ECCENTRIC FANCIERS

(Dedicated to the oddballs amongst our ranks - and you know who you are!)

by Jim Emerton

Most people, to a degree, conform in a collective way to the thrust and main standards of society, often called the mainstream. Such individuals may be the backbone and fabric of its structure. Others may plough a singular furrow with obsessive independence at odds with or on the periphery of society, developing creative, original lives, perhaps touched by the hand of genius. With brains and minds functioning in an intuitive, lateral and divergent way they may forge new patterns, systems and ways of expressing themselves in pigeons. Thought of as quirky and cranky initially, their methods after success and the associated publicity, may be inculcated back into the mainstream practice. These strong-minded folk are stubborn, single minded and focused, with great impact on targets and objectives. Their life's work is perhaps the monasterial like adoption of a system, the creation of a strain, or a complete obsession with a race point. A few people spring into consciousness, and I recall Frank Kay, Nic Harvey and Dave Goddard as examples. In the wider world Lady Gaga is a classic eccentric of high celebrity status. I wonder who you are?

February 2013

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