Keen pigeons

The signs of eager pigeons are beginning to show with the cocks pairing up to one another and making trapping a little harder than I am used to. When they have had their normal exercise a couple of shouts and they are normally in the loft but not at the moment. A few have decided that they are going to tread each other and enter the loft when they choose to. What I have also noticed about this treading ritual is that it is not always the same cocks, you see a couple one day and different ones the next. It all looks as if they have their fun and say “I’m not into this and settle back to their usual life” and that’s that. I would have expected the hens to pair to each other and go down on eggs but I have been lucky with them so far with not an egg to be seen. They are eating far less than they have ever done and the measured amount has been reduced because they were leaving a small amount. They have been having about an ounce each per day, which I would have thought was not enough during March but they don’t bother one little bit. Some are not eating every day because they are not trapping and therefore the feeding bowl is removed. Even so they are exercising well and missing a feed now and again doesn’t appear to be bothering them. I am putting this down to their energy sacs filling with the products that they have and they are living off that when they decide to play around outside. It does make it hard to exercise and clean them out when they will not trap. I always work on the basis that if they needed it they would help themselves when the feed is available and they would trap if they were hungry because they know the routine. They are flying well around home so you would think that they would trap for food but not at the moment. There is always the other way of looking at it and that is they will not be carrying extra weight and will be easier to get into shape for the racing season. One thing that I do notice every year and that is they fly much better in the early part of the year when it is colder than in summer when the temperature rises. Pigeons do not like hot weather and that is why in the hotter climates they do not race in the summer like we do here in the UK and in fact most of Europe. John Howman called and we were discussing racing later in the year. John pointed out that due to problems he had his one-loft races were held later in the year and it did the pigeons no harm whatsoever, they raced well and appeared to enjoy themselves. On the subject of problems we are all looking at everything in the loft and the slightest change puts the old brain into operation. What is going wrong, why is this happening or why has that pigeon’s droppings changed. These are thought’s that we all get because we are always trying to keep on top of everything that is going on in the loft. I was recently concerned when I saw a few bad droppings on a box front but the next day they were fine. I would then see those same, let’s say inferior droppings in another box so I was getting a bit concerned, after all it is March and we don’t want anything going wrong. This same pattern went on for days so I kept a close eye on the pigeons, which was quite easy because it was always in the cock’s section. The advantage I had was having the up and over box fronts so the pigeons had their own boxes and perched in the same place every night therefore I knew where each one was. Several days went by when the penny clicked, the change of droppings was always on the perch of the pigeons that had stayed out and not eaten the previous day. This meant that many some were only eating every other day, problem solved, we worry too much about nothing at times but then we are pigeon men who pick up on the slightest thing far too easy.

N.E.W & W.W Federation

We have not been to many presentations over the last winter in fact apart form the one here at Middlewich the only other one we have attended is this one in North Wales. Many years ago the local federations would have a group on instead of the disco, a few pigeons for sale, roll a coin up to a bottle of whisky and a good raffle plus of course a dance. Then amongst all that the most vital ingredient, which is of course a good evening that everyone would go along to enjoy. They were what you would call good entertaining presentations when you did not have chance to get fed up because you went with flow. Yes I know the big clubs still have grand functions but apart from those I thought the good old functions had all gone out of the window. I found out that was not the case after being invited to the North East Wales & West Wirral Federation presentation evening in North Wales, they had the lot just like organisations used too have many years ago. Everyone joined in for the evening and even the group joined in with some good banter. I know that the numbers were down but the 50 plus who were there made it a real good night out and made nearly £700 during the evening. I suppose that the spring fair in Holland and the LSC weekend did not help because there were some of their members at those events. Making money is not always easy but that is not the case with this federation because they have a great worker with the master fundraiser Des Thomas. A man who has given the federation a great bank balance that is helping to keep the costs to the members down and securing their future. This organisation has only been in existence for the last six years so it is a comparative new kid on the block but they have made great strides and have plenty of interest being shown from other clubs within their boundary. No doubt the officials will look at any interest from prospective clubs and take everything into account before making any additions. It is always nice to see organisations growing in numbers instead of decreasing. However there are always going to be losers because clubs do move around to get better deals for their members or a better federation position that very often happens. The new president for the coming season is Trevor Hughes who was a bit shy giving his first speech in this position but like any good man got through it with ease. His sidekick and Chairman is Kevin Roberts and first impression is that they make a good pair to head the team. The important one is of course the secretary who for this organisation is the hard working Cherith Young who is not shy when it comes to work and knows exactly what she is doing. What we must not forget is that when you do get a good secretary in the pigeon world there is always someone at home who supports them well and with Cherith it is hubby Steve, well done. So a good team and with such a good fundraiser they are missing nothing. Then of course there are the members and well known names appeared on the result sheet with the list headed by Derrick Jones one of the best know fanciers in Wales. Then we have another well-known name being next on the list and he is Alan Atkinson unfortunately neither of these two fanciers were present. Elizabeth and I would like to thank the officials for inviting us along for the evening and to all those present who made such a good night of it. Took a lot of photos on the night so I will be using more in the coming weeks.

Cherith Young, Fed secretary with LJP

LJP Mrs Marshall, sec of Hightown, representing Derick Jones

LJP with C Hewitt and son

LJP with R and R Millington

LJP with S Jones and son

LJP with Thomas bros and son

President's wife Mrs Hughes

From the past

Many years ago I had the pleasure of visiting the legendary Reg Churchill down in Weymouth who is one of the sport’s great fanciers. This is the brief report that I compiled on that visit way back. This loft report is only abbreviated to look at the performances of a man whose racing record speaks volumes for his ability as a top class pigeon fancier. This must be one of the best well-known lofts in the British Isles, because Reg Churchill has had pigeons since he was knee high to a grasshopper, and he has always won his share. He has lived pigeons more or less all his life after following in the footsteps of his brother Charles who set up loft after returning from the great war of 1914-1918, that is the kind of experience that we are talking about. This is not a modern day loft and fancier who has most things quite easy, Reg has gone through the years of hard work in preparing the pigeons and to come out on top all of his life. When we consider the modern day trappings of easy transport and communications pigeon racing is not that hard if you are prepared to do your bit which is what many fanciers fail to do. Reg is a hard worker but does not forget the other side and can generally be found to be a bundle of fun, always ready to have a laugh and joke at the headquarters as we found out.

Reg churchill with Les

As I said Reg first took an interest in pigeons via his brother Charles, at this time he was not able to take up racing but still managed the 30 yards to the loft. Reg was 16 when he started to race pigeons which were obtained from various lofts in the area which started the love affair that Reg has had with pigeons obviously culminating in the famous 1973 Palomas win of the class hen “Knightsdale Lady”. What a pigeon this was for Reg a winner of many top prizes including 5th Sec 17 Open, 10th Sec 25th Open, 2nd Sec 10th Open 5th Sec 6th pen, 17th Sec 59th Open, 1st Sec 1st Open PALOMOS 667 miles performances of 6 years in succession. There are distance winners well back in this hen’s pedigree including the Dam twice at Pau and twice at Barcelona. G.Dam 32nd Sec 122nd Open Pau NFC. 6th British Sec 268th International Sec Barcelona, 41st Sec 147th Open Pau NFC, 21st British Open 207th International Sec Barcelona. On the other side the wins are also there with G.Sire 1st Club 12th Sec 165th Open Nantes NFC. G.Dam 16th Sec 189th Open Nantes NFC, 5th British Sec 5th International Sec Barcelona. 8th British Sec Barcelona. “Knightsdale Lady” is also a South West region RPRA gold medal, Pitts mem trophy and Osman mem trophy winner. How’s that for breeding that is still in the present day winning lines, it was the “Ladies” 6th attempt at PALOMOS that she won in 1973 which is over 20 years of age.

Inside the lofts

We were rattling on a bit with that last bit because we have missed quite a bit from earlier days like his other hobbies from his youthful days when he used to have a good go at games like football, cricket an even boxing. But as with any dedicated pigeon fancier they will always go by the board and the future is spent conditioning the racers and not the fanciers. Although it was brother Charles who gave Reg the original insight into the sport it was the long distance performances of a local fancier by the name of Jack Burt who used to win with ease from Scotland and the Lerwick races. it was these distance performances that eventually led Reg to the south road events with such clubs as the N.F.C, B.B.C, C.S.C.F.C, West Dorset Amal, Weydor Spec Club, Weymouth H.S which all gives Reg good Competition. 1 of the all time greats being the late great Tom Clarke of Frampton on Severn a name that I have read about in years gone by. There were many discussions between these fanciers, out of which came much good advice and information that have been received and used well over the years by Reg. When this last spell of pigeons started for Reg after the Second World War some 47years ago, he dedicated the majority of his time to building and keeping up a winning team, a team that were well improved were the introduction of birds from the late Tom Jones of Treochy South Wales, these were the Gits family that started winning straight away.

The present team is a accumulation of pigeons over many years, many birds have passed through his hands as Reg is a firm believer of trying to introduce new blood every year. The best of the present day birds up to 5 miles are definitely the Busschaerts, which have been at the ‘Knightsdale’ loft for over 12 years producing many good pigeons. Such as B.C.H.P Cock 1st Leammington Spa, 2nd Club 11th Dorset Fed 36th S.S.R Amal, 1st Club 28th Dorset Fed Saintes. 1st Club 6th Dorset Fed 8th Wessex S.R.COMB 39th Southern South Road AMAL Saintes. 1st Club 13th Dorset Fed Bergerac, 1st Weydor Spec Club Bergerac, 4th Nantes Wessex South Road Combine. 5th Pau Weydor Spec Club.“Champs Boy” is another of this Family with 2nd Club Banbury, 1st Club Rennes, 2nd Weydor Spec Nantes 1st Pau Weydor Spec Club 5th Sec 155th Open NFC. 1st Club 1st Dorset AMAL Wolverhampton. 1st Weydor Spec Club 9th Sec 176th Open Nantes NFC. 2nd Weydor Spec Club Pau, 2nd Weydor Spec Club 14th Sec 15th Open Rennes C.S.C.F.C Bergerac. “007” 1st Claycross 1st West Dorset AMAL 1st Club 2nd West Dorset AMAL Wethereby, 1st Club Worksop. 2nd Weydor Spec Club 51st Sec 161st Open Nantes B.B.C 2nd Weydor Spec Club 4th Sec 17th Open Nantes C.S.C.F.C. 1st Weydor Spec club 32nd Sec 66th Open C.S.C.F.C Bergerac. 1st Weydor Spec Club 2nd Sec 2nd Open B.B.C Nantes. 1st Weydor Spec Club 4th Sec 23rd Open Nantes NFC. 1st Weydor Spec Club Saintes. 1st Weydor Spec Club 7th Sec 353rd Open NFC Pau. these are just the main wins of “007” whose nest brother “040” won 27th Sec 43rd Open Pau C.S.C.F.C. 1st Club 2nd Fed Rennes 4th Nantes to mention just a few. Before finishing of the Busschaert’s I must add that Reg owes a lot to Tony Hayne of the Ponderosa who has supplied Reg with so many god pigeons over the years including the parents of the “Champ” which originated from the Challis lines.By the way before going on I must add that the great “Knightsdale Lady and Duke” came from the Jock Reed of Stenhousemuire bloodlines, which need no introduction. Reg is also very fond of the Kirk Patricks that have brought fanciers worldwide success at the distance, as have the Van Bruanes all doing a good job along with those previously mentioned. Reg does admit to making mistakes with some pigeons by not giving them enough time or not waiting long enough with the offspring and later finding out to find that some that have gone have in face left behind a few good winners which is a point that I have touched on with my noted in the RP, even the good fanciers can let them slip through their hands but not many are as honest as Reg and admit to it. It is the honesty and the hard work that has seen Reg through it all.

Knightsdale Lady

Theories are plenty but in the end of them all success is only obtained by motivation and hard work. Reg is a firm believer that most of the young birds losses of today are attributed to several things including clashing. Also far too many young birds are bred from late breds, fanciers purchase late breds and breed from them as soon as they can which leaves those in the nest lacking the maturity that they should be brought up with, this can only come from the parents.

The lofts are nothing extravagant after all Reg has been winning from these lofts far too long to think about putting up a big fancy pan tiled affair. This is the usual 18 foot 3 partitioned affair with a corridor with an added widowhood loft at the end and a stock loft and a aviary down below. The loft should be perfectly dry with a good constant flow of fresh air throughout. There should also be plenty of places for the birds to hide away and feel protected and safe, the idea that they are kidding you. There are 12 stock birds with 60 for racing purposes and a young bird team with 60-80. Reg believes that a fancier who has the opportunity to breed a big team also has the better chances of breeding that exclusive “champion”. The stock birds are paired as early as possible, sometimes as early as December if a few extra early youngsters are acquired. Widowhood pigeons are always left until the 1st week of February leaving the distance team until one month later being the 1st week of March. Reg flies the Widowhood and natural systems to cover all eventualities I.e. weather conditions and distances to cover at a particular time of the year. The Widowhood cocks usually rear 1 youngster then the hens are taken away after they are down on the 2n round of eggs.

The lofts

The cocks have a few training tosses and are exercised for half an hour both morning and evening. If Reg considers that they are not flying around home, as they should then they are forced to exercise. They are fed individually in pots twice a day by teaspoons for the shorter earlier races but when they embark on the larger events they are fed by hand. Reg can’t understand why some fanciers never win prizes, they are a rare breed of fanciers who must have a great deal of patience, very soft and tender with the pigeons overfeeding and not enough exercise which is the envy of a great many pigeon fanciers.We really did enjoy visiting Reg but we will be making another journey in the near future but that isn’t the end of the article because I am going to leave the last words to Reg. “I served in the army for 6 and a half years 1940-1946, in the Western Dessert and Italy, since then I have not travelled all that much but I did go to Australia last year and calling in at Bangkok en route to look in on the Asia Pacific. I Met fanciers from Pert, Sydney and Melbourne which made it the most interesting trip, one that I enjoyed.” “My Favorite success was “Knightsdale Ladies” performance in the B.B.C race from Palomas winning the race on her 6th consecutive attempt 667 miles being the only bird on the winning day on a very hard race in baking hot sunshine. My next best was winning the young bird nation in 1955 then in 1958 I won from Thurso 557 miles with the highest velocity in the West of England Combine with a blue Cheq Cock of my old Gits and Barker strain. This game cock flew Pau 1959 and 1960 and was sent back to Thurso and was reported in Sweden. With the cock being of the sound quality that he had shown in the distance events, I sent him back but he was not such a good investment in stock. I have many good wins far too many to mention. The sport of pigeon racing is great and if I could have my time over again I would still be a pigeon fancier.” Need I say more?

Les J.Parkinson. Elimar, 11 Rushton Drive, Middlewich, Cheshire, CW10 ONJ. Tel/Fax; 01606 836036. Mobile 07871 701585 elimar.pigeons@sky.com web-site www.elimarpigeons.com