WILL PIGEON RACING SURVIVE?

In the medium term it will thrive in many lofts and organisations in the world. There is a place, where the love of bird competitions exists and fanciers seek recognition and dominion, by pitting their wits against natural forces and phenomena. Global nos. will reduce, yet the place of organisations like The BICC will be coveted along with racing specialisms. I do believe that organisations, hyped as Nationals ought to unite for huge entries in continental events to raise the profile all round. The Royals support the sport and horse racing which share common entities of animal husbandry, especially care, breeding and supplementation expertise. I do not agree with the cliché that the sport is dying-take a look at the UK celebrity pigeon culture, where iconic fanciers are flushed with praise. As long as man wishes to sit and wait for the racing fix then bird racing will continue in a distinctly human way, in the insular world of pigeons.

THE COMPLAINTS CULTURE: I see it and here it each and every day, the negative cynicism of criticism ,and the unloading of negative moods on to pigeon politics, people, events and every conceivable external influence. Pessimism equates to psychological failure in my philosophy. People resent the power and control of governments, hierarchies, bosses and committees. The quintessence of happiness to me is freedom, space and positive self-expression in an acceptable medium. A degree of personal spirituality, when experienced by the inner man, may contribute to self realisation of the individual person. Do your own thing was a wise dictum of the psychedelic subculture. If you can find some peace and harmony in nature then it is worth millions of dirty money. My piece is a little complaint, yet is so pertinent in Western Capitalist Society.

IF I CAN HELP SOMEBODY: The personality aspect of the game is fascinating and rewarding. At the moment I have been mentoring Nicholas Harvey, Ghenty, Michael Feeney, Chris Booth and Alan Kelly. The basic concept is the development of a personal approach to distance/marathon racing with a main focus on one race, in time, for us all The Barcelona International. We are all using my strain as a basis for the project, infused at times with some inbred outbreds as the strain evolves in various countries and geographical loft locations from Taunton to Ireland. A champion or 2 will emerge from the joint conscious efforts involved. Each person has there own agenda within the complex network, with the accent on self-realisation. There are a few interests, yet the overall thrust is personality in relation to racing pigeon cultivation at the top level of competition i.e. International/National. If anyone out there is interested in joining the clan, then reach out and contact any of us for exchange of quality bred birds, in the brotherhood of sporting competition.

Jim Emerton