Jim Emerton

ARTICLES

An Interview with Ian 'MILKY' Willis of York

I have known this dynamic and charismatic man for nearly 30 years. With his innate talents he has raced with distinction in the sprint and middle distance races of York. He has done so well that I have asked him the following questions to yield insight into the nature of the man and his birds:

1. When did you first contemplate the idea of being a top pigeon man?

Thank you Jim for giving our fellow fanciers an insight of myself and my birds. I have always wanted to be a top pigeon man. When I restarted in 1998 with my wife Sarah, Roger Morton of Fulford put me on the right track, winning 8 out of 10 races and top prize winner of the club flying y/birds only. A massive thank you to Roger and my lovely wife for all their help, support and patience throughout the last ten years.

2. Which fanciers inspired you to do well?

You yourself Jim inspired me from a very young age to become a top successful pigeon man but Roger Morton had the biggest influence of all and the current fancier who helps me is Clive Lister of York, a very good friend and top pigeon man, a phone call away if needs be.

3. I remember your father Freddie, with affection, was he a great influence on your career?

Yes Jim my father was a massive influence. Like me he loved his pigeons and always gave me 100%  support through out my life.

4. You have won many races. Are you motivated to beat your fellow men or by some larger plan?

I send my pigeons like myself, 100% motivated to win at club, fed, and combine level. If I had the time I would like to fly Nationals, but with a young family, time is at a premium. However one day, you never know.

5. Do  you accept that International racing is in the highest echelons of racing?

Yes Jim, this must be the pinnacle of our sport, but International, National, Combine, enjoy your pigeon race which ever suits.

6. Describe in some detail the crucial aspects  of your winning system?

Good pigeons keep things simple and I regularly use common sense. Don’t rush. Listen to top pigeon men, read as much as you can, work out a system and stick to it.

7. In yours mind's eye, what are the winning aspects of a top fancier?

You will only ever become a top fancier by putting in time and dedication, obtaining good winning pigeons for which ever racing you want to do, and are interested in, keep your pigeons healthy, don’t overcrowd, don’t breed young birds out of inferior pigeons. I would much rather have 30 young birds than 80.

8. Would you describe yourself as having an  obsessive, dedicated will to win races, and is this your secret of your success?

I am very dedicated to my birds. I give them 100% and accept that back from them in return. I don’t have any real secrets, Jim except to say that you should endeavour to learn by your mistakes and if you get knocked down, get back up and try again. Winners don’t quit, and quitters don’t win. Hard work is the only secret!!

9. What is the single most critical aspect needed to win races?

Try to keep your birds as healthy as possible and don’t over crowd. I think this is a must if you want to win.

10. What do you think of strain or family names in the sport?

As we all know, you have your own strain, as does Brian Denney of York, but behind any strain you must have a good winning base. My birds consist of Van Loons and  Soontjens, Barney Rhodes, Castleford via Frank Sheader and Willy Thas Dave Valentine directs. Like anything else, Jim we all have good and bad ones. The answer is to eradicate the bad ASAP and work with the good ones then you will be ok. “Family name”. Pigeons in the sport are just that names. Good pigeons from good pigeons, regardless of any name what ever. Winners to winners is the answer for me.