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Good morning folks

Morning folks

sent another pm

How much for perches, sent you pm

I have a set of perches brand-new4 rows of 8 long 61” wide made wrong size for some one

Well done to the winners and a top class gesture from B Chalmers 👏👏👏

This picture isn’t just a print — it’s a piece of history captured in art. A perfect montage of pigeon racing — from liberation to flight, from the nest to the clock, and back home again. Every part of the sport is here: the birds breaking from the crates, the fancier timing in, the young in the nest, and the loft waiting at the end of a long day. What I love most about this image is how it captures the emotion behind the routine. Outsiders might see it as just a hobby — but those who know, know. It’s early mornings, long nights, bad weather, good luck, heartbreak, and joy all rolled into one. The painting tells our story better than words ever could. Every fancier has their own memory in this picture — that feeling when the first bird drops after a hard race, when the clock ticks over, when the day’s effort finally turns into pride. That’s pigeon racing: not just a sport, but a way of life. 🕊️

Copied from Facebook 2nd November 2025 🎯 The Inspiring Story of Mark Gilbert 🎯 A RE-WRITE OF AN OLD ARTICLE When a 15-year-old boy watched one of his pigeons fly home from a 560-mile race and finish 233rd in the National Flying Club (NFC) Pau National, two things happened: he burst into tears of joy and fell completely in love with long-distance pigeon racing. That boy was Mark Gilbert from Winkfield near Windsor in Berkshire. Over the next three decades, that early passion never faded — it only grew stronger. While many have tried, very few have matched his record of success in the world of international pigeon racing. 🚀 A Breakthrough Moment In 2003, the West Country fancier Brian Sheppard achieved what many thought impossible: 1st NFC and 1st International Dax against more than 19,000 pigeons. The following year, Mark Gilbert equalled that incredible feat — 1st NFC and 1st International Dax, beating over 17,000 pigeons, with Brian Sheppard finishing second. That moment established Mark as one of the elite fanciers in the country. 🏠 The Loft Setup Mark began with a modest 6 ft × 6 ft builder’s shed. Today, his “Southfield” loft complex is 140 ft long, facing south-east, plus a 33 ft brick stock loft. Widowhood loft: 72 ft × 10 ft, eight sections, housing 86 widower cocks in six sections and hens in two. Young-bird loft: 40 ft × 10 ft, four sections, holding around 160 young birds. Roundabout loft: 27 ft long, two sections plus a central corn store for 32 racing hens. All lofts feature grid flooring and automatic nest-boxes — keeping things clean and efficient. Mark’s father Geoff also helps daily, ensuring everything runs smoothly. 🕊️ How the Birds Are Trained Mark’s system is simple but highly disciplined. After the moult, birds are paired: stock birds in December, widower cocks in February. All racers — sprint, mid, and distance — are mated at the same time. Training: Long-distance cocks get two 15-mile tosses before their first race (usually 80–100 miles). They then exercise twice daily for about an hour. Young birds: Raised on the darkness system. They get two training tosses per week from 35–40 miles plus the same twice-daily exercise routine. Mark describes his approach as “hard but fair” — the birds are tested, but never overworked. 🌾 Feeding, Health & Breeding Feed: Both widowers and young birds get a Versele Laga Superstar Plus mix with about 10% barley. Before major races, peanuts and seeds are added. Medication: Minimal. A brief canker treatment before mating and another before big races. Mark believes that good corn provides most of the vitamins birds need. Breeding: Only proven performers are bred from. Two main bloodlines dominate his loft: Deweerdt Family: Strong, muscular birds with excellent feather quality. Van Elsaker Family: Blues that excel at sprint and middle distance — including “Southfield Supreme,” the 1st International Dax winner. He has also introduced bloodlines from German international winner Hans Peter Brockamp to enhance stamina and performance. 💡 Why It Works Mark’s philosophy is simple: he’d rather have a bird that wins than one that just looks pretty. Many of his top performers weren’t “show birds” — they were tough, determined athletes bred from proven winners. Everything about his setup focuses on what truly matters: Smart loft design Consistent training Simple feeding Proven genetics Ruthless selection based on performance ❤️ More Than Just Racing Beyond his results, Mark is admired for his generosity — often donating pigeons to charity sales and local clubs. He’s also known as a level-headed voice in the sport, respected for his work on the National Flying Club committee. 🏆 Final Word From a small shed to one of the most successful lofts in the world, Mark Gilbert’s journey proves what passion, dedication, and smart systems can achieve. His success isn’t luck — it’s built on years of consistency, clear thinking, and love for the birds. Here’s to the next chapter in the Southfield story — and to the inspiration Mark Gilbert continues to give to fanciers everywhere.

Show on Sunday 7/12 /25 just a few entries left

Show on Sunday 7/12 /25 just a few entries left

Most Ayrshire members will have known Dan, unfortunately I can't help with anything on your grandfather Victor sorry

Hi everyone, I found this thread with my papas name in it along with my Grans brother. I am hoping someone out there remembers one or both of them. My papa Victor Szulc from 37 Hemphill view, Knockentiber loved pigeons and so did his brother in law Dan McTaggart who was from Knockentiber but lived in Shortlees, Kilmarnock. I found an article in the Kilmarnock Standard from 1952 that has pigeon results in it and my Papa is mentioned. He was born in Poland in 1922, settled in Ayrshire after WW2, married my Gran in 1948 and died in 1972 (before I was born) I have only ever seen one photo of him once as a child so I'm not sure id even recognise him. It would mean a lot to me if I could find a member here that perhaps has a photo of their family at a pigeon racing competition with Victor in it too. Thanks a lot in advance, Vicky

Copied from Facebook 28th October 2025 By Brian Black BIDS CAN BE POSTED ON DANDERHALL RPC FACEBOOK PAGE Let’s get the show on the road this is the list of ybs available. all proceeds will be donated to the mari curie hospice im not very good at all this lol ill post all lots in comments and if everyone could comment on the lot they are interested in please. Ill let it run until Wednesday the 5th of November. its down to the buyer to organise pick up of the yb they purchase. Thanks lads looking forward to see how we do. This is a grate cause ❤️ I’ll leave use to bid then Ill close comments Single ybs start at £30 Kits of two £60 Kit of 6 £150 1. Black & Coupe 2 2. W Pryde & son 6 3. A Walker 1 4. S Girdwood 1 5. Bobby Dickson 2 6. T Richardsonrd 2 7. F&w Robertson 2 8. Ian Summers 2 9. Alasdair Maclean 1 10. Dennis Anderson Snr 1 11. Andrew McBurnie 1 12. Fraser Perring 1 13.Robert Walker 2 14. Eskvalley Lofts Davy Brown 2 15. Lyndsay & mackie 2 16. Andy Miller 1 17. Law & Brady 1 18. S jones & son 1 19. Cammy Heeps 2 20. Pat Ward 2 21. Robert Pearson 2 22. Alac benson 1 23. W.b Massey 1

Well done and great gesture by Brian

Well done folks, and a very nice gesture from Brian Chalmers 👌

FIFE FEDERATION WINNER OF THE THE BREEDER BUYER WAS ALAN KEANIE WITH BIRD SU25F1476 1ST CLUB ALNWICK 1ST CLUB HARROWGATE, 1ST KINGDOM FED HARROWGATE 1ST CLUB ACKWORTHMOORE, 4TH KINGDOM FED WELL DONE ALAN £200 BREEDER BRIAN CHALMERS £200 WHICH HE DONATED TO THE FIFE FEDERATION THANKS AGAIN TO PIGEONBASICS FOR ALLOWING US TO RUN OUR SALE ON THERE SITE

Today we celebrate a remarkable milestone: Hans Eijerkamp turns 91 years old! 🌟🎉 For more than 75 years, Hans has dedicated his life to his lifelong passion, the pigeon sport.  What began in the 1950s has grown into an extraordinary legacy: the transformation of Greenfield stud in Brummen into one of the most renowned racing-pigeon lofts in the world. 🕊️🌍 With his son Evert-Jan, Hans developed the celebrated Eijerkamp strain, rooted in legendary bloodlines such as Janssen, Van Loon, Leo Heremans and Leideman.  Among his many favourites was the iconic pigeon “De Oude Bange” a bird that still features in the pedigrees of today’s top-performing pigeons like Zoe! 🧡 Even now, at 91, Hans remains actively involved, celebrating every new success at Team Eijerkamp. A standout moment in recent years: the acquisition of the famous “Geeloger” cock and the welcoming of two super pigeons for the 2026 Olympiad in Dortmund, Olympic Evelyne and Olympic Amber.✨ Hans, we wish you many more happy moments among your beloved pigeons and with your wife Hilma. May the coming year bring joy, fulfilment and even greater flight paths. 🍀 Happy 91st birthday! 🥂

Congratulations everyone

Great memories in this photo 💕