many years ago i kept pigeons with my father now sadly dead. i went on to serve as a police officer and have now retired. over the years i have seen a number of reports of lofts being burned down or broken into and pigeons killed, because of my previous involvement with pigeons i knew the costs and heartache to the fanciers involved in these crimes unfortunately my police colleagues wouldnt believe the costs involved and couldnt understand fanciers concerns. little if anything was done to find the offenders or protect the lofts, (in fairness there was rarely any forensic evidence) there was a general feeling that "its just some pigeons". people generally dont realise the professionalism of fanciers or the commitment in money and time.
to counter this i would suggest that clubs should get their sport better known by e.g. getting results in the local press, get someone to write regular short informative and/or witty articles to the sports editor of the local paper.
get local companies to sponsor races, i'm sure local b & qs, or big football clubs could spare a few quid to sponsor a race.( am i being naive)
let everyone know of charity events and keep them local.
have other fanciers any suggestions.
