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How much for perches, sent you pm

Any photos?

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.

Good morning folks

Morning folks

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 💕

Once again WP tells the story of Phil' the cockney' Hyslop and his SNFC winners. Some fancier and even bigger character. Enjoy. On 23rd September there was a Post on this site, which showed a photograph of the front page of the September 1990 issue of the Gazette, with the pigeon featured being Blue Pied hen ‘Newington Sharlisa, that was bred and raced by Philip Heslop from Annan. Having previously lived in London, Philip moved to Annan following his marriage and influenced by friends and work colleagues he decided to enter the Fancy assembling a modest team of pigeons that were gifted to him by several local fanciers including Billy Dalrymple, with whom he formed a close friendship. In the early days a young Pied hen entered the loft, which he reported and was allowed to keep. It was bred by Peter Virtue from Cockburnspath and contained the lines of SURP62E7236 on the Dam’s side, which was a noted stock bird in Peter’s loft and a Kirkpatrick cock from John Jackson from Longtown on the Sire’s side that contained the lines of ‘443’ and ‘Solway King’. This hen developed into an absolute beauty and when Philip entered her in a local Show that was judged by Tom Little from Creca it not only won its Class but following the Show Tom spoke to Philip and told him he was so impressed with it he should ‘nail it to the floor’. This hen proved to be a superb breeder producing a number of really good pigeons, including a cock that was 1st South Section 21st Open Avranches. In 1981 Philip attended the Clearance Sale of Eddie McCall from Wigton in the company of Billy Dalrymple. Present at the Sale also was Ian Axe from Owston Ferry, who by chance knew Billy and in conversation Billy introduced Ian to Philip. By coincidence, Ian shared a friendship with Andy Irving, who was also friendly with Philip; Andy was actually the brother of Jimmy Irving of ‘Solway King’ fame and when on one occasion Ian was visiting Andy at Annan he was taken to Philip’s home to view the pigeons. The bottom line was that a friendship was formed with Philip receiving pigeons from Owston Ferry containing best bloodlines. He obtained his first youngsters from Ian Axe in 1982 and to illustrate the quality of the birds received, in 1983 he was 10th, 15th and 100th Open in the Yearling Derby organised by the Scottish Midweek Specialist Club with all three of the winning pigeons having been received from Ian the previous year. In 1983 also he won the W.J. Gass Trophy in the Federation for the best average from the two Open races with Ian Axe bloodlines being influential in winning the trophy. In 1990 Philip realised an ambition to win a Scottish National when he headed the result from Sartilly (1) with ‘Newington Sharlisa’. The convoy was released at 6.30am with Philip timing the winner at 3.20pm, recording a velocity of 1449ypm and heading the result by 52ypm. ‘Newington Sharlisa’ was a 1988 bred Blue Pied hen that had two races as a youngster and went to Dorchester as a yearling. She was coupled during the third week in February 1990 and reared a pair of youngsters in her first round, was dummied on the second round and was then set down for Sartilly on her third round of eggs, going to the race covering ten day eggs. In preparation she went to five inland races to Cheltenham and was then given five training tosses with her fifth toss being from Windermere that is off the regular route on which the Solway birds work, which meant that she had to ‘think’ to negotiate her way home. The Sire of ‘Newington Sharlisa’ was a Blue Pied Delbar cock, which Philip obtained from Ian Axe. Dam was a Dr. Manil Delbar Grizzle hen that Philip had on loan from friend Alex Graham, having been bred by Alan McCulloch. Having said that the Dam of the Pied hen was received on loan from Alex Graham, in should be explained that in former years I worked at the Cochran Boilerworks and as part of my job I interfaced with a several fanciers who worked in other Departments with one such fancier being Alex who was a Product Inspector and as the years passed, he and I became close friends. Alex had an interest in the pigeon hobby having been influenced by his father, Willie Graham, who was a very able fancier and close friend of John Kirkpatrick, indeed when JK was suffering from a terminal illness in his final years, Willie assisted him to care for his pigeons. With his father’s team at the back door of the family home and visiting the loft of John Kirkpatrick with his father, one could understand why Alex was steeped in our hobby. He told me often of being at John Kirkpatrick’s loft when ‘Galabank Prince’ and ‘Galabank Duke’ homed from Nantes in 1952 to be 1st and 2nd Open National. He said that when the first pigeon arrived, John Kirkpatrick was in the house shaving and his father was in the loft. The pigeon hit the platform and Alex alerted his father, telling him the yellow one was home. He told me that ‘Galabank Prince’ was a pale Red and was known by John Kirkpatrick and his father as “the yellow cock”. His father timed the pigeon and John Kirkpatrick came out of the house half-shaved. Following the death of John Kirkpatrick, Willie raced the team for a further season in the name of Mrs. Kirkpatrick and in 1954 was 3rd Open from S.N.F.C. Rennes with ‘Galabank Remembrance’. In time Alex married, with his wife Margaret, being the daughter of Alan McCulloch from Waterloo, Wishaw, who was another super fancier. Alan was 2nd Open S.N.F.C. Rennes 1952 and importantly had the magical ability to produce quality pigeons on a regular basis. Following his marriage, Alex entered the fancy in partnership with friend Adam Donaldson, with Margaret ‘behind the scenes’ actively contributing to the success story. On forming their loft, Alex and Adam used the Kirkpatrick lines of Willie Graham, stock obtained from friends in West Cumberland and introductions from Alan McCulloch. Over the years they gained a number of successes, including 1st Section Avranches 1981 and 1st Section Sartilly 1985. They additionally won an S.N.F.C. Gold Award with their winner having scored from the channel with the S.N.F.C. on eight occasions and in 1969 won the Young Bird National. Alex had a great eye for a pigeon and having been beside him, on visiting lofts, was well aware that he always but always selected the best pigeons in the shed. On the day before basketing for the Sartilly National in 1990 he called me on the internal phone at our work and said “come with me tonight to Philip Heslop’s and handle the Blue Pied hen he’s sending to Sartilly, it will be a first time ever Billy, the scribe has attended at the loft and handled the National winner before it went to the race”. He added “I was there last night and had a hold of it, it’s an absolute topper, is in marvellous order and it wouldn’t surprise me one wee bit if it came out and won the National”. Well, Alex was a bit of a joker and believing it to be a wind-up, I chose not to go. Well as explained above, the Pied hen did indeed win the National and in retrospect, I maybe should have heeded my friend’s advice. Move forward to 1993 and Philip gained his second National win. Pigeons competing with the S.N.F.C. from Nantes formed part of a large convoy including birds from several North of England organisations. The race was planned Saturday for 3rd July and whilst the English entry was released on schedule, the S.N.F.C. entry was ‘held over’ due to an unfavourable weather forecast for the North of England and Scotland. Conditions were no better the following day but with an improved forecast on the Monday the Scottish entry was released at 8.30am on Monday 5th July into a light North wind. The race proved difficult with no arrivals on the day of liberation. Philip Heslop timed at 9.17am on the second day to head the result on 822ypm, 43ypm ahead of the second pigeon in the result with the second pigeon in the Section being 6 hours behind the race winner. Philip only had a single bird at the race but it was but it was a right good one, having scored on several occasions as youngster including 17th Section 216th Open from the Y.B. National. She wasn’t raced as a yearling as she was injured but was back on the road as a 2 y.o. going through the programme to Sartilly being 39th Section 56th Open. She went to the channel again as a 3 y.o. on this occasion being 46th Section 154th Open Rennes. The intention was in 1993 to send her to Rennes again and in preparation she was paired in early March and reared a pair of youngsters, thereafter going to four inland races with the Federation through to Cheltenham with the plan being to set her up for Rennes. She threw her third and fourth flights together however, which prompted Philip to change her race to give the new flights ‘time’ to grow and went to Nantes covering 12 day eggs. The National winner was a Blue Pied hen that was bred by Ian Axe, the Dam a dark eyed Blue Chequer bred by Robert Venus, bloodlines being Jan Aarden containing long distance lines through to Barcelona with the noted ‘Dolle’ being quoted prominently in the pedigree. Sire was Blue Delbar cock ‘Brian’, Sire of many winners through to 500 miles. He was out of two direct Delbar imports, ‘La Rose’ and ‘Le Sirrocco. ‘Le Sirrocco’ that was out of a 1964 Blue hen when paired to ‘Petit Blue’ 1st National Libourne. As explained Philip’s first National winner was named ‘Newington Sharlisa’ with the Nantes winner being named ‘Newington Martina’. There you have it, the story of Philip Heslop’s two National winners, adding words to the photograph that appeared on Solway Federation Facebook page on 23rd September. Billy Wortley