retired

Many in the English speaking world maybe ignorant of the Horemans strain and indeed in the world of many vernaculars. Yet according to the sports historians it is a strain that many strains are indebted to and in fact it has been likened to the strain of the great Karl Wegge. Corneel Horemans had the reputation of bringing many to the sport as members and also actively sought public support for the fancy.One source intimates that in relation to club and fed racing Corneel believed that after the first 4 positions the record of arrivals should be restricted to each bird of those out of the initial 4. In other words he desired to give everyone a chance to appear on the returns sheet in a reasonable position rather than see one member allocated 7th 8th 10th and so on. Which has been referred to by another source as 'the gluttoninous ego of our sport'. Initially Horemans raced in the company of his brother Josef in Ranst, Belgium, and they did reasonably well. It was then that the strains base was laid and the foundation consisted of Pittevils and Wegges.There then followed a sale of most of the birds in 1906 but with the remainder Horemans seriously started again in a place called Schoten (Belgium) where they experienced good results at the distance especially at the end of the 1914/18 War. The successes then involved the outstanding racing by a hen of a fancier named Desirant. Sometime near- to this period the partnership also obtained 2 squeakers from Vincent Marien of Antwerp which left their mark in the strains development. In the beginning of the 1920s Corneel Horemans started with a loft of his own and great success was to follow his decision to go it alone.Then as a close inbreeder he succeeded in breeding many outstanding pigeons. During the 2nd World War the Nazis took control of his pigeons but he received 20 birds at the end of the conflict and upon breaking in 19 of those the success returned to the Horemans.It was then that Victor Desmet blood was brought into his strain although the Desmets originated from the Horemans initially. As usual the space is not available to refer to all the great breeders and racers of the Horemans but let's look at a few. De Oude Vos was a great racer and turned into a great breeder. With 2 x 1st, 3 x 2nd, and 2 x 3rd amongst other positions in Nationals he also sired Witpen which reached the heights of Belgian pigeon greatness and would be considered as an icon of the sport amongst sports historians.There was also Little Red Eye who recorded 6 positions in the first 100 in Nationals.Through being a bad trapper this bird lost 2 x 1st.Then The Rode who along with Zwarte 34 won 1st and 2nd in the Angouleme National. Just a few of many who at the crawling stage of the sport contributed to the emergence of the modern racing pigeon. Yes I have no doubt that although far removed from the period of the Horemans that this Belgian was an artist in the sport.It is he and others who remain in our gratitude forever.

Since my return to the sport I recalled aspects of pigeon racing management in the 1950s and early 60s whilst in partnership with my father. Reflecting upon our system of the time I knew that I had to learn lessons from that period if I wanted to pursue my objective of breeding for and winning from distances of 300 miles plus. For as I have said and written often the channel programme from France and Britain into the north west of Ireland is in the words of Gordon Chalmers ' the toughest of tough routes'. Now my reason for prefacing this article with the foregoing is that in my research for it I found myself in total agreement with its subject Andre Brouckaert. For the reader I offer my shared thinking with the great Belgium flyer: (1) if you exploit a pigeon from an early age its career will not last more than 4 years; (2) for long distance racing such exploitation is the height of folly for a pigeon requires in practice 3 years to become ready to face its long endurance tasks; (3) always treat your pigeons with the aforegoing thoughts in mind and eventually one will create a type of long distance and marathon pigeon, if the blood is right. The latter principles of management and the truth contained therein were confirmed by Andre Brouckaerts achievements at the ultra distances. Brouckaert built his family upon the strains of Vanbruaene, Cattrysse, Van Hee, and Stichelbaut. Based upon the objective of creating a strain capable of winning at the longer distances. A project of pure specialization. Eventually culminating in the builder becoming the first Extra Long Distance Champion Of Belgium. The latter but one of many achievements recorded in an illustrious career in the sport. Randomly choosing from the results relating to Brouckaert for example in 1990 when no Belgium won any of the 4 International Competitions of that year he won the prestigious Colombe Joyeuse European Cup. A competition based upon the same races from Pau, Barcelona, Marseille, and Perpignan. A reward which crowned Brouckaert as an international champion. Prior to this he was the Long Distance Champion of Belgium in 1975 and 1978 as well as winning the St.Vincent National in 1980 and the Lourdes National in 1984. The lofts also won an international young bird race in Japan in 1986. The go slow aspect of management as revealed earlier in this article ensured that Brouckaert had pigeons winning at the ultra distances at the ages of 6 and 7 years old. Unlike many others his racers were not burned out before their prime. Yes, patience is a virtue and Andre Brouckaert had it in abundance which is one of the main reasons that he was a master of his chosen sport. It is a valuable lesson that many have yet to pay heed to, both old and young, therefore may it become the norm in the present and future management of our thoroughbreds.

To do a series of articles about great strains of racing pigeons of the past, the present and potentially of the future and not refer to the strain of Delbar would condemn me as being an original sinner. And why? Because this strain has fired the imaginations of countless fanciers throughout the world who have raced and been successful with representatives of the Delbar family. Even today the strain is the number one family of pigeons in the vast country of China, a region where the sport apparently is on the up and up with an increase of approximately 50,000 new members each year. In fact there is a national association of Delbar fanciers throughout the Chinese mainland, a situation not envisaged by the Delbar family of the small town of Ronse in Belgium when they first became participants in the sport before the world experienced the horrors of the First World War. The Delbar strain's name today derives mainly from Maurice Delbar who succeeded a famous father Oscar in the sport and even before the carnage of the First World War the name was a noted one amongst the European pigeon racing fraternity. This family of pigeons had reaped numerous wins at distances of between 400 and 700 miles and after the war's end the family went unto further glory, especially throughout the period of approximately 20 years- 1919 until 1939. A key factor of their success was the crossing of some birds into the family from a Mr. De Peeter's loft from Puttee not far from Mechelin. Thus lay the basis of the strain: the pre- war Delbar family and the post- war input from the Peeter's. It must be stated, however, that the crosses into the Delbar's were few at this time. However, upon its arrival, the strain took the pigeon racing world by storm and success flourished not only for the master himself but for hundreds of disciples from throughout the whole of pigeondom. In fact in my childhood and youth I heard only of the Delbar's, the Hansenne's and the Putman's in that order as being the major sources of pigeon racing success. In 1937 Delbar won the Barcelona marathon and approximately 10 years later, 1948, the Barcelona race was won by a 100% Delbar raced by the famous Berlengee. Numerous other fanciers throughout the planet won other distance, and indeed shorter races, too numerous to mention but the whole phenomenon reflected the impact of this unique strain on the world pigeon racing community. In fact the Berlangee win led to the coining of the phrase- 'the Berlangee Delbar grizzles' but in reality Delbar had grizzles in his family long before this. One of his greatest pigeons called the Little Chequer, which had won two Belgium nationals and also had a 2nd, a 3rd, a 4th and a 10th National to its credit, was paired to a grizzle which Delbar purchased from a fancier who lived in his locality. The latter pair bred winners and racers for Delbar and many other fanciers. Inspite of much searching, I have failed to discover the name of the local fancier. We should also acknowledge that the Jan Aarden dynasty was based upon a number of Delbar pigeons amongst others and that the Delbar strain has influenced other modern pigeon racing strains such as the Jos Thone's. In fact Piet de Weerd had supplied Aarden with a Delbar which lay at the base of the latter's strain. As for the successful grizzles of the Thone strain, some contained Delbar genes. One of the many successful areas of the Delbar strain was in Germany and (on one focus) Thomas Peeters at a distance of over 560 miles won 1st national St. Vincent twice with the same pigeon. This famous cock was born in 1970 and apparently derived from a Delbar grizzle hen known as the Golden Grizzle. A grand son of the Golden Grizzle, which carried the reputation as one of the best breeding hens ever, in 1977, was 1st National Ace Pigeon long distance and also 3rd National Ace Pigeon long distance in the hot bed of German long- distance racing. And it is reported today via the internet, etc., that the Delbar grizzles are still winning within Germany National prizes, especially from Marseilles and Barcelona. Delbar eventually brought in many crosses but his strain through his husbandry remained phenotypical and it was a strain that many fanciers could identify very accurately as being the work of the artist of Ronse. In truth it is a strain of which myths are spun and occupies in the fancy a honourable position amongst the greatest.

In Ireland, County Antrim is one of the friendliest places that one can experience and when the Almighty was handing out beauty (the comprehension of that which is pleasing) he gave a significant portion to the land of the Clan O'Neill. In fact the 'Red Hand' which symbolises Ireland's nine county province of Ulster derives from a legend arising from the clan. However at present I am dealing with history for it is from that county that the 2004 old bird national winner from Messac, France, was raced. The owner is Jimmy Greer from Portglenone within the shadows of the Slemish mountain. There Jimmy has achieved what every Irish south road pigeon fancier hopes and plans for. May we all experience someday that joy by clocking in a pigeon equivalent to 'Rachael' from the land of the wine groves. However this article is not about Jimmy Greer's achievements in pigeon racing (that will be written ) but there is a relevancy as the reader in due course will see. All I ask is for he or she to abide with me. The resultant journey will relate to pigeon fanciers of two Celtic nations namely Ireland and Scotland. Yes, I have forgiven the latter country for taking the ancient name of Ireland which was Scotia and why not (?) for recent research findings confirmed that the Scots and the Irish are from the same gene pool. Perhaps a joy and a shock for many! We shall begin our journey at the end of the first decade of the last century around about nineteen ten in the land of the thistle. There observing the exploits of a pigeon fancier by the name of Alexander Mason of Dungeonhill, Easterhouse, Glasgow. At that time Alex' Mason was successfully flying from Guernsey (450 miles), Granville (500 miles), Rennes (550 miles), and Marennes (708 miles). In fact he was the winner of the old bird average in the West of Scotland Flying Club for 1909 and 1910, and runner up in 1911. His family of pigeons derived from the crossing of birds from J.B. Clarke of Bothwell and a few other fanciers but the strain which evolved did not become known as the Mason strain instead it is known as the '1210 strain'. The name derives from a black cheq cock's ring number bred in 1900 by J.B.Clarke which flew from Donaghadee as a youngster but kept for stock by Mason after its first race. It came from Clarke's 2nd Scottish national winner and was the breeder of many outstanding winners at the distance with different hens. Also the children and the grandchildren of '1210' bred winners for Mason and others from Rennes, etc,. However let us now cross over the Irish sea to the City of Derry in the early years of the nineteen fifties and imagine beautiful country roads between the counties of Derry and Donegal. There strolling along are four figures intent on their journey- the latter being four young fanciers namely Paddy, Robert and Thomas Cassidy from the Brandywell area of Derry City and Noel McGrotty from the Derry rural hinterland of Ardmore. Fired by youthful imaginations the four travellers were seeking the mecca of pigeon racing in the nineteen thirties within their region. And as the four eventually reached a farm house nestling in the mountains there they encountered which one of them called " a giant of a man in a black suit carrying a walking stick". Their destination was Castruse, Bogay, and the figure they met was called William Mason. Now William Mason settled in the north west of Ireland in the early years of the twentieth century after leaving his native Scotland. Prior to his state of exile Mason had along with his brother raced pigeons and who was his brother- the one and only founder of the '1210' strain, Alexander Mason. Upon his arrival in Ireland William Mason established a loft based upon the best of the'1210' strain and began achieving outstanding results on the difficult north west route. Racing as a member of the Londonderry Club after 1927 the loft won a few old bird averages outright and by the year 1935 his name was on the new average cup. But perhaps Mason's greatest achievement was the recording of 3rd Irish National in 1935 from Laval in France a distance of 557 miles by a beautiful black pied yearling hen known as '3682'. The latter was of the best of bloodlines for its grandam under 'smash' conditions flew from Le Sables in 1930, a distance of 636 miles. Again in 1931 the grandam scored 16th in the Irish National from the same race point. Some flying in those days when one considers the reality surrounding the racing of pigeons then. But as I pondered these facts my thought turned to my recent suggestion in an article on Irish national racing that the sport in Ireland should be looking at the possibility of a 650/750 national race for here is recorded a gallant pigeon flying 636 miles in an Irish national 73 years ago. To continue I wonder did Alexander Mason ever envisage that an Irish writer would be referring in 2004 to the exploits of the '1210' strain which he founded. Or that his strain would be beating the best into Ireland in the nineteen thirties or indeed into County Antrim in 2004. Yes we have come full circle for the national winner of Jimmy Greer contains the bloodlines of '1210'. For via Alex Geddis of Scotland who alas is no longer with us the 2004 Irish National winner contains Mason's as well as Aarden and Jansenn bloodlines on the sire's side whereas the dam was a Norbet Sierens. Yes, in pigeon racing blood will tell and here it has reached through the decades... To return to the four Derry lads in the nineteen fifties at the end of their pilgrimage they saw what appeared to be a pigeon sanctuary for on the walls of the 'Barn Lofts' hung pigeon memorabilia including panniers and other items from the nineteen twenties and thirties. However more mportant what they heard in that sanctuary from the gentle giant of a Scots man inspired those wandering youths for they also have experienced success from France. As for myself whenever I drive past where pigeons once raced to at Castruse I imagine the joy of William Mason as he saw the black pied yearling hen landing from France to win 3rd national in the nineteen thirties. That dear readers is part of the magic of our sport and may the Mason brothers and indeed '1210' and '3682' rest in peace as we come to the end of our journey.

Two pigeons were bought at a sale of young birds in 1983 and they were mainly of Cattrysse and Van der Espt bloodlines. The buyer was an astute Belgian called Hilaire Verhellen and the goods bought proved in time to be 'good' in the true sense of the latter term for both eventually nicknamed 'The Beard' and 'The Dreamer' are the basis of good racing and breeding pigeons. The fathers of the two founders were apparently brothers whereas the mother of 'The Beard' was the sister of 1st national St.Vincent. The mother of 'The Dreamer' carried Van de Weghe and Verhaegen and son bloodlines. Thus started, based upon a regime of severe culling, the formation of one of the best strains produced in Europe in the latter end of the twentieth century. An interesting aspect of the Verhellen set up is the owners patience for in the younger years of the pigeons existence they are not given the stick so to speak and as a result there are many 7 and 8 year old flyers in the lofts. In fact the young cocks receive up to 100km training tosses and are then stopped until they are yearlings. Then they are lightly raced until the age of two but after that they have to toe the line. In fact if during their first three years any bird showing signs of weakness say arriving fatigued from a race it is removed from the loft. The success of this type of management is endorsed when one sees a seven year old winning 1st provincial Pau and a year later winning International Super Champion Pau. The lofts have also recorded a second position in the same international championship with a similar aged pigeon. One of the toughest competitions in Europe is the 'Europe Cup' for it entails obtaining points from four international races Pau, Barcelona, Marseille, and Perpignan across three competitions that is 1) Competition with the first nominated pigeon on the four races; 2) Competition with the first two nominated pigeons on the four races; 3) Competition most prizes with the first five nominated pigeons on the four races (for Pau only the two first nominated). The winner of the Europe Cup is the one with the best performance over these three competitions. Well Verhellen confirmed the class of his strain by winning the Europe Cup in 1992, was third in 1993, and fifth in 1994. He was the first who was ever able to classify himself three times within the history of the Europe Cup, only 10 persons are classified each year. In time crosses were brought into the family mainly from families with Aarden bloodlines and were a success but Verhellen considers it a good day that he obtained some Robert Venus pigeons and especially the Supercrack line (Crusson) for he possesses two brothers of the latter background which are considered champions, 'Narbonneke' and 'Narbonneke 2', both won a first provincial and 'Narbonneke' won 26 prizes at the long distances. Also with the same blood 'Pauke' (6th national Pau 1986) and 'Brother Pauke' (4 prizes from Barcelona and one of the nominated who won the Europe Cup). One of the many interesting pigeons owned by Verhellen is 'The Dax'. Apparently its owner had to force feed this bird for four weeks because it had Paramixo yet it survived and went on to record positions in three nationals within the top one hundred. I wonder how many of us would have done what Verhellen did with this bird which now occupies a valuable space in the stud loft. The strain of Hilaire Verhellen may not be well known in the English speaking world but their achievements at the distance warrants further publicity. For as I have written in the past the wider dissemination of the available blood stock information of the best strains is important for the development of the sport of long distance pigeon racing worldwide.

The creator of the Spangles was Oliver Dix of the County of Somerset in England. Originating from an old family of pigeons from that part of Britain. However in about 1895 Dix brought a blue chequer cock bird of Hansenne and Logan Bloodlines from J.D. Phillips of Pontyprid which turned out to be a fabulous breeder which produced mosaic or spangle coloured young. Thus the origin of the name. J.W. Logan and J.W.Toft introduced the Spangles into their strains which contributed to the development of English long distance and marathon racers. From the start they were accomplished long and marathon flying athletes, for example, Hawley's Crafty flew from San Sebastian twice at 700 miles while Jack Hay of Freemantle was 1st and 2nd National at 900 miles. Yes for their founder and many others they flew well, winning much. In their evolution however they were taken over by Mr and Mrs Bert Bryant in 1944. Doing extra well for their new owners who acted as the source of the strain's permeation of British distance bloodstock. In truth the Spangles made the names of other fanciers well known such as Taffy Bowen, Vic Robinson, John Kirkpatrick to name but a few from the nations which reside on the island of Great Britain. One of the great exponents of the strain was the late Mike Young, of Timsbury in England. The Mike Young Spangle family set up some remarkable achievements in the distance races. One of the most outstanding was 17th Open in the British Barcelona Club's National from Rome at the distance of 914 miles. Also with the British International Championship Club Young's Spangles were to the fore in the marathons flown under the auspices of that Club at distances between 558 and 721 miles. Indeed Mike Young may have brought the Spangles unto a new and higher level. One of G.M.Young's best pigeons was the famous Channel Queen.This chequer hen in 1984 was 1st Dax (530 miles),1986 1st Perpignan (648 miles),1987 1st Pau (558 miles). 1987 2nd Perpignan (648 miles),and in 1988 3rd Perpignan and 3rd Pau.Excellent performances! Admittedly this was one family or strain which until recently remained a mystery to me until I researched it. Now however in understanding its origins and successes I appreciate and acknowledge one of the greatest European marathon families in the history of the sport. And I dedicate this brief insight to the memory of Mike Young who ensured that a strain which had its origins in 1895 or thereabouts was brought successfully into the 21st Century. Long may it win! May I add that some of the best of Spangle bloodlines arrived in Ireland around the period of Mike Young's death (at his wish) where in the future as in the past they will win into the far reaches of Ireland's north west.

In this series of brief insights into the world of long and marathon distance pigeon racers and their birds we have covered some countries and continents but this is an insight into a fancier from the land of the kangaroo. The person under scrutiny is known throughout the southern hemisphere as Toby Woods. Now before I introduce this strain I must state that I have received communications from Australia and New Zealand from fanciers requesting that I look at the sport in their continent, in fact, a few have claimed that they fly the toughest routes on the planet and that the Barcelona International is child's play compared to their terrain and weather factors. However perhaps this contention can be faced some other time while I present our this Aussie fancier and strain. Our subject is known as Toby Woods and he has won from all distances as a member of the Blacktown Pigeon Club involving the south, west, north and north west routes. Including 600 mile races from the above directions in tough races in which the velocities are normally well below 1,000yds per minute. As an example of his achievements, amongst many: 1st Carrathool 317 miles 730 yards Vel 462; 1st Byrock 339 miles 277 yards Vel 739; 1st Balramald 418 miles 1540 yards Vel 813; 1st Gympie 529 miles 1470 yards Vel 805; 1st Mildura 503 miles 800 yards Vel 748; 1st Broken Hill 562 miles 1301 yards Vel 1090; 1st Cunnamulla 501 miles 667 yards Vel 848, also 2nd Cunnamulla (2312 birds); 1st Bundaberg 619 miles 1249 yards Vel 924; 1st Murry Bridge 670 miles 826 yards Vel 779. In fact Toby Woods won a very tough race in apparently atrocious conditions at a distance of 39 mls and 1223 yds with a velocity of 948yds per minute. Yes, quite true! The liberation took place at 6.15am on a Saturday and Woods pigeon was clocked at 2.28pm on Sunday. The bird which recorded 2nd place was timed the following morning (Monday). A fitting item for the TV show 'Would You Believe?' On another occasion Woods won four races which took place on one day, an achievement never repeated according to my sources. The woods strain were formed over a period of 40 plus years from a number of old strain crosses and it has been very successful in the southern hemisphere for other fanciers at all distances but especially at 600 miles and over. His brother W.Woods was 1st in a 500 mile race and a 600 mile race with the same bloodlines as well as being 2nd in 500 and 600 mile races. Also the moulder of the strain had one hen which flew five times 600 miles on four different routes including being the only bird in race time at a distance of 670 miles from Murray Bridge. Another good Australian flyer Jack Hubble won three times from 500 miles with the Woods strain. There are many more. Apparently Toby Woods semi- retired from pigeon racing after transferring his family of pigeons to the Donalson Brothers partnership. To the delight perhaps of other competitors for in Australia's biggest Federation Woods won the $10 pool four times in five years, another record. A yearly pool averaging approximately 1,000 Australian dollars. Yes our first admittedly brief look at the planet's southern pigeon fancy presents an example of the achievements of a man who was a natural when it came to the sport of pigeon racing and whose knowledge of the managerial aspects of the sport was beyond question.

In this series of brief insights into the world of long and marathon distance pigeon racers and their birds we have covered some countries and continents but this is an insight into a fancier from the land of the kangaroo. The person under scrutiny is known throughout the southern hemisphere as Toby Woods. Now before I introduce this strain I must state that I have received communications from Australia and New Zealand from fanciers requesting that I look at the sport in their continent, in fact, a few have claimed that they fly the toughest routes on the planet and that the Barcelona International is child's play compared to their terrain and weather factors. However perhaps this contention can be faced some other time while I present our this Aussie fancier and strain. Our subject is known as Toby Woods and he has won from all distances as a member of the Blacktown Pigeon Club involving the south, west, north and north west routes. Including 600 mile races from the above directions in tough races in which the velocities are normally well below 1,000yds per minute. As an example of his achievements, amongst many: 1st Carrathool 317 miles 730 yards Vel 462; 1st Byrock 339 miles 277 yards Vel 739; 1st Balramald 418 miles 1540 yards Vel 813; 1st Gympie 529 miles 1470 yards Vel 805; 1st Mildura 503 miles 800 yards Vel 748; 1st Broken Hill 562 miles 1301 yards Vel 1090; 1st Cunnamulla 501 miles 667 yards Vel 848, also 2nd Cunnamulla (2312 birds); 1st Bundaberg 619 miles 1249 yards Vel 924; 1st Murry Bridge 670 miles 826 yards Vel 779. In fact Toby Woods won a very tough race in apparently atrocious conditions at a distance of 39 mls and 1223 yds with a velocity of 948yds per minute. Yes, quite true! The liberation took place at 6.15am on a Saturday and Woods pigeon was clocked at 2.28pm on Sunday. The bird which recorded 2nd place was timed the following morning (Monday). A fitting item for the TV show 'Would You Believe?' On another occasion Woods won four races which took place on one day, an achievement never repeated according to my sources. The woods strain were formed over a period of 40 plus years from a number of old strain crosses and it has been very successful in the southern hemisphere for other fanciers at all distances but especially at 600 miles and over. His brother W.Woods was 1st in a 500 mile race and a 600 mile race with the same bloodlines as well as being 2nd in 500 and 600 mile races. Also the moulder of the strain had one hen which flew five times 600 miles on four different routes including being the only bird in race time at a distance of 670 miles from Murray Bridge. Another good Australian flyer Jack Hubble won three times from 500 miles with the Woods strain. There are many more. Apparently Toby Woods semi- retired from pigeon racing after transferring his family of pigeons to the Donalson Brothers partnership. To the delight perhaps of other competitors for in Australia's biggest Federation Woods won the $10 pool four times in five years, another record. A yearly pool averaging approximately 1,000 Australian dollars. Yes our first admittedly brief look at the planet's southern pigeon fancy presents an example of the achievements of a man who was a natural when it came to the sport of pigeon racing and whose knowledge of the managerial aspects of the sport was beyond question.

The name of this strain I have seen printed as van de Wegen and van der Wegen but as I am used to van der Wegen it will be my choice for this article. This particular strain of distance racing pigeons blossomed on the tree of the Jan Aarden dynasty and without a doubt it is one of the greatest families of the sport. A truth confirmed by the countless successes of the founder and his sons and the numerous fanciers from throughout the world who have succeeded with it. In fact it is possible that it could be the beginning of a new dynasty of the sport in the present century. The strain had its origins in the Dutch town of Steenbergen which is the source of many outstanding strains and families such as Jan Aarden, Ligtenburg, and van Agatmaal among others. Obviously there must be something in the air of that Dutch environment which has produced such giants and greats of the sport. Janus van der Wegen who laid the strains foundations was of the former school and by all accounts he was a born pigeoner. The strain has been developed from pigeons which have flown the tough Dutch programme of Bergerac, Dax, St.Vincent and Barcelona. In fact some commentators opine that the strain was the best in Holland during the last 50 years of the 20th century and the first 5 years of the new millennium, for reports world- wide keep throwing up the name time after time. Beginning in the 1950s van der Wegen obtained birds from Jan Aarden although one of his most famous was of Ligtenburg bloodlines. This was a black cheq cock known as the 'Oude Doffertje' (H.58.314573) and as well a being the foundation of the strain it is one of the most famous names in the history of the sport. Partly of Aarden and partly of Delbar blood it was the brother of the famous '10' of Toontje Ligtenburg. As a producer the 'Oude Doffertje' was second to none being the sire amongst others of the famous 'Lamme' who scored 7th, 10th and 11th from Dax in the Dutch National as well as 6th National St. Vincent. The 'Lamme' sired 1st National Barcelona and 14th National St.Vincent, this same bird also scored 5th National Barcelona and 2nd National Dax. A son of the 'Oude Doffertje' known as '152' won 14 National prizes and two grandsons won 1st National St. Vincent and 1st National Bergerac. Other producers of the strain included the Dax hen, the 1st Hen, the Barcelona hen, the Gruiters hen, the '83' and the 'Oude Knollekop' to name but a few. Lamme The van der Wegen's is an excellent family to cross with. For example Willegers in 1983 was 1st International Barcelona with a cross and Simons won 1st National Barcelona with a cross. So did Thei Crommentuy who won 1st Nationals St. Vincent and Pau in the hot bed of Dutch pigeon racing. There are numerous other examples. Therefore it was a fortunate day in 1958 when a son of Janus van der Wegen namely Anton purchased two eggs from Toontje Ligtenburg, who in his own words recorded the occasion: 'In '58 Anton van der Wegen came to me and purchased two eggs of the third round. From them hatched two cocks. He showed me them when six weeks old. They simply radiated quality. One youngster I think he lost near the loft. The other became the famous 'Oude Doffertje'. He was a full brother of my '10'. A sure champion...' Little did Toontje or Anton realize that fate or whatever had placed them at the birth of a great strain, a strain that is still a leader throughout the world of pigeondom. Liam Jac The van der Wegen lofts have achieved 1st Nationals from Barcelona, Dax, Pau, Marseille (and Dax with the Z.L.U). As for their contribution to the successes of others the following list shows the percentage blood wise in national and international winners: H.van Helmond, Vorselaar 1 Nat. Pau 25% van der Wegen G.Frazer, Ulft 1e Nat. St.Vincent 50% van der Wegen H.Brinkman, Tuk 1e Nat.St.Vincent 100% van der Wegen H.Hazelaar, Zutphen 1e Nat Ruffec 100% van der Wegen W.Coenen, Nuth 1e Nat.Barcelona 100% van der Wegen C.Vanoppen, Alt-Hoeselt 1e Internat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen A.Simons, Roosteren 1e Nat.Perpignan 75% van der Wegen A.Simons, Roosteren 1e Nat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen A.Simons, Roosteren 1e Nat.Marseille 50% van der Wegen P.Paulussen, Roosteren 1e Nat.Dax 50% van der Wegen Van Zelderen, Aalsmeer 1e Nat.St.Vincent 25% van der Wegen Van Zelderen, Aalsmeer 1e Nat.Bergerac 25% van der Wegen Th.Crommentuyn, Velden 1e Nat.St.Vincent 75% van der Wegen Th.Crommentuyn, Velden 1e Nat.Pau 75% van der Wegen C.Willigers, Steenbergen 1e Internat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen Hendrix-Meijberg, Heerlerheide 1e Nat.Bergerac 50% van der Wegen Frans Molenaar, Ulft 1e Nat.Bergerac 50% van der Wegen P.Schlangen, Kerkrade 1e Nat.Barcelona 25% van der Wegen P.Schlangen, Kerkrade 1e Nat.St.Vincent 25% van der Wegen J.Buurma,Peize 1e Nat.Dax 100% van der Wegen Van der Wegen, Steenbergen 1e Nat.Barcelona 100% van der Wegen Van der Wegen, Steenbergen 1e Nat.Dax 100% van der Wegen Van der Wegen, Steenbergen 1e Nat.Pau 100% van der Wegen Van der Wegen, Steenbergen 1e Nat.Marseille 100% van der Wegen Van der Wegen, Steenbergen 1e Nat.Dax Z.L.U. 100% van der Wegen J.L.van Roy, Ronse 1e Internat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen Vogten-Lardinoye, Maastricht 1e Nat.Marseille 25% van der Wegen Biemans, Teteringen 1e Internat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen Wijnands & Zn, Maastricht 1e Nat.Perpignan 25% van der Wegen B.Walpot, Steenbergen 1e Nat.Barcelona 25% van der Wegen L.Hoogervorst, Vrouwenakker 1e Nat.Perpignan 100% van der Wegen P.Boers, Goesbeek 1e Nat.Bergerac 50% van der Wegen Bakker & Zn, Poortugaal 1e Nat.Perpignan 75% van der Wegen Ron.van de Werff, Westzaan 1e Nat.St.Vincent 100% van der Wegen Jo. Lardenoy, Maastricht 1e Nat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen G.Keesmaat, Krimpen a/d Lek 1e Nat.Dax 50% van der Wegen Cor.Hermans, Geulle 1e Nat.Marseille 25% van der Wegen Cor.Hermans, Geulle 1e Nat.Bordeaux (J.L.) 50% van der Wegen Jos Thone, As 1e Nat.Barcelona (H) 25% van der Wegen F.Bleylevens & Zn, Simpelveld 1e Nat.Marseille 25% van der Wegen Van Gils de Nijs, Oosterhout 1e Nat.Soustons 50% van der Wegen L.Smid, Goes 1e Nat.Perpignan 75% van der Wegen Willems-Thone, Eijsden 1e Internat.Barcelona 25% van der Wegen Hein.Brasse, Nuth 1e Nat.Pau 25% van der Wegen Jelle Outhuyse, Harlingen 1e Nat.St.Vincent (S4) 50% van der Wegen H.de Jonge, Weiteveen 1e Nat.Bergerac (S4) 25% van der Wegen H.de Jonge, Weiteveen 1e Nat.Ruffec (S4) 25% van der Wegen Cor.van Dijk, Hagestein 1e Nat.St.Vincent (S3) 50% van der Wegen W.en B Terhoeven, Zeist 1e Nat.Tarbes (S2) 50% van der Wegen Roger Florizoone, Nieuwpoort 1e Nat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen Flip Steketee, Yerseke 1e Nat.Dax Z.L.U. 50% van der Wegen Harry Faassen, Illikhoven 1e Nat.Marseille 25% van der Wegen Jacob Keun, Donderen 1e Nat.St.Vincent (S4) 50% van der Wegen C.Blokdijk, Hoorn 1e Nat.St.Vincent (S2) 75% van der Wegen D.Rotman, Musselkanaal 1e Nat.Ruffec (S4) 50% van der Wegen P.van Bergen, De Lier 1e Nat.Dax Z.L.U. 50% van der Wegen H.en A Kivit, Vinkel 1e Nat.Dax 25% van der Wegen C.Vertelman Zn, Hoogkarspel 1e Nat.Bergerac 50% van der Wegen M.Schuurman, Doorn 1e Nat.St.Vincent (S3) 50% van der Wegen B.Homma, Balk 1e Nat.St.Vincent (S4) 25% van der Wegen J.Torreman, Rockanje 1e Internat.Barcelona 50% van der Wegen J.Vercauteren, Schimmert 1e Nat. Soustons 50% van der Wegen J.Bruine de Bruin, Aalsmeer 1e Nat Bergerac 50% van der Wegen. D.Barberio, Weert 1e Internat.Marseille (H) 75% van der Wegen Gebr. Schaschkow, Wiesvillers (Fr) 1e Internat Barcelona 25% van der Wegen Van Ouwerkerk-Dekkers,Brasschaat 1e Nat.St.Vincent (JL) 25% van der Wegen G.de Jong & Zn, De Heen 1e Nat.Perpignan 50% van der Wegen. The above list records what some of the best European lofts owned by masters of the sport such as Thone, Schaschkow, Florizoone, Hermans, Keesmaat, Wijnands, Biemans, Schlangen and Brinkman, owe to the van der Wegen strain. And needless to say the experience has not yet ended! Yes, I believe that we are witnessing the birth of a new dynasty.

The European strain of racing pigeons which this article is about namely the Krauths is one of the elite families of the sport. Obviously like most of my articles not a loft report per se but an insight into an outstanding family of thoroughbreds. Also this insight is of particular interest to me for as I look back over the decades I picture a small late bred hen being timed at our family loft in Limavady, Co.Derry, on the day from Dinard in France.An evening of great joy for my late father and the rest of the family. In fact it took a racer of the Krauth blood to register my father's first return from France into the north west of Ireland. This family of racing pigeons from the land of the tulip namely Holland (the Netherland's) also retains a place in my thoughts because like the Stichelbauts, the Braackhuiss, and the van Bruaenes the Krauths I associate with steel- steel of mind and body. A powerful breed to ensure the beating of the distances and the elements. The Krauth strain was founded by Louis Krauth prior to his death in 1955. Louis had won scores of races prior to that year including 2nd Rome International and 1st Barcelona National. At the basis of the family were the Blondel strain. An interesting story from the history of the Krauths is that during World War 2 Louis in order to prevent the occupying German army from taking his pigeons selected about 30 birds and sent some of the latter to his mother-in- law while hiding the rest in an attic. Thus at the war's end he had some good breeders and racers while many other pigeoners were starting from scratch. At this time some birds were purchased from Mons Pie Dinjens and Mons Dusarduyn which crossed well with the Wegge Blondels. When Louis died Martin Krauth continued racing and emulating the achievements of Louis. For example during seven seasons of the 1960s the loft registered in the national from Barcelona 1st, 13th, 52nd, 79th, 96th, 148th, 153rd, 202nd, 203rd, 299th, 351st and 433rd against the best of Holland. Plus in 1964 the birds scored 7th and 11th and in 1965 - 7th and 26th National from Marseille. With only two entries on both occasions. The distance from Barcelona was 746 miles and of course one cannot forget the immortal " The Flying Dutchman" who as well as being 1st Orleans National (350 miles); twice 1st Chateauroux National (410 miles), also won the Barcelona National plus the Barcelona International. The latter pigeon was a powerful chequer cock- one of the best ever produced in Europe. Flying Dutchman The Krauth pigeoners preferred inbreeding and if the weather was good their birds were paired up in February. For racing the method used was widowhood although for the longer marathon type races the natural method was preferred.For the latter races a hen feeding a three day old youngster usually was the candidate. The main element of the feeding regime was Indian corn or maize plus peas,wheat, beans and green peas. A small amount of small seeds was provided and during the winter months approximately 20% of barley was added. At club level in the village of Meersen the Krauths competed against about 140 members.And although their reputation was built upon distance racing their pigeons produced winners at the short and middle contests. In fact another scribe once implied that their home was over run with trophies won at all distances. As a strain it was one of the best produced in the 20th century and it will be noted in the history of the sport. That is as it should be for the strain that Louis and Martin Krauth founded and developed brought joy to the hearts of many pigeoners including that of a humble Irish pigeoner- my late beloved father.

When one gets involved in discussing the sport of pigeon racing the name of Jan Aarden is sure to appear, especially in relation to the long distances because the strain of racing pigeons created by this master has been immortalised by some due to the impact it has made throughout the world. But who was this Dutchman credited with being the creator of a great marathon strain - a man whose bloodlines run through many of the winners and others to the fore in the Barcelona International and indeed many national and international winners throughout the world of modern pigeon racing? Jan Aarden was born in the city of Oosterhout on the Sixth of November 1893 to Martinus Aarden and Lucia Schoenmakers. There he attended school at the Abbey of St. Paulus. From his earliest days Jan had a great love for animals and birds and in particular racing pigeons. The love of the latter was kindled by a Fr. Paulus who kept some racing pigeons in the Abbey grounds and, needless to relate, the young Jan Aarden in due course became the 'boy manager' of the good Father's stock. There his passion for the thoroughbreds of the sky intensified and by the time he was 18 he was a member of a racing pigeon club in Oosterhout, where in a short period of time he owned a loft of good short and middle distance racers. An early influence upon Aarden was the family of Oomens from Breda who were the long distance stars of the Netherlands prior to World War 2. Aarden developed a close friendship with the father of the family and in due course owned some of their birds. Oomens to give due to this partnership was one of the major ones since the origins of the sport. Its basis was laid by L.J. Oomens in 1879- the latter being the father of the better known Oomens brothers (Jan, Harry, Antoon, Gerard, Koos and Jef ). Around about 1914 the Oomens of Breda in Holland (or the Netherlands) were a famous pigeon racing partnership. This arose from their many successes which was partly fuelled by the brothers obtaining outstanding stock from a very rich fancier called Felix Stoffels.In fact between 1930 and 1940 the Oomens won 14 first prizes in classic events. Interestingly some of the old masters of the sport namely Stassart, Bricoux and Sion to name but a few purchased birds from the Oomens. However an important factor in the development of the European racing pigeon at this time was the friendship formed between Oomens and a wealthy manufacturer name Van Tuyn. A friendship dating from about 1930 and by 1938 Van Tuyn's loft were of 100% Oomens bloodlines. Also by 1938 Van Tuyn was the Champion of the 25,000 strong Antwerp Union. Holding the position in front of such greats as Havenith, etc,. However the 2nd World War had a negative behavioural aspect upon the sport for the German military had taken the contents of many lofts. Then when the German defeat became a reality the basis was sound for making progress sports wise. By then Van Tuyn had the best of the Oomens and another fancier named Toon Schouteren had liberated Oomens bloodlines from the Germans prior to the latter's defeat.This was from the German Wehrmacht- Station at Steenbergen.By all accounts Toon Schouteren was a larger than life and very colourful person who was a born pigeoner. Thus the German occupation of Holland would not deter Toon from his beloved hobby . On what another writer referred too as a 'mad tuesday night', during the month of September in 1944, Toon Schouteren broke into a loft owned by the invading army and stole three pigeons. Schouteren in turn named his capture Moses, Saar and The Slet. Little did he realize then the bounty which he had stolen and the consequences of it in the sport of pigeon racing especially from the genes of Moses, a blue cock bird born in 1944 and Saar, a blue cheq hen bred in 1943. From their offspring Schouteren within a few years became well known as a great pigeoner and by 1949 after the apparent easing of restrictions he had won the National from St.Vincent. As his successes became widely known other fanciers sought his bloodlines and as such people like Baaker Meester's of De Heen with the Schouteren strain reaped pure gold in the years 1950 to 1952. The latter's fame arising from De 86 and Zilvervosje which were from Moses and Saar stock. The son of Moses and Saar named De Slaper produced Zilverfosje and when she was mated with De 86, a 1947 son of the golden couple (Moses & Saar) the outcome at Meester's was the birth of Twippen Doffertje Van 49. The latter amongst others was purchased by Jan Aarden who paired it with his Dusuffoy Duivin Van 48, which in turn produced Aarden's three best pigeons 37, 38 and 49. Thus a major contribution of the Schouteren strain via Meester to the Aarden enterprise. And may I add that another fancier at the time, namely Ko Nipius, sought from Schouteren some of the above desirable bloodlines but failing in his endeavours went and got the same bloodlines from Jan Aarden. Thus leading to the development of the great Ko Nipius family of distance racers. Even without any successes while racing, if that had been the case, Toon Schouteren deserves his place in pigeon racing history because of what some have said was a matter of madness and its outcome. In truth a very productive outcome. In due course the after conflict conditions saw the formation of a partnership between the Oomens and Van Tuyn with the valuable support of Piet de Weerd. In addition Toon Schouteren was appointed the loft manager of a beautiful 60 metres loft. Eventually the Oomens/Van Tuyn combination scored 1st and 3rd victories in the Grand National from Orleans plus 2nd in the National from Chateouroux. To be followed by the best in the Netherlands from Bordeaux. This was ten prizes won by their pigeon athletes. Indeed the Oomens bloodlines were increasingly winning throughout the continental mainland. Piet de Weerds brother won 2nd National from Orleans in 1949 with the bloodlines plus 7th National Pau at 600 plus miles. However to return to our main subject after Jan's marriage to Janntje Akermans on the twentieth of July 1916, the Aardens moved to and lived in the village of Teteringen for almost four years. Aarden built a loft and moved his pigeons there but because of family commitments and the First World War there was a lack of success. In 1921 the family moved again, this time to Steenbergen, followed by another move to Grintweg in 1924. This was not to be the last removal for eventually the family settled finally in Steenbergen. The early nineteen twenties saw another important influence bearing upon Jan in the person of his son Anton who was also interested in the sport and who at the age of 18 joined with his father in a combination. Anton's influence led his father from the shorter to the longer races and although the results were not outstanding Aarden, through his skills and patience, began to build his wonderful strain. By the end of 1930 in the breeders of Jan Aarden was the blood of Ost-Roe alongside stock from Henrey Rey and a super hen from Leo De Cock. The Ost-Roe bloodlines belonged to Jules Roeckaert - the former title he used for sometime. Here I relate to the colour of reds in the Aardens which raises some eyebrows to the extent that there is disbelief that red is a colour truly representative of the strain. Research however confirms that reds were at the basis of the strain through the stock of Rey and Roeckaert. The most prominent of the former's loft was Ouden Vassart - a red which Rey purchased at the auction of Pauwels from the Sas of Gent. From Roeckaert Aarden bought for stock a light checker Belske, whose father was Leon, a red cock from Leon Van der Saude. Perhaps this may lay to rest the suspicion surrounding the Aardens of red or mealy plumage. With his natural talent and genealogical knowledge coupled with an emphasis on inbreeding Aarden used the stock obtained from Roeckaert, Rey, and others to build and experiment. Initially, he paired the Blaue Ost Roe to the Oude Rey duivin, which showed the spark of genius for he had immediate success with this pairing. Their famous product was the great Fietsvlieger who, as well as being a winner on the road, bred some outstanding birds. Mated to Dikke Blauw, his outstanding nestmate, he bred the Schone Blauw - a pigeon who excelled at winning first prizes at racing. When pairing the Reydoffer with Belske Aarden produced another great pigeon in 46, who won many races. A full sister of the 46 namely Orleanske won from Orleans three years in a row. From the pairing of Vetkonk from De Cock with the Fietsvlieger Aarden bred Verkeeroe Duivin, one of the best racing hens in his loft if not in Holland. The Dikke Blauw was also mated to Roeckaert's Duveltje and produced the Mooike, another famous representative of the strain. The above were in the main Aarden's basic couples and indeed Mooike, Dikke Blauw, Schone Blauw and the Verkeerde Duivin won prizes from a very tough race from St. Vincent. From this and other results Jan Aarden realised that he owned pigeons of excellent quality. The major influence however in the development of the Aarden strain and the consequent dynasty was as implied above Zilvervosje. This light check hen with a reflection of silver in her wings was a wonderful breeder as well as a racer. Her bloodlines are there in the families of the great Aarden fanciers like Muller, van Agtmaal, van den Burgh, van der Wegen, van den Eijnden and the Kuypers, as well as being the grandmother of Ko Nipius's second national Barcelona. In fact her contribution to the development of the marathon pigeon in Europe is immense. This fabulous hen when mated with Zesentachtig ( H 47- 433486), also known as 86, bred Late Meesters (H 49-525758), a pearl of a pigeon. (The famous 131 was a great granddaughter of Late Meesters). The latter appearing in the pedigrees of many of the best modern representatives of the strain. The late partnership of Eijerkamp- Muller confirms that Zilvervosje was the foundation bird of their family. The sire of van Wanroy's the Spin is a grandson and the dam is a granddaughter of Zilvervosje. And of course the Spin was the foundation bird in the families of Kuypers Brothers and Peter van den Eijnden. Aarden's famous 37 was a grandson of the hen. In turn 37 was the grandfather of Giel van Agtmaal's 500 as well as the grandfather of Jan de Weert's 131. Surely two of the best of the Aarden dynasty. Further research showed that Zilvervosje was the granddaughter of the Oude Witpen, a famous breeder of Toon Stoffelen. And that the Bontje Aarden, dam of Ligtenberg's 10, was a granddaughter of Zilvervosje. Bear in mind also that the Bontje Aarden was the mother of Janus van der Wegen's Oude Doffertje. The list appears to be endless re the breeding influence of Zilvervosje but, as stated, she was also a very good racer. Some of her triumphs included the following: 3rd nat. Dax (1949); 2nd nat. Dax (1950); 55th nat. St. Vincent (1950); 7th nat. Dax (1951); 47th nat. St.Vincent (1951). Although a reserved person Aarden made some friendships which added to the building of his strain. One of those friendships was Piet de Weerd, the world famous pigeonologist, whose knowledge and advice Jan pondered. Another fruit of their friendship was the so called 'Piet de Weerd pigeon', perhaps Aarden's main breeding hen, of Delbar / Deguffroy origin. In fact the Delbar's played a prominent part in the Aarden's origins for some of the early breeders carried the blood of this strain. Now during research for this article I encountered material suggesting Aarden was the builder but de Weerd was the architect of the strain. Whatever the merits of the suggestion there is no doubt that Jan Aarden was a master of stockmanship, visiting good lofts and obtaining the best upon which to build. Like all great creators however, he knew that genius can involve the experience of others. The success of the developing Aarden strain caught the attention of Jan's fellow fanciers in Steenbergen and many were purchased, resulting in the area becoming the hot bed of long distance racing in Holland. This also contributed to the evolution of the strain. A few of the latter around the period after the Second World War until 1960 included Toon and Piet Ligtenberg whose famous hen Oude Witpen when coupled with another Aarden were the parents of two of the most famous representatives of the strain - the famous number 10 of Ligtenberg and the fabulous Oud Doffertje of van der Wegen, the latter being the foundation of the van der Wegen strain while number 10 became the father of the famous Dolle of Marijn van Geel - the origin of the van Geels. Alongside other Steenbergen fanciers who set the sport alight with Aarden stock where Toon Toffelen, Jan van der Par, Jan de Weert and van Agtmaal. The latter being credited in some quarters with being a better racer of the Aardens than the great master himself. Another important input to the Aardens was the great Jan Cools. A good friend of Aarden's, Cools owned some good pigeons of the strain and they shared breeders with each other resulting in the production of top class performers. As the strain developed it dominated the races from Dax, St. Vincent, Bergerac and Barcelona, among others, taking Europe by storm and extending beyond to become a truly world wide family. Piet de Weerd helped in this context by buying good representatives of the strain and selling them off to others. Another important contributor to the success of the Aarden dynasty was Piet Lazeroms from Zegge. This Aarden specialist bought out top lofts of Aardens and through this he owned the best of the strain. In turn Lazeroms was used as the main source of the Aardens by the best fanciers in Europe and elsewhere. For example, Van Peperstraten and de Heyde. The latter built his loft on his famous Klapper which he had got from Lazeroms. There's also the exploits of Van Zelderen who won five nationals with Aardens. Recent examples are Theo Ernest whose Barcelona successes are based upon the Aardens and also the Brugemann Brothers whose famous loft is foundered upon another Aarden source - Hein and Hub Oostenrijk. Nor should the exploits of Jac Stekatee of Bruinisse be overlooked for he formed one of the top Aarden studs of the 1990s. His Golden Breeder 788 is considered one of the best of the Aarden dynasty as is the highly thought of 60 of another Aarden ace, Cees de Jong. Then there are the world known breeders and racers of Polder and de Vogel of today... As noted above most authorities place Aarden's 37, 38 and 49 as the most famous birds of his loft. And as stated the three were brothers and sisters bred from Rinus Meesters cock bird the 86 and Zilvervosje. The 49 was 7th National St.Vincent for Aarden and he was the sire of Aarden 1 which was the grandfather of the Van Den Burgh lofts. Aarden 1 sired Aarden 2 who sired the winner of 1st National St.Vincent in 1975. The 38 won 6th National St.Vincent, 28th National Dax and 45th National St.Vincent, as well as being the grand dam of the famous 500 of Van Agtmaal. The 500 was responsible for many winners for Ligtenburg and in turn for the Dolle and the Lange of Van Geel. It should also be noted that the Devriendt strain via a sister of The Pau who was 1st National Pau and 2nd National Bergerac within two weeks was an input to the Aardens as well as Stichelbauts from Michael Descamps. Interestingly one of the latter inputs was the dam of Oude Ijzeren of 54 which was the sire of the Ware Ijzeren of 57 which was the 1st National Ace Pigeon and literally responsible for scores of winners. This great pigeon was a dark cheq pied and many are of the opinion that in it lies the origins of Pied Aardens. There is also a body of astute fanciers who advocate patience with the strain and advise that it be crossed with the Delbars, Stichelbauts, and the Janssens. Whether the latter will be welcomed by the purists is questionable but patience appears to be required for it has been the experience of many that Aardens are late developers. It would appear to be the case that the few mentioned adherents of the Aarden strain were fired by the master in their pursuit of excellence. I say a few for there are many, many more who could have been named who in their own way as breeders or racers contributed to the development of the strain. In his early days in the sport Jan Aarden could not have imagined what his love of racing pigeons would lead to, for arising from the strain which he produced there now exists a dynast y- the Aarden dynasty of long distance and marathon thoroughbred racing pigeons. Therefore, what better memorial to Jan Aarden but to ensure that the strain which he moulded and which became a dynasty will continue to overcome distances, mountains, seas, and other obstacles on the way to nest or perch. Thus, all today's Aardenists will continue the work of the master from Steenbergen.

Our subject was one of the elite marathon thoroughbred racing pigeons ever produced and flown in the history of the sport. And as the subject this blue bar athlete is of special interest to me. Not alone because of its accomplishments in being the first racing pigeon to conquer the 1,000 plus miles from Barcelona into the north of Ireland as well as having flown from Nantes in France into Ireland 4 times ( 560 miles on on each occassion ) but because she was the subject of the first pigeon sport report that I ever wrote.That was in the January issue of a British monthly pigeon racing journal in 1966 under the pseudonym of 'Nomad'. After Mairs record breaking and making accomplishment I along with some members of my family paid a visit to the Ballyclare lofts where I handled Barcelona Bluebelle. My thoughts then were of a well muscled athlete whose keel was not too deep and possessing the caste of a long distance pigeon.A product of a 30 years line bred family whose successes at the distance form of racing are too numerous to relate.In fact Barcelona Bluebelle (NU. 60.P.27779) was of the 'Old Mealy' strain based upon Jurion and Delmotte bloodlines which made the Mairs family known world-wide in the 20th Century.Containing among others such Irish National prizewinners as the renowned 'Eventide' and 'Courage'.Two of the best to have been born and raced in Irish Nationals.Our subject being the grand- daughter of 'Eventide'. In my initial report I referred to our subject as a 'magnificient flying machine' and time has not dimmed that opinion. For Barcelona Bluebelle was a gem of a pigeon and when she conquered a very tough 1,000 miles plus task into the outer regions of the west of Europe she had not received any special kind of preparation.That year 1965 our 5 year old had two inland races from Arklow and Wexford followed by two races from the island of Britain namely Haverfordwest and Okehampton.The latter was just over 300 miles.She had been sitting upon eggs and on the verge of being sent to the marathon of all marathons the eggs hatched so Sandy removed the squeakers and replaced them with other young about a week old.Actions which reflect the mind of a thinking pigeoner. That year of her success Sandy Mairs was reaping the rewards of good management and excellent stock for in his club he had won the Old Bird Average, the Cross Channel Average and the Long Distance Trophy.But surely the achievement of his great thoroughbred was the icing on the cake- the creme de la creme so to speak. To conclude I will end this piece with a quotation from the well known British pigeon sport scribe namely 'Old Hand': "If pigeon racing resolves into a mathematical formula of time and distance, then the prime factor of the two is distance." It is the same quotation which I used all those decades ago- in the joyful days of my youth

There have been many outstanding racers and breeders in the history of the sport of pigeon racing. As well as those gems who combined the gold of the breeder and the silver of the racer. But has there been any greater than the French born Super Crack? None, would be an opinion held by many across the world wide pigeon racing community. The fancier, Robert Venus, bought this pigeon from a fancier called Crusson in 1974 after its marvellous racing career, and shortly afterwards bought all of the pigeons bloodlines. Crusson had initially bought the pigeon from a friend, named Hovaere, thinking that it was a hen. Super Crack (rung 457421-68) is a legend of the sport and the legend continues to grow. Yes, the sport has had many pigeons capable of being dubbed a legend, some of which we shall look at in due time but in the opinion of authoritative pigeon folk Super Crack Crusson is number one! The only pigeon deserving of the title bestowed upon him arising from extraordinary flying exploits and breeding productivity. All this from a pigeon which in the mind of one past owner was born a hen but which in time was found to be a cock of small proportions and lacking a pedigree. Allegedly a mysterious bird of origin who in due course would stamp its name forever in the annals of pigeon racing not alone in Europe but throughout the globe. This small blue bar in races between 150 and 650 miles had 11 first prizes which included 3 first Nationals from St. Vincent 1972, Barcelona 1974, and Narbonne in 1974; 2 in which he was the only bird home against thousands. In total 46 good positions in 4 years including 43 positions in the first 10. On one occasion Super Crack finished 2nd National and was beaten by his son when both arrived together. What a record! As for his breeding accomplishments which are also outstanding: Super Crack is now apparently responsible for 120 National winners and approximately 20 1st International winners, as sire and grand sire. In fact he sired at least 8 National winners. Apparently Super Crack, psychologically, was of a good disposition, a character of which Robert Venus (as its final owner) has been known to speak of as if he was a son. Needless to say Crusson was literally flabbergasted by his then pigeon's racing ability for apparently prior to racing he was not impressed by his purchase. It should also be noted that this blue blooded thoroughbred was raced out of a Province of France that was included in the Belgium National results. On another occasion he won a distance event which was his fourth 1st National but sadly, Gerald and Michel Van Hee finished in second place to Super Crack and petitioned the Belgium organization to have the French province eliminated from the results. Thus Van Hee was awarded the race and Super Crack was allocated a provincial victory. Finally it is reckoned by Super Crack enthusiasts that in about 48 countries descendants of this powerful pigeon are winning at all distances. Upon residing at the Venus lofts a descendent is Prins who was sire to: 1st. International Pau 1994; 1st. National Pau; 2nd National Pau 98; 11th. International Pau plus other super racers and breeders! Then there is Claudia Schiffer the number one hen and full sister to Prins who was dam and grand dam to 1st National winners and champion breeders! Not forgetting Super Crack 305 who bred 1st International Tarbes, 5008 pigeons, as well as 6th International and 9th International on other occasions. Yes, this is what dreams are made of and the lesson for every fancier is that handling and ones eye can overlook a genius in pigeon terms. They come in all shapes and sizes and although we have to seek a norm or standard we must realize that there are exceptions to the norm and the standard. That is what makes pigeon racing so enchanting.

I will begin with the following statement '...there are few of God's gifts I enjoy better than the seductive warmth of the early morning sun when the vegetation and the hand- rail to my loft are wet with early morning dew.' That my dear readers has come from the mind and the heart of a poet and his name is Jed Jackson. But not only a poet he is one of the best pigeon racers that the island of Britain has produced. In truth based upon what I have read and heard the man is an example to us all! An interest in our feathered friends began in the blossoming time of his school days. Jed once recalled that one of his birds was the means by which the half time score of a soccer match was conveyed. Here our subject was lost in the wonder of the orientation ability of his blue pigeon which he had sent initially in a paper bag with the local team to be the courier of good or bad news from miles away. Of course the wonder increased when this pigeon returned from 100 miles. For distance to a child is impregnated with the imaginable and the magical. The love of our thoroughbreds, therefore, was planted early in the life journey of Jed Jackson and with them he was in paradise. So deep was this love that it was inevitable that he would be forever a pigeon fancier and inspite of the twists and the turns, and even the tragedy of life, Jed Jackson has been a life long pigeoner. A person who has won many prizes from a modest loft at Worthing with approximately 30 pigeons. One of those prizes was the 1980 Pau National into England. His two year old hen 'Genista' beat 5,884 pigeons to win the most sought after prize in English pigeon racing. This blue chequer's dam was of Langstone bloodlines and the sire was of Jackson's own family. Well, others have won the National but what adds to the uniqueness in this achievement is the fact that Jed Jackson is a blind person. Yes, we all know what it takes to manage a loft of pigeons but to do it with such a disadvantage is amazing! Of course, Jed Jackson is a born fancier, that is acknowledged by those who know him, but to overcome such an impediment and achieve what he has reflects the very best of the human spirit. Now inspite of his condition in one sense our subject has been endowed with many blessings, one being a loving wife, Joan, who played her part in his many successes. In a sense, like the touch of his fingers, Joan is his sight for without her by his side his managerial duties would have been much more difficult. Sadly with the joys of life lies the sorrows for 'Genista' died from what her friend and breeder thought was the result of her efforts in winning the National. A terrible blow for any fancier but Jed Jackson got on with his productive life and even witnessed a grand-daughter of 'Genista' winning a 550 mile race from Thurso. Upon her arrival the Thurso winner landed upon Jed's shoulder from where he clocked her in. A wonderful image of the bond between a man and a bird, a poetic image of the genius of Jed Jackson.

A silver mealy cock pigeon known as 'The Barcelona Miracle' (rung 2106367/58) which was owned by A. Demaret from Ottignies, Belgium stunned the pigeon racing fraternity when it won the world's most prestigious pigeon race twice. And since then although there have been a couple of close calls this outstanding athletic feat has yet to be emulated. In fact it is hard to imagine the extent of this thoroughbred's accomplishments when he faced the elements, the terrain and the distance in the 1960s. I am in no doubt however that his owner must have been walking on cloud 9 after his first success at the Grand Prix of the sport, which must have doubled to cloud 18 on the second occassion. For there are those who jump for joy when they win an ordinary pigeon race but even a lifetime of ordinary wins I would gladly give away to have succeeded like Demaret in the last century.Even for only one win. This creme de la creme of our thoroughbred athletes and partly (according to one good source) of Bricoux bloodlines won his first Barcelona in 1962 beating 3,300 of the cream of Europes lofts while in 1963 he beat 3,599 of a convoy. Prior to his Barcelona successes the silver mealy's flying record starting with results from 1960 were as follows: 43rd, 97th, 24th,18th and 23rd in very short encounters of between 80 and 130 miles.The following year (1961) his successes were120th, 4th, 130th, 64th, 1st, 3rd and 10th with an increase in mileage including Marseille.Then in 1962 the year of his first Barcelona triumph his races and positions scored were : Corbeil 111th, Dourdan 24th, Orls 27th and the Barcelona International 1st. In 1963 the race points and positions were: Dourdan 24th, Orls 49th, Limoges 23rd, with Barcelona International 1st. With such a bird and the fact that its successes were from the Everest of pigeon racing there were wealthy pigeoners who were in pursuit of the champion. Demaret had not long to wait for he was approached later in the year of its second success and after being offered a fortune by Daniel Devos 'The Barcelona Miracle' took residence in the stock loft of the latter at Dikkebus, Belgium. There he was put to stud and by November 1965 there existed approximately 33 sons and daughters.In fact in that year the Barcelona Miracle changed hands for the second time for he was bought by a rich Japanese pigeoner and taken to the land of the Rising Sun. Prior to this departure Devos had mated the silver mealy to some of the best bloodlines in Europe such as Cattrysse, Huyskens van Riel and Desmet, etc,.Being placed in a special breeding pen and after sitting on eggs for about 10 days the silver mealy was mated to another hen with feeders carrying out the work of the natural parents.Thus about 10 hens or more were mated using this method to the '...Miracle'.And yet inspite of those going ons Daniel Devos sold everything- lock,stock, and barrel- via a clearance sale in November of that year. Well such is pigeon racing or is it human nature? Whatever our human whims and commercial happenings what stands out a mile in this piece however is the fabulous silver mealy known as 'The Barcelona Miracle'. And to use the terms often used before- will we ever see his like again? Yes the marathon of all marathons and he won it twice- two years in succession! Words are useless when we encounter such greatness.

There have been many outstanding pigeons in the history of the sport and perhaps people have their own favourites but there is one bird belonging to Robert Ben of France who would warrant attention at being the greatest bird in the world at present or since the sports origins. This outstanding racing pigeon born in 1998 and rung 361048/98 is known as '048' and irrespective of weather conditions this black chequer cock during his racing career was to the fore at the extreme distances. An outstanding specimen of our racing thoroughbreds. However prior to considering the exploits of '048' let's introduce his owner, Robert Ben is from a large family in which his father was also involved in pigeon racing therefore the sport is in the blood so to speak. A reserved modest man with a good intelligence Robert is in his mid 50s and is now retired from his job in the communication industry. His love of his pigeons and long distance racing is second to none and based upon this he was determined to lay the right basis for he knew that to race and win in France only the best of bloodlines would do it. That is why he turned towards Holland which in the opinion of many is the modern home of the long distance and marathon type of racer. The sire of '048' is of the strain of Chris van der Velden, coming from a brother of the 34th National Dax plus a direct daughter from the famous 'Witbuik' of Batenburg. Whereas the mother of the '048' comes from Sprenkels and has pure Van Den Eijnde bloodlines as well as that of of the great 'Dolle'. The product of this blue blooded pair is a pigeon of a quiet disposition and a pigeon good in the hand but let us retrace our steps for a moment before we consider the exploits of '048'. Initially Robert Ben flew well at the short and middle distances in his native country but approximately 2 decades ago decided to concentrate upon the longer races. As stated he turned to Holland and in due course (1989) had 4 birds from the Van Den Eijnde lofts to be followed by stock from Kruvers, Theo Ernest, Sprenkels, Dingemans, Van Thuyne and birds from Waelkens. All noted distance fanciers. Stock from which he began to build his very successful family of today. Let us now record the exploits of what many consider to be the greatest pigeon of all time. As stated '048' was born in 1989 and had a few races that year resulting in being placed 283rd of 1,996 birds from Le Mans and 1,894th position from 21,652 pigeons from Poitiers. In the following year 1999 he only won one prize and that was 111th position from 2,028 in a race from St. Vincent. Not bad but nothing outstanding but promising. Then in the year 2000 '048' was 56th of 1,691 birds from Le Mans; 2,896th from a convoy of 15,381 from Vichy; 164th from 1,731 birds at the Barcelona National and 3,372sd from 26,597 International; 3rd from 1,765 birds in the National from Perpignan and 119th from a convoy of 18,246 in the International. 2001 he was 3rd from 1,590 Barcelona National and 44th from 25,760 birds in the International; 21th from 1,646 in the National from Perpignan and 206th from 20,859 birds in the International. Followed in 2002 with 360th from 16,608 birds from Limoges; 2,210th from 10,842 of a convoy from Tulle; 85th from 1,901 birds in the Barcelona National and 2,792sd from 26,928 in the International; 34th from 1,664 Perpignan National and 667th from 18,264 International. Of course 2003 was a great year for '048' for he won again two top prizes from Barcelona and Perpignan in bad circumstances in which the convoys had to fly from Barcelona and Perpignan against strong head winds and temperatures far above 30C. Being 2,443rd from 13,154 birds from Tulle; 2nd from 1,835 National Barcelona and 20th from a convoy of 20,204 birds in the International; 3rd from 1,514 birds National Perpignan and 3rd in the 16,800 bird International. And now we arrive at 2004 where the 5 year old '048' shows no sign of lowering his standard with 388th from 13,518 birds at Limoges; 1,362nd from 11,872 of a convoy from Tulle; 1st National Barcelona and 5th International Barcelona against 24,914 pigeons, followed with 5th French National Perpignan and 20th International Perpignan against 22,519 pigeons. This is not a one bird loft however and Robert Ben has a strong force of breeders and racers such as 'Zwarte Witpen'. With '048' now in retirement other birds will replace him but only time will reveal if his record will be beaten by them or others. Perhaps he is one who comes along only now and again that is one in a million! There is no doubt when we get away from the addiction of being 1st, otherwise we are not interested, or our obsession with winning and consider the distance, the drag numbers and the natural configurations to be faced year after year this bird of Robert Ben cries out as being one of if not the greatest marathon pigeon of all time. I leave it to your thoughts to reach your own conclusion but whatever your opinion there is no doubt that '048' is an extraordinary racing pigeon. Again, just reflect upon his record!

To those who have read my writings it is obvious that I am a keen fan of long distance and marathon pigeon racing. In fact I truly believe that this area of animal competition is the sport of sports. Therefore what I offer here is something relevant to that set of disciplines. That is, insights into 6 thoroughbred racing pigeons which have faced the Everest of the sport namely the Barcelona challenge. Now there are many other great pigeons which deserves reference in this article but I have restricted it to a number of conquerors that I have a very special place for in my heart. Initially I will refer to the great De Barcelona of Wim Coenen for the phenotype of this dark chequer cock bird of van der Wegen origins has always appealed to me. De Barcelona was 1st Open Dutch National Barcelona against over six thousand thoroughbreds. In that race he was also 4th International against 25,000 plus of a convoy (710 miles). Furthermore this fine athlete of the skies flew and scored from the Spanish race point on two other occasions as well as scoring at National / International level from other races of between 600/710 miles. De Barcelona As stated De Barcelona was of Adrianus van der Wegen bloodlines via the great Oude Doffertje which contained the genes of Jan Aarden's 'Zeventerdig' - the '38'. Now what may not be generally known De Barcelona has proven good at stock for his present owners. In fact he is responsible for 1st Open and Classic winners including 1st British International Championship Club at 630 miles. Another great champion is De Smaragd Barcelona who was 1st Open Dutch National Barcelona (750 miles) against 5,989 birds and 10th International against 21, 545 birds respectively. This particular Barcelona International is considered by many to be the toughest ever from the Spanish race point. He is of 50/50 cross of Kuypers Brothers and Marijn van Geel. In fact he is a cousin of the famous Smaragd 1 and Smaragd 2 of the great Dutch marathonist Wim van Leeuwen. De Smaragd Barcelona has also proven himself at stock. He and his two Smaragd cousins (above) were bought for a said figure of 135,000 pounds sterling from Wim van Leeuwen. A truly great racing pigeon! Verreweg de Beste is translated into the English language as 'Better By Far' or as a friend roughly translated it 'Simply The Best'. Again this representative of the Jan Aarden dynasty won 1st Open Dutch National at 758 miles against 8,163 birds; and was 2nd International against 27, 352 birds. Morally this great marathoner won the International for although not taken anything from the actual winner Verreweg de Beste was only beaten by 3 ypm although flying 116 miles further. Verreweg de Beste 'Better By Far' also flew from St.Vincent four times where he was in the clock on each occasion. The distance being 685 miles. Then he was competing against convoys of between 40,000 to 60,000 other birds. Again he is of the best of bloodlines: Sterke Barcelona (1st Dutch National Barcelona); Prinses (in the blood of three first National Barcelona winners); and the Marijn van Geel hen- Moeder Barcelona. De Schlangen Barcelona won 1st Dutch National Barcelona (6,812 birds) and 4th International (28,128 birds) at a distance of 700 hundred miles. It was one of the hardest races ever- only 725 birds were clocked on the day and this bird of Pierre Schlangen was racing a lot further than the rest. He beat the 2nd bird into the Netherlands by 54 yards per minute. De Schlangen Barcelona De Schlangen Barcelona is of the same base van der Wegen bloodlines as our first subject De Barcelona. Another of the most prominent Barcelona National and International winners is the beautiful chequer pied cock bird De Smaragd 2 who won the National (750 miles) against 5,451 birds and the International against 21,454 birds. Again this great champion was bred for the job for in his bloodlines are the genes of Marijn van Geel's Mooi Oog. The latter great was responsible for four 1st, three 2nd, and one each 3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th and 16th positions in Nationals and Internationals from Barcelona. Bred and raced by the great Wim van Leeuwen it also contains the genes of Broer Dolle, Zuster 515 ( a daughter of Marijn van Geel's De Lange) and Gebroken Vleugel. As referred to before De Smaragd 2 is a cousin of De Smaragd Barcelona, our second subject above. Finally there is the great Invincible Spirit who was bred and raced by Martin Biemans. He is apparently the only pigeon flying over 700 miles to make the top 100 of the International result in two successive years from Barcelona. For after coming 1st at both National and International level Invincible Spirit also scored 23rd Dutch National (8,163 birds) and 42nd International at a distance of 719 miles (27,352 birds). He also flew from Barcelona on another occasion. Invincible Spirit Invincible Spirit once held the world record price at 110,800 pounds for a racing pigeon and like the rest of the athletes referred to in this article proved to be a producer as well of long distance and marathon racers. I hope the reader appreciates the however brief insights into these great representatives of what I refer to as Barcelona gold. It is purely coincidental that they are Dutch in origin and that they are now the property of the Louella Pigeon World at Leicester in England. Finally, in conclusion, if someday I'm lucky to win the British or the Irish Lotto I'll be winging my way to England to purchase them. For of such is greatness

To write about the numerous families, strains and dynasties of long distance and marathon racing pigeons of the past and the present I have adopted the approach of 'writing from a distance' so to speak. By that phrase I mean that after my first piece on the Stichelbaut Strain which I researched via the internet and via other aspects of the media of information I concluded early in this series of mainly brief insights that I would not personally encounter if it was at all feasible any of the living creators of pigeon families, etc. I believe that this did not create any problems for many of the articles related to many great masters long since dead. In fact it may have prevented any possibility of falling into the snare of undue influence, adding an objectivity to my enterprise. Although I must say that during my research I have consulted with others striving at all times to remain accurate. This has not been easy in fact at times most difficult arising from the vulnerability of human nature. With this piece of I believe important revelatory background information I now would like to introduce an Irish master at the distance namely Joe Doheny of Dublin who has won the Irish National Open twice. First in 1982 when he was awarded the much sought after King's Cup from Le Sables, France, and again recapturing that trophy in 2002 from Redon, France. Thus Joe Doheny has entered the elite by being one of a few double winners due to apparent excellent managerial ability. In an article in one of the sport's stud books in 1979 Joe Doheny stated that he wanted to maintain a high standard of performance at long distance racing. An objective which he surely has achieved based upon an environment whereby his pigeons feel at home and fly because they love their abode and their master. He has admitted before that his system of management is based upon commonsense and simplicity. A system which has produced the goods for Joe in his many years of commitment to the sport. The basis of his many successes is the truth that his birds really fly to get home where they know they are loved and humanely cared for. Joe Doheny in his club has been the top prize winner on many occasions and his family of pigeons have won at the sprints and at the middle distances. But success generates jealousy and because of it moves were a- foot to place the maestro in a position where his winning ways would have been eliminated. Thankfully this was not realized. However it was a decision made by him in the early 1980s that he would try his outpost with his birds to reach the peak of condition for the longer distances which bore fruit for the Dubliner. Thus by the time of the 1982 National Doheny had his candidates in tip top form, in fact all of his racing stock for prior to the big event his pigeons reaped 2nd Open South Road Federation from Penzance as well, as being 1st in the Old Bird Derby from Sartilly. The birds were up in a N.W. wind in the race for the Blue Riband of Irish pigeon racing and at 4.45 a.m. on the second day of the race Joe Doheny timed his brave little Nancy to win at 514 miles with a velocity of 914 y.p.m. In the three days of the race not many birds returned for it was one of the toughest races for sometime. Nancy was a five-year-old red hen raced very lightly before the National. Her pedigree is impeccable including Bob Dunlop bloodlines. But Joe Doheny's success was not to end there for based upon his astute mind and a well tried and perfected managerial system the Kings Cup was to be won again by his loft. This was the 2002 National from Redon in France in which the Liffey-sider became a member of an elitist club of twice Irish National Winners. His courageous blue bar known as Tiny won with the velocity being in the 900 y.p.m. range. Proof of another hard fly which is always to be expected into Ireland. Joe Doheny is to be commended for his success as a pigeon racer. He has made his mark in the history of the sport in the Emerald Isle based upon the technique of moulding a strain capable of competing against the best. I tend to believe that there exists another national winner in his care.

The Art of Widowhood cocks By Jack Barkel - South Africa Widowhood Introduction. The art of racing widowhood has been practised by the Belgium fanciers for over 60 years, I myself started using this method in 1954, when there was but a few of us that flew this method in England. My brother and I had great success with this method, much to the astonishment and dismay of our rivals, who could not believe we were not up to some malpractice or other. We lived in the North East of England at that time, and widowhood was to arrive much later as common practice in that country. I can show you written articles from countries such as Australia and my land South Africa where well known fanciers say that widowhood will not work in these countries. I have developed a method of widowhood that will work in all countries and it has already been proved in the Southern Hemisphere since my revelations about acquiring form. There are several reasons for failure with people embarking on this method for the first time, which we must mention first or we will be doomed to mediocrity and give it up as a poor method. The first requirement for widowhood is the right pigeons for the job. You need pigeons bred from those that have been flying widowhood successfully for several years. To try and convert your existing family that has been strangers to widowhood for generations, will prove very disappointing. The widowhood cock must also be selected for his individuality, his calmness and fearless attitude to all around him, human or otherwise and a strong mental outlook that relieves him from stressful situations. This is a special individual with characteristics that set him apart from others of his species. The hen also must have these similar characteristics with an ardour for her returning mate that is indescribable, until you have seen and experienced it for yourself. Pic 1 Widowhood Loft doors closed During Racing Season Pic 2 Widowhood Loft Doors open After Racing Season. The Loft. The design that I prefer and find the easiest to control is a loft consisting of four compartments, with a corridor along the full length of the front. This enables you to have three compartments for cocks so that they can be brought into form at two or three separate times of the racing season, depending on how many weeks the old birds are flown in a particular area. Pic 3. Showing the widowhood hens section. The other section I have separated by a store room, for I prefer the hens to have a space between them and the cocks, not so much for the voice sound, but the body odour. The first three compartments from left to right are for widowhood cocks (see pic's) the "v" shaped section in the centre of the loft is a store room, then two widowhood hen sections. I have also proved for myself that widowers have become telepathic after spending a couple of seasons together. Some of you will say I am going senile, but my wife and visitors will bare me out that I know within 15 minutes when to prepare for my first bird to arrive. The tranquillity is shattered by a phenomenal performance from the cocks that have not been to the race. They know that the first arrivals are within a few minutes from home, it can be one -o- clock in the afternoon or 6-0-clock in the evening it will happen every week just at that short time before arrival. The know it all's have tried to come up with other answers, but it seems to be the only logical conclusion. I am convinced that our good birds have superior gifts to mankind, and if they do not show this superior gift I try to replace them with birds that do. Observance is one of the great keys to unravelling the hidden mysteries in our sport. This is another first that I have not seen in print by anyone else but I expect will soon be acclaimed as common knowledge as has happened with the explanation of condition and form and also some of my revelations on eyesign (another future article). I have a method of using the smell of the hens without showing them to bring these athletes to the peak of expectation for things to come. This will be explained next week in the racing of cocks and hens on the widowhood system referred to as "The Round-a Bout". The hens section must not have box perches or shelves where there is room for two birds, I have found that inverted "V" or single perches are the best to prevent the hens for mating with each other. If you allow this to happen the magic will go out of the system and those hens will not be amorous on the return of their spouse from a race. The cocks section must have nesting boxes made in such a design that the hen is able to rest inside and wait for her spouse while there is sufficient room or landing for the cock bird on his return. This will ensure a perfect trap every time as he comes to recognise this as his own apartment to which no other intruder must have access during his absence. All compartments must be closed as you take out your widowhood cock for basketing, his mind must be clear that no other male will take over in his absence. Pic 4. Showing compartment door in forward position, while the bird is away from home. Pic 5. Showing compartment door in the halfway position on the Widowhood cocks return home. I also believe he can detect that an intruder was in his compartment during his absence. Could it be his sense of smell ??? Pic 6. Showing the widowhood cocks in there compartments in the off season, when you will notice, that the box fronts are slid up on top and hold no restriction to their whole compartment. The cocks in the off season are fed communally from food trays on the floor, but in the racing season they are fed from small plastic pots, each in their separate compartment. This ensures that each cock gets one heaped desert spoon of food morning and evening, whereas if you feed them all together the fastest eater gets the most and the slowest eater gets the least, neither of which is a satisfactory situation. It is imperative that each bird gets an equal measured amount of food, or you teach him to be a glutton. In the moulting season when the bird needs an abundance of protein at all times you can even hopper feed, but never for short to middle distance racing where the build up must be controlled at the right time. The hens are taken out of their communal section and put in separate semi darkened compartments from a Wednesday. This method increases the ardour of the widowhood hen and when she is place in the cock's compartment just before his return she virtually smothers him with love and affection. The hen that shows lack lustre for the cock on his return is a hopeless useless individual. Never ever allow the cock to return from a race or training toss, without that hen is waiting for him. Having said this however, if it should be a training toss, never let the cock into the inner chamber with the hen. Only and I mean only on a return from a race do you allow the pair to get together. Many widowhood flyers may and will disagree, but I can assure you, I have made all these mistakes, I also used to believe that there was such a thing as semi-widowhood, this is a fallacy. To be a widowhood flyer you either carry it out to the letter or not at all. There are many variations, but no half measures, you must be OBSERVANT, you must be STRICT, you must be DEDICATED

The Art of Widowhood cocks By Jack Barkel - South Africa Widowhood Introduction. The art of racing widowhood has been practised by the Belgium fanciers for over 60 years, I myself started using this method in 1954, when there was but a few of us that flew this method in England. My brother and I had great success with this method, much to the astonishment and dismay of our rivals, who could not believe we were not up to some malpractice or other. We lived in the North East of England at that time, and widowhood was to arrive much later as common practice in that country. I can show you written articles from countries such as Australia and my land South Africa where well known fanciers say that widowhood will not work in these countries. I have developed a method of widowhood that will work in all countries and it has already been proved in the Southern Hemisphere since my revelations about acquiring form. There are several reasons for failure with people embarking on this method for the first time, which we must mention first or we will be doomed to mediocrity and give it up as a poor method. The first requirement for widowhood is the right pigeons for the job. You need pigeons bred from those that have been flying widowhood successfully for several years. To try and convert your existing family that has been strangers to widowhood for generations, will prove very disappointing. The widowhood cock must also be selected for his individuality, his calmness and fearless attitude to all around him, human or otherwise and a strong mental outlook that relieves him from stressful situations. This is a special individual with characteristics that set him apart from others of his species. The hen also must have these similar characteristics with an ardour for her returning mate that is indescribable, until you have seen and experienced it for yourself. Pic 1 Widowhood Loft doors closed During Racing Season Pic 2 Widowhood Loft Doors open After Racing Season. The Loft. The design that I prefer and find the easiest to control is a loft consisting of four compartments, with a corridor along the full length of the front. This enables you to have three compartments for cocks so that they can be brought into form at two or three separate times of the racing season, depending on how many weeks the old birds are flown in a particular area. Pic 3. Showing the widowhood hens section. The other section I have separated by a store room, for I prefer the hens to have a space between them and the cocks, not so much for the voice sound, but the body odour. The first three compartments from left to right are for widowhood cocks (see pic's) the "v" shaped section in the centre of the loft is a store room, then two widowhood hen sections. I have also proved for myself that widowers have become telepathic after spending a couple of seasons together. Some of you will say I am going senile, but my wife and visitors will bare me out that I know within 15 minutes when to prepare for my first bird to arrive. The tranquillity is shattered by a phenomenal performance from the cocks that have not been to the race. They know that the first arrivals are within a few minutes from home, it can be one -o- clock in the afternoon or 6-0-clock in the evening it will happen every week just at that short time before arrival. The know it all's have tried to come up with other answers, but it seems to be the only logical conclusion. I am convinced that our good birds have superior gifts to mankind, and if they do not show this superior gift I try to replace them with birds that do. Observance is one of the great keys to unravelling the hidden mysteries in our sport. This is another first that I have not seen in print by anyone else but I expect will soon be acclaimed as common knowledge as has happened with the explanation of condition and form and also some of my revelations on eyesign (another future article). I have a method of using the smell of the hens without showing them to bring these athletes to the peak of expectation for things to come. This will be explained next week in the racing of cocks and hens on the widowhood system referred to as "The Round-a Bout". The hens section must not have box perches or shelves where there is room for two birds, I have found that inverted "V" or single perches are the best to prevent the hens for mating with each other. If you allow this to happen the magic will go out of the system and those hens will not be amorous on the return of their spouse from a race. The cocks section must have nesting boxes made in such a design that the hen is able to rest inside and wait for her spouse while there is sufficient room or landing for the cock bird on his return. This will ensure a perfect trap every time as he comes to recognise this as his own apartment to which no other intruder must have access during his absence. All compartments must be closed as you take out your widowhood cock for basketing, his mind must be clear that no other male will take over in his absence. Pic 4. Showing compartment door in forward position, while the bird is away from home. Pic 5. Showing compartment door in the halfway position on the Widowhood cocks return home. I also believe he can detect that an intruder was in his compartment during his absence. Could it be his sense of smell ??? Pic 6. Showing the widowhood cocks in there compartments in the off season, when you will notice, that the box fronts are slid up on top and hold no restriction to their whole compartment. The cocks in the off season are fed communally from food trays on the floor, but in the racing season they are fed from small plastic pots, each in their separate compartment. This ensures that each cock gets one heaped desert spoon of food morning and evening, whereas if you feed them all together the fastest eater gets the most and the slowest eater gets the least, neither of which is a satisfactory situation. It is imperative that each bird gets an equal measured amount of food, or you teach him to be a glutton. In the moulting season when the bird needs an abundance of protein at all times you can even hopper feed, but never for short to middle distance racing where the build up must be controlled at the right time. The hens are taken out of their communal section and put in separate semi darkened compartments from a Wednesday. This method increases the ardour of the widowhood hen and when she is place in the cock's compartment just before his return she virtually smothers him with love and affection. The hen that shows lack lustre for the cock on his return is a hopeless useless individual. Never ever allow the cock to return from a race or training toss, without that hen is waiting for him. Having said this however, if it should be a training toss, never let the cock into the inner chamber with the hen. Only and I mean only on a return from a race do you allow the pair to get together. Many widowhood flyers may and will disagree, but I can assure you, I have made all these mistakes, I also used to believe that there was such a thing as semi-widowhood, this is a fallacy. To be a widowhood flyer you either carry it out to the letter or not at all. There are many variations, but no half measures, you must be OBSERVANT, you must be STRICT, you must be DEDICATED

How to prepare to find form By Jack Barkel - South Africa We have gone through the explanations for Condition and Form in the condition & forum articles, I have tried to point out the vast difference between the two and how to look for and use condition, which is the average fancier's method of racing pigeons. I make this statement now, that although my teachings are that of others who have helped me along this road, the explanation of the difference between condition and form belongs to myself. I do not believe it has been written or registered by anyone else, that it is a first and the recognition belongs to me. I will continue to claim recognition for this until someone tries to prove that it was registered before I started to make it known to the pigeon fraternity. The practice has been in operation for the past fifty years, the revelation of what and why it was being practiced has remained one of the hidden mysteries of nature and science. I will now open those doors which should lead us from darkness into light on the subject. No bird comes into form and I state this emphatically (as if written in stone) until it drops its first primary flight Many of the disillusioned and misinformed, plus the geniuses that think they can change the laws of nature will argue against this and have done so. The pigeon either comes into form at the time programmed by his biological clock, or you the fancier have to engineer this biological clock to suit your requirements. Nature tells the pigeons to mate in Springtime, and can be seen and proved by all living creatures except we the human being, who have lost these gifts by lust and over indulgence in natures gifts to us. We owe our failure or loss to these beautiful gifts of nature through mental progress, only we the human being, fail to recognize the exact time when we can reproduce. All other creatures are still in possession of these beautiful gifts, because their brains have not realized that they can indulge other than at the time of their biological clock. The pigeon is genetically programmed that if you produce a young pigeon whose parents both have a biological clock to come into form say in July month, that young pigeon will inherit that genetic program from both its parents and come into form in July every year. This way, you can also breed birds to come into form at the exact time you need them. The process of bringing birds into form to suit your required time for the races is as follows:- We pair up our birds 90 (Ninety) days before the first race which we wish them to compete in. It takes 10(Ten) to 12(Twelve) days to lay, 18(Eighteen) days to hatch and another 26 (Twenty Six) days plus or minus for the hen to lay again. Let me say here that if the hen only brings up one chick she will lay a few days sooner than if she has to bring up two chicks. We then allow them to sit the second round for 10 (Ten) days, then remove the hen. The cock will sit another day or so then he looses interest, we then take away the eggs and the nest and within 21(Twenty One) days, this pair will both drop their first primary flight. Please remember your form will increase steadily over the next 7(Seven) weeks. As you become more experienced and professional at the art, you will be able to extend that form up to 10(Ten) weeks. Do not let anyone try to persuade you that they have come into form before this flight has dropped, it is just condition and the joy of bringing up a chick that is giving this false impression of form. If you fail to continue the 90 (Ninety) days process, the bird will still race, but will be late in dropping the first primary flight. This can be an advantage if in the Northern Hemisphere you wish to race the bird right through the old bird season and not earmark it for the short races, but race all and peak in the classic races towards the end of the season. The variations of these phenomena of nature are limitless and as you begin to MASTER THE ART, you may even invent some successful variations of your own. In the Southern Hemisphere, (remember, the author has flown successfully in both hemispheres) we as I said previously have approximately 21 (Twenty One) weeks of old bird races. Here for the middle and long distance races we need to pair up 90 (Ninety) days before the 1ST race in the middle season team, and the 90(Ninety) Days before the 1ST of the final 7(Seven) weeks which are the long distance races of the season. This is easy if you work it out to the formulae as explained in this article. The big snag comes with the 1st 7(Seven) weeks which begin in mid winter and to pair up Ninety days before would bring them into the middle of their heavy moult. This they can't do, for mating and breeding a chick would halt the moult that is already in deep progress for the Southern Hemisphere birds. Even if this could be overcome the problem still exists that their first race is the middle of winter and nature tells them they cannot start the moult in mid winter and to hold onto the first primary flight. Here again you the fancier can overcome these phenomena by pulling a sneaky trick on nature. This chapter teaches us "How To Cheat Nature". When a pigeon first commences the moult he drops his No 1 Tail Feathers, to explain which are the No 1 there are Twelve Main Tail Feathers. The No 1 being those just to the outside of the two centre feathers, which if you were to count from the outside towards the centre would be the number 5 feathers. Approximately three weeks before the first race in these winter conditions if you close up your loft, feed ample protein and oil seeds, do not over train, you can remove these two tail feathers and within three weeks these birds should start coming into form. Illustration of the Tail Feathers of a pigeon, the two dark feathers being the ones that need to be removed to start the moulting process. Illustration of the Tail Feathers showing the two feathers removed, which will trigger commencement of the moult. Even for my friends in the Northern Hemisphere, this little trick of nature can be to your advantage. Although it is always better to go through the ninety days process and let the pigeon go into the moult naturally, many things can halt this moult. The main culprits being shock from hawks, cats and when a bird catches one of the many diseases that plague the pigeon. These things and many more can halt the moult, then it is beneficial to extract these feathers after rectifying the bird's problem. One famous fancier on tour in South Africa said that if you have a bird that is listless and no amount of medication will cure the bird, then pull his tail out and in three weeks it will show a great improvement in its general health. The person was right, although he only needed to pull out the two feathers as I have illustrated above. What he failed to explain and although he had discovered this cure was maybe not aware. The reason for this improvement in the bird's health, was the fact that the bird through shock or previous illness had stuck in the moult and that once this had been jump started again, the bird returned to its natural well being.

Condition & Form Part two By Jack Barkel - South Africa In part one we mentioned form, but concentrated on condition, I have kept them separate as they need two entirely different approaches to make them work for you. As I said in the previous article, when I am approached to explain condition my opening statement is CONDITION IS VISIBLE, and when asked to explain form, my opening statement is FORM IS INVISIBLE. Once a fancier can accept this, he is well on the path to using both to his best advantage. The reader must understand, that there are many who will, and do disagree with what I am about to reveal, but let me assure you these people have never really mastered the art. They take short cuts and say, they still reach peak form, or that they fly widowhood ( a future article) and even make such remarks as, they fly Semi- Widowhood. Before continuing let me say there is no such thing as semi or half widowhood, one either follows it fully with the variations or it will not work, no matter what the critics say. We explained that condition was more or less a monthly cycle, whereas form is an Annual cycle and has a time of the year when it will manifest itself naturally, but can be made to manifest itself at a time which is best to the pigeon fanciers advantage. It will increase this form over an average period of Seven Weeks, but can be increased to ten weeks. Once it is gone it is gone for the year, and nothing tried in this day and age or previously has ever been found to bring it back again that season. When a pigeon has reached its peak form, you can usually see an immediate decline in performance from then onwards, the more you practice this art the more you will come to recognize when it happens and when the decline is going to happen. The bird at this peak in his period of health will give the performance of his life if it has the necessary attributes. To send it again after this supreme effort can destroy its kidneys and liver and even the heart for life. I often wonder how many of us have butchered our best bird in the urge to get that extra win. In the Northern Hemisphere the races usually commence in the Spring and Old Bird races last plus or minus eight to ten weeks. This allows N.H. fanciers to race one team and also to allow them to come into form naturally all at the same time, unless some are only earmarked for the long distance races and then must be brought into form a little later than the short to middle distance birds, The fancier who thinks he can do the latter in the one loft is kidding himself, and is not racing on form but condition. There will most likely come a time when a pigeon in a loft like this will hit form by accident and the owner spends the next couple of years trying to ascertain what he did right. Preparation for me is the be all and end all of great success, have you noticed that the classics are dominated in good lofts by the same pigeon at the same time of the year, several years in succession. Show me this fancier and I will show you a fancier that has mastered the art of pigeon racing. When he is accused of being a mob flyer he sends one bird to the National and beats all his critics. This happens , I can quote many cases that have been written about and recorded, I have every respect for the fancier who wins a National or scores well up in the prizes, but the person who makes a habit of it is the person to whom we must try and borrow a leaf out of their book. Unfortunately very few of these greats are prepared to make the same effort to help others. I once asked one of these great fanciers the reason for their silence, he explained that while they do not attempt to help they are respected by all, but once they try to tell others how it is done, they are subjected to verbal harassment, ridicule, insults and much more. Well, I am not one of the greats, but I am in possession of some of the greatest secrets known to the pigeon racing fraternity and will be prepared to volunteer this information to the people who would like to come along with me on these weekly articles. In the Southern Hemisphere the pattern is very different, June ,July and August are the winter months and that is the commencement of our races also. Because it is very cold the birds do not wish to mate and some have not fully completed the moult, we can not go through the process of breeding young birds to follow straight on after the old bird races so we usually have twenty or more Old Bird Races. Because of this we need to induce three separate teams to hit form at three separate times slightly overlapping each other, one seven weeks batch or team taking over after the other. The S.H. fanciers that are not aware of this form pair up all their birds at the same time and the majority of these will then come into form at the same time. The records will prove me right that the fancier who fits this category will specialize at the period of ninety days after they paired up their birds and the rest of the season they will only have moderate success. If one only has moderate fanciers in a club or Federation it does not matter much, but if the competition is of world class standards then such a fancier can have no more than 40% highs and no less than 60% lows. All of this may sound long winded, and I have tried to keep it interesting, my main object being to try and induce the fancier to see that we are using the knowledge available that we can liken to the tip of the iceberg. The other 66 % of the iceberg is where we need to be if we are to progress much further than we are already. In next weeks issue we will reveal how to make this all happen for you at the time you need to make it happen, in other words, you will be in control completely of which races a particular bird will give you of its best. This will take out a lot of the guess work of when to have your birds come into form. In the weeks ahead while still on the subject of racing we will cover Natural Methods and tricks, widowhood, Roundabout System, Celibacy, jealousy, purging, purifying, before eventually moving on to breeding techniques, eyesign, and many many general everyday tips. I do not profess to know it all, but I will reveal the knowledge I have gained in my sojourn through the pigeon world. This article may appear to contain very little of value, but I feel that without this prelude or run up to the next article, we could easily miss the importance of form and its preferance to only racing on condition.

Condition & Form Part One By Jack Barkel - South Africa These two words are the two most misused and misunderstood words in the history of our sport. If we ask the average fancier what is the difference between condition and form, they either say that they are the same or they struggle to give a meaningful answer. Those that are in possession of my video Its All In The Eye or have attended some of my lectures, will know that there is a great difference between the two and can be explained as follows: Condition is a monthly cycle and is visibly recognizable, it is mainly detectable by the down feathers and many fanciers go to great lengths to search for these and from which pigeon they are discarded. This is unnecessary as one can see the time of the condition cycle by looking for these on the side of the birds rump where they grow and are discharged monthly. They start as a bare patch in this area, become shoots, and discharge as a fully grown down feather in this cycle when at peak condition. Pic 1 Showing the bare patch When the pigeon is at the bottom of its cycle. Pic 2. Showing the pigeon at the midway position of its cycle. Pic 3. Showing the down feathers fully open and ready for casting, this is when the pigeon is at its best monthly condition. Pic 4 Pic 5 Pic 4. and 5 show the condition that the fancier is looking for, but is advised against doing. The condition can be recognized and adjusted to No 5 without disturbing this very important feather cover. PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB THESE BREAST FEATHERS. The rosy pink in the mouth is also a good indication that all is well with the pigeon, for me it is a much better indication that all is well with the blood condition than looking at the pigeons breast, which can also be a dietary condition. Rather do not look at the breast and cause disruptions of feather cover in this sparse region. There is also the elusive red spot that sometimes tracks along the keel bone, some times it is there and sometimes it is not, I discard this as completely unreliable. Many birds are hyper active when at this monthly peak, and is another observation to look for, whilst a bird that is quick to go to the water drinker whilst its companions continue to gorge themselves at the food tray is another indication. All of these signs and many more however, all coincide with the cycle of the down feathers, which I believe to be the best visible indication of all, and that is why when I am asked to explain, I start by making the statement. CONDITION IS VISIBLE. Most of South Africans, and I would think New Zealanders and Australians fly the first eight weeks of the season on condition, because unless one knows how to cheat nature, there is no way to induce form in June and July in these countries when it is the heart of there winter season. This week we will concentrate on condition and the next article will be the one to explain form, so that it can be used to greater advantage than condition. I mentioned earlier that it is better to look in the mouth than the breast and these are the reasons for this statement. If you look in the mouth of the bird and it is a very pale pink, then all is not well, it is showing signs of Anemia. If it is not illness causing this, a course of Red Cell will rectify the matter quickly. Many fanciers will part the breast feathers to see if the breast is pale pink or whether it is deep purple to blue and scaly. If your birds are fed on depurative at the beginning of the week the breast will be pale pink. Should you feed high protein right through the week, the digestive system becomes sluggish and the breast will become blue in colour with a blue tip on the tongue also. The grains we feed, and when we feed them are a science as I explained in article No1, believe me there are people who are winning with these archaic methods, but none of them are world champions, for champions progress with modern science. It is very bad practice to open up the breast feathers on a racing pigeon, this is the only weakness on a pigeon as they have no body feathers in this region. Nature left it void of feathers in this area to get the eggs next to the skin and up to body temperature for incubation. When humans developed the racing pigeon to fly considerable distances they did it without this in mind, and still today we interfere with this condition that the bird needs and tries to look after so meticulously. The racing pigeon spends a lot of time weaving these breast feathers together so that they will not open up in long forced flights. If you feel inclined to open these feathers to see if the flesh is pink, then you are left with a bird that can take up to thirty six hours (depending on disturbances) to weave these feathers back into place. This subject can cause arguments, I do not wish to get involved, my only desire is to make all aware of it, then it is up to the readers whether they accept it or reject it. Some will say what if the breast is blue or the tongue is blue? This is usually from wrong diets, and is a simple eating/blood disorder, which a strong dose of garlic in the water will soon put right. Many will know of fanciers who are leading the points averages and suddenly the birds take a dip in performance and are out of the clock. Panic sets in and they start throwing all kinds of junk at the pigeons to get them back to where they were. Most of the time the fancier is so desperate to keep them on top that he/she, unwittingly starts giving the birds too much of a good thing, in the hopes that this show of vigour will last, but sadly it has the opposite effect to what they are trying to achieve. Here is some good sound common sense I was given many years ago, by a man who although dead and gone is a legend in the sport. When you see an excessive drop in performance on a Saturday in your race team on a whole, the Tuesday following give garlic water twice that day, and NO FOOD. This is a forced fasting, and will rest and clear the digestive system. On the Wednesday you start the build up again as I explained in the previous article and your birds will be back to their successful winning ways on the Saturday. There is no need for this panic, RELAX and do it the commonsense way. YOU know your birds are good, YOU know your birds are not ill, YOU have just been too kind and over indulged them a little while chasing points. In conclusion I ask that you the readers of these articles keep the question and answer column alive at the end of each article. Even if you have questions that are off the subject, we can use them to help others. We will endeavour to publish all fair questions and comments that we feel are of benefit to the Pigeon Fancier. Next article we will write about the magic and creation of Natures Mystery :- FORM.

Medication, Feeding and Training for Racing Jack Barkel - South Africa There are many roads that lead to success in this particular subject, and although they all have some measure of success, there are methods that cause the pigeons to be virtually useless as racers or breeders after their first or second year. I will endeavor in a series of articles to give advice on tried and proved methods by some of the Champions worldwide. Most keenness starts with the time just before the racing season when even those who tend to neglect their pigeons in the off season are aroused into trying to get their birds into condition for the forth coming races. I will therefore commence my article, six weeks before the racing commences. About six weeks before the first race, (if you reside in South Africa) should be near to the middle of April and all birds should if they have been treated correctly be nearing completion of the moult ready for the winter which is right upon us. Because of the inactivity during the moulting season, and due to feeding high protein fats for this occasion, the birds have put on extra weight. To rectify this one needs to feed dehusked sunflower in the mornings and a feed of Barley only in the evenings. The birds will soon begin to exercise for long periods on this diet, and only then must a person start basket training. To force birds onto the road that are not fit is wrong, wrong, wrong, and must not be attempted at any cost, this sort of method does not make champions. It is also at this time 15th April necessary to medicate against:- Coccidiosis, Mycoplasmosis, Canker and to clear the air sacks. Mix one teaspoon of Tylan, one teaspoon of Emptryl, six teaspoons of Terravit (not Terramycine, it must have the vitamins), you put one teaspoon of these mixed powders onto one litre of drinking water. You then add one dessertspoon of Sulfamethazine to this same litre of water and administer for Five days. These illnesses keep occurring as often as the common cold, so for one day every four to six weeks you must treat the birds with this mixture. This should keep these unwanted invaders at bay without building up an immunity to the medication, which is a big problem throughout the world. The biggest secret about conditioning a pigeon for a race is not how to make him peak, but on the contrary how to prevent him from peaking before the Saturdays race. We are now at the Wednesday morning before the first race; we have been feeding dehusked sunflower mornings and Barley in the evenings. The birds are still full bodied but as light as a feather, and are ready for a good feed with at least 60% Maize. Wednesday is the day, back onto the good racing mix for Wed & Thurs, morning and evening and Friday morning a light feed of dehusked sunflower seed and clean water.This if followed correctly will make the bird peak on Saturday Morning, ready for the journey home.It is now Saturday and we are waiting for the return of the birds, always have warm water waiting for them, laced with electrolytes and honey or boiled sugar water.For Saturday and Sunday feeding, because of the exorbitant price of depurative in South Africa, I make the following mixture.Take a five-litre plastic bucket filled with Barley plus the same amounts of wheat, and mix together. Take a small soup bowl and put in twelve-heaped desert spoons of Torula or Brewers Yeast. To this you add one glass of FRESH Lemon Juice, this will take about six medium sized lemons. Pour the juice over the Yeast and stir until it looks like gravy, you then pour this over the wheat and barley and mix well in. Within two hours, there is no trace ofthe yeast and lemon juice; it has all been absorbed in the food. The reason for this is simple, I do not believe in purging but purifying, therefore Epsom salts and Dicestal is old fashioned and has a detrimental effect on the pigeon. The modern scientific method is to purify the blood and get rid of the toxins, which build up in a birds system. All racers if not on a depurative of some sorts will become sluggish and cease to operate at peak performance. We have now dealt with Saturday and Sunday, Monday and Tuesday Morning, dehusked sunflower again and evenings Barley. A normal ration per meal is one cup per ten pigeons, do not let them make you feel sorry for them, because if you exceed this ration, you can feel sorry for them when they have to fly home on Saturday, and sorry for yourself when your more strict competitor beats you once again. When I raced in England, I used to give Mycosan T in the water every Monday, because our birds do come into contact with birds from unhealthy lofts.It gives moulting problems in our climate so I had to change to Two teaspoons of Furasol and Two teaspoons of Oxyvital on five litres of water. I understand that these two African products are off the market for some mysterious reason, but that there are Substitutes. They were recognized as two of the best products in the world by there overseas competitors by the way ( Makes you think doesn't it ) One day per week of Garlic is also good for the pigeon, but I feel I must make you aware of one other very important factor.Pigeons that have regular medication in the water are known to decrease their water intake, any racing pigeon that has a reduction of 10% water over a period of a week will have a reduction in performance of about 40%. This can also knock you out of the prizes, so what I am saying is this, where we can put medication or treatments on the food, please do it this way and leave the water as clean as we possibly can. In South Africa we fly approximately twenty-one weeks old birds, this program will be good for the first seven weeks with slight variations as the season gets warmer and longer. Depending on the interested reaction to this method, we can carry on through the whole season, with many scientific reasons for losses etc. Just to mention in closing, I feel that a bird should have as many sixty kilometre tosses per week as possible, and those who do not race any particular weekend must get at least a 150 kilometre toss to keep it up to scratch. I also believe that static is more to blame for losses than illness. If the bakkie or car or truck that you use for training is not earthed for to dissipate static electricity and you do not degauss you pigeons, then you are up the creek without a paddle. This could be the first of many articles depending on whether it draws a reaction, for no person likes to compile articles without the acknowledgement that they are getting through to people in a favourable manner. I must state that for some this will shed a new light on the sport for them, whilst others will already either be using this or at least know all about it. I do this for the new starters in the sport, for we must be prepared to enlighten our new members into the hidden mysteries of the nature and science of our great sport and hobby. Jack Barkel

JOHN KIRKPATRICK The Supreme Pigeon Fancier 1898 -1954 by Joe Murphy SNFC Presentation 1937 A few months ago I received a phone call from a Mr John Smith from Jedburgh; he had been given my number by a pigeon fancier in the area. He had been informed that I was steeped in the history of Scottish Racing Pigeons especially the SHU and the Scottish National Flying Club and had over the years highlighted the quality of Scottish pigeons and I was to be complimented on my contribution. At first I thought it was a ‘wind up’ but it wasn’t and to be honest as the conversation continued it became indeed a great honour to speak to this man. John Smith’s mother was Jean Moore and her sister was named Carrie. Jean married Fred Smith who was to become one of Annan’s most respected footballers; he had pace; wizardry and scored goals for fun. Fred is still living in Annan and is now 98 years old and is remembered by the older generation as ‘One of the Best’ ever players. John Kirkpatrick was also a fine footballer and had played with Solway Star joined Workington Town and played it the North East League. His first marriage produced a boy Jack who moved to Rhodesia and in fact was captain of the international Rhodesian football team who played against Scotland in a friendly in Rhodesia. His daughter Hannah married Andrew Cowan through time became the secretary of Annan Homing Society. After the passing of his first wife John started to become friendly with Fred and Jean Smith and would join them on a trip to visit Jean’s father Mr Moore’s who lived in 105 High Street; he also was a pigeon fancier and had a large 40 foot loft out in the back garden; It soon became apparent that it was Carrie who was catching John’s eye and not Mr Moore’s pigeon and they married in the late 1940s. When a young Laddie in Annan John Smith would accompany his mother and father to visit Aunty Carrie and Uncle Johnny at Galabank; as he grew up he became fascinated with the pigeons and would often cycle up to Galabank lofts to help out his uncle Johnny. These were special times for young John Smith and John Kirkpatrick looked on him as a second son. John was with his uncle Johnny when he won the Scottish national from Nantes and remembers this with love and affection. His aunty Carrie loved young John Smith so much so that she left him the Westminster chime clock that John Kirkpatrick received as a memento of winning the 1937 SNFC Rennes race in her will. This Gold Cup winner Coronation Express won the race in record time and believe it or not on the same day that John Smith was born. John Smith never kept racing pigeons due to work commitments he became an administrator in Cochrane & Co of Newbie Annan; and worked worldwide as senior manager for L.S. Starrett Co. Ltd in Jedburgh; finally finishing his working life as a retailer with a shop in Jedburgh high street. However his memory of the time spent with his uncle Johnny has never left him and the reason for his phone call to me was to see if we could meet up as he wished to present me with this Westminster clock. We arranged to meet at Stair Castle Hotel outside Pathhead and John asked me to bring my wife Margaret with me as he had also been informed of her contribution in assisting me over the years. We met for lunch and John (being the charmer he is) gifted Margaret with 6 red roses and a box of chocolates; we spent the whole day sitting talking and believe me it was indeed a great pleasure. There were times when the memories of John’s past caught up on him and he became overcome; however this was a true reflection of the man whom we had met for the first time and it endeared us to him. No matter how well he had done in life; deep down he was still the little boy who visited his uncle Johnny away back in the late 1940’s early 50’s and saw his national winners drop out of the sky. I took some photos of John with the Westminster clock that is inscribed Prize Granted by S.C.W.S Ltd Mr J Kirkpatrick Winner Rennes Race 1937. This treasured memory of John Kirkpatrick’s early years has sat on a table in my living room since we brought it home and I look at it every day as it chimes every quarter of an hour and cannot believe that John Smith presented me with such a wonderful piece of Scottish Pigeon history; and I’m very proud that he thought so highly of me to do so. After our meeting I was on such a ‘high’ that I thought it only appropriate to do some research and compile an article on John Kirkpatrick. The reason for this is young fanciers like my son Kevin could read about this ‘giant of a man’ who transformed pigeon racing in his short life time; they could keep the article and revise some of the history of the SNFC as a memento of John Kirkpatrick. Nowadays we have fanciers creating their own part in the history of the club and to be part of the history and folklore of this great club is indeed a great honour. The Beginning John Kirkpatrick was born in Maryport in Cumbria in 1898 and his family moved to Annan in 1912. His father, who kept pigeons, was a founder member of Annan & District Homing Society and John was always among his dad’s pigeons. In 1924 John Kirkpatrick won his first prize card when he appeared on the Rennes result winning 32nd open result. Before winning 1st open SNFC Rennes in 1937 with his fabulous 3 year old blue chequer cock called ‘Coronation Express’ setting a record at that time with a velocity of 1559 yards per minute. He was named after the famous locomotive of that time which broke all rail records and here was a pigeon breaking the record as the fastest ever Rennes winning in the 43 year history of the SNFC which was established in 1894. Coronation Express flew Dol as a yearling being well up in the federation open result; the following year as a 2 year old he won 72nd open Rennes in a disaster. In 1937 he was paired up on the 7th March and yet by the time he homed from Rennes he was carrying 3 new flights and had in fact thrown his 4th flight in the basket. Since his first win in 1924 John Kirkpatrick gained 2 x 3rds; 4th, 2 x 5ths ; 9th,11th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 22nd, all from Rennes and a 7th, 21st, 39th, 40th, and 42nd from Nantes. John Kirkpatrick was totally convinced that distance birds should be fully tested as yearlings and his outstanding record from Rennes and Nantes consistently showed that his champions had previously scored from Dol as yearlings before achieving further success at Rennes or Nantes. In 1931 he was 5th open Rennes with a yearling hen that went on to win 5th open again as a 3 year old. His red chequer cock Galabank Lad flew Rennes as a yearling in 1933 when he won 11th open; he was sent back the following year and won 18th open; and would have been on the result the following year but was disqualified over a timing technicality. Galabank Lad raced from Nantes in 1936 and 1937 being 42nd & 59th open respectively; and as a matter of interest Galabank Lad flew the English Channel no fewer than 11 times. In 1939 the Rennes convoy were liberated at 7-10am into a west wind and it was not anticipated that there would be any pigeons on the day. However there was 3 arrivals into the Annan area; John Kirkpatrick times his first at 22.17 hours and then another in the dark at 22.58 hours. Bob Douglas timed in a bird to split the Kirkpatrick duo and to be 2nd section. For years; the constitution of the SNFC had been so worded that generally it was believed that the first fancier to win the Gold Cup twice would be allowed to retain the famous trophy. With many of John’s club mates going to bed that night in the belief that John Kirkpatrick had indeed won the trophy for the second time. However the following morning a wave of birds were timed into Central Scotland and the eventual winners were Anderson Brothers of Falkirk. To end any confusion; the clause was subsequently modified to make it clear that the Gold Cup for all time would remain the property of the SNFC. Hard Work John Kirkpatrick had a very special work engine and over a long period initially as a footballer with Workington Town in midfield, then as a master pigeon administrator, his attention to the detail of essential requirements in preparing pigeons to be at their peak at the end of June each year was remarkable. John was keenly aware of what constituted a long distance pigeon and with the outbreak of the war he had already established a remarkable family of pigeons. However like many of us he was not satisfied and was compelled by introduction of a series of successful importations. In 1937 the year he won the Gold Cup he was asked to attend a winter show in Galashiels and was introduced to a businessman from the local mill a Mr. Richardson who showed him a pair of Belgian rung Bricoux, a mealy cock and a red chequer hen. John Kirkpatrick was so impressed with these pigeons that he purchased them direct from Mr Richardson and what an investment this turned out to be. This pair proved to be without doubt the finest producers the racing pigeon the world has witnessed and believe me ALL subsequent Galabank champions can be traced back to this pairing. It is worth noting at that time Mr Richardson kept about 200 pigeons in 2 large 40 foot lofts and he had spent a small fortune on stock. Many Scottish fanciers at that time obtained birds from Mr Richardson and without being disrespectful to the man they had more racing success than he had with the same birds. John Kirkpatrick was a very frequent visitor to Mr Richardson after they stuck up their friendship. The Bricoux pair in 1939 produced the world champion ‘Galabank Supreme’ who was to become the keystone in Kirkpatrick’s pedigrees. This pigeon was brilliant on the road with his favourite nesting condition being feeding a big young HEN. However it was at breeding the he excelled and was indeed the sire; grand sire and great grand sire of many winners. Kirkpatrick’s outstanding champions in distance races were in the main cock pigeons and he had a consistent policy of introducing top class hens from various sources to see if they fitted into his closely worked out breeding programme. Among those that succeeded was a blue pied Marriot hen from Mr Aitchison from Brampton near Carlisle; the sister of which had twice won the East Cumberland federation from Nantes. He also in 1941 purchased a Logan hen from Summer Brothers from Wrexham; which was logged as a grand daughter of Logan’s ‘1826’. Other introductions were a Barker hen ‘2716’ from L A Barker of Bridgewater; direct from Masonic Wonder and Masonic Cracker; he also obtained a Gits hen named Lady Margaret from the loft of Ed Clayon; and the famous 1948 bred grizzle hen ‘6498’ from Arthur Hill of St Just; Arthur had put up some outstanding performance into Cornwall after the war flying on the new East to West route from the continent. However one of the final successful imports was the red hen ‘5554’ from John Reid of Stenhousemuir she was of the highest quality as she was a full sister to Jock Reid’s 2nd open SNFC Rennes winner in 1950. In 1948 with the resumption of channel racing John was 2nd open from Guernsey with a 5 year old red cock from Galabank Supreme Bricoux line. Three years later he was again 2nd open SNFC this time from Rennes with Galabank King he later won 35th open Nantes. His sire was the cock who won 2nd open Guernsey and his dam was a blue hen from the son of Coronation Express when paired to a daughter of Galabank Lad and the Marriot blue pied hen. Kirkpatrick’s own words Following his success from Rennes he was asked to contribute an article to the first issue of the Homing World Annual Diary (as it was called at that time) in 1938. He wrote ‘I felt it a great honour in being asked to subscribe an article in this the first issue of the Homing World Annual Diary. While I do not feel really able to do the occasion justice; I shall at least try to make this article as interesting as well as instructive. Let me say at the outset that this is no great infallible secret in being successful with racing pigeons; nor is there to my knowledge any elixir or magic potion. But I will now give my own methods of feeding; training and racing to a successful issue. The first and premier consideration is the food; I feed the whole year round on a mixture consisting of peas; beans; tares; wheat; Dari and a little maize; but the quality of this must be assured and absolutely free from dust and dirt of any kind. The food at all times must be given at very regular intervals. Personally I feed three times a day during the long summer days; the times of feeding during this period are at 7am; 12 noon and 6.30pm. At the evening meal after the birds have had their usual corn; I give them a tit-bit in the form of seed mixture; which is 25% Millet; 25% Linseed; 25% Rape and 25% hemp. When the racing season is over and the days get shorter I feed twice a day; morning as early as possible and early afternoon. At this time I gradually increase the amount of wheat in the mixture until it presents 50% of the diet. I am a great believer in wheat; as I am convinced it is very beneficial during the moult and at this time I increase the seed mixture especially the linseed. I, at times feed the birds by hand, and never by hopper, and I may be classed a fairly heavy feeder; as I always give the birds a full crop at every meal, but I make sure there is never any surplus food lying about. I give green food via; lettuce; chopped cabbage; plantains; watercress; chickweed etc; whenever these are available; these I believe are great blood purifiers. With regard to attention I give to cleanliness in the loft. I clean it out twice daily; morning and night; changing the water on each occasion and at the same time putting a little grit on the floor; this ensures the grit being always fresh and dry; and the birds seem to appreciate it better this way than in a trough or hopper. I mate up according to the distance I map out for my individual birds; the longest distance candidates being mated later than the others. The stock birds and yearlings are put together the first week in March and the others are mated at intervals in accordance with their programmes. Thus my ‘Coronation Express’ the winner of the SNFC Rennes race was paired on March 7th. It homed with 2 ½ new flights; the 4th having been dropped in the race basket. This was perhaps a little advanced, but it is, of course, evident that this proved no handicap. I do not care to have my channel candidates moulted beyond the 4th primary; as any further advance in the moult is; I consider; a severe handicap. Any fast moulting bird which I have, I delay pairing until the last week of March; as also my Nantes candidates, as our national Nantes race is usually the third week in July. Training I always give my racers 5 tosses before they go into the first race – 9 miles; 15; 20; 30; 40 as I believe that to have a chance of winning, the birds must be thoroughly fit. We have all heard fanciers state ‘They jumped this right from the loft’; but how many times are these birds in the prize lists? They may certainly home; but to race to win they must have training and experience. I fly my bird’s natural system; although I may say I have tried various ways. I tried the widowhood system some time ago; but I was disappointed with the results as it was frankly the worst season I had for nine years. I do not wish to imply that the widowhood system is no good but the natural system appears to suit myself; and my birds are better than any other. Immediately the racing season is over I separate the sexes and never allow them together again until the mating period. I also at this time lime wash and disinfect the loft; which I again do previous to mating. I also bathe each pigeon separately previous to separation; with a solution of sodium of fluoride; in Luke –warm water to which is added a little soap; this of course is only done on a sunny and warm day. My loft has a southerly aspect and has fully one-third of the front lattice work; which ensures plenty of air and sunshine. In this district we have no traps; all lofts being built to the open door arrangement. When the doors of my loft are open the loft would appear to have no front whatever. The front has glass shutters which I use only on the occasion of heavy rain from the south-west as I like the loft floor to be always dry. My birds have regular exercise twice daily; morning and night for half an hour on each occasion. The hens are exercised at noon for 45 minutes. This is imperative as like athletes, pigeons cannot compete with success unless trained to the second. As the races get longer; the birds exercise is extended to 40 minutes morning and night; the hens then have one hour exercise at noon. I have no difficulty in making my birds fly at home; but if the train service were convenient I would give my birds two tosses weekly; as I think these tosses would be more beneficial then the home exercise. I race both cocks and hens with equal success and I very rarely send a mated pair to the same race; as I’m sure that a pigeon likes to see its mate when it arrives home. The best results I have had with cocks were when the hens were never raced at all and should I see a cock racing well to a particular hen; I always keep this pair together, not forgetting to give them the same nest box. As I have said; cocks and hens do equally well for me; as either sex sitting 8 to 11 days is in the best condition for the channel races and most of my successes have been gained with birds in this condition. Late Breds We hear some fanciers decrying late-breds; but the best pigeon I ever owned was a late bred; this was a cock bird and it won a 1st prize at every stage up to Bournemouth. Late breds as a class are generally despised; but I think this is the fancier’s fault and not the pigeons. If bred in July and trained 50 miles in September, then raced to 200 miles the following year with the old birds; they will on average show as good results as the birds bred in March and April. If I require a bird for stock I always like it to be bred in the end of July as I think the old birds produce young; stronger and truer to type; as at that time they are free from the worries of racing. All my youngsters are trained and raced right to the end of our club programme 186 miles. I have tried reserving half my youngsters after completing the training and although they seemed to develop into better looking birds than the others, I found the birds that had been raced as youngsters invariably proved much better racers. It would appear therefore, that race experience as youngsters is advisable. In regard to yearlings I am a confirmed exponent of racing yearlings across the channel; I do not believe that this is in any way harmful as the following will testify. With a yearling hen I was 5th open SNFC Rennes in 1931; with this same hen again 5th open SNFC Rennes in 1933. Another of my yearlings was my good red cock 900; which as a yearling was 11th open SNFC Rennes in 1933; 18th open Rennes in 1934; 215th in 1935 (disqualified); 42nd open SNFC Nantes in 1936; 59th open Nantes in 1937 having flown the channel 7 times; Rennes thrice at 481 miles; Nantes 543 miles thrice and Dol once over 450 miles. As a yearling my champion Coronation Express flew Dol in 1935 and was well up in the federation prize list. In 1936 he took part in the Rennes smash winning 72nd open. My good mealy 2376 Rennes six times; 3rd; 17th and 129th open also flew Rennes as a yearling when he took 17th open position. I have won other good positions in the channel races with yearlings and as will be seen from the above all my best pigeons flew the channel as yearlings. The older birds must race from Rennes and Nantes as all my racers must face the music as only the best are worth keeping and how otherwise would you find them except by the basket test. These are my methods; but I should point out at this juncture; that as we have been repeatedly told by ‘Chairmen’ in the British Homing World; observation in the loft pays a big part in the success of pigeon racing. Advice for Novices A few don’ts will not come amiss to novices who may read this article: Don’t overcrowd – Don’t over breed – Don’t let your racers feed too many youngsters – Don’t overfeed – Don’t under train – Don’t be afraid to give your birds too many tosses – Don’t forget pigeons require attention 365 days of the year. I feel I cannot conclude this article without paying tribute to Mrs Kirkpatrick; without whose help I feel sure I would not have attained the success I have; as the mid day feed and the afternoon feed in the winter rest with her entirely and on occasions I have been detained at work she has always done what was required in the way of exercising and feeding the pigeons. We cannot all be successful always; I may be your turn in 1938 wishing you all a happy and successful season John Kirkpatrick. Galabank Prince - 1st SNFC Nantes 1952 Finest Achievement In 1952 John Kirkpatrick was slowly dying of cancer first detected 3 years earlier and his health was not the best, however this did not prevent him from producing the six pigeons he sent to Rennes, according to one senior observer, they were the ‘best fettle’ pigeons he had seen in a lifetime. Prior to the Gold Cup event the world class racehorse trainer and jockey Sir Gordon Richards came up to Annan to view the pigeons. After viewing and handling the pigeons he flapped his cheque book on the coal box where the pigeons were basketed and said to John ‘Name your price’. John Kirkpatrick replied “Man you couldn’t afford them, there is a life times work in that basket’ and the six pigeons were subsequently dispatched to Rennes for the National Gold Cup race. John said that he believed the six pigeons he had sent to France were the best he had ever owned; however he was disappointed with the end result, although “Galabank Prince†won 40th open position he was not a happy bunny. John Smith says ‘He was a very competitive and never showed this in public however he was unsettled for a couple of days and blamed the poor Rennes result on a south wind and he claimed they needed a north east wind’. His family were shocked when he announced to everyone that ‘Galabank Prince’ & ‘Galabank Duke’ were to be sent to Nantes immediately after having flown from Rennes. John Smith continues ‘I will never forget the drama and excitement of John Kirkpatrick’s two pigeons in the Nantes race. By the way, John Kirkpatrick called John Smith (at 15 years of age) his ‘loft manager’â€, but that was generous as he would say a better title would have been message boy, obtaining for him straw for the nest boxes and messages from the local stores. The Nantes pigeons were released first thing on the Saturday morning in a North East wind. John Smith can recall a long nervous wait until dark at 11pm, No pigeon’s home on the day into Scotland. John Kirkpatrick told young John Smith as he was about to leave the Kirkpatrick home, ‘You would be better set his alarm for 3am as we will get something in the morning’ and he did as he was told. The Sunday morning turned out to be a cloudy morning and it remained that way until around 09.00 am and suddenly the sky went blue and a pleasant day lifted the spirits. John Kirkpatrick had gone into the house to obtain something for his wife and John Smith noticed a dot in the sky and seeing the pigeon pull its wings back it started to drop down towards the loft young John shouted ‘It’s Galabank Prince’. The great pigeon was duly clocked in and John Smith was dispatched on his bike to the secretary Jack MacKay to find out if anything else had been reported into Scotland, No pigeons reported and as young John returned around about 10.00am he did not get the message out to uncle John as he looked up and there was ‘Galabank Duke’ shutting his wings coming into to land. John Kirkpatrick was elated to have both his pigeons back and when he heard the news from young John he was even happier. Galabank Prince won 1st open SNFC Nantes winning the Ellsworth Trophy (for the best average from Rennes & Nantes )on his own having won 40th Rennes a two weeks earlier, a fabulous performance by a pigeon and confirmed that John Kirkpatrick would become immortal as one of Scotland’s greatest racing pigeon fanciers of all time. Sire of Prince was a red cock a grandson of Coronation Express winner of 1st open SNFC Rennes 1937 he was also a grand son of 900 who flew the channel 11times best wins being 11th & 18th SNFC Rennes; and a grandson of the old blue pied Marriott Hen; whose sister won twice from Nantes for E Cumberland. Dam of Prince was a red hen from Galabank Supreme and Logan Hen bred by Summer of Wrexham. Galabank Duke John’s only other entry in the Nantes race won 2nd open in what John Smith said was ‘the most wonderful day in John Kirkpatrick’s life’. After this event John Smith remembers the press announcing that Roy Rogers, the famous American cowboy and icon, was to visit Galabank lofts, the kids of Annan ensured a noisy and hectic period of time. The racing career and breeding of Galabank Duke is interesting in the fact that he also flew Rennes as a yearling and again the following year where he won 13th south section 205th open. He went to Rennes in 1952 and like Prince was doubled back into Nantes. He was kept on the road and flew Rennes again the following year winning 70th open. The breeding of the Duke was as follows; his sire was an inbred grand son of Supreme; being from a half brother and sister mating. The dam of Duke was a red hen a daughter of 2nd Guernsey open; 1st section SNFC 1948 cock paired to a blue hen which was from a son of Coronation Express and a daughter of 900 and the Marriot blue pied hen. As said earlier the Duke was a brother to Johnny 3rd open Rennes for Wull Robertson. At stock the Duke was to prove a valuable asset to the Kirkpatrick family. 'Coronation Express' 1st SNFC Rennes 1937 Stud Book of 1953 John Kirkpatrick wrote; ‘at the outset; my advice to all novice fanciers and also to fanciers of experience is to read intently, read and observe; because it is by observation that success in pigeon racing comes. Observe the condition and bloom on the birds of your club champion when he brings his birds to the race marking and it follows that you will then realise that condition counts in racing or for that matter in showing; breeding or any other aspect of the pigeon game. Now how does that condition come about? Not by haphazard methods or should I say lack of method. Even good food given carelessly or at any old time does not give proper results; which mean simply that regularity in all things is essential in pigeon practice. Regular attention; regular food; regular changes of water; in fact; I repeat regularity is the must we have never to forget. Then next point to settle is the loft inmates; you must start right with good stock and what better than the stuff which is winning locally; although it may be difficult to persuade the local champion to part with birds which may eventually be competing against himself. If you wish to purchase out of your district; don’t be misled by advertisements in which the fanciers quote the hundreds of pounds they win as they may be the case of the long pocket enabling those fanciers to pool heavily and thus taking large cash prizes even though well down the prize list. Much better to go to the man who has been winning for years and continues to do so; because he must have a family of pigeons; produced by himself; in which the will to win has been long imbued. He may not be able to give you a newspaper of pedigree proving that the birds you are purchasing have had a big winner in the family way back in the dim 1900’s; but what he will be able to give you is winners in the family within two or three generations at latest which is what counts; because I believe the winning genes must be kept alive and what better than by everlasting trial in which the weaklings rapidly disappear. One last word on this aspect; if your birds are coming from a district far removed from you own; please give the protégé of these birds at least 3 seasons in which to prove themselves as the new introductions have to become properly acclimatised and used with your methods. Yes; even if bred in your own loft; the first and second generation can have the habits and methods of the previous owners bred into them; strange but true! During the period of old bird races is when observation pays dividends; study each individual race for each bird has its own favourite condition when it will do its utmost to break all records to get home. For instance; my old red cock; Galabank Supreme; a real champion and winner of over 40 prizes never failed to win when feeding a big hen youngster. Needless to say; I did not let him impair his fitness by feeding the big youngster which; was done for him by other birds or failing anything suitable; by myself. Study your birds; therefore; if you want your name at the top of the prize list’. (This still applies to the present time and I have preached this for a number of years in my Joe Murphy Column). Nearing the end The following year 1953 John Kirkpatrick was very ill and in the Rennes race of that time his friend Wull J Robertson won 3rd open Rennes with a 4 year old red chequer cock called ‘Johnny’ bred by John Kirkpatrick and in fact Johnny was the nest mate of Galabank Duke; and he was to prove very momentous at stock. This was a great boost for John whom I have said was not a well man and was approaching the end of his life. However he received another feel good factor when he timed in a 2 year old red hen Galabank Queen to win 1st section 3rd open Nantes. She was bred direct from Galabank King when paired to a grand daughter of Coronation Express and the red cock Galabank Lad. To round off the old bird season his dear friend Wull Robertson timed in to win 65th open Nantes and won the best average for the two SNFC race. Wull had achieved some outstanding performances in the SNFC from as early as 1923; he won 5th open in 1925; 2nd open in 1927; this hen produced a notable pair of pigeons; the cock won 2nd open while the hen arrived a few minutes after him to win 3rd open from Rennes in 1931. At this time Wull Robertson raced to a modest back garden loft and many famous fanciers visited his home as he was considered by many as one of Scotland’s finest flyers from that pre war period. He was also a very adventurous fancier; and had pigeons home from San Sebastian a distance of over 800 miles to Annan on two occasions. One of these pigeons was called ‘Carnera’ named after a famous boxer of that time; and this pigeon was the only bird recorded in to Scotland from this event. So you could see how a friendship was established as John Kirkpatrick had the greatest of respect for Wull Robertson’s achievements and he had set the standard that Kirkpatrick wanted to achieve. After a four year illness John Kirkpatrick who was ill and in bed sent for young John Smith; when he when into see Uncle Johnny; Kirkpatrick asked his wife Carrie to give him £20 (a lot of money in those days in 1954). He said to young John ‘I want you to go out and buy some fishing tackle’ in those days you did what you were told by your elders and John carried out his wishes. He says ‘This was typical of the man Joe he was a giant in every sense of the word’. John Smith became a very good fisherman and on the 55th anniversary his aunt Carrie’s passing he arranged to have a special Salmon Fly created by the famous Borders Gun Room, owned by Shaun Twight at St Boswells in the Scottish Borders. The fly was created by Iain Wilson and matches the colours of “Galabank Princeâ€. The first fly to be tested on the famous River Tweed by a gentleman from Warrington, produced a 21 pound salmon. The name of the salmon fly is Kirkpatrick’s Fancy and I have enclosed a photograph of this fly to let fanciers see it; John Smith has the original and he kindly gave me one of the last batch he had made which is a wonderful gesture by this man. I’m not a fisherman but I have placed this ‘fly’ in the unit in my living room and I will show this off to any fishermen friends who visit my home. Kirkpatrick Fancy Passing of a Legend John Kirkpatrick passed away a few months after the old bird season of 1953 and his good friend Wull Robertson died the same year. Kirkpatrick’s wife Carrie decided to race the Kirkpatrick pigeons for one more season. The pigeons were managed by the families’ great friend Wullie Graham who had helped her husband during his later years. Competing from Rennes in 1954 the final season of the famous Kirkpatrick Galabank Lofts; Mrs Kirkpatrick timed in a 3 year old blue chequer cock to win 3rd open Rennes and the pigeon was aptly named Galabank Remembrance; which had flown Dol as a yearling; then Rennes as a 2 year old. He was bred out of a Barker hen purchased from Barker; and his sire was from the famous Hill of St Just grizzle hen 6498 crossed with the immortal Galabank Supreme. The Kirkpatrick birds were sold by auction on Saturday 11th December 1954 the world famous Galabank champions were convoyed to the ZION Institute, Hulme Manchester for the sale by John Smith’s father Frederick Anderson Smith, who was a top footballer in his day and generous Scottish Tenor supervised the day. The late Lou Massarella purchased the top four famous Kirkpatrick champions. On studying the Kirkpatrick sales list Galabank Prince 1st open Nantes went for £125; Duke 2nd open Nantes went for £200; Galabank Queen 3rd open Nantes went for £105; Galabank Remembrance 3rd open Rennes £145. Two other pigeons made upwards of £100 lot 5 a brother to 1290 Galabank Remembrance; lot 6 a full sister to Remembrance made £100. Like the present day auction sales there were some bargains to be had and on in particular that caught my eye was Lot 22 sire Galabank Remembrance dam 4041 sold for £20 while other children from Remembrance like Lot 21 made £37.10s. Conclusion I hope I have done some justice to the great man John Kirkpatrick and to John Smith; it has indeed been a great pleasure for me to go over the memorabilia that John Smith left with me and I will photocopy this and retain as a keepsake of this wonderful area in Scottish Pigeon folklore. I have tried to obtain a loan of some pictures to go with this article however the source who has some would not loan these out which is a pity as it would have made a difference to the story. I have endeavoured to enhance the pictures John Smith gave me by scanning them and touching them up in the hope they will reproduce and show you the readers the quality of pigeons John Kirkpatrick had and more importantly WON with. While spending time with John Smith in the hotel listening to his stories he told Margaret and I about his aunt Carrie timing in Galabank Remembrance the year after John’s death and this man was overcome with emotion and apologised. I told him not to worry as I believe this is a reflection of how John Smith loved his uncle Johnny, and he was a very genuine person. To have been in the company of John Smith and listen to him narrative about a legend like John Kirkpatrick was one of highlights of my life as a journalist for the pigeon press. Joe Murphy & John Smith When you consider that John Kirkpatrick was deprived of channel racing during the second World War from 1939 till 1945 when his team were without doubt in their ‘prime’ plus the fact the man passed away at the tender age of 56 years; one wonders what he would have achieved had he lived say another 10 to 15 years. The comments of John Kirkpatrick in the years books of 1938 and 1953 are not far of the mark for pigeon fanciers at this present time; ok feeding; training; racing has changed; but observation; loft management; hard work and obtaining quality stock has not. Kirkpatrick kept it simple and tested out his pigeons, only the best survived and maybe the present day fanciers should apply this method. One thing for sure if I was living in the Solway area I would try his method of testing my yearlings at the Gold Cup race. Fanciers in the north of Scotland send their yearlings to Hastings on the south coast and this is the corresponding distance as John Kirkpatrick flew from Rennes all those years ago. John Smith with the Kirkpatrick Clock To John Smith both Margaret and I thank you for a wonderful day; it was indeed a day we will both never forget; and we thank you for the gift of the Westminster clock won by the ‘great man’. I will cherish this for the remainder of my life and this will be passed onto my son Kevin and hopefully one of his children will retain it as a pigeon fancier. This was indeed a great honour to receive such a ‘gift’ and I am without a doubt humbled by the generosity shown by John Smith and I hope he is happy with my contribution and may I wish John and his family all the very best in health and happiness for years to come. © Compiled by Joe Murphy December 2009