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J.S Irving Brydekirk Thanks again to the main man, WP....quality as per. Brothers Scott and Peter Irving entered the pigeon hobby as schoolboys. Their father shared a close friendship with Dode Lupton who gave the schoolboys a pair of pigeons, which they kept in a modified rabbit hutch. In time a small loft was erected in the garden at the rear of the family home and the two boys joined the strong Annan Club under the loft title ‘Irving Brothers’. In those early years the brothers obtained every encouragement from their mother, who became as keen on the pigeons as the boys. As they assembled their team the young fanciers obtained stock from a number of local fanciers including James Dalgliesh, Matt Jamieson and Dode Lupton. Not only did Dode assist them with stock but he provided valuable advice and this advice formed the basis of their future management regime. It should be understood that Dode was in fact the uncle of John and Matt Jamieson and was a good fancier in his own right as he won the Rennes National in 1950 with 2 y.o. Blue White Flight hen ‘Southern Queen’ that was actually bred by Matt Jamieson. In time Scott and Peter married and formed their own homes. Whilst Peter continued to live in Annan, Scott moved to the village of Brydekirk, which enabled him to compete in the very competitive pigeon club in the village and further enabled him to pursue his second interest, which was salmon fishing. Scott shared a friendship with Annan fanciers Alex Graham and Adam Donaldson who had a number of friends in West Cumbria and on one occasion when Alex and Adam were visiting West Cumbria they took Scott with them. One of the loft’s which they visited that day was that of Johnny Mossop and Billy Moore at Distington. This was a famous name as Johnny Mossop’s father was an exceptional fancier who competed under the loft title of Mossop & Mackie and in 1965 won the Vaux Usher International race from Nantes with Champion ‘M’s Pride’, competing against the Cumberland Combine, S.N.F.C. and the mighty Up North Combine. I read on a number occasions about the great Walkinshaw family in Ireland and was told that the family was based on introductions from West Cumbria and when talking to friend Bob McAvoy I learned that pigeons that went to Ireland were indeed from the loft of Johnnie Mossop and Billy Mackie, being sent across the Irish Sea on coal boats that sailed out of Whitehaven Harbour. Johnnie Mossop and Billy Mackie were in fact father in law and son in law. Johnnie had worked in the Mines whilst Billy had a responsible position at the Docks at Whitehaven. In addition to having a pigeon interest, Johnnie played Rugby in his youth and was an accomplished snooker player. Billy meanwhile played professional football for Workington ‘Reds’. He was also involved in the administration side of our sport being Assistant Secretary and Vice President of West Cumberland Federation and represented the Federation on Region and Cumberland Combine Committees. It should be noted also that West Cumberland was a very strong competitive Federation at that time comprising eighteen Clubs, which included a number of exceptionally good fanciers. The great pigeon ‘M’s Pride took its name from Mossop, Mackie and Moresby Parks where the partners resided. The winning pigeon was a 1961 Blue hen that went through the programme as a youngster and competed from Nantes as a yearling. In 1963, as a 2 y.o. she raced from St. Malo and then, two weeks later, went to Nantes and was 2nd Club 22nd Federation having been on the wing for 15 hours. The following season, she was 2nd Club from the first race of the season and was thereafter 3rd Club Cheltenham. She then went to Nantes and whilst she was timed she was beaten by two loft mates that were 1st and 4th Club, 10th and 22nd Federation. When it was known that the Usher Vaux race was to be flown from Nantes in 1965, concentration was on getting her right for the Classic. Johnnie Mossop had a wealth of experience in our sport, having been involved in the pigeon hobby for well over forty years. His original family contained Vandevelde x Barker x Gits bloodlines supplement in later years with the introduction of four Gits from W. Gilks from Nottingham and three Barkers from Irving and Lunt from Accrington. Through these lines emerged a Blue White Flight hen, which the partners described as the ‘The Mother of the Loft’ as she left a host of winners. She, herself, was 1st West Cumberland Fed. St Malo. A number of well-known fanciers worked successfully with Mossop and Mackie lines, including several fanciers in the Solway area. I once chaired a Quiz at Annan when Eddie Newcombe was on the Panel and he said that in his opinion the best 500 mile birds in the country were in West Cumbria and unfortunately didn’t get the recognition they deserved. Having made reference to Mossop and Mackie it should be understood that the Mossop and Moore pigeons were successful in their own right. The team contained an influence of the Mossop & Mackie family and importantly, ‘M’s Pride’. On assembling their family of birds Johnny Mossop and Billy Moore used further lines including Gits, Barker, Ameel, Kirkpatrick, Osman, Bricioux and Busschaert. Scott Irving was much impressed when he visited the loft at Distington with Alex Graham and Adam Donaldson and immediately purchased three pigeons. One of these was a Mealy cock that broke his wing and as a consequence he was put to stock. He immediately proved his worth, with the first pigeon of note that he produced at Brydekirk being 10th Open S.N.F.C. Rennes in 1980. Importantly a friendship was formed with further birds being introduced from Distington on an ongoing basis. Scott’s son, Scott Junior, had taken an interest in his father’s pigeons from when he was a wee lad and in time entered partnership with his father. In 1989 the partners were 5th Section 19th Open Rennes and one week later timed two pigeons from Niort to be 3rd Section 8th Open and 6th Section 19th Open. It was a Mealy cock that was 8th Open Niort and he subsequently proved to be a fine breeder, leaving several pigeons to win in the Club and score from the channel. 1989 was in fact the first time the members of the Scottish National competed from Niort. One year down the road the partners were 4th Open Rennes and 10th Section 38th Open Niort. Season 1991 proved extra special for the loft. They were 36th Section 50th Open from the first National of the season from Sartilly and were then 9th Section 22nd Open from the Gold Cup race from Rennes with a Grizzle hen bred direct from the hen that was 4th Open Rennes the year previous. Having scored from the previous two Niort races, Scott Irving prepared 16 pigeons for the 1991 Niort Classic. The convoy was liberated at 7.05am and the partners timed a 2 y.o. Blue cock at 5.51 to win the Classic recording a velocity of 1529ypm from 600+ miles and headed the result by 100ypm. They then timed two further pigeons at 8.31pm and 6.07am to be 3rd Section 4th Open and 14th Section 16th Open. On the day of the race the Scottish contingent was liberated with birds from several North of England organisations and the Scottish National winner was right up with the leading pigeons competing into Cheshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Sire of the winner was bred by Johnny Mossop and Billy Moore whilst the Dam was bred by Scott’s brother, Peter, from two late bred pigeons that he obtained from the same Mossop & Moore. The fourth National of the 1991 season was flown from Sartilly (2) and the partners were 35th Section 169th Open. At the 1991 S.N.F.C. presentation, Scott Irving stepped forward to receive a number of the prestige trophies of the Club including The Robert Telfer Trophy for the best average from all five National races. As the years passed the partners scored from the Classics on an on-going basis, consider for example that they were 1st Section 6th Open Sartilly (1) 1992. In 1997 Scott and his son won their second National from Sartilly with a yearling Blue Chequer cock and it was Scott Junior who timed the winner. In addition to being a gifted fancier, Scott senior was a very able angler and on the night of the race, he was on the Annan river assisting to police a National trout fishing competition with Scott junior being left ‘in charge’ at the loft. The convoy was liberated at 6.30am into a NNW wind with Scott timing the winner at 9.15pm. It was the only arrival into Scotland on the day of liberation, recording a velocity of 873ypm, which was appreciably different from the velocity of their Niort winner. Whilst the Niort winner was home bred from Mossop and Moore stock, the Sartilly winner was actually bred by Johnny Mossop and Billy Moore. In time, Scott Junior acquired his own property in Annan and formed his own loft remaining a member of Brydekirk Club. Scott Senior continued to race into the original loft under his own name. The months and years moved forward and eventually Scott senior chose to part with his pigeons due to health reasons and for several years the loft sat empty at Brydekirk. In time however, Scott junior began to race birds into his own loft at Annan and additionally race a team to the Loft at Brydekirk with the two sheds being numbered Loft 1 and Loft 2. Importantly, this enabled his father to be once more physically involved assisting his son to care for the team at Brydekirk. In 2018 the members of the S.N.F.C. competed from Liege for the Gold Cup race with Scott being 2nd Section and Open competing into the loft at Brydekirk. With knowledge it had been a long held ambition of Scott senior to time a real good one from the Gold Cup race, Scott junior named the pigeon ‘Dad’s Dream’. Let us now consider next generation pigeons … I explained that Scott was 3rd Section 8th Open Niort 1989 and 4th Open Rennes in 1990. The 8th Open Niort was a Mealy cock, which proved to be a fine breeder, leaving several birds to win in the Club and score from the channel. The 4th Open Rennes was a beautiful Grizzle hen, with both these birds containing the lines of Mossop and Moore. The hands on the clock moved forward and Scott gifted a young Grizzle hen to Crombie and Mechan from Annan that was bred from the Grizzle hen and the Mealy cock. This hen left a number of birds of note for Crombie & Mechan including ‘Shawhill Prince’ that was 7th Section Lille as a yearling, 1st Section 2nd Open from the S.N.F.C. Blue Riband event from Liege as a 2 y.o. and 3rd Section 5th Open from the equivalent event from Reims when 3 y.o. On that occasion he was entered in the Joe Murphy Sporting Challenge, which he won. Such was the quality of this pigeon that Jim Crombie and John Mechan were offered a ‘blank cheque’ by a fancier in Germany to purchase the pigeon but declined the offer. In 2006 Jim and John were once more 2nd Open from the S.N.F.C. Gold Cup race, which on this occasion was flown from Alencon. Their winning pigeon a 4 y.o. Grizzle hen that had scored previously from the 2004 Gold Cup Classic from Le Ferte Bernard, Sire was a full brother of ‘Shawhill Prince’ whilst the Dam was a direct daughter of the same ‘Shawhill Prince’. As previously explained Scott Irving senior chose to part with his original team of pigeons due to health issues; with his health not improving and the passage of time he regrettably passed away some months ago. He was an able fancier with a really good team of birds and will be remembered as a further fancier of note to have successfully competed into the magical village of Brydekirk. We publish several photos with this article. (a) Blue Cock ‘Ellen’s Wee Cracker’ 1st Open S.N.F.C. Niort, (b) Dark Chequer cock ‘Mossop’s Glory’ 1st Open S.N.F.C. Sartilly, (c) Dark Chequer hen ‘Dad’s Dream’ 2ND Open S.N.F.C. Liege, (d) Grizzl e Cock ‘Shawhill Prince’ (see text), ( e) Mossop and Mackie’s M’s Pride 1st Open Vaux Usher International from Nantes, (f) Johnnie Mossop and Billy Mackie and (g) Scott Irving (centre) photographed with Johnny Mossop and Billy Moore.

Copied from Facebook 5 UNIQUE FACTS ABOUT PIGEONS: *Biology and Behavior * 1. *Sharp Eyesight*: Pigeons have very sharp eyesight, with the ability to see objects at a distance of 1,300 meters. They can also detect motion and color very well. 2. *Navigation Ability*: Pigeons can navigate using magnetic fields of the earth, sun, and stars. They can also recognize geographical shapes and buildings. *Reproduction and Social Life* 1. *Monogamy*: Pigeons are monogamy birds. They often form a pair that lasts for several years, even a lifetime. 2. *Communication Skills*: Pigeons can communicate using voice, body movements, and even touch. They have over 30 types of voices to communicate. *History and Usage* 1. *Order and Delivery*: Pigeons have been used as couriers since ancient times. They can fly at speeds of 80 km/h and carry messages up to 100 km. During World Wars I and II, pigeons were used as an essential courier to send military messages.

Steven Dalgliesh The Solway federation yb sale will now go ahead on Sunday the 13th of April in Gretna social club in conjuction with the annual Springfield hc sale. Further details to follow. ..all donations very welcome.

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Copied from Facebook BRIAN BLACK Alright lads now the breeding is nearing the end just a message to say that if anyone is interested I’m going to be doing training on @Freddy Robertson transporter this training will be later on in the day as I’ve got my school run. There will be two meeting points. My house from 4:15 until 5pm then stair arms 5:20 until 5:45 if anyone is interested let me know cheers

Copied from Facebook Anyone out with Danderhall Club wishing to enter a young bird (racing in Danderhall Club) and compete for one of the 7 breeder prizes please contact Barry Kinnear as soon as possible.

Any photos?

Copied from Facebook Slade from the 70's Slade on the set of their film 'Slade in Flame' on location at Willesden, October 1974

Back in the 90's I flew Konipus, Van Geel, Solved etc. All from the Aarden strain. These flew well.for me but failed when put over the Channel. But I certainly don't blame the strain. Simply poor management and preparation by myself. I was also advised by an old experienced fancier to cross the Aarden’s with another strain.

A lovely service was held last Monday at Kirkcaldy Crematorium, for a very special, and much loved man, Mr John King or Jock as he was known to most. Jock's loving family gathered outside his home as he returned there one last time. Shortly thereafter they would follow him on his final journey to the crematorium, via his old family home in Fair Isle Road. Jock was met there by many family and friends, a true sign of how well loved this man was. “Danny Boy” by Jim Reeves, played softly in the background as the congregation made their way into the chapel. Jock was then brought into the chapel by the Funeral Directors, with great dignity and respect. The service was conducted by Mr Neil Dorward, who spoke beautifully and delivered a heartfelt eulogy that summed up Jock perfectly. There were sad moments, but also some smiles at some of the stories regaled from the past. It was clear that Jock was so highly thought of by everyone who knew him. The congregation were then asked to gather their thoughts and think about their own special memories of Jock, as they listened to “My Way” by Frank Sinatra. A slideshow of special memories were projected onto the television screens, showing joyful moments from the past. Neil then spoke the words of committal, while family members and loved ones exchanged their final goodbyes. The service came to a close and “Time to Say Goodbye” by Andrea Bochelli, played the congregation out of the chapel. There was an opportunity to donate to Dementia UK on leaving, which people generously did so. Jock’s floral tribute was an eyecatching pigeon, this was in memory of Jock and his passion and skill of his beloved pigeon racing. Mary and the family would like to thank all relatives and friends who attended Jock’s service, for all the love and kind words in all messages received, and for all the cards and flowers. It has brought them great comfort at this very difficult time. "Rest in peace Jock, your work on this earth is done. Rest in in the hearts and minds of all who will keep on loving you forever.”

2 more young fanciers from Scotland

North of Scotland Young Bird Sale of exceptional 2025 young birds will commence from 7pm Sunday the 2nd March until 7pm Sunday the 7th of March. These are top notch pigeons from top performing SNFC Lofts therefore bidding will start from £30 for single birds and £50 starting bids for pairs of birds. Lot winners will be requested to arrange carriage. I will input the details prior to 7pm on Sunday. This is a not to be missed opportunity to purchase some distance pigeons from lofts who have proved their ability to win from the distance. Bids via comments please which will be monitored by myself Ruth and Stuart. Good l luck to all. SALE ON NORTH OF SCOTLAND FEDERATION FACEBOOK PAGE

The late Roger Buvens, a pigeon fancier from Loksbergen, Belgium. He has achieved significant success in pigeon racing, particularly in the extreme middle-distance category. One of his notable achievements includes winning the 1st National Championship KBDB Extreme Middle Distance Old Birds. Roger's pigeons, especially those from his "Golden Breeding Couple," have consistently performed well in national competitions. The basis of his colony is formed with pigeons from father and uncle Jef, Berre Van Leest, Nijlen, Louis Keirsmakers, Nijlen, Jos Hasendonckx, Grobbendonk and Romain Schots, Halen. Some of his Achievements: 1st National Bourges yearlings 2010 1st National Champion Longer Middle-Distance old birds KBDB 2013 2nd National Champion Small Middle-Distance Yearlings KBDB 6th National Champion Shorter Middle Distance Old Birds KBDB 2nd, 6th, 11th National Ace Pigeon Grand Middle Distance Old Birds KBDB 10th National Ace Pigeon Small Middle-Distance yearlings KBDB, and more. Roger's dedication to pigeon racing, along with the support of his wife Mariet, has made him a prominent figure in the pigeon racing community. His pigeons have won numerous prizes, and his breeding techniques have produced several top-performing birds.

Copied from Facebook By Sandy Milne I have just been informed that the North of Scotland Racing Pigeon Federation is to hold a young bird sale on FaceBook. Birds have been promised from fanciers throughout Scotland (which is very promising) however the Fed is hoping to put forward a list of around twenty five pigeons. Early doors yet so keep watching this site any enquiries with regard to the pigeons please contact Stuart/Ruth at 07875 601577 alternately myself on 07777 633 640

Copied from Facebook By Sandy Milne I went down to feed my doos, lo and behold I could not get into the loft.. I think you can see the reason why. We tried a few things but not successful so I phoned Jim the farmer who has the field next to mine but he also runs a plant hire firm! Down he came with one of his diggers and you can see the result. The shed had blue over and was leaning against the top of the fence, all the birds are ok will have to sort some parts of the loft but hay ho could have been a lot worse. So the next time your having a bad day there is alswsys some one worse off than yourself!

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Thjeu Cox, a pigeon fancier from Stein, Netherlands, known for his exceptional achievements in extreme long-distance pigeon racing. Investment: First investment: A youngsters of Toon Schouteren from De Heen (a town in Zeeland) were offered for sale. Thjeu obtained the 415 from '82, which was a son of David x Keetje Tippel. Other purchase: From Huub Smeets, Jan Theelen, André Vanbruane, Piet Hermens, exchange pigeon to Jos Martens, Hubert & Riet Jongen from Kerkrade, Raf Luyckx (Belsele, BE), and Ko Van Dommelen. Here are some of his notable accomplishments: He won the PIPA ranking for the best extreme long-distance pigeon in the Netherlands with his pigeon "Kleine Barcelona". National and International Success: "Kleine Barcelona" achieved a 6th National Barcelona (4,504 pigeons) and an 8th National Narbonne (4,568 pigeons). Additionally, it secured an 11th International Barcelona (17,094 pigeons) and an 8th International Narbonne (10,421 pigeons). Long-Distance Champion: Thjeu Cox has been a top contender in long-distance races for many years. In 1995, he won a 1st National Pau, and in 2002, he won a first prize in the national marathon. Over the years, Thjeu Cox has won numerous top results, including being the 3rd National Marathon Champion in 2016 and winning the 1st National Marathon 8 nominated.

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