Roland

Agree...but takes so much time and effert like... have had them on my plate ... but a great bunch boils down to nowt ... trhisthe the same, but everything on a thistle is ediable.. and has great body make ups...

Bit silly that really REDFOXKRAUTHS... if fact nissed as I am, that is beneath the comtemt it deserve... I'll say no moree... except you are probably spouting for the sake of spouting and being noticed...

Yes Invince, agree, was going to add... but had a drink or two, and worried I'd might go off on one lol, so cut it short. Herby Webb, a man that only won 2 races in 60 years odd... use to spend much time with him when that way. Like my dad, he was first at club... did all chores, always smiling and never ever moaned. He had a good word for everyone or said nowt. The top flyers use to give a bird or pair here and there to help him win something ... but like my father he could fly a kite. Soon it was that all knew that his birds were 'GOOD' and won for any and nigh everyone else. Y/b's breeder buyers his birds topped the list. And on a passing note... they had a 'Street Race, 4-6 miles to the club. Winner take all at 2/6 a entry . My father won 1st and 2nd.... was the highlight of his conversation when we had time to listen lol ...amazingly he dies died never realising the truth, it had been set up. I twigged very quickly, and my elder brothers also, but of course never let on. He also won an amazing £23 odd, 3 or 4 weeks wages that was!. What a club, what sportsmen ... sadly I don't see the likes that often to - day. But there are and is many of the same ilk I'm pleased to say!

Yes Tony spot on, thanks.

Well that of course was suggested... but us honest folks just don't do things like that ... unethethical I believe lol. But the reality is her husband - a fancier of long standing would soon twig that, and the occassion and memories would be rendered useless, it would degrade the whole point of it really!

Bilco, if memory serves me correct, in the mid to late eighties once wrote that ... though at first he was sceptical to say the least -that once the parents have flown out the youngsters seem to have an inbred notion of where the wires are and hitting them was vey sldom, which of course could be an initial worry. Was a time... and in some cases I believe authorities are committed to cork them, though I understand they have to be preasured... Worth thinking about or chasing up.

Seems a class act there in the making ... a couple of light races I guess next season ... then year after could carry all before them. Again I believe shows the snce ... room permitted - of having a second net... twofold reasons of course.

A friend of mine wants to surprise her husband on their Ruby wedding anniv... With a pigen of course. Chirihes the thought of an ofspring of any champion bird that carried 'Ruby' in it's name. Any help here would be apreciated of course

Frankie George for me... a man that was very wealthy granted, but spent time and effort with everyone and helped out ... in particular the sport. OK HE bought birds at world record prices.... and had a great friendly rivalry with Masserella.... but kids use to take any strays - even unrung birds to his door and say 'Mister got one of your birds here ..' He'd look at the ring missing from the feral and say 'Gosh, thanks young man... don't know how that got out ...' and give them at least 2/6d ... a shilling more than the going rate. Many started and flew birds because of him. Also the Federation had great cups to fly for... The 'Gold Cup is just that a gold Cup worth thousands... All clubs he flew in also benefited. In the mid 50's he was importing and exporting birds to China, Japan etc. Never ever let any one feel beholden and always very tactful when helping lesser out. Yes a great fancier, and above all a treasure to our sport. You see many flew and bred from ‘Church Pigeons’ regardless what any one says… and they had great success too. MANY could not afford any different, and Frankie George new that. Sure he bought ain three loft managers, who did well… and were given their houses when they retired. Yes great for the people, and great for the sport! JMO

Who of to - days fanciers, ispire you?

I apologise unreservedly to Andy unreservedly... I have had words and I was not only wrong but out of order, and can now well see why I was banned from Pigeon Chat. Also Mike I wish also say sorry to you ... I am the one that should get his facts right , especially before spouting off ... Sorry again to all concerned Lets put the matter to rest ... gosh I hate eating humble pie! but...

EXCUSE to sit in the sun Mick lol...

Golly what a link .. near short eyed glasses for that lol.

Some see in minutes what others miss for a life time... Mind I always wear dark shades me ...lol

Yep Crows will attack and kill youngsters. As for keeping the hawks at bay, that is only true as long as the hawks enjoy being harassed by them. Hawks soon make short work of them when they feel like it. Have 3 was 4 breeding pairs aside of me... likewise 4 pairs of them dang Magpies. So I noted that the crows pinched the magpies nest sites ... but I put up some cd's on wires hanging from the back roof.... great when sun shines... no magpies nests... occasional visits when weather is dull of course. Crows moved 100 yards away. Have the old picture place building 50 yards over looking me. So it is the largest pigeon loft in town. Crows moved on a bit this year... two sparrow hawk nests now each side of my loft, around 50 - 100 yards. Pigeons get took by the hawks... but they get more mice and rats really. Crows move away... but do join in harassing the hawks, but give over big time when hawks on the prod. Cooper hawks play the same game of course ... till food is scare, then they eat crow.

Not common Hjaltland, but deffinately not rare.

Many find, as I also believe, Mac1 that youngsters brought in don't really give 100% to they have settled, or mated, raised a round like. So I wouldn't put much store in not winning ... they may wel do next season, or breed some winners as you will have the blood as one says like. JMO

Exactly Tony. And contentment is also a very big pointer.

I believe that many lose sight of the fact Garlic is not a cure as such - may help in some cases i Guess - but is to build up an immune system. Once a week - even twice is more than ample. Mind when one looks at the bird's eyes etc. and alertness, one needs only fortnightly - I believe - to use garlic. Also minor immunisation, it purifies the blood, and hence cleanses that... can't be bad for the health, nor flying of course. Purer blood is I guess the main beneficilry.

Just look on the net of where ever and order what you want from a Libruary. They get them pretty quick ... and cost nowt!

Pretty much agree with Bruno ... but too much Garlic, ot too often isn't good for the birds ... makes them thirsty.

Yes Squerrils... just shood a few away out of my trees. They cause havoc in a loft, no two ways about that. Eggs youn or even on the nests. My mate is a game keeper and his Jack Russel was hurt more fighting cornered sqerrills than anything else.

A mite harsh on us poor hoppos' I guess lol ... but enjoyable none the less http://www.enroutemag.com/e/archives/september02/archives02.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4XZW16XbpM

Andrew surely Buessart should be in any list, I would have thought. He still has achievements set in both England and Belgium that have never been matched, let alone surpassed. JMO