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Good morning folks

Morning folks

Copied from Facebook 9th November 2025 Scottish Central federation Presentation Night Friday 14th November Buchan Park bowling club EH52 5AF 7:30 pm buffet Pies Sausage roll sandwiches and home baking only £10 We have guests John Bosworth Keven Witham and Keith Cochran for a questions on their methods etc we have 10 birds for sale Kindly Donated by John Bosworth Keith Cocrane Kevin Witham C & G Cameron John Hadfield Jonny Mallon Peter Keogh R W Hamilton and Derek Hay To book your tickets call Jo Forrest on 07724450760 by Tuesday 11th

Meet GI Joe — the feathered hero who saved over 1,000 lives. 🕊️🇺🇸 During WWII, this brave pigeon flew 20 miles in just 20 minutes to deliver a message that stopped a bombing on Allied troops. For his courage, he was awarded the Dickin Medal — the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. Not all heroes wear capes — some have wings.

Have another set if anyone interested

Copied from Facebook 8th November 2025 North of Scotland Show Update:- All please see the approval documentation received yesterday, Stuart sent in the request and I called the Inverness office. Great turn round Stuart received this letter and I received a call from DEFRA who informed me if there was any thing else they could help us with just to give them a call, well can’t get better than that. Please remember to give me your CPH numbers either by messenger etc or at the show. Also there is a raffle so please bring along a prize if you have one. I am going up to the hall week commencing the 17th to discuss the arrangements, access etc. Remember this hall is run by the village therefor we have to leave it as we find it which I don’t think will be a problem.

Also got other sizes if any one interested

Well done

Kinsley P.H.S Old cocks show winner G.Gill & B..Morris

Copied from Facebook 5th November 2025

Sold

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