FANCIERS THAT HAVE STOOD THE TEST OF TIME

The world of the pigeon and fancier tends to be ephemeral, transient and short-lived. I am heartened and intrigued by those who have put more than 30 years into the sport and the cultivation of their flocks. We often notice these people as they are publicised heavily in Europe and the world at large. The corollary is that many shun or avoid publicity and have excellent strains of birds. We have a perception of persistence and quality with these people - the truth is that names are made by a few good birds, after rigorous progeny testing. I think men and their ladies can be hooked on the family concept of the birds and success - it is a grand hobby. The folks tend to be of mature age, of the old school, people like Bush, Denney, Gordon, Donaldson, Van der Wegen and Denys. These are illustrious exponents of the art and science of pigeon racing and are distinguished by the strains created in the love and enjoyment of pigeon racing.

Jim Emerton

 

THE OBSCURE NATURE OF FAME

A person in Ethiopia was reading my work and this was significant to me. In all the places in the world where the writers work is digested, the author remains unknown in all his complexity. We recognise and perceive an image, which may assume an identity of its own in the popular consciousness of the times. I am intrigued by the mystery of the individual within the cult of the celebrity. Every man is an Island and I feel it is important to maintain a sense of integrity and individuality in society. People are often made famous by the media which recognises perceived talent and originality. I believe many like a space of free air in which they function as a separate, autonomous entity, with insights this may engender. Many go through life without knowing themselves, yet alone others. However, the fame impulse can be the beating heart of the human condition and most of us are conditioned by its influences, since humanity tends to be a social organism.

Jim Emerton

BENEFITS OF EXPERIENCE

We all start at base zero, yet some are blessed with an insight into birds and the weather, from childhood days say in the countryside, or from pigeon keeping parents. Real knowledge of breeding and racing is learned over many years by the persistent practice of those disciplines. The old master may take the young person under his wing, if you are fortunate to meet him, otherwise you will learn the hard way. After time the way forward may clear and become lucid, as a system which is repeatable is established, and there is some rational order and predictability to your efforts, a solid core of experience. You can be confident then in your experience despite the stimulus of others and their new birds to change. At this stage you know the game and can enjoy doing your own thing. It will have been a convoluted journey to reach a comfortable level of insight and wisdom.

Jim Emerton

 

 

ONE STEP BEYOND

Strange things may happen to you on your earthly journey through life and they make you wonder. In the heat and fervour of a sprint race, I was standing in the loft, shut off from the outside world in a state of heady excitement. With a mind in full gear, I visualised the gay pied hen zooming in to win the race. Stepping outside into the cold light of day, she appeared in a dazzling flash and with the sun on her she glowed red, in glorious moments of euphoria. Then there was the time, when sitting bolt upright, my future flashed before my eyes in the form of a montage of dark chequer pigeons that I was to cultivate. I follow that profound experience, in reality some 30 years later. With travels through Afghanistan into the Himalaya and into Africa and America, I have seen some wonderful things, with moments of awe. Soon I may have an Anthology out in deference to those colourful experiences.

Jim Emerton