The Elimar Personality Profile

GEORGE WHEATMAN

 (Questions by Jim Emerton)

Did you love and observe nature as a child, and were your parents keen on pigeons?

I was born on a farm, although I lived there only for the first two years of my life, but I have lived mainly in villages. I enjoyed an idyllic childhood having the freedom to wander the countryside in a manner rare today. Collecting birds eggs was a hobby for most country boys and, strangely, did not seem to have an adverse effect on the bird population, but there were not many birds of prey then. There were always dogs, chickens, rabbits etc around the family yard, and it was a rural tradition to keep a pig for eventual slaughter to keep the family and neighbours well fed. I have always been drawn to open spaces and that is why I love Lincolnshire so much.

My father worked the land with heavy horses for much of his life, and I was allowed to work them on my own from an early age, something which, today, would send Health and Safety experts into a frenzy.

So, yes, there was a love of nature instilled in me pretty well from birth. Ironically, I took two of my grandchildren to see the house where I was born and my 14-year-old granddaughter, living as she does in the hurly burly of Manchester, was appalled at the loneliness of the site. To me it was heaven. Strangely, though, she loves one of the true country pastimes, riding, and to see the trust and love for each other she and her horse have suggests that something has passed down through the family genes.

My parents had never been involved with pigeons, but I got into the sport when my father worked for a farmer whose son kept pigeons and still does at the age of 85 and I used to time in for him while he was courting a girl who lived nearby! Subsequently my father was very supportive although, I know now, he could ill afford the cost.

How did your competitive instincts in life develop, and what and who inspired you to dedicate yourself to winning, and are you motivated by greatness?

I grew up alongside a group of village lads who were sports mad and we organised for ourselves everything from boxing matches, to 20-a-side football, cricket, tennis etc. Luckily one of the lads was doted on by his grandfather, a wealthy farmer, whose paddock we used for these activities, although he was not too happy when we turned his tennis court into a cycle track. He always made sure we had a football to kick around, and some cricket equipment. Since most of these activities were carried out by boys in hobnailed boots, you had to look out for yourself. I never did like losing at this age, and went on to be a county schoolboy footballer and cricketer. Peaked at about 15 to 16, I think, and it was downhill all the way after that. I was secretary, and one of the founders, of my village’s under 15 boys’ football team at the age of 11, and we played on a pitch that had a telegraph pole in the middle of it, and self-made goalposts that had sagging crossbars. My sporting heroes were Raich Carter (football), Dennis Compton (cricket) and Randolph Turpin (boxing).

Did your early education and peer groups sow the seeds of your future success?

Success? I am still waiting, and time is running out! I kept pigeons as a boy and did not really know what I was doing. There were more tears than wins but, although I left the sport in my early teens, the love of pigeon racing had been instilled into my very being. Although it took some 40 years (devoted to career and family) to make a comeback, I always knew I would. This second phase as a fancier has lasted about 20 years so far, and the meagre successes  have been limited to my small, local club, and the odd decent bird in Federation and the NRCC. In truth, I am usually among the less accomplished fanciers in whatever organisation I belong, but am always hopeful that some of the decent birds I know I have will, one day, overcome the handicap I place on them.

Can you describe the individual personal qualities that you demonstrate in life and sport?

One successful fancier, and good friend, once expressed the opinion that I was not ruthless enough to succeed at pigeon racing. I think that is true. I give the birds too many chances, cannot cull them myself, and breed too many. Perhaps I am too much of a pigeon lover to hit the heights but I am always full of ambition for the next season. I enjoy the sport in my own way and, as in life, do not always follow the herd. I like to live a rounded life that includes things other than pigeon racing, and I know that there are routines that are pushed to one side on occasions to accommodate other things, particularly family matters. Top sports coaches will tell you that paying attention to small details adds to decisive advantages. I am lax when it comes to some of the details with the pigeons. Why I continue to do things in this way, only a psychologist could explain. Career-wise, I like to think that I was hard-working, conscientious, fair-minded, blessed with creative ideas and was reasonably successful. Certainly fulfilled.

Are you motivated by pigeon celebrity fame and culture or wish to remain relatively detached from it all, as some key fanciers do?

Once it became clear that I was never going to play for England at football or cricket, any ambitions of celebrity and fame went out of the window. Indeed, I am rather suspicious of people who are over-ambitious and who seek personal attention all the time it is usually at the expense of someone else. The great joy of pigeon racing is that you can enjoy most of it in your own backyard. I am content with my own company and on race days always want to be on my own when waiting for the birds.

Have you made a study of books, of the art and science of pigeon racing?

Yes, I have read a great deal about pigeon racing, some of which has been informative and original. I also enjoy reading the weekly magazines, and watching some of the DVDs, the quality of which has improved greatly in recent years. There is plenty of information and advice out there and, in that sense, it is much easier for beginners than it was all those years ago when I started.

What, if any are your tastes in art, books and music?

Music has passed me by almost completely. They banned me from singing in music lessons at school. Art? Traditional landscapes sometimes catch my eye. Books are my weakness or should that be strength? I will read pretty well anything, especially books that improve my knowledge of the world we live in and how political decisions have been made in my lifetime, and have a pretty massive collection of books. I am always reluctant to part with any book. I love reading biographies that are honest and forthcoming. Having worked in newspapers all my life, I very much like to read about the industry, past and present. I look for facts in the books I read, and do not aspire too much to reading novels. My family always know what birthday and Christmas presents to buy. I would be disappointed if they were not books. I would also read every daily newspaper if I had the time. As it is, I content myself with two each day.

What is your take on the image of pigeons as perceived by the public - is it a working class hobby or dominated by the rich and powerful who may be different?

I don’t think the image of pigeon racing has changed almost since its inception. The public as a whole know very little about it and many have derisory opinions, and outdated vision of a stereotypical pigeon fancier. The public, I believe, think it is a working class hobby for the Andy Capps of this world. Of course, there is a cross section of society in the hobby. The rich have a head start only if they have the ability to take advantage of the quality of stock they can afford. Some less wealthy fanciers can achieve great things because they are naturally gifted, dedicated and hard-working.

Pigeon racing has, for far too long, done little to improve its image and it is only in recent times that the advice of Public Relations experts has been sought, and that is only because the predatory bird problem has forced our hand. Good publicity starts at ground level, and every club, Federation and classic club should have an official capable of dispensing publicity to local and regional media (newspapers, magazines, radio, television and websites) and, to do this, they should be assisted by packages and advice from Union leaders who, in turn, should receive media training from the experts. It would be money well spent if they could be taught just what the media is looking for in terms of stories and photographs etc. The sport is full of good stories, particularly for local newspapers who don’t want just bland results.

Do you like football, athletics and other sports, and who are the top in their field?

I love sport in general, particularly football and cricket, and I am fascinated by the advances made in techniques, diet, fitness levels, tactics and dedication. All this runs in parallel with the demands of pigeon racing and, I believe, it is no co-incidence that many good fanciers have also excelled at other sports.

How do women differ in their personal approaches to livestock?

I was once advised by a female work colleague: “Don’t ever try to understand women, you would be wasting your time. We don’t even understand ourselves.” I expect that could be ruled as sexist in this politically correct age but, having lived in female-dominated households for much of my life, I still don’t get their mindset! What I do know, however, is that if a fancier has the wholehearted, no-questions-asked support of his wife, he is at a big advantage over the man who doesn’t have this support. Invariably ladies have a special relationship with animals, and often have a much kinder, softer approach that reaps its own rewards.

What is your perception on how a bird orientates and homes?

Much better brains than mine have not been able to work it out, and I hope it stays that way. Homing instinct is obviously in-born and, I would suggest, can by improved by intelligent breeding. The fact that birds race much better on clear, sunny days might suggest that the position of the sun helps with orientation. Whatever it is that makes these super specimens find their way home at speed is mystifying and incredible, and helps make the sport of pigeon racing a fascinating hobby.

Do you see mankind as being superior to other life forms on earth or not?

Mankind has the intelligence that would make you believe they are superior to other life forms, but the manner in which they sometimes use that intelligence makes you wonder. Other species seem to live happier, less complicated lives.

What do you think about writers, committees and politics?

No sport or hobby can work without an army of dedicated administrators, and luckily pigeon racing has many talented people willing to give their time and efforts to make the sport work for us. I become incensed at the venomous manner in which some officials are attacked by self-centred fanciers who cannot see the bigger picture, and want every decision to benefit them. Pigeon racing can never be completely fair geographically, and there will be winners and losers whenever decisions are made. But this is no reason to treat our officers as badly as many people seem to think they have a right to do. Holding office in a pigeon racing organisation sometimes seems worse than being a football referee. Everybody knows better, and many feel it is acceptable to dish out the abuse. It is not.

The fragmented manner in which pigeon racing is governed has always puzzled me, especially as there are now fewer members. Perhaps we should follow football’s example and appoint an all-embracing commission to recommend a new approach? Would it not make sense to have one controlling body for the whole of the United Kingdom which would be the voice of pigeon racing to the fancy and public at large? Present organisations could become the regional bodies, and the RPRA regions disbanded. Of course, I would not hold my breath for any dramatic change, and this would be as difficult as negotiating peace in Afghanistan. It would need a tremendous amount of goodwill to overcome the inward thinking that is prevalent in the sport.

Writers in any activity are important to spread information, stimulate ideas, create discussion, hold decision makers to account and to ensure transparency in all aspects. I like to think I make a contribution to the sport by being Press Officer for the North Road Championship Club, a position I have held for 13 seasons now. My motive is to give a little back to the sport I enjoy so much, and to try to give credit to fanciers who deserve to be acknowledged for their efforts. There are many outstanding fanciers in the NRCC, and their ability, knowledge and commitment never ceases to amaze me. My writings are not about me and my opinions, but an attempt to highlight the performances of top pigeon men. Invariably there is a good story to tell, and it is always my aim to tease that out of sometimes very modest fanciers.  Hopefully, sometimes I succeed.

Is a belief system of value to you?

In half a century working as a journalist I have been wary of people with Belief. Often it is followed by another B word Bigotry. I do, however, envy people who have Faith, something which I have not been able to discover. Of course, I do believe there is a correct and proper manner in which to go about leading your life. I would like to believe that good overcomes evil, but life has taught me that is just a myth. But we should go on trying to be the best we can be.

The universe is vast - is it possible that life exists beyond the earth?

I was once advised by a wise old man never to think about life hereafter, or what might exist beyond this earth. If you do, he said, it will drive you crazy. So I took his advice. And now it is just pigeon racing that drives me crazy!

What is the ultimate goal in your pigeon racing life?

I would like an occasional win better still if it were in a national race! The ultimate goal would to be win regularly. Next season, I am confident . . . . just as I was last pre-season, and the season before, and just as every football fan is before kick off. Unfortunately some of us become relegation fodder but it still does not remove the optimism for the next campaign.

Is strain creation still valid today?

Yes, of course it is, and there are fanciers up and down the country trying to do just that, and trying to create a family, or strain, which will tackle the kind of racing they prefer. More and more of them, it seems, are looking for success at the distance, so patience is so important. Creating a family, or strain, of pigeons to help you achieve your ambitions is one of the fascinating things about the sport.

What must a pigeon racing great achieve to be given the distinction?

Consistency against good opposition, and sizeable entries, from a variety of distances, I would suggest, would be the hallmark of a champion. It is not necessary to always win. To occupy a good position on the result sheet regularly is better than one out-of-the blue win, however big that win may be. If he features prominently in top competitions when entering only a small number of birds then he climbs higher up the ladder towards being a pigeon racing great.

Which is the top pigeon racing nation on earth?

Many people think the grass is always greener the other side, and look towards the Continent for the best racing pigeons, and there is no doubt that Belgium has set the pace for many years. But, since we live on a small island which brings such a varied climate, I think our top fanciers are a match for most.

How do you wish to be remembered in history?

I am not too concerned about what people think of me, as long as I feel comfortable with the life I have led, but I do hope my family will have fond memories, will miss me a little bit, and remember that the only time I was really grumpy was in the build-up to Christmas.

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Elimar October 2013