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Congratulations and well done to all the winners

The Joe Murphy Column Last week I wrote about W T Gardiner of Lockerby and his outstanding results. This week I have attached photographs of his winner to go with this week’s column. This week has been a very busy time for us as our daughter Beth has undergone major surgery in St John’s hospital in Livingstone, we have been over a few times to see her and this week we took her youngest son Connor with us to see his mum. It was quite an emotional time as you can imagine as Conner is only 12 years old and is obviously worried about his mum. Apologies ‘I made a couple of mistakes on my short write up on George Veitch regarding his 1st open SNFC Nort-sur-Erdre winner; who has now been named ‘Lady Wilfena’ as Wilf Flockhart (who bred her) informed me. George’s wife added the ‘Lady’ part to the name; while ‘Ena’ was the name of Wilf’s late partner; so, when you add Wilf name to it, we have Wilfena. Now back to the mistake in her breeding Wilf informs me that her sire is a chequer cock who was a son of Wilf’s 9th open SNFC Sartilly winner; when he was paired to a chequer hen a great granddaughter of Wilf’s SNFC Gold Award Winner ‘Coal Neuk King’. The dam of ‘Lady Wilfena’ was a double granddaughter of ‘Cold Neuk King’ (who contains the bloodlines of ‘Lothian Lass’ the famous John Ellis of Elphinstone chequer hen who won 7 times in the SNFC). So, readers will see that ‘Lady Wilfena’ is bred in the purple. North West One Loft Race At the start of the season Jim Maxwell of Balfron near Glasgow contacted me and purchased some youngsters. These were going into the above North West One Loft Race and were collected here in Thronton by one of their staff. Jim contacted me last week to say that 2 of the birds were still at the loft and would be competing for the final race on 11th August from Purbeck a distance of 210 miles. The race seemed to be a success with Jim having 2 birds competing in the final event. Jim informed me that he won 4th open with 2888 in the white loft and 21st open in the red loft with 2895. I forwarded the breeding of the birds to Jim which are as follows. 2888 sire was bred by Billy Bilsland he is a full brother to the sire of 3 x 1st open SNFC Winners; Isla, Iain & Nicola plus he is the grandsire of Zoe 1st open SNRPC. The dam of 2888 is a stock hen bred by Cramond & Langstaff being inbred to ‘The Special One’ winner of 1st International Barcelona (only bird on the day) when he was mated to an inbred daughter of the ‘New Laureaat’ winner 1st International Barcelona. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 2895 sire is also a Billy Bilsland bred bird; his sister won 1st section 7th open Guernsey SNFC (only 2 birds on the day) when mated to ‘Billy’s Choice’ winner of 1st open SNFC Maidstone (she was sold at Billy Bilsland Entire sale for £675). The Dam of 2895 is a daughter of ‘Wilma’ winner of 1st open SNFC Maidstone in 2021 for Jim & Gary Peggie of Methil. ‘Wilma’ also won an SNFC Bronze Award winning (4 SNFC prize from inland SNFC races) when she was mated Jim & Garry’s 1st federation 1st section C 10th open SNFC Young Bird National winner. So, readers will see that both birds are well bred as were the other 4 who did not make the final race. My congratulations go to Jim on his success with my birds and wish him well for the future. Results East of Scotland Federation My old friend Tom McEwan has forwarded the details of the federation winners for more years than I care to remember. However, Tom is not too well just now and due to health reasons has given up the position as press officer. I cannot thank Tom enough for all his hard work done over the years plus the expense he has encountered during this time. Margaret and I would like to wish Tom & Marelene all the best and hope their health improves. Arbroath Racing Pigeon Club race from Wooler 3 young birds was flown on 10th August with the birds liberated at 07-00am. The club had 3 members sent 131 birds, with Charlie & Glen Cameron taking the first 3 places in the club with A & A Shepherd winning 4th place. North of Scotland Federation News from George Duthie who informs us that 35 members sent 1023 birds to Strathkinness on the 10th August; these were liberated into a brisk west to south west wind. The first 3 birds on the federation result are all on the same second and on the same velocity but to keep them in the order they were clocked they had to change the time by 1 second which shows a different velocity. The East section had 16 members sending 546 birds with Colin McRae of Fraserburgh & District club taking the first 3 places on velocities of 1796, A W Buchan of the same club is 4th 5th & 6th with Maskame & Cordiner of Peterhead & District winning 7th 8th & 9th positions with this year’s SNFC winner Neil Holt winning 10th position. The West Section had 19 members sending 477 birds. Devern Valley club take the section positions with G Wilson winning 1st & 8th section 31st & 38th open. A Fulton wins 2nd 3rd & 4th section 32nd 33rd & 34th open. J Abel wins 5th section 35th open with A Wilson winning 6th & 7th section 36th & 37th open. A Hay wins 9th & 10th section 39th & 40th open. Clubs First Bird C McRae wins Fraserburgh District with a velocity of 1796. Maskame & Cordiner win Peterhead velocity of 1774. Fraserburgh West End is won by A Higgins velocity 1696. Inverurie is won by R McKenzie velocity 1691. Devern Valley club is won by G Wilson velocity 1580; with A Cruickshank of Keith winning velocity 1504. Elgin & District winner was W Ritchie with a velocity of 1378. Well done to Colin McRae on topping the federation with his 3 pigeons all on the same velocity. Also well done to G Wilson on winning the west section. Fife Federation News from Geordie Todd with the Alnwick 2 young bird race held on the 10th August with 579 birds liberated at 07:30 into a light south west wind. The birdage was Methilhaven 105 birds; Kennoway 111 birds; Lochgelly 69 birds; St Andrews 45 birds; Dunfermline 44 birds; Crossgates 205 birds. The federation and east section is won by David Armour of Methilhaven club who also takes the 6th open place. Brian Chalmers of Kennoway club takes the remainder of the section and open position. The west section first 2 places are won by A McCudden of Crossgates; with J Robertson of Dunfermline winning 3rd spot. C Buchaman of Crossgates is 4th & 9th with J Hynd & son of Lochgelly club winning 5th 6th 7th 8th & 9th places. Other club winners; Dave Baldie wins St Andrews club. Kingdom Federation News from Pete Penman with the news of the 3rd young bird race once again flown from Alnwick. Leading the way this week and taking the first 2 positions again is St Serfs Sandy Proctor. This time with two gift birds from Dyke Armour of Leven. 3rd place goes to Gary Hall of Coaltown of Balgonie with a blue Herman Cusiter cock sitting 8-day eggs; this cock was 12th Kingdom last week and in 4th place is St Serfs Stuart Graham with the same bird that was 9th Kingdom last week. Tom Berwick of Leuchars takes 5th spot with the same bird that was 8th Kingdom last week. Chic Dinsdale of Coaltown wins 6th place with a grizzle hen that is a granddaughter of his good pied hen that scored from the channel on numerous occasions. Kindest regards Pete Scottish Central Federation News from Peter Keogh with the Hexham result flown on 11th August with the 951 birds liberated at 08-00 with no wind at the race point. Peter takes the top spot with a chequer hen doing a velocity of 1475; J Boyd takes the next 8 places with Peter in 10th spot. Winchburgh News from Bernie who informs us that the members sent 314 birds to Hexham with the Central Federation with a total of 951 birds being liberated at 08.00am in no wind conditions. Taking 1st & 2nd club, 1st federation & 10th federation is Peter Keogh with a youngster from a Tayor Brothers Herman Custer x Dougie Barnes hen. (see photograph of Peter’s winner) Peters’ 2nd club is also crossbred from a Page Bros cock crossed with his Frans Zwols x Alfons Klass line. Taking 3rd & 4th club, 11th & 12th federation is Mark Doran with one of his Tommy Blair ‘Herman Custers’ with 4th club being one of 6 purchased from Freddie Jamieson. Many thanks again Joe for all your help and you take care Bernie’. Almond Valley's News from Lynn Stewart with the federation result from Alnwick young birds race flown on 11th August with the convoy of 669 birds liberated at 09:00 hours. The Bonnybridge loft of S Russell who wins the first 8 places outstanding well done. Geordie Harris of the same club wins 9th 10th 11th 15th & 16th positions. D McBeath of Armadale club wins 12th 13th & 14th with Law & Brady (2) of Bonnybridge club in 17th place. James Burnside of Armadale club wins 18th open with Vic Couper of Bonnybridge club winning 19th & 21st open Armadale; 183 birds; D McBeath 1408.013, 1407.801, 1406.743, J Burnside 1394.507 Balerno; 9 birds; J Fairley 1312.262, 1143.690 Bonnybridge; 244 birds; S Russell 1465.593, 1465.593, 1465.172, 1464.752 Carnwath; 12 birds; McArdle & Thomson 1076.159, 1067.085, 846.874, 688.613 East Calder; 9 birds; P & R Fairley 1348.002, 1346.413, 1331.169, 1257.867 Fauldhouse; 124 birds; Colligan & Hope 1347.646, 1339.784, J Hendry 1297.352, 1292.997 West Calder; 88 birds; J Bird 1373.418, 1343.189, 1342.776, 1340.507 Angus Federation News from David Liddle with the results attached for our second young bird race flown from Auchendinny on the 3rd August with 16 members sending 534 birds. These were liberated at 10-00am into a west to south west wind. It was an excellent race with the federation result filled in less than a minute. Winning the Forfar club and Angus federation and taking 5th in the combined Angus & Dundee result was Eric Galloway. Eric had six birds arrive but does not use ETS with his young birds and only timed in two. His first pigeon was a combination of birds from his late brother-in-law Douglas Ferrar and a bird from Ken Droog. Ian Scott and Davie Glen with nine birds each and one to Ken Droog completed the federation result. Regards, David’ Club Winners; Arbroath had 4 members sending 141 birds winner P Cameron velocity 1370.98 Forfar had 9 members sending 292 birds, the winner was Eric Galloway velocity 1424.71 Gourdon had 1 member sending 32 birds winner D & D Hay velocity 1165.78 Montrose had 2 members sending 69 birds winner M Wallace & Son velocity 1393.10 Pentland Hills Federation News form Andy Miller who writes ‘Hi Joe, The third young bird race of the 2024 was from Consett on Saturday 10th August, with 54 lofts sending 2176 birds; these were liberated at 07:35am in a west to south west wind. This turned out a bit of a howler for the majority with a lot of birds missing and being reported all across the Northeast of England. This has been happening for the last 15 to 20 years with the young birds when they cross the Tyne Valley for the first time. Only difference now, is each year the losses seem greater than previous years, but as always there are members who get good returns and the leading pigeons always do the expected velocity on the day. Winning the race and continuing their great season is John Dowling and loft manager Eric Willis who timed their young cock flying on the widowhood system. The sire is from Jimmy McSeverney from Ireland, breeding is a Dirk Van Echopol, when paired to a hen from Tommy Chorlton of Manchester of Wim Moens breeding; regards Andy. 2nd place goes to J Dowling of Danderhall club who took the top 20 places. Freddie & Willie Robertson are 3rd 4th & 7th with the Winter Family winning 5th & 14th positions spot. K Wright is 6th with Black & Robertson in 8th & 11th positions. D Brown wins 9th 10th 12th 13th & 16th positions. With A Baillie winning 15th17th 19th & 20th positions. S & S Tierney are 18th open. Space Weather Forecast 27-day Space Weather Outlook Table Issued 2024-08-12 UTC Radio Flux Planetary Largest Date 10.7 cm A Index Kp Index 2024 Aug 12 280 38 6 2024 Aug 13 270 15 4 2024 Aug 14 270 8 3 2024 Aug 15 270 8 3 2024 Aug 16 260 5 2 2024 Aug 17 260 5 2 2024 Aug 18 260 5 2 2024 Aug 19 250 5 2 2024 Aug 20 240 5 2 2024 Aug 21 230 5 2 2024 Aug 22 210 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 2024 Sep 01 245 5 2 2024 Sep 02 270 5 2 2024 Sep 03 300 5 2 2024 Sep 04 300 5 2 2024 Sep 05 300 5 2 2024 Sep 06 290 5 2 2024 Sep 07 290 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

Keep us updated with yer progress Dougie

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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