KINGDOM RACING PIGEON ASSOCIATION

by Stuart Bowman

On Friday 7th November members of the Kingdom Racing Pigeon Association assembled at the Gilvenbank Hotel Glenrothes for our Annual Prize Giving. Unfortunately a few called off due to health problems, but nevertheless 108 fanciers, their wives and friends etc, sat down for the eagerly awaited evening! Everything was laid out neat and tidy, with the Silverware nicely on display. I know that Secretary Jessie Keir and her willing helpers work hard at this every year.

Some of the Kingdoms excellent Awards

Pres George Wilson opened the proceedings and asked Danny Ferguson to say Grace, which he did expertly before the staff served up a cracking three course meal. I have to say that the Hotel staff were again very friendly and helpful, which is quite something in this day and age. Grace and I were seated in very good company in Tam and Fiona Berwick the Leuchars club Secretary, along with my old pal and Mentor in the sport John Mackenzie and John Anderson both from Anstruther. Did I learn anything, you bet I did but it won’t be printed here!!!

After the meal was well consumed George Wilson asked for our best attention. He thanked everyone for their attendance with a special thank you to the people who had made the night a success thus far. George then introduced our Guests for the Evening .George introduced everyone present to the main guests and top table for the evening. First up we had Les and Merle Blacklock from Workington, along with their very good friends Jim & Pauline Barty also from Cumbria, and Stuart & Karen Mullen from Port Glasgow. Georges wife Muriel was also seated next to him and is the serious pigeon fancier in the Wilson household! Also on top Table were Secretary Jessie Keir and Son David. Jnr Vice Pres Harry Maidment, was attendance which was good to see. As many Know Harrys Wife Wilma sadly passed away several weeks ago. This is an extremely difficult time for Harry so it was good to see him out and about. Snr Vice Pres Ian McClaren couldn’t be with us as his Wife Helen has not been well. Hope things improve and we the members wish you a speedy recovery Helen.   

George first of all reminded us that Les Blacklock is now the new Pres of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association and at the same time the Secretary of the Cumbria Region. This in fact has only ever happened once before, and shows you that Les is held in high esteem all around the UK. So you can see that Les gets through a power of work too, and spends a lot of time traveling to many meetings, ie  Region, RPRA, Confederation etc such is Les’s and Merles commitment. On top of that they also try to fly their own pigeons which must be very difficult. More and more people are starting to find out that Les’s wife Merle was born and brought up in the West of Scotland. George Wilson knowing this remarked that it must be interesting watching tv when a Scotland v England match is on!!!

 Les Thanked the Members for the invite and said that he and Merle were glad to be back at our Presentation, having been before. Les praised the members for the way they stick together supporting a keen bunch of Officials. He also praised the members for some of their outstanding performances and made Special reference to P.Patricks pigeon “Silver Star” who was the first pigeon into Scotland from Saintes with the SNRPC. On the day of the race we were convoyed by the National Flying Club and some fanciers struggled to get pigeons flying hundreds of miles less, but not Peter Patrick! Les said he got a buzz when he heard about Silver Star arriving on the second day flying 727mls. On a sad note though he commented that it was indeed sad that a great friend and one of the main initiators for the race Jimmy Hamilton, was no longer with us having passed away in February. How true, Hammy is indeed sorely missed. At that Les raised his glass and wished the Association much continued success in the future.

George Anderson. Most  Points winner.

Jim and Pauline Varty travelled up from Cumbria with Les and Merle and it was a pleasure to meet this very likeable couple who were delighted to be here thanking us all for the invitation. We also learned that they are quite an authority on the old long distance Vandy strain. Good to see some one else still interested in one of yesteryears pioneers. I am only sorry I couldn’t get listening to them a bit longer. Next time though.  

John Proctor. 2nd Open SNRPC Reims 2008

Last but not least our other Main Guests were Stuart & Karen Mullen from Port Glasgow. Stuart as everyone knows won the Premier Gold Medal Reims Race with the Scottish National Racing Pigeon Club 590mls, with his Blue Pied hen “Karens Girl”. This phenomenal performance will be talked about for a very long time, make no mistake! For this pigeon to win the National so far west, was like Super Human, for want of a better expression. For those who don’t know Stuart was away training his other National birds when the Hen arrived, luckily Stuart’s better half Karen was there to fill in the void. Stuart will be forever greatfull to Karen, of that there is no doubt. When was the last time someone won the National so far west, and was not there to see it into the bargain. If Big Stuart didn’t think he was lucky before, he has got to have changed his mind now! In all this time since that unforgettable day he has been kicking himself for not being there. However he has the distinction of knowing that he has done it, something that most of us will never do!  Stuart is still on a high and who can blame him, A pigeon and a half!!! Stuart is also a big help to his club members and a willing helper to the Glasgow fed and a valued Committee member of the SNRPC.

Penman & Grubb Centre. 2- Bird Ave winners from W / Flats

There is no doubting then that we have a dedicated fancier in Stuart Mullen.  Stuart thanked the members for the invitation, the Hotel staff for the lovely meal and yet again his wife Karen for being his Hero, and for an excuse to jump up and down! Stuart said he was honored to be here and was very praiseworthy of the Kingdoms Officials, it’s members and was in awe of their consistency in National racing. He was also very praiseworthy of the Trophies the Kingdom had on offer to the winners, saying he hadn’t seen anything like them, especially in such a short space of time! What an absolute credit to the Association they are. After the above, Stuart said he was on this night a man of a few words and thanked everyone once again for inviting Karen and himself along and wished the members all the best for season 2009.

This then prompted the President to ask Stuart Mullen and Les Blacklock to Present the winners with their awards.  

Les Blacklock, Matt Shields 1st Open W/ Flats, &  Stuart Mullen

First up with the winner of the Wanstead Flats Open race was Matt Shields St. Serfs. Matt won the Cal – Strat  trophy. He was also winner of J &J Keir & Son trophy for 1st yearling and the A & J Galloway trophy for 2-bird Ave, 1st & 3rd Open. Outstanding! Alec Brunton of the Howe Premier club won the Association trophy for 1st Nom bird 12th Open.

Dave Burns. 2nd & 3rd Open Arras.

At the longest OB race from Arras it was S.Bowman of Rosyth club who won 1st Open and the Cory Mara cup. Davie Burns of St. Serfs had an outstanding race in 2nd & 3rd Open with 2 timed in less than 2mins with not many on the day to win the A &J Galloway  2- bird Ave trophy. Then Duplicated into the SNRPC to win 6th & 8th Open. The J & J Keir & Son trophy for 1st Yearling was won by Penman & Grubb of Coaltown club winning 4th Open, duplicated to win 9th Open SNRPC. John Mackenzie won the 1st Nom bird and the K & B Reid trophy plus 6th Open and duplicated to win 13th Open SNRPC with a yearling.

J.D.Armour. 1st Open Wakefield Y.B

Peter Holt. Wakekfield Nom Winner.

At the Wakefield YB Open it was J.D Armour Coaltown, who came out on top winning the Future trophy for 1st Open. Peter Holt of Howe Prem won the A &S Crawford trophy for 1st Nom bird 3rd Open. Jim Mullen, Coaltown won the Jock Armour Mem trophy for 2- bird Ave 6th & 8th Open.

 

Pete Patrick KRPA Fancier of the year 2008

The OB, YB, and Combined Ave were all won by Pete Patrick Coaltown. The Challenge Trophy for best performance all Association and SNRPC races was won by John Mackenzie Leuchars.

Tam Currie. 2nd Open SNRPC Messac 2008

The first birds in the SNRPC races are as follows. The first bird from the SNRPC Wanstead Flats race winning 5th Sect, 24th Open and the J & J Keir & Son trophy was Garry Hall. From SNRPC Reims winning the Premier race trophy with his great chq, pied hen Elain P’ it was John Proctor. This hen was also 1st Sect, 2ndOpen, Great performance! Another equally great Performance was Tam Curries little blue hen which was first in the Assoc, 1st Sect, 2nd Open winning the I & L Moffat Phoenix trophy. From Arras winning the David Murray Mem trophy it was Stuart Bowman in 4th Open place with Mrs Mack. At the Y.B National from Leicester it was Pete Patrick in 2nd Sect 19th Open.

John Mackenzie, Best Ave all Association Open & National races

The K & M Crawford trophy for best Ave all SNRPC Races was won by John Mackenzie for the following. First bird only. 45th Open Wanstead Flats, 51st Open Reims, 12th Open Messac, 13th Open Arras and if you want the YB National Leicester it was 92nd Open. George Anderson of the Marathorn club won the J. Keir ( Marathorn ) Mem trophy for most points. The Extreme distance, My Little Lady Trophy for best ave two longest SNRPC channel races Reims & Messac was won by Tam Currie with 28th Open Reims & 2nd Open Messac. The Buyer trophy was won by Harry Maidment Howe Prem, with his y.b which was the first pigeon timed in the race from the birds bought at the Sale. This was Harrys third or fourth bird winning 74th Open and he is now glad he timed it in as it wins him £100. The breeders and also winner of £100 are Mr & Mrs Craigs, from Stevenson in the North of England. Harry wishes to thank Mr & Mrs Craigs. Well done to both lofts. Les Blacklock donated a £25 special for the best Ave Wanstead Flats Open race and Wakefield Y.B Open race and this was won by Matt Shields for 1st Open Wanstead & 5th Open Wakefield. Many thanks again Les. Finally the last trophy up for grabs was that of the Association fancier of the Year and the winner is Pete Patrick who has had an outstanding season culminating in winning 1st Open SNRPC Saintes 727mls also 1st Sect M, with the NFC and an Open Position. Also his first bird only in other races were as follows 49th Open Wanstead Flats SNRPC, 15th Open Reims, 16th Open Arras, 6th Open Association Wanstead Flats, 20thOpen Wakefield Y.B and 19thOpen Leicester YB National. That too is a pretty fair average! From all the members Pete Congratulations!

David Keir. collects his H/ L Membership

With all trophy’s carried off, we thought that was it but not yet. A special presentation of Honorary Life Membership was made to David Keir for his services to the sport. Believe you me David was as surprised as anyone else  and a very proud man as he came forward to collect his Award suitably framed for his efforts! Next up it was the Gents at the Top Table who were suitably gifted a Momento of the occasion. The ladies on the Top Table were then presented with some stunning bouquets of flowers which they greatly appreciated. George Wilson thanked everyone for their attention and hoped they enjoyed the rest of their night! Just before the dancing started Danny Ferguson asked for a vote of thanks in appreciation for the Presidents efforts during the evening which was warmly received.

Jim Mullen. Wakefield 2- Bird Ave Winner.

While the dancing was underway many raffle tickets were being sold, and what a grand job the ladies as usual did, fetching in some £420, absolutely brilliant! Plenty of prizes to be won too. So all in all a very good night was had and with many people deep in conversation more friends were made all around the hall I’m sure. It was good to see some of our old friends up from the N East, David and Helen Power with their two children. What a real canny lad David is, a gentleman! Good also to see John Callan from the Gow, under the wing of Benny Martin from Hamilton. Good also to see some more ladies attending. Brightens the place up a bit doesn’t it! Better than looking at most fanciers, grey hair and no hair.

 

Harry Maidment. Breeder / Buyer winner

You can tell when it’s been a good night because it flys in, and that’s what happened. Plenty of dancers on the floor enjoying themselves, but all too soon the music stops the bar closes and it’s over for another year. I feel everyone enjoyed it and I hope that some of the photos and info in this article will suffice to show this! Hope the guests enjoyed their stay overnight at the Gilvenbank. Til next year.

Dancing lessons at the Kimgdom

Remember Davie Stewarts Bereavement sale on Sunday 30th November which starts at 1pm at Bowhill Memorial Cardenden. Approx 80 mostly distance birds on offer.

Also anyone with Proposals for the Kingdom AGM are reminded that they have to be in the hands of the Secretary for the 1st of January.

My address as always is 118 Sinclair Drive Cowdenbeath Fife ky4- 9rg, tel 01383- 518471, or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.