Roland

New Sheffield United owner Prince Abdullah said he would do business with the Bin Laden family, adding that it was 'not a disgraced name'. Why not! George Bush and son, with many share holders have namely the Bin laden family.

Was up in Scotland last week Delboy. Weather forecast not good... was great... just the one day of rain - Thursday. So if the young birds had had a early lib on Saturday all perches would be full come night time. Certainly good weather for any to work back. Only two reasons not so. B.O.P. or more likely not good enough. If the second it saves mating inferior to inferior come breeding season I guess.

True Blue Lad. Will be the same next year, and following years. Seems so sad and a waste of better weather I believe.

are here about. As most are enjoying. Would be great days for young bird racing eh!

So, sadly, from the response, it looks like I have hit the nail right on the head. Fancier too have nailed the future of our so - called sport. Delboy, Alan and the few others, are like lone voices in the wilderness. Many I fear/ believe, that they daren't respond for fear that some would say 'Well YOU do it'. Tis but a sad styate of affairs full of Apathy.

Sadly it has always been a few to do the chores. Remember when we had to wait till Monday evening to get the confirmed results. Now them secretaries and others had a lot on their plate and time spent. Even in them days they were many that did nowt … unless for some personal benefit. Yes, hence this open the doors for the glib tongues to get positions and do the running whilst nigh all others just followed the leaders.

why have you a spare seat lol Have a good holiday mate … then back to plotting for next season

Sometimes lol. That the discussion has reached it's conclusion regards Any changes needed or may be put into action or discussed. Further I fear, feel, that these matter won't be put up at club levels - per normal. Which begs the question' Why'! Apathy? Caring'? 'Waiting for someone else? Looking for a knight in shiny white armour? never mind saying you don't believe it will ever happen, so why bother! They will do whatever they want so … (Whose they... do they get a vote? etc. etc. Sadly it will not only be the same next season... but worse, and more will give up and leave.... Now that is a certainty!

I like your post, that's for sure. maybe Delboy, or such, could put it up so we can get a measure of fanciers thoughts etc.

Time I feel, we put an yes / no Consensus up, and how fanciers would vote! Our Sport Are changes needed? yes/ no do we have at present committees looking after our birds interest? yes/ no Do you Care? yes/ no Do our birds need respecting? yes/ no Would you support a different race programme yes/ no Honestly would you attend meeting as such? yes/ no Remember we can't control the wind … just alter our sails! Then another put up of would you support ETC WORTHWHILE ideas etc. etc.

Theres been 650 posters looking in or posting since yesterday afternoon. Surely that says that their is a voice. a voice to be heard eh!

110% RIGHT. Time to start is NOW! Time for few hands to be raised Now, and get some debates going. Pointers to discuss at club level PLUS letting the Feds and the Nationals know too. Let them be told so that they can get IN line when making profits from our money! Hands Up!

Agree and certainly see why Walter. Indeed, though I doubt for a moment you would agree, I never even train my young birds whether they went as a youngster, or not, for the best part of my earlier keeping and racing them. Club members would moan that they were being taken advantage off, as their birds showed mine the way home … However, they couldn't answer when asked 'Oh aye, but how come my birds were home before yours's'? Later on, when moving here, I did train for a few seasons youngster and old birds … But to be honest my birds did better when no training whatsoever. Were fresher and had an urgency to get home, as to the experienced ones not being too bothered etc. Yes as two olds, and as often bragged, they went first time in the basket to the races... as yearlings! Same as my fathers, and most club members use to do! Loft fitness only Mentally and physically that is ... from some, not a lot, of loft flying. Cut down on youngster available to race in late® years regards feeding the B.O.P. Many roads lead to Rome they say eh!

Over past couple of weeks, regards the weather, I feel more than ever in starting Y/b's racing later. Certainly through till end of October. Plenty of light. Certainly so if early lib. Later breeding … or split breeding. First for old birds stating at least 1st week in May... Me first week in April. Those youngster used to fly the whole programme from start to finish and the longest race then. Could certainly do so GAIN. Even if later bred to go through October. Yes even on the dark system.

I see nearly 9.000 replies and views on this topic. In the main saying and stating the problems within the so-called sport - It isn't recognised as a sport actually by DAFRA and Government departments, BUT, as 'live Stock', probably because in times gone by the 'Pigeon' was a food sauce for the serves/workers as such, and still is! Hence why V.AT. Pigeon keepers are exempt from paying V.A.T. of their feeds etc. I digress. This topic has proven as many seasons before, that there is, and are, numerous changes that may help. Indeed certainly nothing to lose by trying. So, as I see it, the fancier's apathy abounds yet again. They are divided by One! The moaners who aren't willing to listen and RAISE a hand to help, let alone go to club meetings unless going to argue for more prize money. Two! Those who mostly Boo - Hoo any changes though saying the sport is dying and … stuff it! Along with those that say they would … however, don't! Using the let out is 'I would, but It's the others who won't" syndrome. Moreover, Three: Many who would, and will, but need a little support. Support! from so-called fellow fanciers!

I wouid like to see any and all interested in trying for an improvement P.m. Delboy with A. Any thoughts that they feel might help. B. a realistic voice saying I will, count me as being 'standing up and counted'. Others just never ebr bother to say oat especially nary another whinge or moan ever. In reply to Andy's thoughts regards 'Grass roots' the simple fact is , IF clubs voted for change at Fed level It would change 100% a certainty. Likewise if now the clubs / members etc. asked the National clubs to take on board what the MEMBERS / Payers want, that too will / would be the case. especially if they knew the dates and libs not wanted would mean empty lorries. they want the trade! Need our money... Whereas we need to get some thoughts together NOW! and put forward.

Might be a mite slow... but we can still get on easily enough eh! No worries Fifer.

I guess so... Just being a lazy writer lol. But Southerness is a small, compact coastal village in Dumfries and Galloway. Southerness is located approximately 2 mi south of the A710 between Caulkerbush and Kirby if that helps

Be nice to hear regards returns, timings and losses.

Next week. May have time for a loft visit there if any one wants to oblige me and Joyce for a hour or so.

Well great weather today here. Is it being raced today? Shame if not. They would have had a very good start.

I remember Dave Flemmings on here that had and run a 'Stray Centre'. I believe it helped many. Does it not exist now after Dave had to give it up. Is there no one in a position of wanting to help.

I think he's lost the wind up handle … or giving it a miss as his arm aches lol :emoticon-0127-lipssealed:

Any feed that they will eat. Not being personal at all … but I must ask 'What would be the difference'? You need only control their' feeds according to how - if and when - they would be racing. Then exactly as any race week. Yes keeping them 90% fit and ready to bring up to 100 fit if possible. Remember 'Only' fit birds can be trained to get fitter. (they should be allowed to become fit via themselves... you, nor anyone else can make a not fit bird fit). That takes time and patience till they become 'loft Fit'! Too many, far too many pigeons are trained when not even mentally fit. Big cause of losses.

Aye... but can now just about keep up with it now lol :emoticon-0127-lipssealed: