Mr Yorkie

I know someone who got some 'free' Belgium birds as they sell Natural Corn. I understand each seller got some free birds from the Natural stud so they could account for a few of the increased Belgium birds as there must be alot of people selling the corn across the UK.

Great idea Yorkshire Animal Ambulance; love the idea of some of the money for the collected birds going back to help other animals in need.

Sorry Les, I didn't want to cause upset but personally don't see this as the way forward. We're all entitled to our own opinions though and I respect you for your ambition and faith in the RPRA.

I didn't put in for the job as didn't want to move to Cheltenham but would have loved a shot at it! Sorry again if anyone thinks I'm trying to pick a fight disagreeing with them, that's not my intention it's sheer frustration like many other fanciers have.

Heard of a Sussex pigeon in Middlesbrough from Saturday's race. Our next door neighbour races South and they were at Reed on Saturday so wonder if the birds have clashed?

I don't want to get into an argument with anyone so sorry if it appears that way. I guess I'm seeing things from a young fanciers point of view and it frustrates me to think that in five or ten years we won't have a sport.

And two years later you still believe it....

I agree something needs doing but I doubt very much that every member would bring this up at their AGM. Our AGM sees most fanciers keeping as quiet as possible for fear they will land themselves with a job. Even if this was brought up we can't force the RPRA to do this; how many people have raised the issue about Blackpool money but nothing has got done. I'm also not convinced hat every fancier would be prepared to pay extra for this service on top of their Union subs. This is after all historically and still for some 'a poor mans sport'. Birdage prices keep going up with the price of fuel increasing and whilst farmers get pittance for their corn it doesn't stop the Corn merchants putting up their prices. Charging another £30 would force some more fanciers out of our already dying sport. Any Juniors who do race would be relying on their parents digging deeper in their pockets during this time of financial instability across the country. Nice idea but I don't think really practical charging the fancier, perhaps another thing the Blackpool money could go towards....

When have the RPRA ever have listened to the fanciers? As the posting about the Peter Bryant implies its more do as they please. They'll be more important things to discuss at the AGM like how much pension we should give Mr Bryant and the salary and what type of company car the new GM would like.....

And I bet it's a couple of quid cheaper a bag than the 'young bird racing mix'!

Personally I think alot of it is down to the fanciers and to some degree the feed. As 'cloudview' said it's the same fanciers year on year that are losing the birds. Having been down at the club tonight the same fancier that said the previous two weeks is saying his pigeons have loose droppings. If they're not right then don't send them as (a) the pigeons suffer ( they have little chance of winning and © it's not fair on everyone else. I've rejected pigeons at basketing this season with broken legs, tails missing, half a wing and even one with only one eye (She can see out the other said the fancier). In days gone by this never happened as money was often tight so if you didn't think you had a chance of winning then you didn't waster your money sending. Fanciers kept fewer pigeons and 'knew' their birds unlike today when they are just 'pigeons' and not individuals. I also feel that as fanciers we have too much choice in the option of what to feed our birds. In days gone by you got what yu could from the local farm and it hadn't been sprayed or genetically modified. The likes of Versea Laga are putting too many pellets in mixes which may be thought to be doing the birds good but how many pigeons will actually eat them?! Fanciers try lots of different corns thinking they are doing their pigeons good but you don't see the likes of the athletes in the Olympic games trying new fangled diets all the time. A staple and steady diet is what the birds need not constant change. It's the same with vitamins in water; these weren't used in the past so why use them now? It's the same in humans and I'm probably as guilty as anyone. My great garndad lived til his Mid 90s eating a cooked breakfast and fatty bacon and things every day yet now we'll try the new yoghurt drink or smoothie as they contact pro-biotics and things which will make us 'go better' when in reality its a load of twaddle!

What a fantastic story! On the comment of cats the year we moved house our cats spent their free time under our neighbours loft and it was the best season he ever had. They cleared out all the vermin and made it their territory so no other cats came near. They knew Dad would ship them off to the Blue Cross if they caught either one of his or the neighbours pigeons. Rocky used to sunbathe in the loft doorway and the pigeons just pecked around him!

Many thanks -sadly no news of Bonny.

No sadly no word; please keep mentioning her to fellow fanciers.

How many of the convoyers are actually pigeon men and could handle a bird for rubbering? Think it would probably end up with more escapees!

Kendal & lake HS Mr R Hillbeck 01539 728096

Not sure if I've added this correctly but here is a photo of Bonny. Please keep your eyes and ears open.

Much appreciated, I'll add the details.

I can certainly get a picture this weekend which I will post on the site.

Much appreciated, she is the most sweet natured dog ever.

The police have been informed but as they only know the start letter of the reg plate they were no help. Please keep this bounced and spread the word.

Let me know if you don't hear back or you could try 01845 577358.

Have you managed to speak to Louise as if not I'll try help.....

Bumping this in the hope someone new reads the message this evening and can help with our search. Any information would be greatly received and as Tom says, someone must have some idea of who this could be. Imagine this was you......