Mr & Mrs Mardon stock.

Sighthill H.S as mentioned above the Bremner & Hindle partnership won the race with 2nd ,3rd & 4th  Sighthill as well as being 2nd, 5th, 6th & 9th New Lothian, and 2nd, 5th, 7th & 10th federation is our press officer Andy Miller. First bird timed is a 2 year old widowhood cock, a previous winner, bred from the Kuwaiti pair “Petrol and Diesel” purchased from the Europa one loft race. Next was a hen flying widowhood, a full sister to last week’s winner of Verbruggen origin.  A Young from Danderhall is 3rd & 4th with his first bird winning the bulk of the pools winning over £255. J & T Young are 7th & 11th with Brown & Co in 8th place, Steve Girdwood is 10th this is the top 10 in the New Lothian the 1st to 10th in the federation are the same as New Lothian except for 6th place that was won by D Noble from Danderhall, until next week all the best Joe yours Andy.

Kennoway HS news from Alex Wight who wrote; ‘Joe, here is some details of the Otterburn race flown at the weekend. 1st place was won by Brian Chalmers with a 7 year old blue cock, he was sitting eggs and feeding a big youngster in the nest. He is a full brother to Brian’s 7th open SNFC winner from La Ferte Bernard in 2004. 2nd was Jim Honeyman who flew a yearling that was bred from his brother John Honeyman & son Gold Award lines. Jim never flew young birds last year as he was moving house, so this yearling is new to the race programme. In 3rd place it was Jock Scott, who was flying a yearling hen spare she is bred from Dougie Barnes of Crossgates Busschaerts. This hen scored twice last year in the young bird federation open and also the young bird national. Joe it was my first race this weekend with my survivors, although I was not as excited as I have been in previous races, I was still keen to see my birds home. I timed in 14 minutes behind the club winner and had full returns so I’m well pleased. On a sadder note it is with regret that I inform everyone that the pressures of trying to deal with the issues in my life, have taken its toll, and I have decided to resign as secretary of the above Kennoway club. The full effects of what has happened to me recently (the fire to my loft) is now starting to effect me in a big way, it was maybe naive of me to think I could carry on as normal. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped and guided me through my time as secretary, and wish everyone all the best for the future. I will still continue as press officer and will also assist the new secretary settle in, and if required I will also assist in helping educating any members who are interested in  working the ETS system. Once again thank you for all your support Joe and long may your excellent column continue yours Alex.

Lawhill Racing Pigeon Club news for the 3rd old bird race of the season from Tow Law flown on the 3rd May 3.05.2008, we had 8 members sending 88 birds they were liberated at 07.00hours into a south west wind. Taking the first 4 in the club is Bruce McKenzie, Willie Donachie was to come back to me with the details but has not done so as I send these away to the papers. If this comes today I will add it to next weeks result however it is the same as the Gifford lads if there is no details on the birds I will not be publicising just a name and velocity. This week’s race was sponsored by Mr Steven Bannon and the membership would like to thank Big Steve for his support.

John Barlow, John O'Donnell & Mike Russell pictured at the SHU Centenary celebrations

For All Mum’s

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end. So I wanted to share this one with all the ladies who read my column and they can pass it onto their loved ones and special friends!

'Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this,' the mother told the volunteer. 'What is it she keeps asking for?' the volunteer asked.

'Puppy size!' replied the mother.

'Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for.'

'I know... We have seen most of them,' the mom said in frustration... Just then Danielle came walking into the office 'Well, did you find one?' asked her mom. '

No, not this time,' Danielle said with sadness in her voice. 'Can we come back on the weekend?' The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed 'You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply,' the volunteer said. Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. 'Don't worry, I'll find one this weekend,' she said. Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her they both felt she was being too particular. 'It's this weekend or we're not looking any more,' Dad finally said in frustration 'We don't want to hear anything more about puppy size, either,' Mom added. Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted. Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, 'Sorry, but you're not the one.'  It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely this time she took a little longer. 'Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!' she screamed with joy. 'It's the puppy size!' 'But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks,' Mom said. 'No not size... SIGHS. When I held him in my arms, he sighed,' she said. 'Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sighs!'

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both. 'Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms,' she said. Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, 'Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart!' Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. They are the sighs of Love. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.' (And isn't that just what a sigh is? A catch in your breath that was taken away)

This week’s Photographs

The two pigeon pictures are from Jim Hannah and the other was taken at the SHU Centenary Celebrations and is self explanatory. 

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 email address is joejmurphy@tiscali.co.uk

Or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com and www.Pigeonportal.com for my up to date portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland.

Compiled and copywriter Joe Murphy