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The Joe Murphy Column Continuing with my short stories on past outstanding fanciers; this week I include The Top Scot of 1965 who was W T Gardiner of Lockerbie; written by Cover Flight. For the past few racings seasons the name of William T Gardiner has been building a legend which has attracted the attention of the pigeon fancy throughout the world. Success has followed success, and the performances set up by this modest young fancier during the 1965 season could well result in an all-time record – 1st SNFC Rennes (6030 birds) 2nd SNFC Nantes (1995 birds) 15th SNFC Beauvais (2736 birds) and 1st Ushers Young Bird SNFC Worcester (1936 birds). In all, eight major Scottish National Flying Club trophies were presented to him at the annual dinner held in Edinburgh in October 1965, (see photograph) and it is doubtful if any Scottish National winner had been more warmly received by his ‘friendly rivals’ – the membership of the SNFC. Much has already been written on the performances of this famous Lockerbie loft, and rather than recall the list of wins I would prefer to concentrate on the fancier himself. In 1949, Willie Gardiner, then a 14-year-old schoolboy, started the hobby of keeping pigeons and, strange as it may seem, he started off as a ‘Showman’. His first pigeons were Tumblers and they were exhibited at local shows, but this was not the birds of the ‘Gardiner Legend’- they never won a prize!!! The first importation of racers came in 1950 when Alex B King of Wishaw sent three birds to start a small racing team. That was the real beginning . . . and from the outset Willie’s twin brother, John, was keen to help looking after the birds. Racing started in 1952 with young birds, and at his first attempt Willie clocked thee winner and followed this up at the next race by winning the second prize. During 1953, Willie and John spent a great deal of time building a suitable racing and stock loft and during that season a few more prizes came the way of Willie Gardiner. This loft was used from 1953 until 1960, when the present joiner built 30-foot open-door loft was erected. Since that time the following leading positions have been won with birds in the first 3 in the south section; 1960 3rd section 5th open Nantes; 1961, 1st and 2nd section 8th & 9th open Rennes; 1962, 2nd section 2nd open Nantes; 1964, 2nd section 2nd open Rennes, 2nd section 4th open Beauvais; 1965, 1st section 1st open Rennes; 1st section 2nd open Nantes and 1st section 1st open ‘Ushers’ Young Birds National Worcester. Even this much abbreviated list of wins brings one obvious question to a pigeon fancier’s mind. ‘How does he do it? What brings such consistent success?’. Well, I cannot hope to answer that question, and I have asked him all the standard questions I could think of……….and here were his replies. Feeding; An ordinary high protein mixture with a little seed used from trapping on occasion. Training; Young bird are very well trained before the first young bird race and even the best are raced out to 200 miles. Proof of this fact is ‘Sky Baby’ daughter of ‘Sky Queen’- this mother and daughter winners of 1st open SNFC Rennes and 1st open SNFC YB national. Old Birds are lightly trained before the season opens, and as the Scottish National races are of the greatest interest to Willie Gardiner, each potential National candidate is well trained by road for a few weeks before the selected race. Breeding; ‘Blood will tell’ – that is his full opinion of breeding top-quality racing pigeons. Whether birds are in-bred, line bred or crossed matters little to Willie, provided the stock involved are sound physically and bred from outstanding long-distance racers. Distance and fitness; Willie’s attitude to this topic is simply this; ‘I get them as fit as I can and do not consider whether the race in mind is a 200- or 500-mile event. There are hard 200-mile races and easy 500-mile races and as one cannot predict the pattern of a race before it is flown, there is only one sensible approach – get them fit for almost anything’. Perhaps the above statements may help some readers to understand the background to the Gardiner story, but from my discussions with him there are other factors which – although he is possibly unaware of them himself ---are perhaps more important and perhaps nearer the true explanation; He is blessed with a high degree of patience and is a perfectionist in everything he does. Examples of this are shown in other facets of his activities- his garden is painstakingly neat, and, in fact, the layout of the loft in this setting makes it a fancier’s dream. When is clock is returned to the SNFC the clock label Is not only correctly completed but has the exact time of each pigeon is accurately recorded-to the second. In the 1965 Rennes race there were six birds so recorded, and although this point seems so unimportant, I think it might be relevant because attention to small details such as this must reflect his general attitude- if the job has to be done it will be done properly. Now that Willie Gardiner has won the Rennes National, he has set his sights on the next target – to become the double Rennes winner. And do not think that he will send everything to Rennes in 1966 in his next attempt. That is not true---- he’ll keep the nest boxes at home!!!! Results Pentlandhills Federation News from Andy Miller who wrote; ‘Hi Joe, from the first young bird race of the 2024 from Otterburn held on Sunday 28th July, this was a delay of 24 hours due to inclement weather however the 1516 birds entered by 44 lofts was liberated at 09:30 into a south wind. This turned out a fantastic opener for the young birds with virtually all home within the hour. Winning 1st, 2nd & 3rd federation with another 7 in the top 13 open places and having a great overall 2024 season is the Danderhall loft of Keith Wright. The winner and first over the pad by 5 seconds on a drop of 10 is a Van Den Bulck bred by James McCulloch from Edinburgh who doesn’t race pigeons (breeders only) He bred a kit of 10 as a gift for Keith to try out. Not a bad start! As a matter of interest Joe all are flown on the darkness. D Noble of Danderhall wins 4th & 5th places with the Winter Family wining 12th & 15th open. Freddie & Willie Robertson are 14th open with Brown & Black of Woodburn taking the positions from 16th to 21st open. Almond Valley Federation News from secretary Lynne Stewart, with the result of the Wooler 1 race flown on 28th July with the convoy of 1247 birds liberated at 08:30 hours. Taking the top spot is J Urquhart of Bonnybridge club doing a velocity of 1175; his club mate S Russell is 2nd on 1155 with another bird in 17th place. D McBeath of Armadale club is 3rd with Armadale’s J Angus-Beaton winning 4th spot. Freddie Jamieson & son of East Calder win 5th to 8th places with S Robb of West Calder winning 9th open. John Hadfield of Armadale is 10th & 13th open with John Bird of West Calder wining 11th 12th 14th & 15th positions. George Harris of Bonnybridge club is 16th with Davy Jamieson of West Calder in 18th place followed by L & N Redmond of Fauldhouse club just ahead of club mate T Gavin who wins 20th place. Club Winners Armadale; 159 birds; D McBeath 1138.729, J Angus-Beaton 1127.617, J Hadfield 1102.989, 1102.479 Balerno; No entries; Bonnybridge; 366 birds; J Urquhart 1175. S Russell 1155. G Harris 1101. S Russell 1090. Carnwath; 176 birds; Thomson Bros & I Thomson 967. 962. 948. 911. East Calder; 57 birds; F Jamieson & Son 1122. 1120. 1119. 1119. Fauldhouse; 283 birds; L & N Redmond 1082. T Gavin 1080. 1079. From the Wooler 2 race flown on 3rd August the convoy of 932 birds were liberated at 07:50 hours. Geordie Harris of Bonnybridge takes the first two top places, with Mr J Angus-Beaton of Armadale club in 3rd spot. The partnership of Law & Brady (2) of Bonnybridge club are 4th 5th & 13th open with D McBeath of Armadale club timing in 10 birds to win 6th to 12th plus 14th to 16th positions. Vic Couper of Bonnybridge club makes up the top 20 winning the last 4 positions. Club winners are as follows; Armadale; 215 birds; winner J Angus-Beaton 1203.205, D Mc Beath 1199.722, 1199.327, 1199.327 Balerno; 39 birds; J Fairley 1036.836, 1035.924, 896.454, 783.875 Bonnybridge; 228 birds; winner G Harris 1227.304, 1225.474, Law & Brady 1200.287, 1200.118 Carnwath; 100 birds; winner Dr J Salmond 1018.561, McArdle & Thomson 986.334, 985.900, 906.644 East Calder; 60 birds; winner P & R Fairley 1124.086, 1117.490, F Jamieson & Son 1094.349, 1089.434 Fauldhouse; 177 birds; winner T Gavin 1172.243, 1172.047, 1171.852, 1153.001 West Calder; 152 birds; winner S Robb 1144.191, J Bird 1139.642, 1139.448, 1139.254 Lynne finishes off her report by saying ‘The Fife and Tayside fanciers are doing very well in the national races this season; well done to everyone’. Fife Federation News from Geordie Todd with the Alnwick young bird race flown on 3rd August with the convoy of 700 birds liberated at 9-15am into a west wind. Birdage from the following clubs made up the convoy; Methilhaven club 129 birds; Kennoway 84 birds; St Andrews 74 birds; Lochgelly 79 birds; Dunfermline 186 birds; Crossgates 148 birds. Taking the Top 10 in the East section and Federation are the following; Davie Armour of Methilhaven club takes the 1st & 4th places. Kennoway’s B Chalmers is 2nd & 3rd with his father-in-law Tam Laing in 5th spot. Davie Jack of St Andrews is 6th & 7th with clubmates Dave Baldie 8th and near neighbour John Harcus in 9th spot. Kennoway’s Brian Kinnear is 10th. The West section is won by J Hynd & son of Lochgelly club who take the first 6 places. C Buchan of Crossgates is 7th with A Simpson of Dunfermline in 8th spot with Alaistair McCudden of Crossgates club winning 9th & 10th places. Angus Federation News from David Liddle; with the results attached for Forfar club and Angus Fed for our first young bird race from Auchendinny. The first birds were slower than expected but there was a clear winner when one of our younger members, Adam Golicki timed the first pigeon on a velocity of 1134 which won the club, federation and Angus & Dundee Combine by more than 100 ypm. Adam is an estate worker in the hills of Glen Prosen, north of Kirriemuir and it is a difficult area to race pigeons into between the perils of birds of prey and the changeable weather in the hills. His winner was a Belgian rung youngster which he bought at the Scottish Lier market in March. I have attached photos of Adam and his winner. The result of the Auchendinny young bird race flown on the 27th July had 17 members sending 592 birds; the convoy was liberated at 09-00 am into light west wind. Taking to spot is A Golicki of Forfar club with a Belge rung youngster doing a velocity of 1134.41 he wins 20 points from the west section. He also wins 15th 16th & 17th open. Ian Scott of the same club wins 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th places with Dave Glen winning 6th 8th & 14th places. David Liddle is 7th open with W Dorward of Gourdon club wins 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th & 20th open. Leggett & Greig of Forfar are 18th with club mate Eric Galloway in 19th spot. The East Section is dominated by W Dorward of Gourdon who takes the first 9 places with Arbroath’s Charlie & Glen Cameron wins 10th open. Club Winners; Arbroath; had 6 members sending 168 birds, 1st P Cameron; 2nd C & G Cameron. Forfar; 10 members 375 birds 1st D Glen 2nd A Golicki. Gourdon; 2 members 49 birds 1st D & D Hay 2nd W Dorward. Montrose; No entries. Arbroath HS News from Charlie Cameron with the 2nd young bird race from Auchendinny flown on 3rd August with the 4 members sending 141 birds, these were liberated at 10am into a west to southwest wind. Taking top spot is Paul Cameron with a GB youngster doing 1370 velocity, Paul is also 5 & 7th club. Charlie & Glen Cameron are 2nd 3rd & 4th with Grahame McKenzie winning 8th place. North of Scotland Federation News from George Duthie, with the Strathkinness result where 42 members sent 1008 birds these were liberated 10-08am into a light south west wind. The East Section had 20 members sending 553 birds and they also topped the federation. Taking the top ten places in the east section and federation are Peterhead club with the first two places plus 5th open going to S Glue with 3 GB24V rung birds; the winner was doing a velocity of 1588. Clubmates Gordon Willox is 3rd with R H Whyte winning 4th place. The partnership of Maskame & Cordiner win 6th 7th & 10th positions. Neil Holt wins 8th & 9th positions with two GB -Z youngsters. The west section had 22 members sending 455 birds; These were all won by Devern Valley members with A Fulton taking the first 3 in the section and winning 33rd 34th & 35th open. M Evans wins 4th section 36th open with A Hay winning 5th 6th & 7th section 37th 38th & 39th open. G McLeod wins 8th section 40th open with J Abel winning 9th & 10th section 41st & 42nd open. Clubs First Bird Peterhead & District is won by S Glue with a velocity of 1588.117; Fraserburgh & District is won by A W Buchan with a velocity of 1499.074; Inverurie is won by C B Forsyth with a velocity of 1441.217; Fraserburgh West End club is won by A Higgins velocity 1391.678; Devern Valley is won by A Fulton velocity 1372.923; Keith club is won by R Wilson velocity 1298.091 and W Ritchie wins Elgin & District velocity 1108.171.Well done to S Glue on topping the federation and to A Fulton on winning the west section. Kingdom Federation News from Pete Penman who wrote; ‘Hi Joe, hope you and Margaret are well; the Kingdom had their first young bird race from Wooler on Sunday 28th of July. Leading the way is Coaltown’s Gary Hall with a home bred dark chequer Herman Cusiter cock. Leuchars E & E Young took 2nd & 4th places, with Mitchell & Stonehouse winning 3rd spot. Stuart Graham of St. Serfs was in 5th place breaking his novice status with a dark chequer cock, whose parents were bought at a clearance sale. In 6th place was Pete Penman of Coaltown with a chequer hen gifted to him by Dyke Armour. From the 2nd young bird race from Alnwick on the 3rd of August. Taking the first two places was St Serfs Sandy Proctor with two darkness birds bought from Paul Dryden from the north east. The 3rd place with the same bird that was also 3rd last week were Rosyth’s Mitchell and nephew Darren Stonehouse. 4th place and winning at Coaltown on his 86th birthday was my old man Pete Penman senior with a chequer hen bred from Dyke Armour stock. 5th place was Mitchell & Stonehouse with the 6th position going to Eric & Liz Young of Leuchars. Tom Berwick was 2nd club at Leuchars. At the Coaltown club Gary Hall was 2nd & 3rd places with his first a chequer hen that is a granddaughter direct from his good hen that was 1st open Kingdom federation’s Ramsgate race, & 2nd section 13th open SNFC Falaise being the only bird into Fife on the day in 2023; his next bird was a blue Herman Cusiter cock who's hen laid on the night prior to basketing. Pentlandhills Federation News from Andy Miller who writes; ‘Hi Joe, from our 2nd young bird race of the 2024 from Otterburn held on Saturday 3rd August, the convoy of 2433 birds from 60 lofts were liberated at 10am into a west to south west wind. This turned out another good race for the young birds with virtually all home within the hour. Winning 1st 2nd 3rd 4th & 5th federation is the Whitecraig loft of Helen Aitken & son Graham, who fly their pigeons in Woodburn Club. The winner and first over the pad by 3 seconds is a home bred cock flown on the darkness. Sire is from Stewart Knowles and the dam from Les Green. They and their stock are regarded up there with the best in the fancy when it comes to inland racing regards Andy. 6th open is K Wright of Danderhall with other youngsters winning 18th then 20th to 23rd places. D Brown of Danderhall club in 7th place. D & J Allen of Woodburn club are 8th & 10th with G Cameron of Easthouses wins 9th 11th 12th & 13th positions. A Baillie of Danderhall wins 14th 15th & 19th open with MacGregor & Lawrie of Castlebrae just ahead of W Kinnear & Son of Danderhall club in 17th place. Scottish Central Federation From the Otterburn race flown on 3rd August the convoy of 121 birds were liberated at 08-30am into a west wind. Gordon Mackenzie wins 1st 2nd 5th & 8th with H Rafferty winning 3rd 4th 6th & 7th; my thanks to Bernie for this result. As I’m having problems opening Peter Keogh results as they are all just numbers and not in the normal format of a weekly result. Don’t know if it is because I don’t have the format to open it, but I have written to Peter notifying him of this problem. 27 Day Space Weather Outlook Table. Issued: 5th August 2024 at 02-10 UTC UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2024 Aug 05 240 15 5 2024 Aug 06 240 10 3 2024 Aug 07 240 8 3 2024 Aug 08 240 5 2 2024 Aug 09 240 5 2 2024 Aug 10 240 5 2 2024 Aug 11 240 8 3 2024 Aug 12 230 5 2 2024 Aug 13 225 5 2 2024 Aug 14 210 5 2 2024 Aug 15 205 5 2 2024 Aug 16 205 5 2 2024 Aug 17 200 5 2 2024 Aug 18 185 5 2 2024 Aug 19 180 5 2 2024 Aug 20 180 5 2 2024 Aug 21 180 5 2 2024 Aug 22 180 10 3 2024 Aug 23 200 8 3 2024 Aug 24 210 5 2 2024 Aug 25 220 5 2 2024 Aug 26 220 5 2 2024 Aug 27 235 5 2 2024 Aug 28 235 5 2 2024 Aug 29 245 5 2 2024 Aug 30 245 5 2 2024 Aug 31 240 5 2 Please continue to keep the news flowing; to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to joejmurphy1@gmail.com REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland © Compiled by Joe Murphy

Oops my mistake. Thanks. Corrected now

The Joe Murphy Column The Fife and Tayside fanciers are doing very well in the national races this season; which is not unusual for fanciers north of Forth as they have obtained excellent records from long distance races for many a year. However as hard as I have tried to obtain information on the present winning pigeons it is like drawing blood from a stone. I don’t know if they have been warned off by a certain individual not to give me information; So, to be honest it is their loss. My article will still appear weekly in the BHW and I will always find something interesting to add to it. So much so that I came across an article on one of the most famous fanciers from this area; the late and great Robert Strachan of Invergowrie who won the Tayside Fancier of the Year in 1965 written by ‘Taysider’ whom I’m assuming was the late Jim George (Round O) from Arbroath; who wrote. ‘After what has been regarded as the most arduous racing season for some years, the title of Fancier of the Year in this part of the country must inevitably go to Robert Strachan, the Invergowrie ACE. Robert’s birds flew consistently well all season and finished with a great flourish by taking 1st and 3rd positions from the Federations 550 miles Dol race under very trying conditions. This grand-slam finish gave him the bulk of silverware, including the R J Blair and Whitbread Trophies, for 1st bird Dol, The Melrose Drover for best average Christchurch 400 miles, and Dol and the much sought after Fyfe-Jamieson Trophy for the best average in the three longest federation races. However, his proudest moment ever, came when he won his own father’s Memorial Trophy-The Strachan Memorial for best average in ALL Federation races. Since Bob started racing in the Dundee Club in 1947 (the year I was born Joe M) he has been to the fore on more than one occasion, winning club and federation averages frequently, the fact that his confined to a wheel-chair makes his triumphs all the more remarkable. Although he is a very successful club flyer it is his national performances that made the name of Strachan of Invergowrie a household word throughout the country. His finest hour was recorded by the great-hearted Blue Pied Hen ‘Tayside Princess’, who was 4th open Rennes 580 miles in 1955 and went one better the following year taking 3rd open, surely one of the greatest ever double triumphs at the distance in this part of the country. ‘Princesses lived to a good old age and left some excellent stock to carry on her line, then one day she just disappeared and Robert never knew the fate of his fabulous hen. (It would have more probably been a hawk attack Joe M). Another of the birds which helped make the name of Strachan famous was the courageous Red Cock ‘Starlight Special’, which was clocked at the unbelievable time of nine minutes to midnight on the day from Rennes to take 72nd open, two great efforts in this neck of the woods where day birds are rare indeed. He owes a lot of his success to his great friend and ex-partner Willie Wilson of Larkhall, another great name in the Fancy, they exchanged birds from time to time, and this no doubt keeps each other in the forefront of the racing fraternity. A recent introduction is a son of J & P Dora’s National winner ‘The Fifer’ which was a surprise birthday present from his wife. This year’s Dol winner was a long cast racy-looking red hen SU59T4866, who was timed in at 11-06am on the second morning, recording a velocity of 769 ypm and collected a nice cheque for £62. Known as ‘Leading Lady’, this grand hen is a grand-daughter of the legendary ‘Tayside Princess’. Next bird home was his more fancied contender Blue Chequer 62T5715, one which can be considered to be a Channel veteran with several 500 -mile jaunts behind her. She was timed at 11-26am and registered a velocity of 741 ypm and took the lion’s share of the pools with a fine total of £92. So much for the joys of pigeon racing on to the hard knocks one h as to take in his stride. Bob lost the bulk of his young bird team at the Riccarton smash, however, those that were left pressed on to the bitter end, in the true tradition of the Strachan pigeons, and no doubt next season they’ll be doing their best to make their master once again the Tayside Fancier of the Year. Tayside Highlights It was rather a barren year for Tayside fanciers in the National races and highlights were conspicuous by their absence. However, amidst the gloom one star shone brightly. That star was the Mealy Hen ‘Wellbank Pride’ owned by Jock Ellis, who earned the admiration of the fancy for her courageous performance in the Rennes race. While 6000 other birds faltered, this game hen plodded her lonely but resolute way northwards through the dusk, to be clocked in at 10-32pm on the first night into a north-west wind. This performance worthy of winning a National but ‘Pride’ had to be content with 8th open and 1st East section, and the thought, ‘Well, there’s always next year’. Jock had 4 other morning starts who came trickling in to give him a full house while most of us were still waiting for the first bird. Another performance worthy, of note was that of David Ree, of Broughty Ferry, in the tough Nantes race where velocities were once again very low. Dave’s Blue Chequer hen 60T4603, was clocked at 06-16 to take 31st open 9th east section with a velocity of 657. A really excellent performance from a distance of 645 miles with only 121 birds on the result sheet out of 2000 sent. I believed Dave’s birds come down from the old Ed Harrow strain, ‘Nuff said!!’ Results The Longest Race in the SNFC Callander for 2024 was from Nort-sur-Erdre; with 70 members sending 209 birds, these were liberated at 07-30am into a light east to north east wind. Only 3 pigeons made it home on the day with the inform loft of E Hodgson & sons of Annan timing at 20-46pm. A Little of Ecclefechan timed at 20-54pm and then George Veitch of Pencaitland timed at 21-20pm flying 590 miles. Fanciers may remember that George Veitch won the SNFC Reims Gold Cup race in 2016 with Karamojo flying a distance of 544 miles. Here we are 8 years later with George winning the Gold Globe for winning the longest race from Nort-sur-Erdre in 2024. George’s 6-year-old chequer hen has been a very consistent pigeon for him over the years. She was bred by his good friend Wilf Flockhart of Tranent and given to him with 5 other youngsters for racing. The SNFC winner is now named ‘Wilfene’ as a thank you to Wilf. In 2020 she won 12th region B 38th open from Maidstone with an entry of 2894 birds; the following year she won 12th region B 82nd open Guernsey from an entry of 1273 birds. Then in 2022 she was entered into the Brighton race and won 28th region B 46th open competing against 1480 birds. This year she was entered into the SNFC Alencon race flown on the 28th June flying a distance of 530 miles and as George had already timed 2 birds in (they won 62nd & 84th open) being his 3rd bird home he never timed her in (believe it or not she would have made the open result). She was then set up for this the longest race in the SNFC 2024 calendar and after a 2-day holdover (she was in the race basket for 4 days) She returned from this Nort-sur-Erdre with her 4th flight ¾ up as she had cast her 5th flight prior of going to the race. ‘Wilfene’ was sent sitting 14-day eggs and was in excellent condition so much so that George visited his good friend Wilf Flockhart prior to the race marking and told him he would WIN THE RACE. Wilf remarked; ‘You can maybe think that George - but you can’t say it’. Low and behold it HE HAS GONE AND DONE IT. The only other fancier I can see in the SNFC Year book that has done this feat was the famous John Kilpatrick who won Rennes in 1937 with ‘Coronation Express’ and Nantes in 1952 with ‘Galabank Prince’. Therefore, George will now go down in the history books by joining the famous John Kilpatrick as the only 2 fanciers in the history of the SNFC to win the Gold Cup & the Gold Globe; which is a Truly Wonderful Achievement. ‘Wilfene’ her sires & dam are full of Wilf Flockhart’s top pigeons; her sire is a son of Wilf’s 9th open SNFC Sartilly winner when mated to a mealy hen from Tom & Mary Paterson of Plean (she contained the bloodlines of Kardale Style x Regatta when paired to ‘Katy’ a 4 times SNFC prize winner who was lost while going for her Gold Award. While her dam from is from his SNFC Gold Award winner ‘Coal Neuk King’ (who contains the bloodlines of ‘Lothian Lass’ the famous John Ellis of Elphinstone hen who won 7 times in the SNFC) crossed with Geoge’s Reims winner ‘Karamojo’ so you will see that the Gold Cup winner is now in the breeding of the 2024 SNFC Gold ‘Globe’ winner. Readers will see that ‘Wilfene’ is bred in the purple. E Hodgson & son of Annan are having a fantastic season and John is testing his team out before he moves house once again. He timed at 20-46 and had another 3 birds the following day. A Little of Ecclefechan was the other fancier to time on the day at 20-54 and timed another bird the next morning. Charlie & Glen Cameron of Arbroath are having a fantastic season and win the Mr & Mrs Joe Murphy Trophy which is awarded for best velocity in Sections C & G from the longest race; as they timed in at 09-08am the 2nd morning. J Leggate of Ferniegair look like winning 1st region E 1st west section as he timed at 07-11am the 2nd morning. I noticed there was only 32 birds on the lib line result. So, we will just have to wait until the official result comes out once Donna has compiled it. Before leaving this Nort-sur-Erdre race I have just received a phone call informing me that Ryan Hay & Family (whom I cover in the North of Scotland Federation) who fly in Devern Valley club have timed in their bird from this Nort-sur-Erdre race flying a distance of 703 miles. CONGRATULATIONS to Ryan & Family. This young man left at 6am then drove down to Michal Main who took his pigeon down to the Dundee marking station prior to going to this the longest race from Nort-sur-Erdre. Then to have a 2 day hold over and then fly the 703 miles back to its home loft, is what dreams are made off. Ok it will never make the national result but how PROUD the Hay Family must feel to think that this little pigeon flew all these miles to get back to its home. Well Done each one of you. Before I leave this section of my column; I have contacted winning fanciers from the SNFC races regarding details of their winning pigeons; and to date I’m still waiting on them to get back to me. However, the feedback I have received from readers of my column is that they have enjoyed my efforts in highlighting good pigeons like ‘Wilfene’ above Angus Federation News from David Liddle of the above federation who writes; ‘Hi Joe, Please find the details attached for the final two old bird races. As we have trophies for Channel racing the Angus Federation included the SNFC Grevillers race in our programme although not in the averages as only members registered with APHA can take part. Charlie and Glen Cameron continued their outstanding record in national racing taking the first 3 places in the federation and were 2nd, 3rd and 5th section, 5th, 7th and 16th open in the SNFC result. David Liddle won the Forfar club and was 4th federation, 8th section and 23rd open SNFC. The final club and federation old bird race was in conjunction with the SNFC from Billericay and Ken Droog & Son had an outstanding result taking the first 4 places in the Forfar club, Angus Federation and the Angus & Dundee Combine. The icing on the cake was taking the first four in the Section and 4th, 6th, 7th and 21st open in the SNFC. Ian Scott was 5th club and federation and 5th section 22nd open SNFC. Forfar Racing Pigeon Club From the Billericay race flown on 19th July with the convoy liberated at 06-45am into a south wind. The club had 10 members sending 86 birds. Kenny Droog & son took the first 4 places plus 10th open. Ian Scott was 5th & 7th open with Davie Glen ins 6th spot. A Golicki is 8th with David J Liddle in 9th place. Angus Federation race from Billericay Old Bird race had 16 members sent 133 birds; Kenny Droog & son took the first 4 places with Ian Scott winning 5th spot D & D Hay of Gourdon club wins 7th place followed by Charlie & Glen Cameron who win 8th 10th 11th & 12th positions Chic & Anne Carrie are 9th open. Club Winners Arbroath 4 members 31 birds winners C & G Cameron 1442.70 Forfar 10 members 86 bird’s winner D Glen 2nd Droog & son 1502.45 Gourdon 2 members 16 birds winner D & D Hay 1428.66 Montrose No Entry From the Angus federation Grevillers old bird race 7 members sent 25 birds these were liberated at 07-00 am into a light south wind. Chalie & Glen Cameron of Arbroath club took the first 3 places plus 5th & 7th positions. David J Liddle of Forfar is 4th 6th & 8th with Mike J Macpherson of Forfar winning 9th place and Davie Glen of the same club making up the top 10. Club Winners; Arbroath had 2 members sending 10 birds Charlie & Glen Cameron velocity 748.30 Forfar had 5 members sending 15 birds; 1st D J Liddle on 671.51. No entries from Gourdon or Montrose. Arbroath News from Charlie Cameron with the Auchendinny result for the first young bird race flown on 27th July; with 6 members sending 168 birds; the convoy was liberated at 09.00am into a south west wind. Charlie & Glen Cameron take the first 3 places with the 3 birds arriving together. Graham McKenzie had a good race winning 4th 7th & 8th with A & A Shepherd winning 5th open. Paul Cameron is 9th with a new name to the club result in R Nowosad timing 3 birds to win 10th 11th & 12th positions. North of Scotland Federation News from George Duthie informing us that 40 members sent 1081 birds to Brechin 2 Young Bird race with the east section having 19 members sending 535 birds; the West section had 21 members sending 546 birds, therefore 40 members entered 1081 birds these were liberated into a very light wind on 27th July. First 2nd & 8th east section and open is the man in form Neil Holt of Peterhead club who just won the Scottish National from The Peterhead club took all the east section positions with S Glue winning 3rd & 7th section and open. R H Whyte is 4th section and open with Maskame & Cordiner of the same Peterhead club wins 5th 6th & 9th section and open. A W Buchan of Fraserburgh & District club wins 10th section and open place. The west section had 21 members sending 546 birds; Taking the first 3 places in the section and also winning 31st 32nd & 33rd open is A Fulton of Devern Valley club, with A Hay of the same club taking the next 3 places in the section and wins 34th 35th & 36th open his club mate J Harvey is 7th west section 38th open with A Cruickshank of Keith Club winning 8th 9th & 10th west section 39th 40th & 41st open. Clubs First Bird Peterhead & District winner is N Holt velocity 1451.991; Fraserburgh & District winner is A W Buchan velocity 1431.841; Fraserburgh West End winner is A Higgins velocity 1315.517; Devern Valley winner is A Fulton velocity 1226.265; Inverurie winner is R McKenzie velocity 1205.720; Keith club winner is A Cruickshank velocity 1153.818; Elgin & District club winner is G Geddes velocity 812.487. Well Done to Neil Holt on topping the federation and also well done to A Fulton on winning the West section; yours George Duthie’. East of Scotland Federation New from Tom McEwan with the result of the Otterburn Young Bird race; with the convoy liberated at 09-30am into a south west wind. Taking the first 4 in the federation is Keith Howie of Prestonpans; with Mr & Mrs Peter March taking the next 6 places. Prestonpans HS Keith took the first 4 places in the club with his winner a dark chequer cock; his sire was bred by Tom & Scott McEwan from their Paul Stobbs bloodlines. The dam is down from Keith’s champion ‘Blue Arrow’. His 2nd club winner is down from Brian Lavery bloodlines and his 3rd bird is a blue hen once again Paul Stobbs this time through Graham Stewart of Whitecraigs. Fife Federation of Homing Pigeon Societies From the Wooler Young Bird race flown on the 28th July the 1098 birds were liberated at 10:15 into a west to south west wind. The Birdage from each club was as follows; Methilhaven 143; Kennoway 230 birds; St Andrews 135 birds; Lochgelly 214 birds; Dunfermline 200 birds, Crossgates 176 birds with Novar & Levin not sending. The Federation Top 10 are as follows; Jim & Gary Peggie of Methilhaven club are 1st velocity 1160.43. Dunfermline O’Reilly & Park are 2nd on 1128; Club mate A Simpson is 3rd with Frank Mitchell of the same club in 4th 6th 10th positions. C Buchanan of Crossgates club wins 5th 7th 8th & 9th positions East Section Top 10 are as follows; Jim & Gary Peggie take top spot with B Chalmers of Kennoway in 2nd & 3rd places. Brian Kinnear of Kennoway is 4th 6th & 7th places with Tam Laing of the same club is 8th with club mate Mook Honeyman in 9th spot. Davie Hunter of Methilhaven club is in 10th position. The West Section top 10 is as follows; O’Reilly & Part of Dunfermline club are 1st section with A Simpson of the same club in 2nd place. The ever-consistent Frank Mitchell also from Dunfermline club wins 3rd 5th 9th & 10th positions. C Buchanan of Crossgates club is 4th 6th 7th & 8th positions. Central Federation News from Bernie who writes; ‘Hi Joe hope you are well; from our race from Otterburn the 729 birds were liberated at 09-45am into a west wind on 28th July. Taking 1st & 3rd open is Martin Brown of Bo’ness club with Tam Manger in 2nd spot. Rab Henderson wins 4th 5th 6th & 7th open with Joe Smith taking the next 4 place. Five members from the Winchburgh club entered 187 pigeons and taking 1st club 2nd federation is Tam Manager with a Stuart Davenport Herman Ceuster on the darkness. 2nd & 3rd club 16th & 17th federation are Tom & Georgina Weir with two Herman Ceusters on darkness. Tam Manger takes 4th club 18th fed with a Ritchie Elliot Herman Ceuster. Broxburn and Uphall Had Hugh Rafferty with 3 in front (Gordon Wonders will never cease to amaze) his winner is a blood red cock purchased from Maurice Weir of Loughgall of Co Armagh this being the Luc Geerinckx strain. His 2nd is a blue hen and the 3rd bird is a chequer cock both being Gabby’s from stock obtained from M & D Evans. Kingdom Federation News from Pete Penman who wrote; ‘Hi Joe, my laptop playing up and it has taken me a couple of weeks to get some details of the leading pigeons. Taking the honours was Chic Dinsdale with a yearling cock bred by his brother John. Sire is a son of 1st section 5th open SNRPC Billericay crossed with Jock Mackenzie stock hen. The dam was a very consistent racer her bloodlines are N Black and son of Dromore x R O Jones. The 2nd spot goes to Dave Whyte with a home bred 2-year-old blue hen that was showing to her mate. In 3rd place we're Eric and Liz Young with a yearling cock pairing up to two young hens. Chic Dinsdale bird is a Jan Arden x Bob Cloven. 4th & 6th place's go to Gary Hall with 2 yearling mealy brothers’ out of different nests. First one was on 10-day eggs and the other was on a 4-day old youngster, this being its first youngster of the year. 5th place goes to Lou Mitchell and nephew Darren Stonehouse. 27 Day Space Weather Outlook Table. Issued 29th July 2024 at 02-18am Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2024 Jul 29 210 18 5 2024 Jul 30 210 72 7 2024 Jul 31 210 35 6 2024 Aug 01 210 10 3 2024 Aug 02 190 5 2 2024 Aug 03 190 5 2 2024 Aug 04 190 5 2 2024 Aug 05 180 5 2 2024 Aug 06 180 5 2 2024 Aug 07 185 5 2 2024 Aug 08 185 5 2 2024 Aug 09 190 5 2 2024 Aug 10 190 5 2 2024 Aug 11 190 5 2 2024 Aug 12 195 5 2 2024 Aug 13 195 5 2 2024 Aug 14 190 5 2 2024 Aug 15 190 5 2 2024 Aug 16 190 5 2 2024 Aug 17 190 5 2 2024 Aug 18 185 5 2 2024 Aug 19 180 5 2 2024 Aug 20 180 5 2 2024 Aug 21 180 5 2 2024 Aug 22 180 10 3 2024 Aug 23 180 8 3 2024 Aug 24 180 5 2 Please continue to keep the news flowing; to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to joejmurphy1@gmail.com REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland © Compiled by Joe Murphy

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The Joe Murphy Column Quite a number of fanciers said how much they had enjoyed Major A Neilson Hutton’s ‘A few things worth thinking about’. I’m glad fanciers are enjoying these short write ups as it gives us a ‘Blast from the Past’ which was a different world to the one we now live in. However, it is also mind-blowing to see how our sport has progress over these years. The one thing that never changes; is our ambition to breed winning pigeons. Away back in 1967 D Carse junior (The son of Hunter Carse) wrote an article on ‘Bred To Win’ which came about as they had won 1st Scottish Central Combine Avranches from an entry of 2589 birds. He wrote, ‘I have called this article ‘Bred to Win’ as this is something I firmly believe in. The pedigree of ‘Alpine Queen’ which I will state later proves this. If you are going to win at 500 miles you must have the birds that are bred for the job. We have been very lucky in this respect, as the basic family of pigeon in our lofts came from Wiliam MacAlpine of Armadale. It is our belief and also the belief of a great majority of other fanciers that this is one of the best family of long-distance racers in the country. The association of the late John McAlpine and his son William with the late Dr Anderson was a partnership that brought them recognition all over the world by the performances they set up at all distances. It has been to my advantage that I was fortunate enough to become a pupil of W McAlpine and although our birds have had many good performances at both inland racing and distance racing. I am still a pupil and realise there is a great deal still to learn. However, I am a good listener, and in my opinion, I have one of the best teachers in the country. We have two lofts; One is 11 ft x 10ft; which has the fly in system and the other is 9 ft x 6 ft, which has the ordinary trapping method by bob-wires. In these lofts about 35 to 40 pairs of pigeons are kept. About 10 pairs of these pairs are stock. Our management is made a lot easier by the fact that my uncle is a retired Foundry worker and he is there all day attending to the birds. The lofts are cleaned twice a day and clean water given three times a day. Our birds are fed on mixtures all the year round, mainly beans, peas, maize & wheat but after the youngsters are reared and the racing is started a bigger percentage of beans are added to it. Our training method is very simple. We don’t believe in flogging them round the lofts. We have a van and this is where my father comes in. He is the man who drives, and attends to all the training tosses required. At no time is it any trouble to him. If the weather is suitable, we give them at least a twenty-mile toss about three times a week. When the longer races come on, we try to give our distance birds a 50-mile toss at the weekend. As you will have noticed in our partnership, each person has their own job to do. I would like to say a few words about the class of pigeon fanciers in Armadale, and if you want to win you have some of the best fanciers in Scotland to beat. Our club sends an average of between 400 to 800 pigeons to every race. In a convoy such as this, if you are in the first 10 in the race you are doing very well. There are quite a few good fanciers who are capable of taking good positions in club racing and classics, but I would like to pick out some friends; the Portland Brothers whose loft is in the next garden to ours. Already in 1967 old bird season they have four first prizes in the club out of eight races. Their national and open race performances prove how hard it is to beat them. Then there is our club mate A H Whitlaw who always seems to be knocking at the door. These fanciers’ lofts are situated in Blackridge and they have to give a good bit overfly away but still they put up some fine performances both in inland and National Racing. Then there are the Lindsays; Jimmy Lindsay Senior is the oldest member of the club and he has won the West Lothian Federation Averages 3 years in a row; 1961;62 & 63. Joe Kerr is another who has had many fine performances over 500s. So, you see, you have really got to have good pigeons to win against the fanciers mentioned above. Now if I may, I would like to say something about our good black chequer hen ‘Alpine Queen’ rung SURPP60W-2558. One thing we have always noticed about this hen, she always does her best whether the race is fast or slow. At the start of the season, we try to map out our teams for the distance races. In my teaching I have been told that the man who plans out his programme well in advance is the one who is the most successful in the long run. Another thing is to make the best use of your older pigeons as safety valves. For example; ‘Alpine Queen’ a seven-year-old with plenty of experience was earmarked for Avranches along with a five-year-old and a two-year-old. ‘Alpine Queen’ flew Penrith, and was then sent to Whitchurch where she was 3rd bird to the loft and then to Worchester which was a very hard race. ‘Alpine Queen’ was again our 3rd pigeon to the loft and was in the clock. After Worcester she was separated for roughly two weeks before she was remated so that she would be going to Avranches with a newly hatched youngster, a condition she is very fond of. It was the biggest thrill of our lives when she was clocked at 4-23pm on the day of the race, recording a velocity of 1507 to win the Combine. The Pedigree of ‘Alpine Queen’ is as follows; Her sire is a blue cock 2344; he is from a red chequer cock 2340 red bred by Willie McAlpine mated to blue white flight 11761 bred by Willie McAlpine. 2330 is from red chequer 379 x red chequer 434. 3799 flown Nantes 608 miles 6 times and is the sire of black chequer hen 32599 x 6 times Rennes winning 21st open 7th section SNFC. 434 FROM red chequer 1767 x red chequer 1091 his ‘Nantes Hen’. 1767 a son of his ‘Ghent Hen’ the grandam of ‘Barcelona Blue’; 11761 a daughter of his black chequer hen 480 a winner of 26th section 92nd open SNFC Nantes 608 miles; 21st open Rocheford 699 miles and flown 7 times over 500 miles. Dam; Red 2337. A winner of 12th section 128th open SNFC Rennes 1963. 2337 is from red 11735 bred by W McAlpine x red chequer1584 bred by W McAlpine Armadale. 11735 is a grandson of his blue chequer Nantes Cock; A winner of 1st federation 153 miles and 42nd open SNFC Nantes; flown 6 times over 500 miles. 1548; from red chequer 17767 x red chequer 1091 his ‘Nantes Hen’. 1767 a son of the ‘Ghent Hen’ and grand dam of ‘Barcelona Hen’. As you will see by this pedigree, I think it proves my point about being bred for the job. 1961 Darlington; 1962 Retford; 1963 Lewes, all in the East Coast Route. 1964 1st club Retford and Dol 515 miles. 1965 Rennes 545 miles; 1966 Bournemouth 365 miles; 1967 Penrith, Whitchurch, Worcester and then Avranches. In 1966 we thought we had a good season by winning the outland and combined averages in the club and also the West Lothian Federation Average Cup for the whole of the old bird and young bird programme plus Avranches in which race we were 37th, but 1967 has surpassed all expectations. We have already won in the club the G Whitlaw Trophy for the best average Worchester and Bournemouth; the Avranches Cup, the Outland Average, the A Smillie Trophy in the federation for the best average for Bournemouth and Avranches; also, the Continental Trophy for the 1st bird in Avranches. At the time of writing this article with two young bird’s races to go, we still have a chance to win some more before the season is finished. So, you will see 1967 has been a year we will remember for a long time. Before I close, I would like to thank W McAlpine for all his help and I hope he will always be able to put up with me asking for advice; D Carse Junior. SNFC Grevillers Race After a two-day holdover the SNFC race from Grevillers was flown on 14th July with the convoy of 391 birds liberated at 07-00am into a light south wind. Only 3 birds gallant pigeons made it home on the day with the top position going to past SNFC 2016 Roye winner Jocky Scott of Kennoway in Fife. Jocky pulled off an outstanding performance from this national race timing in his yearling chequer cock at 20-51pm for the 486 miles recording a velocity of 1029; being the only pigeon in the race to record a velocity over 1000 ypm. However, I’m happy for Jocky as he won the Dewar Trophy in 2019 with his chequer cock ‘Whisky’ (which you can read about in my book ‘The Dewar Trophy the First 50 Year) The winner of 1st & 3rd south section 2nd & 9th open is John Hodgson of Annan as many of you will know John was the winner of the Dewar Trophy in 2022. John needs no introduction to the pigeon sport as he has a very impressive history in the SNFC national having won 7 x 1st open National winners. Starting away back in 1986 winning Sartilly (2) the following year he won Sartilly (1) and in 1990 he won a double winning Rennes Gold Cup and Sartilly (2) the following year he won Sartilly (1). Then in the 2000’s he moved house to Kirpatrick Fleming and won Falaise in 2008 and Clermont 2 years later; John is now back in Annan living. The other pigeon timed on the day was to J Ferguson of Eastriggs who timed at 21-02pm to win 2nd region A 3rd open with these being the only 3 gallant birds timed on the day. John Hodgson also won 3rd region A 9th open. Brian Kelly of Chirnside timed at 05-33am to win 1st region B 4th open flying 445 miles; J Bosworth is 2nd region 15th open with J Mark of Tranent winning 3rd region B 18th open. Charlie & Glen Cameron of Arbroath won 2nd & 3rd region C 5th & 7th open. 1st region E 1st west section 6th open is D Gillespie of Blantyre flying 486 miles; with J Woods of Uddingston winning 2nd region E 22nd open. My old mate Derick Hay of Kirkintilloch wins 3rd & 4th region E but no open positions. Andrew McKenna of Irvine who is having a very good season as you will read in my Ayrshire notes wins 1st region F 8th open. Tom and Mary Paterson of Plean continue their excellent season by winning 1st region D 13th open with Angus Orr & Son of Brighton’s winning 2nd region D 17th open. J Smith of Polmont is 3rd region D 24th open. Michael Main of Portlethen wins 1st region G 1st North section; with J Cowie of Aberdeen winning 2nd region G and North section. This turned out to be an excellent race and the fanciers I have spoken too are over the moon with this race and their returns; Well Done to one and all. Results Arbroath Racing Pigeon Club From the Billericay race which was the 12th old bird race flown this year on 19th July; 4 members entered 31 birds into the SNFC & Federation race with the convoy liberated at 06-45am into a south wind. Taking the first 2 places plus 4th & 5th are Charlie & Glen Cameron, with Chic & Ann Carrie winning 3rd spot. Les McKay is 6th & 7th with Graham McKenzie winning 8th position. Fife Federation Also flying from the Billericay race with 237 birds competing in the federation Open Race; these were liberated at 06:45 in a south wind on 19th July. Taking top spot is John Harcus of St Andrews with a 2-year-old GB rung bird doing a velocity of 1499 winning 1st east section 1st open. John is also 8th east section 12th open. Tam Laing of Kennoway is 2nd section & open on 1432 velocity. His son in law B Chalmers of the same club is 3rd 4th 6th 9th & 10th section and 3rd 4th 9th 13th & 14th open. Brian Kinnear also of Kennoway club is 5th section and open. 1st west section 6th open is C Buchannan of Crossgates club with his club mate R Cook winning 2nd & 3rd west section 7th & 8th open positions. G Williams of Novar & Leslie are 4th west section 10th open with Jim Doig of Lochgelly club winning 5th west section 22nd open. The A. Keanie Sponsorship is won by the following; John Harcus £100 velocity 1400; B Chalmers is 2nd & 3rd winning £75 & £25. The federation Old Bird Average is won by John Harcus velocity 1415.54 with runner up B Chalmers 1383.50. North of Scotland Federation News from George Duthie with the result of the First young bird race of the 2024 season from Brechin; with 36 members sending 877 birds these were liberated into a light west wind. The East section had 16 members sending 462 birds. Taking the first 3 places in the east section and open is S Glue of Peterhead & District club with his 3 birds all on the same yardage 1677 and split by decimals. Neil Holt of the same club takes the next 3 places with club mates Maskame & Cordiner not to be outdone timing in 3 birds to win 7th 8th & 9th section and open. A W Buchan of Fraserburgh & District club wins 10th section and open. The West section had 20 members sending 415 birds; Devern Valley club take all the section places with G Wilson winning 1st section 31st open. J Abel is 2nd section 33rd open; N Raymond wins 3rd 4th & 8th section 34th 35th & 39th open. A Wilson wins 5th 6h & 7th section 36th 37th & 38th open with A Milne winning 9th section 40th open and A Hay wins 10th section 41st open. Clubs First Bird S Glue wins Peterhead & District velocity 1677.900; Fraserburgh & District is won by A W Buchan velocity 1631.140; A Higgins wins Fraserburgh West End velocity 1566.119; Devern Valley is won by G Wilson velocity 1364.539; Inverurie is won by C B Forsyth velocity 1350.361; Keith club is won by A Cormack velocity 1120.822; with Elgin & District club won by W Ritchie velocity 1075.125. Well Done to S Glue on topping the federation and same sentiments to G Wilson on winning the West Section. …………………………………………………….. SNFC Billericay inland nation was flown on the 19th July with 192 members sending 1315 birds; these were liberated at 06-45am into a south wind and a very fast race was confirmed with Neil Holt of Peterhead in the North section winning 1st Open SNFC with a velocity of 1514.28 flying 414 miles timed at 14-46-40. Neil was also 2nd section 9th open with George Weatherly of Aberdeen winning 3rd section D 13th open. My good friend Stewart Maskame of Peterhead forwarded me some details and pictures of Niel holding his national winner now named ‘One For Lewis’ after his late son. This cock has flown 3 times over 400 miles in 4 weeks and he is the furthest flying inland SNFC winner. His previously national wins are; 3rd region G 67th open SNFC Maidstone a distance of 442 miles with a convoy of 2004 birds. The breeding of ‘One For Lewis’ is a Gaby Vandenabeele purchased from Louella Pigeon World as a kit of 10 in 2022. My thanks go to my old pal Stewart Maskame for the above information and photographs supplied as I cover his north of Scotland federation on a weekly basis (You’re a true gentleman mate). Gordon Turnbull of Chirnside had an outstanding race (and must have thought he was the winner until the result came out) Gordon won 1st & 2nd region B 2nd & 3rd open with his first bird doing a velocity of 1514.17 just beaten for the top spot by decimals. 3rd region B 5th open is Brain Kelly of Chirnside. Kenny Droog & son of Forfar had a great race winning 1st 2nd 3rd & 4th region C 4th 6th 7th & 21st open great flying Kenny well done. The ever-consistent John Hodgson & son of Annan wins 1st 2nd & 4th region A 45th 48th & 53rd open. 3rd region A 52nd open is S Allan of Gretna. Another consistent top flier is Peter Keogh of Broxburn who wins 1st 2nd & 3rd region D 112th 113th & 125th open. Winner of 1st region E/ 1st west section is won by A Nelson of Hamilton with the Lesmahagow partnership of Hamilton & Thomson winning 2nd & 3rd region E and section. Region F is won by Robert Reid of Beith with the inform loft of Andrew McKenna from Ayrshire winning 2nd & 3rd region. Obituary Downie Len; It was a shock to be told that Len had passed away on this week; Len won the SNFC Nantes race in 1988 flying in partnership with Stewart Donaldson. He was a very quiet man; however, he was a dedicated fancier who knew a pigeon and knew how to set it them up to win. Mel Jarvis and I visited Len when he won the national as we verified his winner; and you could have eaten your dinner off the loft floor it was that clean. Even watching him catch and handle a pigeon was indeed a treat, a gentle giant of a man. To his wife and family, we send out heartfelt condolences. I have added a photo of Len and the then SNFC president Tom Davidson at the SNFC presentation and I have also added a photo of Len’s good ‘Pencil Cock’ that did a lot of winning for him including 2nd open SNFC. 27 Day Space Weather Outlook Table. Issued on 22nd July 2024 at 05-07 UTC UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2024 Jul 22 195 5 2 2024 Jul 23 190 5 2 2024 Jul 24 190 5 2 2024 Jul 25 190 5 2 2024 Jul 26 180 5 2 2024 Jul 27 180 5 2 2024 Jul 28 175 5 2 2024 Jul 29 170 5 2 2024 Jul 30 170 5 2 2024 Jul 31 170 5 2 2024 Aug 01 165 5 2 2024 Aug 02 165 5 2 2024 Aug 03 165 5 2 2024 Aug 04 170 5 2 2024 Aug 05 175 5 2 2024 Aug 06 180 5 2 2024 Aug 07 185 5 2 2024 Aug 08 185 5 2 2024 Aug 09 190 5 2 2024 Aug 10 190 5 2 2024 Aug 11 190 5 2 2024 Aug 12 195 5 2 2024 Aug 13 195 5 2 2024 Aug 14 190 5 2 2024 Aug 15 190 5 2 2024 Aug 16 190 5 2 2024 Aug 17 190 5 2 Please continue to keep the news flowing; to Joe Murphy Mystical Rose Cottage 2 Flutorum Avenue Thornton by Kirkcaldy KY1 4BD or phone 01592 770331 or Email to joejmurphy1@gmail.com REMEMBER THE J IN THE MIDDLE or log onto www.elimarpigeons.com www.fancierchat.co.uk www.pigeon-chat.co.uk who wish my weekly contribution portfolio on pigeon topics from Scotland © Compiled by Joe Murphy 7