The Joe Murphy Column

Firstly, I would like to THANK all the fanciers who have phoned me or sent emails regarding my recent articles and also for the nice words and feedback they have said about my researching the information to report on the winners in this year’s national racing; for which I am eternally grateful; Yes, it is hard work, but first and foremost I’m a ‘Pigeon Man’ and I like to give credit where it is due. What I have found over the past 47 years of being a scribe is that fanciers are not the greatest people in the world in supplying information on their winning pigeons. Nine time out of Ten; I will have to phone them to obtain these details and even at that this it is like ‘drawing teeth’ to get the information I require. The thing that annoys me is I’m not getting the publicity ‘IT IS THEM’! To be honest I sometimes wonder if it is worth all the effort; as well as my own person time; which is as precious to me as it is to everyone else. However, when I do obtain information, I try to make this as readable and enjoyable as possible as we are ALL pigeon men & woman, and want to read about the winners and good fanciers. For example, I received a phone call from Malcolm Taylor of Taylor Brothers of Newbigging by the Sea. Regarding my article which contained the photograph of ‘Seton Queen’ who is the dam of ‘Seton Prince’ bred and raced by Sinclair Thompson and son Sinclair. Whom I have the highest respect for as they are ‘top quality pigeon men’. This year their yearling cock on the 1^st July; won 2^nd section B 2^nd open SNRPC Eastbourne race flying a distance of 385 miles recording a velocity of 1176. Then on the 17^th of July he was again entered into the SNRPC race; this time from Brighton a distance of 375 miles and he won 1^st section B 1^st open doing a velocity of 1269. What a pigeon to win a 1^st & 2^nd national in the space of 17 days is exceptional and we congratulate both Sinclair’s on this outstanding achievement. This father and son partnership are very friendly with Malcolm and have purchased birds from him over the years and have done very well with them. Malcolm informs me that ‘Seton Queen’ was mated to NEHU21WAN1486 to breed ‘Seton Prince’. ‘Wan 1486’ sire was a son of ‘Johnstone’s Bolt’ bred by Brian Johnstone, who turned out to be an exceptional breeder. Actually, he is the sire of ‘Double Vision’ who in turn is Willie & Paul Macaloney number one stock cock. The mother of ‘Wan1486’ is a daughter of the pencil pied ‘Sylvester Geerinckx’ who in turn is the dam of ‘Alfie’ who won 1^st open SNFC Maidstone for the Thompson partnership.  ‘Seton Queen’ contains the ‘Albrecht’ blood who were the old Van Loons. Another one of the Thomson’s top pigeons ‘Mr Consistent’ also contains the ‘Albrecht’ lines crossed with the ‘Red Rising Son Hen’. Malcolm is giving up the pigeons and I believe all his stock birds are going for sale after the racing season is over. It was nice to talk to Malcolm and thank him for the above and wish him well with his sale.

Email

Received an email from Dawn Abbot, who wrote; ‘Dear Joe; I hope that you and the family are well and that you don’t mind me getting in touch totally out of the blue! Some of your readers will remember my Dad, Hugh Higgins, a lifelong fancier, originally from Armadale, West Lothian and later Edinburgh. Having enjoyed the administrative side of racing as President of the SNFC, Secretary of the Edinburgh International Charity Pigeon Show and Horney Vice-President of the Lancashire Social Circle, my Dad left an archive of pigeon press back to the 1960s which I have recently been going through. I wanted to see if I could find any information on Joe Newcombe, the grandfather of my dear friend, Samantha. Joe’s SNFC Avranches 1969 winner was named after her nickname ‘Tabby’. I have many fond memories of my three Newcombe ‘Uncles’; Ed, Joe and Sid, visiting Macmerry and staying at Honey Cottage Caravan site in Ettrick Valley, which was run by Joe and Margaret and where both he and Sid had their lofts. Although the Newcombe name is well known via Eddie and his legacy, the success of Joe and Sid may be less so. As such I was wondering if you might be interested in these articles, I would like to highlight the success of these two fanciers for your column? I would be happy to put these in the post to you. With kind regards Dawn Abbott’. I wrote back to Dawn and expressed this would be lovely and help keep my column going once the young bird racing season was over. She replied; ‘Great - Will get everything off to you next week. I was also thinking I have various pictures etc from the Edinburgh Charity Show as well if that is something you would be interested in? I have lots of memories of that too! Getting to sell raffle tickets over the weekend and everyone phoning in their entries over the couple of weeks before. Happy days! Thanks Dawn’. It was quite funny that in the 4^th August BHW on page 57 there as a photograph of Dawn and her late dad Hugh in Brian Dearn Lanarkshire Social Circle article. A small world indeed; I also look forward to obtaining this information from Dawn. It is hard to keep my weekly column going after the racing season is over as not everyone is willing to supply me information on their pigeons’ efforts or performances. For example, I also received an email from Mike Massie of Aberdeen who wrote; ‘Hello Joe how are you and Margaret and your family doing, I hope they are in good health. Regarding your article about Charlie and Glen Cameron they are great fanciers and exceptional flyers; I wish I knew their secret. They must have the right birds bred for the job and they must have them super fit and their motivation must be spot on. I take my hat off to them and I agree with you; 100 percent Joe and it was a great article; yours in sport Mike Massie’. I wrote back thanking Mike for his kind words and also saying ‘Yes, the Cameron’s have had another great year, as have other fanciers. Mike replied; ‘Yes Joe, other fanciers have had a great season but the Chic and Glen are flying a lot further and that is what makes them standout - Mike’. The other thing fanciers and especially readers of my column forget is; The research I undertake to gain all the results and then compile them into my articles, can take up a lot of my spare time, and I don’t think fanciers or readers of my column appreciate this. Margaret will sometimes say; ‘Oh you’re not back on that computer again are you’. It is the same with writing a weekly article, I have been doing this since 1976, every week even when we have been away on holiday to Spain, I have taken my laptop and caught up at night with results and compiled an article and emailed it to the BHW & RP. Just now I’m in the process of accumulating information on the Dewar Trophy winners which is awarded to Scotland’s Pigeon of the Year & Runner Up as this will be the 50^th anniversary of this award. However, I still do not have information on some of the runners up; and no matter how much I ask, there is NO RESPONSE. I have looked through old SNFC results that Robert Cormack gave me which go back to the 1950’s. So, I will just have to add the fanciers name and no matter how much research I have done; I cannot find these birds performances.  Now for the present race results, sent in by the press officers’, whom I once again wish to thank for their contribution.

Results

I had a lad on the phone asking why some clubs and federations have now stopped sending me their results and news, as they enjoyed reading about them for example; Ayrshire; Angus; Dundee; Traprain; the sad thing is he doesn’t see some of these organisations obtaining any publicity in the weekly pigeon press. I explained this has nothing to do with me. I add the weekly report of federations & clubs who continue to send in their results into my column.  I have added a couple of photographs of 2 top pigeons that I found in my Dewar Trophy folder while checking out some details and these pictures caught my eye. As nowadays fanciers don’t even send pictures of their club or federation winners, and believe me it is easier now than years ago. As we can take a photo on our mobile phone and send it to someone within seconds after taking the picture

        

Kardale Style raced by Dale Newcombe & Moneymaker raced by Bobby Carruthers

East of Scotland Federation

News from Tom McEwen with the result of the Otterburn race flown on 6^th August with the convoy liberated at 08-30am into a west to north west wind. Taking the top 2 places is Keith Howie of Prestonpans club; his winner is a blue hen, she is a ½ sister to his great cock ‘Blue Arrow’. The sire of the winner has also previously bred federation winners for Keith. John Bird of Prestonpans had a fantastic race taking 5 top positions in the federation; winning 3^rd 4^th 5^th 6^th & 10^th federation. Mr & Mrs Peter March have a good double winning 7^th & 8^th position in the federation. Last weeks fed winners Gus Jackson of Macmerry completes the top ten winning 9^th federation. Tom was in the hospital for a day as he was not feeling well and has to go in once the season is over for more tests.

Prestonpans HS

First two places go to Keith Howie see above regarding the winner; Keith’s 2^nd bird is another blue, dam has bred a federation winner and the sire is a full brother to ‘Blue Arrow’. 3^rd club is John Bird with a blue cock a Vandenabeele bloodline from Bryan Shipley of Woodside Lofts. Once again, many thanks for adding our club into your weekly column Joe, wishing you and Margaret all the best; Tom’.

Scottish Central Federation

News from Bernie who writes; ‘Hi Joe, I hope you and Margaret are both well, please find our Scottish Central federation result from the Otterburn race flown on 29^th July; with the 903 birds liberated at 09-30am into a south west wind.

Winchburgh & District Pigeon Club;

Had 6 members sending 308 birds, taking the first 3 places is Tam Manger; his winner of 1^st club 1^st Federation is a blue chequer cock from Dave Stone stock; 2^nd club & federation is a blue white flight hen a Henry Borthwick x Herman Ceuster; his 3^rd bird is a blue white flight cock a Dave Stone x Hermans Cuester. Other members in the federation result are; Henry Borthwick who was 4^th & 20^th; Marc Doran 6^th 15^th 16^th & 17^th.

Broxburn & Uphall Pigeon Club; Gordon Mackenzie wins 8^th & 19^th federation with Hugh Rafferty winning 9^th 10^th 13^th & 14^th federation. Cheers Joe yours Bernie’.  

Kingdom Racing Pigeon Association

News from Pete Penman who writes; ‘Hi Joe the KRPA were at Wooler for their 2^nd young bird race along with the Fife federation. Leading the way this week is Lou Mitchell of the Rosyth club with a chequer cock. This bird was bought in a kit of six from Gary Thaviner of Wales by Lou nephew. It is a Mysterio x Better Van Bolt. From this race the six birds were all home before Lou got one of his own homebred birds. They would like to say thank you to Gary for the birds. In 2^nd 3^rd & 5^th places is Sandy Proctor of St. Serfs. Sandy was on a family holiday to Seaton Sands, but decided to come home to put the birds away (as any good pigeon man would do). Nice to see you back in the sport Sandy Pete’. Fourth place goes to Coaltown's Gary Hall with a chequer Herman Cuester cock. In 6^th place is Coaltown's Pete Penman with a second round mealy whose parents were gift birds from Dyke Armour in 2020. At Rosyth Lou Mitchell took the first three, His second bird was a Cooreman x Mysterio, followed by the nest mate to his fed topper. At Leuchars Eric and Liz Young took the honours. Return wise, a few members reported full returns and others had two or three missing with some turning up the next day; yours Pete.

Almond Valley Federation

News from the secretary Lynne Stewart, with the result of the Wooler race flown on the 6^th of August with the convoy of 856 birds liberated at 08:30 hours. The result is quite unique as John Bird of West Calder takes the first 11 open places plus 13^th 14^th 15^th 16^th & 19^th open with John Hadfield of the same club winning 12^th 17^th 18^th 20^th 21^st & 22^nd open. (Truly outstanding results so well-done lads; Joe Murphy), as there are some top-quality fanciers who race in this federation; which makes the above results all the more spectacular.   

Balerno 30 birds; Bald & Johnstone 1226.664, 1224.930, 1223.448, 1143.438

Bonnybridge 273 birds; G Harris 1279.627, P Aitken 1278.787, 1273.564, Wells & Scott 1270.175

Carnwath 88 birds; S McArdle 1199.270, 1087.263, 1064.578, J Dornan 1060.268

East Calder 85 birds; Burnside & Drysdale 1318.260, 1314.524, 1314.027, Mr Mrs Fleming 1312.876

Fauldhouse 191 birds; T Gavin 1331.337, 1329.915, 1328.968, Colligan & Hope 1325.968

West Calder 189 birds; J Bird 1345.363, 1345.363, 1344.856, 1344.856

Fife Federation

News from Geordie Todd with the Wooler 1 young bird race flown on the 6^th August with the 1114 birds liberated at 09-30am into a light north west wind.

Topping the federation is Crossgates member Alaistair McCudden who also wins 1^st 2^nd 9^th & 10^th open. Frank Mitchell from Dunfermline club is 3^rd & 5^th with his club mates Walker Kennedy winning 4^th place and John Robertson winning 7^th spot. G Bell (1) of Crossgates club is 6^th & 8^th open.

West Section had Dunfermline sending 227 birds; Crossgates sending 251 birds & Lochgelly sending 159 birds. Alaistair McCudden wins 1^st & 2^nd positions. Frank Mitchell is 3^rd & 5^th with Walker Kennedy wining 4^th spot and G Bell 1 of Crossgates club is 6^th section. Centre Section had 300 birds from Kennoway club; B Chalmers takes the first 4 places with Sean Diamond winning 5^th spot and past SNFC Sartilly winner Jocky Scott winning 6^th place. The East Section; had Methilhaven club sending 131 birds with St Andrews sending 46 birds. J D Armour wins 1^st 3^rd 4^th 5^th & 6^th places with G Baxter of the same club winning 2^nd spot.

North of Scotland Federation

Before I start with this federations results, readers will hopefully see from my past notes, that the members of the federation only time in 3 BIRDS. This way the result is spaced out and more fanciers have a chance of making the section and open results. Whereas in some clubs & federations elsewhere in the BHW/RP you see some fanciers taking the first 10 or 12 places; therefore, the North of Scotland Federation have to be complimented on their forward thinking; thus, giving their members at least a chance to make the top 40 open positions, well done to the federation officials.

News from George Duthie with the result of the Strathkinness 2 young bird race; flown on the 6^th August with the 24 members sending 726 birds these were liberated into a light west wind. The first 12 open places were filled with East Section members (who had 20 members sending 635 birds) who are as follows; N Holt of Peterhead & District club takes the top spot with another 2 birds in 5^th & 10^th section and open. My old pal, Stewart Maskame & his partner Cordiner take the next 3 place; with R Bain of Fraserburgh & District club taking 6^th 7^th & 8^th positions. Colin McRae of Fraserburgh & District wins 9^th 11^th & 12^th section and open positions.   

The West Section had 4 members sending 91 birds. Taking the first 2 west section places and winning 31^st & 32^nd open is A Cormack of Buckie & District club.  Gordon Geddes of Elgin & District wins 3^rd 8^th & 9^th west section 33^rd 38^th & 39^th open. Clubmate P Thomson wins 4^th 5^th & 6^th section 34^th 35^th & 36^th open.

Clubs First Bird

N Holt wins Peterhead & District velocity 1351.482

R Bain wins Fraserburgh & District velocity 1308.005

A Higgins wins Fraserburgh West End velocity 1223.877

S Witherspoon wins Inverurie velocity 1223.733

A Cormack wins Buckie & District velocity 941.125

G Geddes wins Elgin & District velocity 893.994

Well Done to N Holt on topping the federation and also well done to A Cormack on winning the west section.

Pentland Hills Federation

News from Andy Miller with the first federation young bird race of the 2023 season which was flown from Otterburn on Saturday 29^th July. The distance being 55-67 miles for the members. The birds were liberated at 09:00 in a south west wind and the federation winner is Danderhall members Freddie & Willie Robertson, still awaiting details! Returns from the race seem to be really good with only 1 or 2 missing. The second race again from Otterburn on Sunday 6^th August liberated at 08:30 in a west to north west wind; we had 58 lofts sending 2,226 birds. Taking the red card is the Mr & Mrs Lindsay of Danderhall club recording a velocity of 1340. Helen Aitken & sons of Woodburn club are 2^nd & 4^th open. R Sammels of Castlebrae club is 3^rd position with Freddie & Willie Robertson of Danderhall club winning 5^th open. Walker & Brown of the same club take the next 4 places from 6^th 7^th 8^th & 9^th open with club mate J Dowling winning 10^th 11^th 12^th 13^th & 14^th places. This week’s winner is Mr & Mrs John Lindsay and loft laddie (Big Gaz) who timed their darkness youngster. Breeding is Lambrecht through the lines of ‘Lincia’ cocks and hens are flown separated with this hen paired to (Big Gaz) who obviously fancied her with club & fed winnings of around £700. John was on holiday in Amsterdam and watched the race from his laptop to witness the hen trapping at speed. He told Gaz he thought that would be an early one! Again, returns were really good as the previous week. Andy informs us that the next race will be from Consett. There is also a footnote on the federation result.

In the interest of ALL MEMBERS, it would be helpful that if you have noticed symptoms of “FAT EYE” within your loft that you may consider holding back your team until all is well. We ask that you be extremely vigilant. Andy Miller – President & Helen Aitken - Secretary

Obituary

I was very sorry to hear the passing of fellow scribe John Harwood of Kirkintilloch by Jim Barrons, who has been a friend of John’s for many years. John passed away peacefully on Saturday, 5^th August at 3:30pm surrounded by his family. John had been a feature writer for both the BHW and the RP and his articles were keenly awaited by his many followers. As well as being a great pigeon fancier, he was a great angler and also wrote articles for fishing magazines. On a personal level, John was a very good friend to Jim and taught him many things about pigeons and the countryside. I remember John coming with the father and son partnership of J & J Hood attending my yearly Sporting Challenge presentation. The 3 of them loved this night and also caught up with old friends and made new ones; depending on which table they sat at. I have also spoken to John over the phone many times and he was always a proper gentleman. To his wife Isla and his family, we send my deepest sympathy; May he rest in peace.

Space Weather

    27-day Space Weather Outlook Table Issued 07-08-2023

    UTC      Radio Flux   Planetary   Largest

   Date       10.7 cm      A Index    Kp Index

2023 Aug 07     168          12          4

2023 Aug 08     166          20          5

2023 Aug 09     164          12          4

2023 Aug 10     162           5          2

2023 Aug 11     162           5          2

2023 Aug 12     164           5          2

2023 Aug 13     164           5          2

2023 Aug 14     162           5          2

2023 Aug 15     162           5          2

2023 Aug 16     160           5          2

2023 Aug 17     162           5          2

2023 Aug 18     162           5          2

2023 Aug 19     164           5          2

2023 Aug 20     164           5          2

2023 Aug 21     168           5          2

2023 Aug 22     168           5          2

2023 Aug 23     168           5          2

2023 Aug 24     172           5          2

2023 Aug 25     172           5          2

2023 Aug 26     170          12          4

2023 Aug 27     172           5          2

2023 Aug 28     172           5          2

2023 Aug 29     174           5          2

2023 Aug 30     172           5          2

2023 Aug 31     172           5          2

2023 Sep 01     170           5          2

2023 Sep 02     168           5          2

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 log onto www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland

© Compiled by Joe Murphy