The Joe Murphy Column

As I write this week’s column the last race of the 2022 season will be held this weekend (10^th September) with the SNFC young bird race from Upper Hayford a distance of 287 miles to Edinburgh; 300 miles to Fife; 332 to Arbroath and 364 to Aberdeen. The weather these past few days has been terrible with very heavy rain showers. Let us hope these do not happen at the weekend and we can finish our season at least getting the youngster’s home. At least this would allow fanciers to have some yearlings for next year. A few people I have spoken too; have already called it a day and are keeping the youngsters they have back. The SNRPC had a good race last weekend which you can read about in this article.

Race Results

Arbroath RP Club

News from Charlie Cameron who writes, ‘We had our 7^th young bird race from Harrogate on the 2^nd September with the convoy liberated at 9-30 am. We had 4 members sending 54 birds. Les McKay takes the top 3 places plus 8^th with Charlie & Glen Cameron winning 4^th 5^th & 6^th with Grahame McKenzie winning 7^th 9^th & 10^h positions.

Dundee & Angus Combine

News from Kenny Droog who writes, held their final race from Harrogate approximately 180-190 miles, due to poor weather at the home end Dave Glen our expert controller decided to basket on Thursday for a Friday race. Again, like last week our small federation had near 100% returns which is quite amazing, even more is how close the results are; last week 15 seconds split the winning birds and this week was the same. Grampian Combine result is 1^st & 2^nd open is Davie Glen of Forfar in Angus federation. Third open is also from Forfar this being Kenny Droog and son, Mark Young of Dundee is 4^th,10^th ,17^th, 18^th & 19^th.  Ian Scott of Angus is 5^th & 6^th, Danny Henderson of Dundee is 7^th & 13^th open. D & C McLeary are in 8^th place with George Brown winning 9^th open also from Dundee is Billy McEwan who wins 11^th & 12^th places. Darren Phinn who has been having a very good young bird season is 20^th open down in Dundee. Angus this time had 338 birds and it would be Davie Glen who came out on top taking 1^st & 2^nd club and federation and this race is also the Grampian Combine young bird race with a nice trophy to the winner, the birds were up in no wind at the liberation site but there was quite a bit of east to south east and Davie`s winning birds returned a velocity of 1480 & 1479.

Davie Glen

The winner is AF20, who has flown the full race program and his next bird is AF21, who won 8^th club - 9^th federation Swalwell and now 2^nd club 2^nd federation Harrogate flying 189 miles. His blood is Busschaert, his sire AF1644 won 1^st club,1^st federation Wakefield and 2^nd club 2^nd federation Ripon, this line has been very consistent over the years. Next in the clock was last week’s winner Ken Droog with his super cock 329 now named ‘Mistral`s Boy’ who takes 3<sup>rd</sup> federation; Ian Scott`s birds were back in form taking 4^th & 5^th club & federation. Ken`s next two birds win 6<sup>th</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup> federation; the 6<sup>th</sup> federation was also 6<sup>th</sup> federation last week: he is a half-brother to Ken`s great hen ‘Torchlight’ already a 3 times federation winner and having a 34^th and 39^th open SNFC from 300+ miles with 1500-3000 birds competing; while his dam was also a good racing hen having won 2 x 1^st federation and a 1^st Combine plus 18^th open SNFC Eastbourne flying 428 miles into a head wind doing a velocity of 1053. The 7^th federation winner is 427 also a previous winner of 2^nd federation Swalwell and 11^th club and 16^th federation Wooler. 427 is a full brother to Ken National winner from Billericay; ‘Hatrick 48’ so named as in 48 days he won 3 x 1^st federation and a 1^st combine with 1450 birds and then 1^st section; 1^st open SNRPC Billericay flying 374 miles into a head wind doing a velocity of 1096, and was the furthest flying bird on the day. (427 is following his brother’s footsteps’. Davie Glen takes the next 3 place; winning 8^th club & federation and goes to ‘40’ again this pigeon has won 2^nd federation last week at Darlington; he is a Vandenabeele bred out of the stock loft; Davie’s next birds are 73-59. Ken’s little hen 335 is in 11^th place, this is her 2^nd federation card as she previously won 10^th club- 15^th federation at Wooler. David Liddle whose birds are just starting to hit form wins 12^th,13^th & 14^th federation, they probably want more distance we used to go to Wakefield for our final race some 214 miles but cost have made us cut this back. The east section of the federation was won by Les McKay of Arbroath on 1361.17- 1338.1 & 1337.7 but with an east wind they would not be in contention for open positions, D & D Hay of Gourdon are in 4^th place on 1340.3 just in front of William Dorward on 1340.2 both birds must have come together. Gordon Campbell wins Montrose club and is next on 1334. On a sad note, I met Les McKay when we were at the Lowson Memorial Church attending the funeral of Forfar fancier Douglas Ferrar. Dougie as he was known; has been in poor health for a number of years but it was still a shock when he was taken away suddenly. In his day Dougie was a very good fancier and did very well at the distance races. He will be sorely missed by his wife and family and his Brother-in-Law namely Eric Galloway another good Forfar fancier, the church was full which was a measure of the man. Dundee Federation could only muster 150 birds, many fanciers deciding only to train their birds and fly them as yearlings when the peregrines are down on eggs and less in the air hunting. Mark Young who by any standards is having a great season takes 1^st, 5^th,10^th,11^th and 12^th. His winner is 06941 is a very good bird having won 2^nd federation at Darlington as well, Mark fly`s the Frans Zwols pure and crossed, he also wins 5^th,10^th,11^th and 12^th federation; 10^th place goes to 06728 who has also won 1^st at Wooler another top bird. D & C McLeary loft No 2 are next in 3^rd spot; big thank you to young Craig for helping on the lorry these past weeks also to Gordon Campbell; Thanks Guys.

Craig McCleary

George Brown is in 4^th place with Billy McEwan having two together for 6^th and 7^th federation. Danny Henderson whose birds have been in great form wins 8^thopen with Hanson Brother’s loft One taking 9^th spot and Darren Phinn wins 13^th and 14^th federation.

The SNRPC decide in their wisdom to not go with all the other feds for a Friday race and stuck to a Saturday race. Clearly, they were only looking at the weather up the east coast as over the Forth Bridge was mist-fog and rain. I’m afraid up here the word was ‘DISGUSTED’ as they didn’t put the birds FIRST. The 1^st bird over the Tay into Dundee federation member John Wiseman; so well done. First bird into Angus federation was Kenny Droog. Many birds were late or missing and when we have had near 100% returns over the last 2 weeks all down to us having one of the best controllers in Scotland in Davie Glen. Here’s hoping the SNFC remember the birds are coming to the North of Scotland as well, and need to be up early for us have a chance to time in. (The above are Kenny’s remarks not mine Joe M)

Scottish National Racing Pigeon Club

For the final race of the 2022 season the members sent 390 birds to Newark flown on the 3^rd of September with the convoy liberated at 08-00 hours with no wind at the race point. Taking the first 3 places in the section and open are the very successful father and son partnership of Sinclair Thomson and son Sinclair of Port Seton.

Eddie McGhee with Dewar Trophy Winners Sinclair Thomson and son

Their 3 youngsters arrived together and have been called the ‘The 3 Musketeers’. The winner was a pied cock doing a velocity of 1448; he is bred from a son of the ‘SS’ birds Sonderland & Madison (Busschaert x Soontjen cross). Dam is a daughter of ‘Alfie’ winner of SNFC Maidstone 2018; his sire is a Geerinckx and his dam is a Van Dorp both parents bred by the famous Taylor Brothers of Newbiggin. One yard behind is a chequer cock his sire is ‘Donald’ winner of prizes in the SNFC and his dam is a daughter of ‘Mr Consistent’ and the SHU Dewar Trophy winner ‘Seton Queen’. The partner’s 3^rd bird is also a chequer cock he is bred from the Clermont Cock winner of 1^st open SNFC in 2013; when mated to a daughter of ‘Alfie’ in fact she is the granddam of the above 1^st open winner. This is the 2^nd national win in 2022 for the partnership as they have already won 1^st open Brighton in the SNFC and now 1^st open SNRPC Young bird national. We still have the SNFC young bird national to go and I wouldn’t bet against them not being far from the top spot again this week. This is this father and son partnerships 6^th National Win; and I along with many others send our congratulations to both Sinclair’s on a tremendous season. The next 9 positions are all won by fanciers from the Tranent area; namely John Baillie who won 1^st SNRPC Eastbourne in June this year. Jimmy McNeil has 5 birds timed within 30 SECONDS to wins 5^th 6^th 7^th 8^th & 9^th open with James Mark also of Tranent wins 10^th & 11^th with the partnership of Newcombe & Black winning 12^th spot.

Almond Valley Federation

Secretary Lynne Stewart forwarded a copy of the federations result from Otterburn flown on the 3^rd September with the 444 club birds liberated at 13-15 hours. Top spot goes to T Gavin of Fauldhouse with a youngster doing a velocity of 1775. He is 37^th 39^th & 40^th. Mr & Mrs Fleming of East Calder are 2^nd & 6^th open. Freddie Jamieson & son of East Calder are 3^rd 4^th 5^th 7^th 8^th & 34^th open with J Hadfield of West Calder winning 9^th 10^th 11^th 16^th 22^nd 24^th to 31^st then 35^th & 36^th open. Burnside & Drysdale of East Calder are 12^th 13^th & 38^th open. West Calder’s D McBeath is 14th 15^th 32^nd & 33^rd open. Z Dusza wins 17^th to 21^st positions with Vic Couper of Bonnybridge club wins 23^rd open.

Club winners as follows;

Balerno No bird entered.  

Bonnybridge 67 birds; V Couper 1694.886, P Mackintosh 1665.992, V Couper 1662.057, L&R MacDuff 1640.226 Carnwath 53 J Stokes 1344.472, 1217.166, J Dornan 1214.394, W Watson 1200.634

East Calder 61 birds; Mr Mrs Fleming 1756.783, F Jamieson & Son 1737.228, 1735.162, 1735.162

Fauldhouse 112 birds; T Gavin 1775.116, Z Dusza 1702.830, 1701.722, 1700.984

West Calder J Hadfield 1725.151, 1724.381, 1724.381, D McBeath 1716.07

Dundee & District HS

News from press officer Brian Donnelly who writes; Hi Joe, for our seventh and final club race of the season we are at Harrogate, around 180 miles to most club members. Due to a poor forecast for Saturday, the race was brought forward and flown on the Friday. 7 members sent 91 birds, liberated at 9.30 am into a very light north wind. First club this week is the ever-present loft of Danny Henderson, returning a velocity of 1469 ypm. Danny's timer had not been raced since Wooler race several weeks ago, however, leading up to the Harrogate race, the bird had caught Danny's eye so was sent, which proved a good decision.  Both parents of this bird have scored, the sire being 5^th combine whilst the dam scored from the Eastbourne national, their breeding is Geerinckx cross Vandenabeele. Second and 3^rd club is Billy McEwan with both birds arriving together, returning a velocity of 1466 ypm.  The first bird over the pad is bred down from Bruce McKenzie bloodlines. The sire having been in the race team until he suffered an injury, and was retired to stock. The dam is from Bruce McKenzie, Soontjen lines and this stock hen has bred many good birds for Billy. His 3^rd is from Murray & Ramsay stock and has flown very consistently, having been in the first 3 to the loft every race this season. The sire is of Ceuster lines and the dam of Page Janssen. 4^th club is Danny Henderson, returning a velocity of 1465 ypm. This bird is off Leo Heremans lines and is bred from one of Danny's bred racers, which was retired to stock last year. He was bred from "Tayside Chieftan" and "Tayside Olympiad" the best of the late Tam Blair bloodlines. The dam of Danny's 4^th club is again bred from "Tayside Chieftan" when paired to a daughter of "The Magician" [Hardy Kruger]. Congratulations to Danny and Billy! On behalf of the Dundee & District flying club, I would like to thank you, Joe for incorporating our club results in your weekly column, it's very much appreciated. Kind regards Brian’.

East of Scotland Federation

News from Tom McEwen who informed me the federation race was flown on Friday 2^nd September due to the weather forecast for the Saturday not being good. The convoy were liberated at 11-30am into a light north east wind. Topping the federation is Brian Laverty of Prestonpans club, Mackmerry Gus Jackson is 2^nd & 8^th open with Graham Wardhaugh of Dirleton well to the fore being 3^rd & 9^th open. ‘Franny’ Collins of Tranent is 4^th open with Richard & Jamie Combe of Elphinstone winning 5^th 6^th & 10^th open. Keith Howie of the ‘Pan’s’ is 7^th open.

Prestonpans’s Homing Society.

The winner this week is Brian Laverty with a grizzle bred by ‘Spider’ Rowley; 2^nd club is Franny Collins with a blue cock, his sire was a gift from Tam Kelly, while the dam was bred by Tom & Scott McEwen. 3^rd club is the father and son partnership of Richard & Jamie Combe with a dark chequer hen bred down from their own bloodlines. Tom also informed me that past SNFC Gold Cup winner George Veitch has taken a turn and was in the Royal Hospital in Edinburgh; ALL the members send him their best wishes and hope he is back home with his family soon. Wishing you a speedy recover George.    

Fife Federation of Homing Pigeon Societies;

News from federation secretary Geordie Todd with the following race result of the 293 young birds were liberated for the federation open race from Wakefield at 10-15 in a light north east wind. Topping the federation is St Andrews John Harcus he is also 15^th 16^th 20^th 42^nd 43^rd & 45^th. B Chalmers of Kennoway is 2^nd 4^th 7^th to 12^th 14^th 17^th 26^th 27^th 28^th 30^th 31^st 33^rd to 36^th & 47^th. Tam Laing of the same club is 3^rd 13^th 29^th 32^nd & 38^th open. Methilhill Jim & Gary Peggie are 5^th 21^st 22^nd 23^rd open. Brian Kinnear of Tayport club is 1^st 2^nd 3^rd & 4^th centre section 6^th 19^th 37^th 47^th & 49^th open. Geordie Baxter of Methilhaven club is 18^th & 39^th open with Page & son of the same club in 24^th & 48^th open. Dave Jack wins 25^th 41^st & 44^th open. Mook Honeyman of Kennoway wins the 50^th open place.

Pentlandhills Federation

The fourth Federation Young bird race of the 2022 season was flown from Darlington on Sunday 21st August. Due to a poor forecast for the planned Saturday, basketing was delayed for 24 hrs. The distance being 110-123 miles for the members. The birds were liberated at 07:00 in a L/S/W wind. The Federation winner is Les Affleck who flies in the Edinburgh Premier club timing a darkness hen flying to the perch. She was bred from stock obtained from Micky Collins’ Sire is from the lines of Donkere Leo whilst the dam is a Franz Lange, again from the Van Den Bulck’s.

Returns were very mixed this week with reports of up to 40% missing at nightfall and not many working in the next day. This seems to be the norm every year with youngsters when we cross the “Tyne Valley” with reports from fanciers in and around the Bishop Auckland area of birds seeming to be “hitting a brick wall” and turning in the opposite direction and before long splitting up and going in all directions. Weather conditions were perfect for racing at the time.

Regards Andy. Newark Open Y.B. Race flown Friday 2^nd September with the convoy of 502 birds sent by 36 members liberated at 11-30 into a light north east wind. Taking top honors is K Wright of Danderhall club with a velocity of 1309. R Sammels of Castlebrae is 2^nd 12^th 18^th & 33^rd open. Willie Pryde & son John of Arniston are 3^rd with A Baillie of Danderhall club next in 4^th place he is also 9^th open. S & S Tierney of Danderhall club are 5^th 19^th 20^th & 40^th open. Freddie & Willie Robertson of the same club are 6^th 11^th & 35^th open.  A W Robertson of the same club is 7^th 14^th 15^th 30^th 36^th & 37^th open. MacGregor & Lawrie of Danderhall club are 8^th & 27^th open.  J & S Black of Edinburgh Premier club are 10^th with Danderhall’s W Kinnear & son Barry winning 16^th 23^rd & 29^th open.  McCormack & Fraser of Castlebrae club are 17^th with G Thomas of Easthouses wins 21^st 22^nd & 26^th open. Danderhall’s J Dowling wins 24^th open with K Dick of Edinburgh Premier club taking the next position and is also 38th open. A Dewar of Arniston club is 26^th with T Nolan & son of Danderhall club wins 28^th & 32^nd open. R. Marinello of Sighthill club is 31^st with K Wright of Danderhall club is 34^th with T Nolan & son of the same club winning 39^th open. There was NO Winners in the Breeder/Buyer competition.

North of Scotland Federation

News from George Duthie with the result of the Wooler young bird race flown on the 2^nd September with 37 members entered 450 birds, 20 east section members sent 283 birds; while 17 west section members sent 167 birds. The convoy was liberated into a light south east wind. Topping the east section and federation is S Witherspoon of Inverurie club, he is also 2^nd 11^th & 12^th east section 9^th-21^st & 22^nd open. R Wilson of Keith club wins 1^st west section and 2^nd open he is followed by club mate A J Reid who wins 2^nd section 3^rd open. Another Keith partnership this being Duncan & Thomson are 3^rd 4^th 5^th 6^th 7^th & 8^th west section; 4^th 5^th 6^th 7^th 8^th & 10^th open. G Wilson of Devern Valley club is 9^th & 12^th west section 11^th & 30^th open. Club mates Fulton & Ritchie Loft 1 are 10^th west section 12^th open.  Peterhead & District club member Neil Holt wins 3^rd 4^th 5^th 6^th & 7^th east section 13^th 14^th 15^th 16^th & 17^th open. With club mate Stuart Maskame winning 8^th east section 18^th open with Eric & Nicky Yule of Inverurie are 9^th & 17^th east section 19^th & 28^th open. R McKenzie of the same club is 10^th 13^th & 14^th east section 20^th 23^rd & 24^th open. A Cruickshank of Keith club is 11^th west section 25^th open with Fraserburgh West End Members A Stuart winning 16^th east section 27^th open and R Barclay winning 18^th east section 29^th open.  

 Clubs First Bird

Inverurie; winner S Witherspoon Inverurie velocity 1503.889

Keith; winner is R Wilson velocity 1473.728

Devern Valley; winner is G Wilson velocity 1448.915

Peterhead & District; winner is N Holt velocity 1428.198

Fraserburgh West End; winner is A Stuart velocity 1399.534

Elgin & District; winner is P Thomson velocity 1385.985

Fraserburgh & District; winner is C McRae velocity 972.284

Well done to S Witherspoon on topping the federation and to R Wilson on winning the west section

 

 

Space Weather 

 

27-day Space Weather Outlook Table issued 5^th September 2022

 

              Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

  Date                          

2022 Sep 05     126          34          6

2022 Sep 06     122          18          4

2022 Sep 07     120          12          3

2022 Sep 08     122          10          3

2022 Sep 09     120           8          3

2022 Sep 10     120           8          3

2022 Sep 11     125           8          3

2022 Sep 12     125           5          2

2022 Sep 13     125          12          4

2022 Sep 14     125          15          4

2022 Sep 15     126          10          3

2022 Sep 16     125           8          3

2022 Sep 17     125           8          3

2022 Sep 18     126           5          2

2022 Sep 19     120           5          2

2022 Sep 20     125           5          2

2022 Sep 21     125           5          2

2022 Sep 22     115           5          2

2022 Sep 23     115          12          3

2022 Sep 24     115          10          3

2022 Sep 25     120          14          3

2022 Sep 26     120          14          3

2022 Sep 27     120          14          3

2022 Sep 28     120           8          3

2022 Sep 29     118           8          3

2022 Sep 30     118          22          5

2022 Oct 01     115          50          6

Joe’s Joke

An Arab Sheik was admitted to hospital for heart surgery, but prior to the surgery, the doctors needed to store his blood in case the need arose. As the gentleman had a rare type of blood, it couldn't be found locally, so the call went out. Finally, a Scotsman was located who had a similar blood type. The Scot willingly donated his blood for the Arab. After the surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman, as appreciation for giving his blood, a new BMW, diamonds and US dollars. A couple of days later, once again, 
the Arab had to go through corrective surgery. His doctor telephoned the Scotsman who was more than happy to donate his blood again. After the second surgery, the Arab sent the Scotsman a Thank-you card and a box of Quality Street chocolates. The Scotsman was shocked that the Arab did not reciprocate his kind gesture as he had anticipated. He phoned the Arab and asked him, "I thought you would show your generosity again, & would give me another BMW, diamonds, and money, but you only gave me a Thank-you Card and a box of Quality Street ...". To this the Arab replied, "Aye laddie, but I now have Scottish blood in ma veins ....." 

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 or Email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or you can also view online editions on: www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk - www.Pigeonbasics.com - Pigeon Racing the Basics! - thecanadianpigeoninternational.com www.internationalracingpigeon.com or https://sites.google.com/site/internationalracingpigeon/ Who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland?

© Compiled by Joe Murphy