Walter swanston

I don`t know about numbers but it has been widely acknowledged for years that Cumbria has more Peregrine Falcons than anywhere in Western Europe.

My pigeons are in the loft and aviary September to March each year it`s either that or carnage,I am not too happy about it but it`s the only way to keep them alive through the winter

May I wish all pigeons basic members all the best for a happy,successful and most important a healthy new year.

Excellent letter in today`s Herald about the increasing numbers of Sea Eagles and their lack of natural prey ,large fish e.g. ling and cod and their increasing dependence on cattle, sheep (lambs) and deer.The RSPB by introducing this one species is endangering the survival of many of our existing sea birds and waders.The RSPB claims that sea eagles are boosting Mull`s economy by 5 million pounds per annum but remain curiously silent when asked for more information on their claim

Pigeon on the ground------------hen sparrowhawk above ------no contest Pigeons flying around loft--------------peregrine falcon---------------no contest Seen it too many times to be in any doubt whatsoever.

It is not really safe to let pigeons out here until the hen sparrowhawk goes to nest in April.I hate to let birds out for predator food.I am only too well aware that this is not an ideal way to keep racing pigeons but the situation is forced on me by the RSPB

Here in Northern Dumfriesshire there is only one solution during winter.If you want to keep pigeons to race in 2012 KEEP THEM IN .Otherwise carnage.I regret having to disagree with experienced fanciers but I have tried it the other way and owing to the sparrow hawk and peregrine problem it amounts to about one pigeon lost per day,Street wise??? That`s a joke

SHU councik meeting and AGM.First of all I have to comment that the AGM was not well attended.There was a representative present from Unikon who made a valiant attempt to defend the ever increasing price of Unikon rings.Bottom line is they are unlikely to go down in price. Next we are going to have to have a new stray centre for next year. Loft positions can now be ascertained by GPS if you can access one. Hopefully the SHU will run a big Pigeon Show at Lanark Market on 8th. December 2012

SHU AGM today 1.30 p,m, Hillcroft Hotel Whitburn

Well this is a problem for everyone unfortunate enough not to live in Scotland what do we care about the antics of Westminster politicians.

The SNP thinks Christmas has come early

Thank you for your reply I still think everyone`s name should be on their profile

Thank you for your reply Mark I accept all your points but I still consider that I am making a valid point but you are perfectly entitled to disagree

First of all I would wish, hopefully without seeming to be patronising, to offer my sincere complements to the administrators of this pigeon site which I consider to be the best pigeon forum on the internet.However there is an interesting comment in the Racing Pigeon today with which I fully agree.Why should we take notice of the comments of persons who appear to be reluctant to use their own name and prefer to use the cover of witty or colourful titles or nicknames.Should the administrators not insist that members names should be available somewhere on the site.

Keep me up to date on this Michael I`ll come with you

I believe I have heard Lanark market mentioned

There is only one answer for us here in Scotland let`s have our country back.What do we care about the antics of the Westminster clowns

The chancellor was told in parliament today that some workers are paid less annually than he pays for his winter skiing holiday but we are all in this together Roland

Bloody awful in Dumfries and Galloway.Floods everywhere

I also am an outsider and perhaps should not comment but I can assure you it is definitly not a seasonal job.The secretary of a modern pigeon organisation is involved in the administration each week of the year the responsibility and calls on his or her services are never ending.A knowledge of the finer details of pigeon racing is essential as the secretary is frequently the final arbitrator in disputes and the first person telephoned by unhappy fanciers.Computer literacy is of course essential and it has been found in our organisation (the Solway) that renumeration is best fixed by the members annually by the AGM with all expenses detailed.

A treasured memory of the introduction of our new transporter was when it appeared with its specially adapted live stock type curtains(you know the type with a multitude of small ventilation holes ).An experienced fancier wanted me to go over the curtains and improve the ventilation by poking extra holes with a red hot knitting needle----------------------I assure you he was serious.

I bought a transporter for the Solway four years ago this winter.It was done by using a transporter fund (virtually several years of young bird sales etc.) and then asking the members of the federation to consent to what amounted to a levy on each member.This was done at an AGM.We made it a rule that anyone declining to pay the levy culd not have their birds transported . This caused some trouble but eventually everyone fell into line All this is not easy but it can be done but you might not make too many friends

Thank you Tiger I am very fortunate to have four beautiful grandchildren of mixed race