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Owen, the points you make, I suspect, are nothing to do with the reason the fans behaved like they did. It is the historical anti British sentiment, expressed by a Catholic club, against what is seen as the protestant establishment, in the same way the Rangers/Celtic matches are viewed. It is regrettable, but some cannot let go of what they see as the injustices, and battles that happened years ago.

If people have an opinion that may be regarded as negative, they have just as much right to express it, as those that have positive opinions. In this way, a balnced set of views can be read, by prospective purchasers. Personally, I wouldn't part with £70 for a nice looking bird, unless I knew the details of the winners it is stated to have bred, and I could trust the word of the seller. Nothing personal whatsoever. I am just stating the way I work. Best of luck to seller and buyer. The pigeon looks an absolute stunner.

A greater input (time and effort) from individual members, in connection with the running of a club, combined with fresh ideas.

Just a small add on, to my previous post. There are some on here, who feel a genuine obligation to highlight some of their reservations concerning the authenticity of some people's claims. Not for personal gain or reasons, but because they see injustices being done. I agree that these comments also should not be taken at face value. Nor should that person be victimised for expressing a view, that may weel save someone from wasting hard earned cash.

Chriss, I think from a legal standpoint, you are breaking the law having any such list. You may recall that recently, a private company listed persons within the construction industry who were considered by them to be "Bad risk" employees. The list was based on unsubstantiated reports of the individuals, regularly going sick, turning up late etc. It was deemed unlawful. It is a difficult one. Everyone should be aware that you cannot be prosecuted for telling the truth. Any claims made about someone, should be able to be corroborated. I do feel sorry for some people who take on trust sellers claims, either because they are economical with the truth, or tell blatant lies. For me, I don't believe in flying saucers, until I see a flying saucer. If someone tells me his birds are top performers, show me (in person) the cards, when they were won (not 10 yeras ago), against how many birds, at what distance etc. For example, I certainly ain't going to accept some vague photo of rows of prize cards that I can't read. Some people are too trusting, and some people are too plausible. There are some hard lessons to learn in life, and the sooner one becomes aware of the pitfalls, the better.

Deweerts are actually Belgian long ditance birds, a strain created by Emiel Deweert, and now continued by son Bernard. I visited Bernard last year. Nice chap. Told me he wasn't in pigeons for the money, but went on to offer me birds starting from 250 euros or similar! I came to the conclusion that money wasnt as unimportant as he tried to claim.

At the beginning of the year, I sent a batch of 20 "spare" birds, for their 1st toss, at 20 miles, in unsuitable weather, and off line of flight they were used to. Some were experienced birds. Most never returned. Never be complacent with your pigeons.

It's great as a pick me up if a bird perhaps returns a couple of days late, absolutely flown out. It is small, easily digested, and packed with nutrients. Must be given with conventional food however.

Some fanciers get too wound up about droppings. Unless these droppings are one of a combination of things out of place with your birds, don't worry about it, especially at this time of the year, when the birds are not racing and breeding. If something is amiss, it nonetheless is all about building up a good immune system - the natural way. I have a 2 year old pigeon whose droppings are rarely as they should be. He has been a very consistent racer for me, scoring at National level this year from 400 mls (on the day).

I use it regularly, during racing, breeding, and moulting, just to be sure the birds are not going short of anything. I use no other supplements. The birds do well with it. I do not use it in the winter months. I give a handful per 20 birds every other day, roughly.

Not so Chris. The Sire is not stated to be a proven producer or racer. The youngsters merely have the potential to be something special. There are plenty of other good pigeons around, for a similar price..

I think it should be up to the individual. Some people may hide behind anonymity for the wrong reasons. However, it does allow freedom of expression without fear of recrimination, and abuse, thereby promoting healthy debate. It does also have it's amusing side, because I am aware of some outrageous claims from some on here eg in relation to their pigeons performances that I know to be a load of old horlicks!

I have lost a total of 9 birds out of 32 since they first went out in March. I do put this down to hawks and falcons, when the birds were not so strong on the wing, and raptor activity was at it's height. Since I started training about 8 weeks ago, I have lost nil. My last toss was yesterday singled up from 45 miles (as the bird flies).

It's actually, plain common garden fly spray, available from any high st. store. I personally wouldn't spray directly onto pigeons.

IB, you are spot on with your summary. There are however, two, or possibly more inequalities that the racing pigeon has to deal with. Firstly, during the course of a race, it becomes tired mentally and physically, and it's evasive judgement/timing is not what it should be. In fact it becomes the equivalent of a sickly wild bird. Secondly, natural selection is inteferred with by ourselves, and therefore does not provide all of the tools with which the RP can effectively deal with an attack; the most important being the position of the eyes. You will note that on some of our pigeons they are angled forward, and on others the angle is flatter to the line of the head. I suggest that the better all round vision for evasion purposes is the latter.

I know the query was regarding pigeons racing, but I thought I'd let you know about a 14 year old Jan Aarden I bought 2 years ago direct from Louella. He has spent the first 12 years of his life in an aviary, never flown out. Within weeks of getting him, I let him out. He spent a night away, but ever since has had his freedom every few weeks. He still does a couple of laps with the other birds around the loft, and his agility and flying skills are remarkable. He also fills every egg. Respect to that pigeon!

Thanks for the offer. I don't know who Barbie is, or what she has done, but I'm sure she doesn't deserve that!

Thanks for the offer. I don't know who Barbie is, or what she has done, but I'm sure she doesn't deserve that!

Thanks for the offer. I don't know who Barbie is, or what she has done, but I'm sure she doesn't deserve that!

Jeremy, I do not hide behind my computer, or anybody else's computer or psuedonym for that matter - well only when the wife is telling me it's my turn to do the washing up - I duck quickly, and get under the desk. In fact, I regularly attend meetings for all kinds of matters, from parish councils, to pigeon clubs. Without fear of contradiction, I am not known for witholding my viewpoint. On occassions however, when I have the opportunity, it makes a refreshing change to do things a different way - as long as it is within the rules of course! Thanks for the suggestion of a meeting. I am however, genuinely, and honestly very busy at the moment. Perhaps some time in the future when it would be mutually convenient would be preferable.

Jeremy, I do not hide behind my computer, or anybody else's computer or psuedonym for that matter - well only when the wife is telling me it's my turn to do the washing up - I duck quickly, and get under the desk. In fact, I regularly attend meetings for all kinds of matters, from parish councils, to pigeon clubs. Without fear of contradiction, I am not known for witholding my viewpoint. On occassions however, when I have the opportunity, it makes a refreshing change to do things a different way - as long as it is within the rules of course! Thanks for the suggestion of a meeting. I am however, genuinely, and honestly very busy at the moment. Perhaps some time in the future when it would be mutually convenient would be preferable.

Jeremy, I wish to remain anonymous, well within the rules of this forum. I choose not to pm you. Anonymity provides benefits for everyone, not least the fact that some people are able to speak their mind without fear of prejudical treatment at some time in the future. My integrity is absolute and is not compromised by the fact that I wish to remain anonymous. I am glad you have at last offered an explanation. It seems that the other person using the same computer as yourself (and presumably posting without your knowledge), by sheer coincidence, has the same mispelling and case errors as yourself. You may have had the same English teacher at school I suppose. I note that this defence is not uncommon in many cases that come to court, and has regularly had excellent results for any person accused. I do not of course put you in that category. For the future, I suggest you use a secure personal password for logging in, that nobody else has access to.

I dont mind answering if there are no insults towards me. When i am not drinking tea of course Great news Jeremy. In my most humble and non insulting tone possible, can I ask you (once again)to confirm for everyone on here that you have nothing whatsoever to do with any of the postings made in the name of Numpty 666, who has been declared a duplicate user. I do think it is important that everyone on this forum can see that the integrity of the person responsible for the RPRA one loft race pigeons is absolute, and without question. Any failure to do so on the forum, may cause some uncertainty that could otherwise be avoided.

I dont mind answering if there are no insults towards me. When i am not drinking tea of course Great news Jeremy. In my most humble and non insulting tone possible, can I ask you (once again)to confirm for everyone on here that you have nothing whatsoever to do with any of the postings made in the name of Numpty 666, who has been declared a duplicate user. I do think it is important that everyone on this forum can see that the integrity of the person responsible for the RPRA one loft race pigeons is absolute, and without question. Any failure to do so on the forum, may cause some uncertainty that could otherwise be avoided.

I think you've summed it up pretty well from what I gather. I think that the rings are all registered to him, and importantly, he assumes ownership of the birds themselves as his personal property. I assume the original owners have agreed to relinquish ownership, perhaps under an agreement that they will then resume ownership at some future date? Maybe Jeremy Davies can confirm, if he hasn't got too bored answering all the queries coming his way lately. I'm sure he has a life to lead away from his responsibilities toward one loft pigeons. It must be a busy time of the year for him regardless of all these other issues.